MCPHERSON COUNTY —Two people were arrested Saturday afternoon following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle in McPherson County.

Just after 4p.m., officers with the McPherson Police Department were notified by the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office that a stolen vehicle was traveling southbound on Interstate 135 from Smoky Valley Road. The sheriff’s office detected the vehicle using its newly deployed Flock license plate reader camera network.

Police officers spotted the vehicle entering the McPherson near the Interstate 135 and Kansas Avenue interchange. After confirming with dispatch that the vehicle had been reported stolen, officers attempted a traffic stop in the 100 block of South Champlin Road.

The driver fled the stop, traveling south on Centennial before leaving the city limits. A McPherson County sheriff’s deputy later deployed stop sticks, puncturing the vehicle’s tires and slowing it down.

After about 15 minutes, the suspect lost control and the vehicle became stuck near the intersection of 19th Street and Eisenhower Road.

Two individuals including 39-year-old Bobby Heckman were taken into custody, according to online jail records. Law enforcement also cleared two outstanding arrest warrants. No injuries were reported, and the only damage occurred to the stolen vehicle. Heckman is being held on requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude; operate a stole vehicle; theft of property or services; drug distribution and numerous traffic violations, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771161585997.png" alt="Heckman photo McPherson County" />
 <figcaption>Heckman photo McPherson County</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —Two people were arrested Saturday afternoon following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle in McPherson County.Just after 4p.m., officers with the McPherson Police Department were notified by the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office that a stolen vehicle was traveling southbound on Interstate 135 from Smoky Valley Road. The sheriff’s office detected the vehicle using its newly deployed Flock license plate reader camera network.Police officers spotted the vehicle entering the McPherson near the Interstate 135 and Kansas Avenue interchange. After confirming with dispatch that the vehicle had been reported stolen, officers attempted a traffic stop in the 100 block of South Champlin Road.The driver fled the stop, traveling south on Centennial before leaving the city limits. A McPherson County sheriff’s deputy later deployed stop sticks, puncturing the vehicle’s tires and slowing it down.After about 15 minutes, the suspect lost control and the vehicle became stuck near the intersection of 19th Street and Eisenhower Road.Two individuals including 39-year-old Bobby Heckman were taken into custody, according to online jail records. Law enforcement also cleared two outstanding arrest warrants. No injuries were reported, and the only damage occurred to the stolen vehicle. Heckman is being held on requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude; operate a stole vehicle; theft of property or services; drug distribution and numerous traffic violations, according to online jail records.

Kan. officers arrest driver after stolen vehicle gets stuck

KANSAS CITY —A Missouri inmate has been charged &nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at an apartment complex in 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2807/HillDemetrius-Warrant-Packet-1">Demetrius S. Hill</a>&nbsp;, 27, faces one count of 2nd Degree Murder, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at an apartment complex parking lot on August 9, 2019, and located the victim in the driver’s seat of a gray Dodge Durango suffering from apparent trauma. He was declared deceased at the scene.

Surveillance video captured a suspect wearing a red shirt over his head arriving at the parking lot in a gray Ford Escape. The victim then arrived in a Dodge Durango with the defendant in the front passenger seat. The suspect with the red shirt approached the victim’s vehicle and engaged in a brief conversation. As he walked away, he turned back and fired shots at the vehicle. The defendant then exited the Durango and fled with the suspect in the red shirt in the Ford Escape.

Detectives identified both suspects based on witness reports and anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline.

Investigators believe the defendant fired at the victim while inside the Durango. The defendant’s DNA matched a cigarillo collected from inside the victim’s vehicle.

The suspect with the red shirt was killed in a homicide in 2023.

Hill is currently in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections for convictions that include unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, tampering with a witness and tampering with a vehicle, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771090031216.png" alt="Hill photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Hill photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Missouri inmate has been charged &nbsp;in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at an apartment complex in 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2807/HillDemetrius-Warrant-Packet-1">Demetrius S. Hill</a>&nbsp;, 27, faces one count of 2nd Degree Murder, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at an apartment complex parking lot on August 9, 2019, and located the victim in the driver’s seat of a gray Dodge Durango suffering from apparent trauma. He was declared deceased at the scene.Surveillance video captured a suspect wearing a red shirt over his head arriving at the parking lot in a gray Ford Escape. The victim then arrived in a Dodge Durango with the defendant in the front passenger seat. The suspect with the red shirt approached the victim’s vehicle and engaged in a brief conversation. As he walked away, he turned back and fired shots at the vehicle. The defendant then exited the Durango and fled with the suspect in the red shirt in the Ford Escape.Detectives identified both suspects based on witness reports and anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline.Investigators believe the defendant fired at the victim while inside the Durango. The defendant’s DNA matched a cigarillo collected from inside the victim’s vehicle.The suspect with the red shirt was killed in a homicide in 2023.Hill is currently in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections for convictions that include unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, tampering with a witness and tampering with a vehicle, according to online records.

Inmate's DNA found on cigarillo at scene of Kansas City killing

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Out of an abundance of caution School Resource Officers initiated a lockout – allowing no one to exit or enter – four Lawrence Public Schools Thursday afternoon, according to a statement from Lawrence Police.

Officers were investigating a potential threat. Police were called to 19th and Massachusetts because someone said a man was acting strangely and might have a gun. Another person heard the same man say there was going to be a mass-shooting at Lawrence High School.

Patrol officers immediately began searching for the man.  The School Resource Officers quickly worked to secure LHS and three nearby schools – Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, Cordley Elementary School, and Schwegler Elementary School.

The lockout began shortly after 1pm.  Patrol officers continued their search for the man and found him in the 900 block of Vermont.  He was extremely combative.  Officers were forced to restrain the man to get him into a van, then transported him to the Douglas County Correctional Facility.

He faces several potential charges including possession of drug paraphernalia. He was not in possession of a gun at the time of his arrest.  

The schools were able to open back up for a regular dismissal.

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Out of an abundance of caution School Resource Officers initiated a lockout – allowing no one to exit or enter – four Lawrence Public Schools Thursday afternoon, according to a statement from Lawrence Police.Officers were investigating a potential threat. Police were called to 19th and Massachusetts because someone said a man was acting strangely and might have a gun. Another person heard the same man say there was going to be a mass-shooting at Lawrence High School.Patrol officers immediately began searching for the man. The School Resource Officers quickly worked to secure LHS and three nearby schools – Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, Cordley Elementary School, and Schwegler Elementary School.The lockout began shortly after 1pm. Patrol officers continued their search for the man and found him in the 900 block of Vermont. He was extremely combative. Officers were forced to restrain the man to get him into a van, then transported him to the Douglas County Correctional Facility.He faces several potential charges including possession of drug paraphernalia. He was not in possession of a gun at the time of his arrest. The schools were able to open back up for a regular dismissal.

4 Kan. schools locked out while police investigate potential threat

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement investigating a school threat in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just after 6:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a call regarding an online social media threat involving Eisenhower Middle School, 3305 SE Minnesota Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.. No other schools are involved in this incident.

On Wednesday, Topeka Police working jointly with the FBI to determine the credibility of the online threat arrested a 16-year-old boy on requested charges of criminal threat and criminal use of weapons.

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement investigating a school threat in Topeka have made an arrest.Just after 6:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a call regarding an online social media threat involving Eisenhower Middle School, 3305 SE Minnesota Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.. No other schools are involved in this incident.On Wednesday, Topeka Police working jointly with the FBI to determine the credibility of the online threat arrested a 16-year-old boy on requested charges of criminal threat and criminal use of weapons.

16-year-old accused of online threat against Kan. middle school

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement have arrested four suspects after a drug bust in Dickinson County.

In January of 2026, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into the distribution of Methamphetamine in Enterprise, Kansas. The approximate month-long investigation, resulted in arrests and seizure of illicit narcotics, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.

On February 11, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 200 Block of South Garfield Street in Enterprise, Kansas. A search of the residence revealed Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, Cocaine, Marijuana, and other controlled substances.

Alexandria Houk, 37, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp

Leon Houk, 41, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp

Robert Quist, 57, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Dorothea Bishop, 68, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770929373417.png" alt="Houk photo Dickinson County" />
 <figcaption>Houk photo Dickinson County</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement have arrested four suspects after a drug bust in Dickinson County.In January of 2026, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into the distribution of Methamphetamine in Enterprise, Kansas. The approximate month-long investigation, resulted in arrests and seizure of illicit narcotics, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.On February 11, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 200 Block of South Garfield Street in Enterprise, Kansas. A search of the residence revealed Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, Cocaine, Marijuana, and other controlled substances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770929262467.png" alt="Houk photo Dickinson County" />
 <figcaption>Houk photo Dickinson County</figcaption>
 </figure>Alexandria Houk, 37, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax StampLeon Houk, 41, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770929307383.png" alt="Quist photo Dickinson County" />
 <figcaption>Quist photo Dickinson County</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Quist, 57, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770929435150.png" alt="Bishop-photo Dickinson County" />
 <figcaption>Bishop-photo Dickinson County</figcaption>
 </figure>Dorothea Bishop, 68, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Fentanyl dealer jailed after Kansas drug bust

SALINE COUNTY—A former Kansas Wesleyan University professor was arrested after allegedly shoplifting over $3,000 worth of trading cards.

Just after 6:30p.m. February 1, police were dispatched to Target, 2939 Market Place in Salina for suspected shoplifting, according to a statement from Salina Police.

Police reported 53-year-old Derrin Broome entered the store and picked up 11 boxes of Topps trading cards. He then walked around the store, removed the packs from the boxes and left the store without paying.

Total loss of cards on that date was about $650.

Employees reported they recognized&nbsp;Broome from committing four similar thefts, which had not been previously reported from the store, four previous times between the dates of Jan. 5 and Jan. 29.

In each instance Broome committed the same crime as he did on February 1. Total loss of each incidence was valued at about $3,350.

According to Saline County Jail Booking records, Broome was arrested on February 5 by the Sheriff’s Office on requested charges of Felony Theft. He bonded out the same day.

<a href="https://www.kwu.edu/about/news/kwu-welcomes-numerous-new-faculty/">Kansas Wesleyan welcomed Broome</a>&nbsp;as an&nbsp;assistant professor of criminal justice on August 19, 2024, according to the school website..&nbsp;

Broome arrived to KWU after wrapping up a 26-year law enforcement career that included 20 years of investigation and case management experience, according to the school websire. He spent 20 years as his agency’s main instructor for topics including defensive tactics, de-escalation, use of force, firearms and other topics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770391807937.jpeg" alt="Broome photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Broome photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—A former Kansas Wesleyan University professor was arrested after allegedly shoplifting over $3,000 worth of trading cards.Just after 6:30p.m. February 1, police were dispatched to Target, 2939 Market Place in Salina for suspected shoplifting, according to a statement from Salina Police.Police reported 53-year-old Derrin Broome entered the store and picked up 11 boxes of Topps trading cards. He then walked around the store, removed the packs from the boxes and left the store without paying.Total loss of cards on that date was about $650.Employees reported they recognized&nbsp;Broome from committing four similar thefts, which had not been previously reported from the store, four previous times between the dates of Jan. 5 and Jan. 29.In each instance Broome committed the same crime as he did on February 1. Total loss of each incidence was valued at about $3,350.According to Saline County Jail Booking records, Broome was arrested on February 5 by the Sheriff’s Office on requested charges of Felony Theft. He bonded out the same day.<a href="https://www.kwu.edu/about/news/kwu-welcomes-numerous-new-faculty/">Kansas Wesleyan welcomed Broome</a>&nbsp;as an&nbsp;assistant professor of criminal justice on August 19, 2024, according to the school website..&nbsp;Broome arrived to KWU after wrapping up a 26-year law enforcement career that included 20 years of investigation and case management experience, according to the school websire. He spent 20 years as his agency’s main instructor for topics including defensive tactics, de-escalation, use of force, firearms and other topics.

Criminal justice professor accused of shoplifting in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — A shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security appeared certain Thursday as lawmakers in the House and Senate were set to leave Washington for a 10-day break and negotiations with the White House over Democrats' demands for new restrictions had stalled.

The White House and Democrats have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-ice-white-house-homeland-security-funding-84d4b2e5a7123f2b316cca4857b7762a">traded offers in recent days</a>&nbsp;as the Democrats have said they want curbs on President Donald Trump’s broad campaign of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration enforcement</a>. They have demanded better identification for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement officers, a new code of conduct for those agencies and more use of judicial warrants, among other requests.

The White House sent its most recent offer late Wednesday, including what Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said were “concessions” on the part of the Republican administration.

Thune would not say what those concessions were, though, and he acknowledged the sides were “a long ways toward a solution” even as the Senate is scheduled to vote again on the DHS funding.

Democrats did not respond publicly to the White House offer, but Democratic senators voted against a funding bill for the department before leaving town, meaning the funding will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeland-security-shutdown-ice-e5df415c1fd77b0609dded445edbb9d7">expire Saturday</a>&nbsp;without further action. The bill was rejected, 52-47, short of the 60 votes needed for passage.

Lawmakers in both chambers were on notice to return to Washington if the two sides struck a deal to end the expected shutdown. But for now, Democrats say they need to see real changes before they will support DHS funding.

Americans want accountability and “an end to the chaos,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Thursday before the vote. “The White House and congressional Republicans must listen and deliver.”

Schumer said it was not enough that the administration had announced an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-metro-surge-ice-523d18d5d75c81cbf9f24c602f1884ff">end</a>&nbsp;to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-trump-ice-3a948e7e3a4d7e254e9c1fab93625953">immigration crackdown</a>&nbsp;in Minnesota that led to thousands of arrests and the fatal shootings of two protesters.

“We need legislation to rein in ICE and end the violence,” Schumer said, or the actions of the administration “could be reversed tomorrow on a whim.”

Democrats made the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-immigration-enforcement-democrats-homeland-security-trump-bcde78c38605732106fb77e46373dc9a">demands for new restrictions on ICE</a>&nbsp;and other federal law enforcement after ICU nurse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, Some Republicans suggested that new restrictions were necessary.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;was shot by ICE agents on Jan. 7.

Thune, who has urged Democrats and the White House to work together, indicated that one sticking point is the Democratic request for more judicial warrants.

“The issue of warrants is going to be very hard for the White House or for Republicans,” Thune said. “But I think there are a lot of other areas where there has been give, and progress.”

In a list of demands they sent to the White House last week, Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said DHS officers should not be able to enter private property without a judicial warrant and that warrant procedures and standards should be improved. They have said they want an end to “roving patrols” of agents who are targeting people in the streets and in their homes.

Most immigration arrests are carried out under administrative warrants. Those are internal documents issued by immigration authorities that authorize the arrest of a specific person but do not permit officers to forcibly enter private homes or other nonpublic spaces without consent. Traditionally, only warrants signed by judges carry that authority.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26499371-dhs-ice-memo-1-21-26/">an internal ICE memo</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-arrests-warrants-minneapolis-trump-00d0ab0338e82341fd91b160758aeb2d">authorizes ICE officers</a>&nbsp;to use force to enter a residence based solely on a more narrow administrative warrant to arrest someone with a final order of removal, a move that advocates say collides with Fourth Amendment protections.

Congress is trying to renegotiate the DHS spending bill after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-republican-trump-ice-homeland-security-1eb2706ef2c4f91a69a083d23e30ba95">agreed to a Democratic request</a>&nbsp;that it be separated from a larger spending measure that became law last week. That package extended homeland security funding at current levels only through Friday.

Schumer and Jeffries have said they want immigration officers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-masks-congress-homeland-security-shutdown-funding-3c5b2050286aab930d8c81eb9cb1e03e">remove their masks</a>, to show identification and to better coordinate with local authorities. They have also demanded a stricter use-of-force policy for the federal officers, legal safeguards at detention centers and a prohibition on tracking protesters with body-worn cameras.

Democrats also say Congress should end indiscriminate arrests and require that before a person can be detained, authorities have verified that the person is not a U.S. citizen.

Republicans have been largely opposed to most of the items on Democrats’ list. But Trump has remained relatively silent about the talks.

Republicans tried to temporarily extend the funding, but Democrats blocked that bill as well.

“We will not support an extension of the status quo,” Schumer said.

The impact of a DHS shutdown is likely to be minimal at first. It would not likely block any of the immigration enforcement operations, as Trump’s tax and spending cut bill passed last year gave ICE about $75 billion to expand detention capacity and bolster enforcement operations.

But the other agencies in the department — including the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secret Service and the Coast Guard — could take a bigger hit over time.

Gregg Phillips, an associate administrator at FEMA, said at a hearing this week that its disaster relief fund has sufficient balances to continue emergency response activities during a shutdown, but would become seriously strained in the event of a catastrophic disaster.

Phillips said that while the agency continues to respond to threats like flooding and winter storms, long-term planning and coordination with state and local partners is “irrevocably impacted.”

Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim and Rebecca Santana contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769741602366.png" alt="DHS Secretary Kristi Noem-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>DHS Secretary Kristi Noem-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security appeared certain Thursday as lawmakers in the House and Senate were set to leave Washington for a 10-day break and negotiations with the White House over Democrats' demands for new restrictions had stalled.The White House and Democrats have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-ice-white-house-homeland-security-funding-84d4b2e5a7123f2b316cca4857b7762a">traded offers in recent days</a>&nbsp;as the Democrats have said they want curbs on President Donald Trump’s broad campaign of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration enforcement</a>. They have demanded better identification for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement officers, a new code of conduct for those agencies and more use of judicial warrants, among other requests.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shutting DHS down has zero impact and zero changes for ICE. ICE already has $75B in funding from the BBB that I did not vote for. But it will hit FEMA, Coast Guard, TSA and our Cybersecurity Agency. As a Democrat, I can’t vote to shut down critical parts of our government. <a href="https://t.co/QYasx0LwCo">pic.twitter.com/QYasx0LwCo</a>&mdash; U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenFettermanPA/status/2022054385694781824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The White House sent its most recent offer late Wednesday, including what Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said were “concessions” on the part of the Republican administration.Thune would not say what those concessions were, though, and he acknowledged the sides were “a long ways toward a solution” even as the Senate is scheduled to vote again on the DHS funding.Democrats did not respond publicly to the White House offer, but Democratic senators voted against a funding bill for the department before leaving town, meaning the funding will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeland-security-shutdown-ice-e5df415c1fd77b0609dded445edbb9d7">expire Saturday</a>&nbsp;without further action. The bill was rejected, 52-47, short of the 60 votes needed for passage.Lawmakers in both chambers were on notice to return to Washington if the two sides struck a deal to end the expected shutdown. But for now, Democrats say they need to see real changes before they will support DHS funding.Americans want accountability and “an end to the chaos,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Thursday before the vote. “The White House and congressional Republicans must listen and deliver.”Schumer said it was not enough that the administration had announced an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-metro-surge-ice-523d18d5d75c81cbf9f24c602f1884ff">end</a>&nbsp;to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-trump-ice-3a948e7e3a4d7e254e9c1fab93625953">immigration crackdown</a>&nbsp;in Minnesota that led to thousands of arrests and the fatal shootings of two protesters.“We need legislation to rein in ICE and end the violence,” Schumer said, or the actions of the administration “could be reversed tomorrow on a whim.”<h2>Judicial warrants a sticking point</h2>Democrats made the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-immigration-enforcement-democrats-homeland-security-trump-bcde78c38605732106fb77e46373dc9a">demands for new restrictions on ICE</a>&nbsp;and other federal law enforcement after ICU nurse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, Some Republicans suggested that new restrictions were necessary.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;was shot by ICE agents on Jan. 7.Thune, who has urged Democrats and the White House to work together, indicated that one sticking point is the Democratic request for more judicial warrants.“The issue of warrants is going to be very hard for the White House or for Republicans,” Thune said. “But I think there are a lot of other areas where there has been give, and progress.”In a list of demands they sent to the White House last week, Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said DHS officers should not be able to enter private property without a judicial warrant and that warrant procedures and standards should be improved. They have said they want an end to “roving patrols” of agents who are targeting people in the streets and in their homes.Most immigration arrests are carried out under administrative warrants. Those are internal documents issued by immigration authorities that authorize the arrest of a specific person but do not permit officers to forcibly enter private homes or other nonpublic spaces without consent. Traditionally, only warrants signed by judges carry that authority.But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26499371-dhs-ice-memo-1-21-26/">an internal ICE memo</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-arrests-warrants-minneapolis-trump-00d0ab0338e82341fd91b160758aeb2d">authorizes ICE officers</a>&nbsp;to use force to enter a residence based solely on a more narrow administrative warrant to arrest someone with a final order of removal, a move that advocates say collides with Fourth Amendment protections.<h2>White House silence</h2>Congress is trying to renegotiate the DHS spending bill after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-republican-trump-ice-homeland-security-1eb2706ef2c4f91a69a083d23e30ba95">agreed to a Democratic request</a>&nbsp;that it be separated from a larger spending measure that became law last week. That package extended homeland security funding at current levels only through Friday.Schumer and Jeffries have said they want immigration officers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-masks-congress-homeland-security-shutdown-funding-3c5b2050286aab930d8c81eb9cb1e03e">remove their masks</a>, to show identification and to better coordinate with local authorities. They have also demanded a stricter use-of-force policy for the federal officers, legal safeguards at detention centers and a prohibition on tracking protesters with body-worn cameras.Democrats also say Congress should end indiscriminate arrests and require that before a person can be detained, authorities have verified that the person is not a U.S. citizen.Republicans have been largely opposed to most of the items on Democrats’ list. But Trump has remained relatively silent about the talks.<h2>Impact of a shutdown</h2>Republicans tried to temporarily extend the funding, but Democrats blocked that bill as well.“We will not support an extension of the status quo,” Schumer said.The impact of a DHS shutdown is likely to be minimal at first. It would not likely block any of the immigration enforcement operations, as Trump’s tax and spending cut bill passed last year gave ICE about $75 billion to expand detention capacity and bolster enforcement operations.But the other agencies in the department — including the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secret Service and the Coast Guard — could take a bigger hit over time.Gregg Phillips, an associate administrator at FEMA, said at a hearing this week that its disaster relief fund has sufficient balances to continue emergency response activities during a shutdown, but would become seriously strained in the event of a catastrophic disaster.Phillips said that while the agency continues to respond to threats like flooding and winter storms, long-term planning and coordination with state and local partners is “irrevocably impacted.”___Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim and Rebecca Santana contributed to this report.

Homeland Security shutdown seems certain as funding talks stall

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Sirvoria Swinson, Failure to appear, arrested 02/11

Darzita Rojas, Failure to appear, arrested 02/11

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770940410869.jpeg" alt="Alfonzo Littleton, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/11" />
 <figcaption>Alfonzo Littleton, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770940443413.jpeg" alt="Neko Jones, Failure to appear, arrested 02/11" />
 <figcaption>Neko Jones, Failure to appear, arrested 02/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770940479254.jpeg" alt="Amanda Hall, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Violate offender registration act (2nd conviction), arrested 02/11" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Hall, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Violate offender registration act (2nd conviction), arrested 02/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770940492015.jpeg" alt="Joseph Mason, Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana; Failure to appear, arrested 02/11" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Mason, Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana; Failure to appear, arrested 02/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770940504224.jpeg" alt="Aaron Renshaw, Violate offender registration act, arrested 02/11" />
 <figcaption>Aaron Renshaw, Violate offender registration act, arrested 02/11</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Sirvoria Swinson, Failure to appear, arrested 02/11Darzita Rojas, Failure to appear, arrested 02/11Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Feb. 12, 2026

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen who admitted his role in a deadly drive-by shooting is going to prison.

On Wednesday, Judge Christopher Magana sentenced 15-year-old Elias Cerda to&nbsp;260 months in prison and 36 months of post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November, Cerda, who was charged as an adult, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, second degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery, according to the district attorney's office.

In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested Cerda, who was 14 at the time. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734098604588.png" alt="Cerda photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cerda photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen who admitted his role in a deadly drive-by shooting is going to prison.On Wednesday, Judge Christopher Magana sentenced 15-year-old Elias Cerda to&nbsp;260 months in prison and 36 months of post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In November, Cerda, who was charged as an adult, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, second degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery, according to the district attorney's office.In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested Cerda, who was 14 at the time. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Kansas boy going to prison for drive-by double murder

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

On February 9, Officer J. Paulakovich assisted the Kansas Highway Patrol in a vehicle pursuit that ended when the suspect’s car struck a citizen’s vehicle. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Officer Paulakovich arrested the suspect and located fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in the vehicle. 

The suspect had multiple outstanding warrants, including possession of controlled substances, burglary, and parole violations. He was taken into custody and charged.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770760142205.png" alt="Photo KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.On February 9, Officer J. Paulakovich assisted the Kansas Highway Patrol in a vehicle pursuit that ended when the suspect’s car struck a citizen’s vehicle. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Officer Paulakovich arrested the suspect and located fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in the vehicle. The suspect had multiple outstanding warrants, including possession of controlled substances, burglary, and parole violations. He was taken into custody and charged.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Fentanyl and cocaine found after Kan. police chase and crash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A judge on Wednesday kept former New York Jets first-round draft pick&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f49699b7c048415a9bad415a69e3b871">Darron Lee</a>&nbsp;in jail without bond as he faces a first-degree murder charge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f49699b7c048415a9bad415a69e3b871">in the death of his girlfriend</a>&nbsp;in Tennessee.

The ruling by Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Tori Smith came after Lee was arrested and charged late last week. He also faces a charge of tampering with or fabricating evidence.

Lee is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on March 9.

Authorities identified the victim in the case as Gabriella Perpétuo. The couple had been living in a home they rented where the incident occurred for about 10 days, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Detective Brian Lockhart testified Wednesday.

Lockhart said he was present during the autopsy and learned the potential manner of death is blunt force trauma homicide, though an autopsy report has not been released yet.

According to an arrest affidavit, first responders on Feb. 5 went to a home in the Chattanooga suburb of Ooltewah for a call of CPR in progress, where they found the woman already deceased.

Lee told deputies that the woman may have fallen in the shower, but according to the affidavit, there were extensive amounts of blood in different areas of the residence that were inconsistent with Lee's statement.

Authorities carrying out a search warrant found multiple kinds of trauma to the woman's body, including a stab wound to her abdomen, an apparent human bite mark on her shoulder, a large bruise on her head, black eyes with heavy swelling, and dried blood on her face and neck, the affidavit said.

Lockhart testified that she also had a severe brain injury and a broken neck. She had more stab wounds on her legs while wearing pants without cut marks, suggesting the pants were put on afterward, Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp said.

Investigators also found alcohol, narcotics and a gun, the affidavit said.

The affidavit said Lee had a facial injury, lacerations on his hands, wounds on his chest and blood inside the case of his cellphone.

Crime scene detectives also identified blood that had been attempted to be cleaned in multiple areas of the house, in addition to cleaning supplies near where testing confirmed blood stains but no blood was visible, the affidavit said.

Wamp said the case is eligible for capital punishment, but prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.

“Mr. Lee was in a home with a female that was, for lack of a better term, beaten to death,” Wamp said in court, arguing for the judge to withhold bond. “And the explanation that he gave doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”

Wamp said Lee was on probation in Florida for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in one county and battery in another, and on probation in Ohio for attempted batteries.

Lee was represented at the hearing by deputy public defender Mike Little, who said in court that bond is often set for homicide or first-degree murder defendants, including those with prior felonies.

Responding to a request for comment from The Associated Press, Little said it is too early in the case for him to be making any statements.

The 31-year-old Lee played 58 games with the Jets, Kansas City and Buffalo from 2016 through the 2020 seasons. The former Ohio State linebacker was the 20th overall pick in 2016 by the Jets. He was the defensive MVP of the 2015 Sugar Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770844736773.jpeg" alt="FILE - Former Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Darron Lee (50) plays against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sept. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Former Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Darron Lee (50) plays against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sept. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A judge on Wednesday kept former New York Jets first-round draft pick&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f49699b7c048415a9bad415a69e3b871">Darron Lee</a>&nbsp;in jail without bond as he faces a first-degree murder charge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f49699b7c048415a9bad415a69e3b871">in the death of his girlfriend</a>&nbsp;in Tennessee.The ruling by Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Tori Smith came after Lee was arrested and charged late last week. He also faces a charge of tampering with or fabricating evidence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770844849023.png" alt="Lee photo Hamilton County, Tennessee&nbsp; Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Lee photo Hamilton County, Tennessee&nbsp; Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Lee is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on March 9.Authorities identified the victim in the case as Gabriella Perpétuo. The couple had been living in a home they rented where the incident occurred for about 10 days, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Detective Brian Lockhart testified Wednesday.Lockhart said he was present during the autopsy and learned the potential manner of death is blunt force trauma homicide, though an autopsy report has not been released yet.According to an arrest affidavit, first responders on Feb. 5 went to a home in the Chattanooga suburb of Ooltewah for a call of CPR in progress, where they found the woman already deceased.Lee told deputies that the woman may have fallen in the shower, but according to the affidavit, there were extensive amounts of blood in different areas of the residence that were inconsistent with Lee's statement.Authorities carrying out a search warrant found multiple kinds of trauma to the woman's body, including a stab wound to her abdomen, an apparent human bite mark on her shoulder, a large bruise on her head, black eyes with heavy swelling, and dried blood on her face and neck, the affidavit said.Lockhart testified that she also had a severe brain injury and a broken neck. She had more stab wounds on her legs while wearing pants without cut marks, suggesting the pants were put on afterward, Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp said.Investigators also found alcohol, narcotics and a gun, the affidavit said.The affidavit said Lee had a facial injury, lacerations on his hands, wounds on his chest and blood inside the case of his cellphone.Crime scene detectives also identified blood that had been attempted to be cleaned in multiple areas of the house, in addition to cleaning supplies near where testing confirmed blood stains but no blood was visible, the affidavit said.Wamp said the case is eligible for capital punishment, but prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.“Mr. Lee was in a home with a female that was, for lack of a better term, beaten to death,” Wamp said in court, arguing for the judge to withhold bond. “And the explanation that he gave doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”Wamp said Lee was on probation in Florida for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in one county and battery in another, and on probation in Ohio for attempted batteries.Lee was represented at the hearing by deputy public defender Mike Little, who said in court that bond is often set for homicide or first-degree murder defendants, including those with prior felonies.Responding to a request for comment from The Associated Press, Little said it is too early in the case for him to be making any statements.The 31-year-old Lee played 58 games with the Jets, Kansas City and Buffalo from 2016 through the 2020 seasons. The former Ohio State linebacker was the 20th overall pick in 2016 by the Jets. He was the defensive MVP of the 2015 Sugar Bowl.

Former KC Chief jailed without bond in death of girlfriend

Breianna Richardson, Interference with LEO; Endangering a child, arrested 02/04

Jalen Williams Flanigan, Unlawful abuse of toxic vapors; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Failure to appear, arrested 02/04

Diamin Campbell, Failure to appear, arrested 02/04

Julian Rosario, Theft; Lost or mislaid; &lt; $1,000 pocket picking; Criminal use of a financial card (without consent of owner); Identity theft, arrested 02/05

Kendrick Gibson, Failure to appear, arrested 02/05

Alicia Gaughran, Failure to appear, arrested 02/05

Jessy Slatton, Violation of protective order, arrested 02/05

Aric Thompson, Failure to appear, arrested 02/06

Keshawn Powell, Failure to appear, arrested 02/06

Paul Pearson, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 02/06

Lisa Jimenez, Criminal threat, arrested 02/06

Matthew May, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 02/06

Sunshine Umayam, Failure to appear, arrested 02/06

Sheantel Thompson, Failure to appear, arrested 02/06

Barry Wise, Violation of a protective order, arrested 02/08

Veronica Hicks, Criminal threat; Aggravated assault, arrested 02/08

Richmond Dotse, Endangering a child; Prohibiting drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana; Disorderly conduct; Interference with Law Enforcement; Criminal deprivation of property - motor vehicle, arrested 02/08

Keagan Oneal, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 02/09

Hyon Newman, Domestic battery, arrested 02/09

Shannon Starmer, Failure to appear, arrested 02/09

Whitney Lariviere, Violation of restrictions, arrested 02/10

Tyler Boland, Outside warrant (Two counts), arrested 02/10

Roseanna Bullard, Outside warrant, arrested 02/10

Abbigail Benton, Domestic battery, arrested 02/11

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770849567213.jpeg" alt="Rajah Marks, Failure to appear, arrested 02/04" />
 <figcaption>Rajah Marks, Failure to appear, arrested 02/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770849615679.jpeg" alt="Paul Arcuri, Failure to appear, arrested 02/05" />
 <figcaption>Paul Arcuri, Failure to appear, arrested 02/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770849809546.jpeg" alt="Jayden Cole, Criminal damage to property (Three counts); Battery on LEO; Bodily harm to corrections/court services officer on duty (Two counts); Domestic battery; Assault; Domestic battery; Interference with LEO; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Criminal threat, arrested 02/05" />
 <figcaption>Jayden Cole, Criminal damage to property (Three counts); Battery on LEO; Bodily harm to corrections/court services officer on duty (Two counts); Domestic battery; Assault; Domestic battery; Interference with LEO; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Criminal threat, arrested 02/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770849821386.jpeg" alt="Callie Keener, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body (Two counts); Possession of controlled substance (Two counts), arrested 02/06" />
 <figcaption>Callie Keener, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body (Two counts); Possession of controlled substance (Two counts), arrested 02/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770849831003.jpeg" alt="Losiah Autry, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute marijuana; 25- &lt; 450 grams, arrested 02/06" />
 <figcaption>Losiah Autry, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute marijuana; 25- &lt; 450 grams, arrested 02/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770850224060.jpeg" alt="Mark Hecker, Probation violation; Possession of controlled substance, arrested 02/06" />
 <figcaption>Mark Hecker, Probation violation; Possession of controlled substance, arrested 02/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770850274583.jpeg" alt="Frederick Swinson, Warrant arrest; Failure to appear, arrested 02/09" />
 <figcaption>Frederick Swinson, Warrant arrest; Failure to appear, arrested 02/09</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Breianna Richardson, Interference with LEO; Endangering a child, arrested 02/04Jalen Williams Flanigan, Unlawful abuse of toxic vapors; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Failure to appear, arrested 02/04Diamin Campbell, Failure to appear, arrested 02/04Julian Rosario, Theft; Lost or mislaid; &lt; $1,000 pocket picking; Criminal use of a financial card (without consent of owner); Identity theft, arrested 02/05Kendrick Gibson, Failure to appear, arrested 02/05Alicia Gaughran, Failure to appear, arrested 02/05Jessy Slatton, Violation of protective order, arrested 02/05Aric Thompson, Failure to appear, arrested 02/06Keshawn Powell, Failure to appear, arrested 02/06Paul Pearson, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 02/06Lisa Jimenez, Criminal threat, arrested 02/06Matthew May, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 02/06Sunshine Umayam, Failure to appear, arrested 02/06Sheantel Thompson, Failure to appear, arrested 02/06Barry Wise, Violation of a protective order, arrested 02/08Veronica Hicks, Criminal threat; Aggravated assault, arrested 02/08Richmond Dotse, Endangering a child; Prohibiting drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana; Disorderly conduct; Interference with Law Enforcement; Criminal deprivation of property - motor vehicle, arrested 02/08Keagan Oneal, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 02/09Hyon Newman, Domestic battery, arrested 02/09Shannon Starmer, Failure to appear, arrested 02/09Whitney Lariviere, Violation of restrictions, arrested 02/10Tyler Boland, Outside warrant (Two counts), arrested 02/10Roseanna Bullard, Outside warrant, arrested 02/10Abbigail Benton, Domestic battery, arrested 02/11Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Feb. 5-11, 2026

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen who admitted his role in a deadly drive-by shooting will learn his fate Wednesday.

Elias Cerda, 15,&nbsp; will appear in Judge Christopher Magana's courtroom for a sentencing hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734098604588.png" alt="Cerda photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cerda photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen who admitted his role in a deadly drive-by shooting is going to prison.On Wednesday, Judge Christopher Magana sentenced 15-year-old Elias Cerda to&nbsp;260 months in prison and 36 months of post release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.-----------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen who admitted his role in a deadly drive-by shooting will learn his fate Wednesday.Elias Cerda, 15,&nbsp; will appear in Judge Christopher Magana's courtroom for a sentencing hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In November, Cerda, who was charged as an adult, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, second degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery, according to the district attorney's office.In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested Cerda, who was 14 at the time. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Sentencing day for Kansas boy in drive-by double-murder

Geary County Sheriff's Office numbers for Jan. 21 - Feb. 3 included an average daily inmate population of approximately 85 inmates, a total od 12 accidents for the period, two thefts ans 21 arrests. The information was contained in a report to the Geary County Commission from Sheriff Nate Boeckman.

In 2025 the Sheriff's Office attained National C.A.L.E.A. accreditation becoming the only S.O. in Kansas to do so. It is the result of a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation process that measures an agency's performance against standards for professionalism, accountability and service delivery.

Geary County Sheriff's Office numbers for Jan. 21 - Feb. 3 included an average daily inmate population of approximately 85 inmates, a total od 12 accidents for the period, two thefts ans 21 arrests. The information was contained in a report to the Geary County Commission from Sheriff Nate Boeckman.--In 2025 the Sheriff's Office attained National C.A.L.E.A. accreditation becoming the only S.O. in Kansas to do so. It is the result of a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation process that measures an agency's performance against standards for professionalism, accountability and service delivery.

Sheriff's Office Report

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man was sentenced to 34 years in prison last week after being convicted of multiple child exploitation charges.

Judge Kevin Smith handed down the 408-month sentence to Steven K. Davis following a jury trial. On Oct. 8, 2025, a Sedgwick County jury found Davis guilty on six counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

During the trial, Davis’ parole officer testified that he discovered numerous images on Davis’ phone following an arrest for a parole violation. Davis had been taken into custody for contacting minors, a violation of his post-release conditions.

At the time of the new offenses, Davis was on post-release supervision for two prior convictions of aggravated indecent liberties with a child in 2022, according to the district attorney's office. Smith imposed the sentence after determining Davis is a persistent sex offender under Kansas law.

Davis will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

The case was investigated by the Wichita Police Department’s Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit, led by Detectives Jonathan Elledge and Hans Asmussen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770329069310.png" alt="Davis-photo Kansas Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Davis-photo Kansas Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man was sentenced to 34 years in prison last week after being convicted of multiple child exploitation charges.Judge Kevin Smith handed down the 408-month sentence to Steven K. Davis following a jury trial. On Oct. 8, 2025, a Sedgwick County jury found Davis guilty on six counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.During the trial, Davis’ parole officer testified that he discovered numerous images on Davis’ phone following an arrest for a parole violation. Davis had been taken into custody for contacting minors, a violation of his post-release conditions.At the time of the new offenses, Davis was on post-release supervision for two prior convictions of aggravated indecent liberties with a child in 2022, according to the district attorney's office. Smith imposed the sentence after determining Davis is a persistent sex offender under Kansas law.Davis will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.The case was investigated by the Wichita Police Department’s Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit, led by Detectives Jonathan Elledge and Hans Asmussen.

Parole officer found inappropriate images on Kan. sex offender's phone

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.

Just after 8p.m. Feb. 7, a Sheriffs Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford pickup truck on U.S. Highway 75 near 126th Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; Deputies arrested the passenger, 61-year-old Daniel Lorann Hysten, of Topeka on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

The driver, Frank Newton, of Topeka, was arrested on an outstanding City of Topeka warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770686510829.png" alt="Hysten photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hysten photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.Just after 8p.m. Feb. 7, a Sheriffs Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford pickup truck on U.S. Highway 75 near 126th Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; Deputies arrested the passenger, 61-year-old Daniel Lorann Hysten, of Topeka on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. The driver, Frank Newton, of Topeka, was arrested on an outstanding City of Topeka warrant.

Pickup passenger caught with meth during Kan. traffic stop

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical (LDCFM) investigators and Lawrence Police Department (LKPD) detectives have arrested a suspect in connection with multiple aggravated arsons and burglaries that occurred between December 2025 and February 2026, according to a statement from Lawrence Police.

The suspect was taken into custody on February 7, following a joint investigation by investigators and police detectives. The investigators have identified the crimes took place at three separate apartment complexes involving four vacant dwelling units and two laundry rooms. Damage estimates are not available at this time.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical (LDCFM) investigators and Lawrence Police Department (LKPD) detectives have arrested a suspect in connection with multiple aggravated arsons and burglaries that occurred between December 2025 and February 2026, according to a statement from Lawrence Police.The suspect was taken into custody on February 7, following a joint investigation by investigators and police detectives. The investigators have identified the crimes took place at three separate apartment complexes involving four vacant dwelling units and two laundry rooms. Damage estimates are not available at this time.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Police arrest suspect in multiple Kan. arson and burglaries

RILEY COUNTY —A member of the Kansas State University men's basketball staff is under investigation for alleged violent crimes.

Just before 1:30a.m. Monday, 29-year-old Mark Vital was booked into the Riley County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;domestic battery; knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. 

On Monday afternoon, K-State Athletics released a statement on the arrest.

"We are aware of Mark Vital's arrest on Sunday night. He has been removed from all team responsibilities until the judicial process runs its course."

Just after 3a.m. Monday, Vital met the requirement of a $2,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

He is in his first season as a graduate student manager at K-State, according to his online bio. Vital was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and a member of Baylor’s 2021 National Championship team where K-State head coach Jerome Tang was an assistant.&nbsp; Vital is working towards a master’s in counseling and student development at K-State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770655588483.png" alt="Vital photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Vital photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —A member of the Kansas State University men's basketball staff is under investigation for alleged violent crimes.Just before 1:30a.m. Monday, 29-year-old Mark Vital was booked into the Riley County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;domestic battery; knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. On Monday afternoon, K-State Athletics released a statement on the arrest."We are aware of Mark Vital's arrest on Sunday night. He has been removed from all team responsibilities until the judicial process runs its course."Just after 3a.m. Monday, Vital met the requirement of a $2,000 bond and is no longer in custody.He is in his first season as a graduate student manager at K-State, according to his online bio. Vital was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and a member of Baylor’s 2021 National Championship team where K-State head coach Jerome Tang was an assistant.&nbsp; Vital is working towards a master’s in counseling and student development at K-State.

K-State statement on arrest of basketball staffer

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have&nbsp;arrested two suspects including a teen in connection with an aggravated assault with a firearm that occurred at a home in Garden Plain.

Just before 10 p.m., deputies and the Garden Plain Police Department responded to reports of shots fired into an occupied home in the 300 block of West Lavern Lane, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's office spokesman Branden Stitt.

 The Garden Plain Police Department requested the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office take over the investigation.

Four people were inside the home at the time of the shooting. No one was struck by gunfire, and no injuries were reported.

Detectives believe one of the victims, who was also the intended target, was involved in a drug transaction with the suspects that involved the use of counterfeit currency. Detectives believe the suspects then followed the victim back to his home and fired shots into the occupied house.&nbsp;

The investigation continued into the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 7, when deputies, detectives and forensic investigators identified and arrested the suspects. Detectives booked 20-year-old Cristian Yair Garcia and a 16-year-old male juvenile, both of Cheney, on charges of criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770673396405.png" alt="Garcia photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Garcia photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have&nbsp;arrested two suspects including a teen in connection with an aggravated assault with a firearm that occurred at a home in Garden Plain.Just before 10 p.m., deputies and the Garden Plain Police Department responded to reports of shots fired into an occupied home in the 300 block of West Lavern Lane, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's office spokesman Branden Stitt. The Garden Plain Police Department requested the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office take over the investigation.Four people were inside the home at the time of the shooting. No one was struck by gunfire, and no injuries were reported.Detectives believe one of the victims, who was also the intended target, was involved in a drug transaction with the suspects that involved the use of counterfeit currency. Detectives believe the suspects then followed the victim back to his home and fired shots into the occupied house.&nbsp;The investigation continued into the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 7, when deputies, detectives and forensic investigators identified and arrested the suspects. Detectives booked 20-year-old Cristian Yair Garcia and a 16-year-old male juvenile, both of Cheney, on charges of criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Counterfeit cash drug deal led to gunfire at Kansas home

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, Horton police notified police in Atchison that a suspect wanted on an outstanding Brown County warrant was at a residence in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police officers located 29-year-old Thomas Pahmahmie at a residence in the 500 block Park Street and he was taken into custody on a Brown County warrant for aggravated kidnapping, attempted murder in the second degree, aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and criminal threat.&nbsp; Pahmahmie has previous convictions for aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770646350849.png" alt="Pahmahmie photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Pahmahmie photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;On Sunday morning, Horton police notified police in Atchison that a suspect wanted on an outstanding Brown County warrant was at a residence in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Police officers located 29-year-old Thomas Pahmahmie at a residence in the 500 block Park Street and he was taken into custody on a Brown County warrant for aggravated kidnapping, attempted murder in the second degree, aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and criminal threat.&nbsp; Pahmahmie has previous convictions for aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon jailed for alleged kidnapping, attempted murder

RILEY COUNTY —A member of the Kansas State University men's basketball staff under investigation for alleged violent crimes.

Just before 1:30a.m. Monday, 29-year-old Mark Vital was booked into the Riley County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;domestic battery; knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. Just after 3a.m. Vital met the requirement of a $2,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770655588483.png" alt="Vital photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Vital photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —A member of the Kansas State University men's basketball staff under investigation for alleged violent crimes.Just before 1:30a.m. Monday, 29-year-old Mark Vital was booked into the Riley County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;domestic battery; knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. Just after 3a.m. Vital met the requirement of a $2,000 bond and is no longer in custody.He is in his first season as a graduate student manager at K-State, according to his online bio. Vital was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and a member of Baylor’s 2021 National Championship team where K-State head coach Jerome Tang was an assistant.&nbsp; Vital is working towards a master’s in counseling and student development at K-State.

Police arrest K-State basketball grad student manager

NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI pored over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein’s</a>&nbsp;bank records and emails. It searched his homes. It spent years interviewing his victims and examining his connections to some of the world’s most influential people.

But while investigators collected ample proof that Epstein sexually abused underage girls, they found scant evidence the well-connected financier led a sex trafficking ring serving powerful men, an Associated Press review of internal Justice Department records shows.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/doj-disclosures">Click here to view the</a> Epstein files

Videos and photos seized from Epstein’s homes in New York, Florida and the Virgin Islands didn’t depict victims being abused or implicate anyone else in his crimes, a prosecutor wrote in one 2025 memo.

An examination of Epstein’s financial records, including payments he made to entities linked to influential figures in academia, finance and global diplomacy, found no connection to criminal activity, said another internal memo in 2019.

While one Epstein victim made highly public claims that he “lent her” to his rich friends, agents couldn’t confirm that and found no other victims telling a similar story, the records said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Epstein photo New York Sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Epstein photo New York Sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI pored over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein’s</a>&nbsp;bank records and emails. It searched his homes. It spent years interviewing his victims and examining his connections to some of the world’s most influential people.But while investigators collected ample proof that Epstein sexually abused underage girls, they found scant evidence the well-connected financier led a sex trafficking ring serving powerful men, an Associated Press review of internal Justice Department records shows.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein/doj-disclosures">Click here to view the</a> Epstein filesVideos and photos seized from Epstein’s homes in New York, Florida and the Virgin Islands didn’t depict victims being abused or implicate anyone else in his crimes, a prosecutor wrote in one 2025 memo.An examination of Epstein’s financial records, including payments he made to entities linked to influential figures in academia, finance and global diplomacy, found no connection to criminal activity, said another internal memo in 2019.While one Epstein victim made highly public claims that he “lent her” to his rich friends, agents couldn’t confirm that and found no other victims telling a similar story, the records said.Summarizing the investigation in an email last July, agents said “four or five” Epstein accusers claimed other men or women had sexually abused them. But, the agents said, there “was not enough evidence to federally charge these individuals, so the cases were referred to local law enforcement.”The AP and other media organizations are still reviewing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-justice-department-trump-musk-andrew-tisch-d5dfbb26b93c46a4d6ab9ecf4eb3d3b1">millions of pages of documents</a>, many of them previously confidential, that the Justice Department released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and it is possible those records contain evidence overlooked by investigators.But the documents, which include police reports, FBI interview notes and prosecutor emails, provide the clearest picture to date of the investigation — and why U.S. authorities ultimately decided to close it without additional charges.<h2>Dozens of victims come forward</h2>The Epstein investigation began in 2005, when the parents of a 14-year-old girl reported she had been molested at the millionaire’s home in Palm Beach, Florida.Police would identify at least 35 girls with similar stories: Epstein was paying high school age students $200 or $300 to give him sexualized massages.After the FBI joined the probe, federal prosecutors drafted indictments to charge Epstein and some personal assistants who had arranged the girls’ visits and payments. But instead, then-Miami U.S. attorney Alexander Acosta&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-florida-e2a4431f7319afd037023d9a586aa291">struck a deal</a>&nbsp;letting Epstein plead guilty to state charges of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Sentenced to 18 months in jail, Epstein was free by mid-2009.In 2018, a series of Miami Herald stories about the plea deal prompted New York federal prosecutors to take a fresh look at the accusations.Epstein was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb41822a39a147ccb03501acf049b58c">arrested in July 2019</a>. One month later, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b76666895e674991a6782d77b726d085">killed himself</a>&nbsp;in his jail cell.A year later, prosecutors charged Epstein’s longtime confidant,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/89212f72a6ca436f038e88ffd0250a40">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>, saying she’d recruited several of his victims and sometimes joined the sexual abuse. Convicted in 2021, Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison term.<h2>Prosecutors fail to find evidence backing most sensational claims</h2>Prosecution memos, case summaries and other documents made public in the department’s latest release of Epstein-related records show that FBI agents and federal prosecutors diligently pursued potential coconspirators. Even seemingly outlandish and incomprehensible claims, called in to tip lines, were examined.Some allegations couldn’t be verified, investigators wrote.In 2011 and again in 2019, investigators interviewed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-roberts-giuffre-obit-778c4fdd6fac2522133ca3d79244bccd">Virginia Roberts Giuffre</a>, who in lawsuits and news interviews had accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with numerous men, including Britain’s former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-prince-andrew-strips-royal-titles-7fad76a46a211ae24b605cbd24e80748">Prince Andrew</a>.Investigators said they confirmed that Giuffre had been sexually abused by Epstein. But other parts of her story were problematic.Two other Epstein victims who Giuffre had claimed were also “lent out” to powerful men told investigators they had no such experience, prosecutors wrote in a 2019 internal memo.“No other victim has described being expressly directed by either Maxwell or Epstein to engage in sexual activity with other men,” the memo said.Giuffre acknowledged writing a partly fictionalized memoir of her time with Epstein containing descriptions of things that didn't take place. She had also offered shifting accounts in interviews with investigators, they wrote, and had "engaged in a continuous stream of public interviews about her allegations, many of which have included sensationalized if not demonstrably inaccurate characterizations of her experiences." Those inaccuracies included false accounts of her interactions with the FBI, they said.Still, U.S. prosecutors attempted to arrange an interview with Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He refused to make himself available. Giuffre&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-lawsuits-royalty-prince-andrew-4abc060592c70dd26e3ec9ce99395e6c">settled a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;with Mountbatten-Windsor in which she had accused him of sexual misconduct.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-giuffre-memoir-jeffrey-epstein-prince-andrew-0adb8b983ac18a45fc7ec035dc789d08">a memoir</a>&nbsp;published after she killed herself last year, Giuffre wrote that prosecutors told her they didn't include her in the case against Maxwell because they didn't want her allegations to distract the jury. She insisted her accounts of being trafficked to elite men were true.<h2>Prosecutors say photos and videos don't implicate others</h2>Investigators seized a multitude of videos and photos from Epstein’s electronic devices and homes in New York, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They found CDs, hard copy photographs and at least one videotape containing nude images of females, some of whom seemed as if they might be minors. One device contained 15 to 20 images depicting commercial child sex abuse material — pictures investigators said Epstein obtained on the internet.No videos or photos showed Epstein victims being sexually abused, none showed any males with any of the nude females, and none contained evidence implicating anyone other than Epstein and Maxwell, then-Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey wrote in an email for FBI officials last year.Had they existed, the government “would have pursued any leads they generated,” Comey wrote. “We did not, however, locate any such videos.”Investigators who scoured Epstein’s bank records found payments to more than 25 women who appeared to be models — but no evidence that he was engaged in prostituting women to other men, prosecutors wrote.<h2>Epstein's close associates go uncharged</h2>In 2019, prosecutors weighed the possibility of charging one of Epstein’s longtime assistants but decided against it.Prosecutors concluded that while the assistant was involved in helping Epstein pay girls for sex and may have been aware that some were underage, she herself was a victim of his sexual abuse and manipulation.Investigators examined Epstein's relationship with the French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who once was involved in an agency with Epstein in the U.S., and who was accused in a separate case of sexually assaulting women in Europe. Brunel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-arts-and-entertainment-paris-jeffrey-epstein-edfbdb84c6cdd5f736ac7e1c2bac657b">killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;while awaiting trial on a rape charge in France.Prosecutors also weighed whether to charge one of Epstein's girlfriends who had participated in sexual acts with some of his victims. Investigators interviewed the girlfriend, who was 18 to 20 years old at the time, “but it was determined there was not enough evidence,” according to a summary given to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-patel-fbi-justice-department-518329110ea230e2989095bfcbe34c59">FBI Director Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;last July.Days before Epstein’s July 2019 arrest, the FBI strategized about sending agents to serve grand jury subpoenas on people close to Epstein, including his pilots and longtime business client, retail mogul Les Wexner.Wexner’s lawyers told investigators that neither he nor his wife had knowledge of Epstein’s sexual misconduct. Epstein had managed Wexner's finances, but the couple's lawyers said they cut him off in 2007 after learning he'd stolen from them.“There is limited evidence regarding his involvement,” an FBI agent wrote of Wexner in an Aug. 16, 2019, email.In a statement to the AP, a legal representative for Wexner said prosecutors had informed him that he was “neither a coconspirator nor target in any respect," and that Wexner had cooperated with investigators.Prosecutors also examined accounts from women who said they'd given massages at Epstein's home to guests who'd tried to make the encounters sexual. One woman accused private equity investor Leon Black of initiating sexual contact during a massage in 2011 or 2012, causing her to flee the room.The Manhattan district attorney’s office subsequently investigated, but no charges were filed.Black's lawyer, Susan Estrich, said he had paid Epstein for estate planning and tax advice. She said in a statement that Black didn't engage in misconduct and had no awareness of Epstein's criminal activities. Lawsuits by two women who accused Black of sexual misconduct were dismissed or withdrawn. One is pending.<h2>No client list</h2>Attorney General Pam Bondi told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bondi-says-epstein-client-list-sitting-my-desk-right-now-reviewing-jfk-mlk-files">Fox News in February 2025</a>&nbsp;that Epstein’s never-before-seen “client list” was “sitting on my desk right now.” A few months later, she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-pam-bondi-trump-fa39193d5b5ff91970428bf077a5ce44">claimed the FBI was reviewing</a>&nbsp;“tens of thousands of videos” of Epstein “with children or child porn.”But FBI agents wrote superiors saying the client list didn't exist.On Dec. 30, 2024, about three weeks before President Joe Biden left office, then-FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate reached out through subordinates to ask "whether our investigation to date indicates the ‘client list,’ often referred to in the media, does or does not exist,” according to an email summarizing his query.A day later, an FBI official replied that the case agent had confirmed no client list existed.On Feb. 19, 2025, two days before Bondi’s Fox News appearance, an FBI supervisory special agent wrote: “While media coverage of the Jeffrey Epstein case references a ’client list,' investigators did not locate such a list during the course of the investigation.”___Aaron Kessler in Washington contributed to this report.