May 17, 2021

Kan. lawmaker charged over incident while working at school

Posted May 17, 2021 9:00 PM
Rep. Samsel's April booking photo from Franklin County
Rep. Samsel's April booking photo from Franklin County

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) β€” A Kansas House member was charged Monday with three counts of misdemeanor battery over his behavior toward students while working as a substitute teacher.

The charges against Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel, of Wellsville, arose from a student reporting an April 28 incident involving Samsel. He was arrested the next day and released on $1,000 bond. His first appearance in Franklin County District Court by video conference is scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Franklin County Attorney Brandon Jones declined to comment after filing the charges. Samsel did not immediately return telephone and email messages seeking comment.

 Rep. Samsel during a May 6, House debate on medical marijuana.
 Rep. Samsel during a May 6, House debate on medical marijuana.

Kansas law says battery is either causing bodily harm to another person or physical contact with someone else β€œin a rude, insulting or angry manner,” and is punished by up to six months in jail.

One video provided by a parent of Wellsville students from that day, which the parent said was shot by students, showed grabbing a boy, pushing him against a wall and telling him, β€œI could put the wrath of God on you right now,” before the boy breaks free and runs away, yelling.

Other videos showed Samsel talking about suicide, sex, masturbation, God and the Bible.

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