CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect

On November 3, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;served a search warrant on a drug house operating next to an elementary school, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office.

 Clarence D.L. Greenwood, 56, was arrested on requested charges that include distribution of a controlled substance with an enhanced penalty of being within 2,000 feet of a school&nbsp; keeping or maintaining a public nuisance,&nbsp;

Greenwood is being held on a $100K bond. Kansas City Codes enforcement saw numerous violations that made the house uninhabitable and boarded it up. Deputies will continue to check it to ensure no one has returned for illegal activity.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699307350247.png" alt="Greenwood-photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Greenwood-photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspectOn November 3, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;served a search warrant on a drug house operating next to an elementary school, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office. Clarence D.L. Greenwood, 56, was arrested on requested charges that include distribution of a controlled substance with an enhanced penalty of being within 2,000 feet of a school&nbsp; keeping or maintaining a public nuisance,&nbsp;Greenwood is being held on a $100K bond. Kansas City Codes enforcement saw numerous violations that made the house uninhabitable and boarded it up. Deputies will continue to check it to ensure no one has returned for illegal activity.&nbsp;

Sheriff's deputies bust drug house near an elementary school

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.

Aaron Mitchell, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03

Amanda Haggard, Possession of controlled substance, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Traffic contraband into facility, Probation violation, arrested 11/03

Miguel Jijon Pineda, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03

Willie Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03

Deangelo Smith, Violation of restrictions on drivers license, Fleed or attempt to elude five or more moving violations, Flee or attempt to elude drive wrong way into opposing lanes, arrested 11/04

Joseph Fabre,&nbsp;Distribute certain stimulant 3.5&lt;100 grams, Distribute certain stimulant dose 100&lt;1000  grams, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 11/04

Nathan Moreno, Domestic battery, Unlawful restraint, arrested 11/04

Justin Windholz, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 11/04

Vanessa Nixon, Criminal threat, arrested 11/05

Dana Haywood, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, Failure to stop at accident injury or damage over $1000, Obstruction or impeding lawful activities, arrested 11/05

Jasmin Munoz, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 11/05

Claire Lamb, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 11/05

Paul Acuri, Failure to appear, Possession of controlled substance, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 11/05

Alicia Doll, Failure to appear, arrested 11/06

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/2023/11/1699386405573.jpeg" alt="Marion Robinson, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03" />
 <figcaption>Marion Robinson, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699386451277.jpeg" alt="Jonathan Ringer, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03" />
 <figcaption>Jonathan Ringer, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699386495456.jpeg" alt="Jimmy Perry, Assault, Unlawful damage to property, Intimidation of a victim or witness, arrested 11/04" />
 <figcaption>Jimmy Perry, Assault, Unlawful damage to property, Intimidation of a victim or witness, arrested 11/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699386579830.jpeg" alt="Steven Price, Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic, or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 11/04" />
 <figcaption>Steven Price, Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic, or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 11/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699386734205.jpeg" alt="Theresa Fabre, Distribute certain stimulant 3.5&lt;100 grams, Distribute certain stimulant dose 100&lt;1000&nbsp; grams, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 11/04" />
 <figcaption>Theresa Fabre, Distribute certain stimulant 3.5&lt;100 grams, Distribute certain stimulant dose 100&lt;1000&nbsp; grams, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 11/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699386861796.jpeg" alt="Phillip White, Failure to appear, arrested 11/04" />
 <figcaption>Phillip White, Failure to appear, arrested 11/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699386898005.jpeg" alt="Amir Buckhannon, Aggravated assault, Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 11/04" />
 <figcaption>Amir Buckhannon, Aggravated assault, Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 11/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699386953714.jpeg" alt="Lajohnah Green, Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking, Criminal use of a financial card, arrested 11/05" />
 <figcaption>Lajohnah Green, Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking, Criminal use of a financial card, arrested 11/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699387409259.jpeg" alt="Luis Garcia, Domestic battery, Theft all other, arrested 11/06" />
 <figcaption>Luis Garcia, Domestic battery, Theft all other, arrested 11/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699387525399.jpeg" alt="Rickey Gassen, Theft shoplifting (two counts), arrested 11/06" />
 <figcaption>Rickey Gassen, Theft shoplifting (two counts), arrested 11/06</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Aaron Mitchell, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03Amanda Haggard, Possession of controlled substance, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Traffic contraband into facility, Probation violation, arrested 11/03Miguel Jijon Pineda, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03Willie Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03Deangelo Smith, Violation of restrictions on drivers license, Fleed or attempt to elude five or more moving violations, Flee or attempt to elude drive wrong way into opposing lanes, arrested 11/04Joseph Fabre,&nbsp;Distribute certain stimulant 3.5&lt;100 grams, Distribute certain stimulant dose 100&lt;1000 grams, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 11/04Nathan Moreno, Domestic battery, Unlawful restraint, arrested 11/04Justin Windholz, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 11/04Vanessa Nixon, Criminal threat, arrested 11/05Dana Haywood, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, Failure to stop at accident injury or damage over $1000, Obstruction or impeding lawful activities, arrested 11/05Jasmin Munoz, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 11/05Claire Lamb, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 11/05Paul Acuri, Failure to appear, Possession of controlled substance, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 11/05Alicia Doll, Failure to appear, arrested 11/06Recent 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 Nov. 4-7

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas felon found guilty of a fatal stabbing is going to prison.

Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced 62-year-old James Shaw of Wichita to 19-years in prison with 36 months post release supervision for the murder of 67-year-old Kurt Peterson.

In September of 2021, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 100 block of North Glenn in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located. Petersen and determined he had been stabbed multiple times.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed, Petersen’s caretaker came to the home to check on him and found him lying on the kitchen floor with injuries and called 911.&nbsp; James Shaw was also inside of the residence when the caretaker arrived.&nbsp; Examination of evidence and interviews led to Shaw’s arrest, according to Davidson. Shaw was hospitalized for his injuries in the altercation and booked into jail two days later.

Shaw and Petersen were known to each other, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Shaw has had previous felony arrests and convictions and was currently on parole through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC).&nbsp; He was paroled to Wichita from Wyandotte County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632486359786.png" alt="Shaw-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Shaw-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas felon found guilty of a fatal stabbing is going to prison.Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced 62-year-old James Shaw of Wichita to 19-years in prison with 36 months post release supervision for the murder of 67-year-old Kurt Peterson.In September of 2021, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 100 block of North Glenn in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located. Petersen and determined he had been stabbed multiple times.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed, Petersen’s caretaker came to the home to check on him and found him lying on the kitchen floor with injuries and called 911.&nbsp; James Shaw was also inside of the residence when the caretaker arrived.&nbsp; Examination of evidence and interviews led to Shaw’s arrest, according to Davidson. Shaw was hospitalized for his injuries in the altercation and booked into jail two days later.Shaw and Petersen were known to each other, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Shaw has had previous felony arrests and convictions and was currently on parole through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC).&nbsp; He was paroled to Wichita from Wyandotte County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas felon on parole sentenced for knife fight killing

Documents show unquestioning support before raid, followed by attempts to sidestep outrage

BY SHERMAN SMITH&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

MARION — Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody enlisted the support of local and state law enforcement officials in the days before&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/11/police-stage-chilling-raid-on-marion-county-newspaper-seizing-computers-records-and-cellphones/">he led raids</a>&nbsp;on the local newspaper office, the publisher’s home and the home of a city councilwoman.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department of Revenue, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal — along with the county attorney and a magistrate judge — were complicit in the Aug. 11 raid or knew it was imminent. But in the days that followed, they largely downplayed their involvement.

Police reports, internal agency emails and other documents obtained by Kansas Reflector provide a clearer picture of the raid than the early one that crystallized as a fast-moving story attracted international attention.

There was the restaurateur who wanted a liquor license. The reporter who looked up the restaurateur’s drunken driving record. The police chief who knew reporters were investigating his past misconduct. The newspaper publisher with his strident editorial voice, and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/19/co-owner-of-kansas-newspaper-who-died-amid-stress-from-police-raid-honored-in-funeral-service/">demise</a>&nbsp;of his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/21/youre-an-hole-police-chief-kansas-newspaper-owner-defiant-in-video-of-home-invasion/">defiant</a>&nbsp;98-year-old mother.

We now know there was also a KBI agent and his supervisor who had advance copies of the search warrants. A sheriff’s detective who wrote the search warrants. Department of Revenue staff who treated the reporter’s actions as criminal. And a fire marshal’s investigator who participated in the raid even though he seemed to realize it was unlawful.

Then there was the county attorney who claimed he didn’t review the search warrant affidavits until after the raid, even though police had sent them to him for preapproval. And the magistrate judge,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article278237263.html">with her own checkered driving record</a>, who signed three of the search warrants but refused a fourth.

Officers from three agencies converged Aug. 11 to seize personal cellphones, computers and other items from Marion County Record publisher Eric Meyer, two of his reporters — including one who wasn’t even a target in the investigation — and Councilwoman Ruth Herbel. Police also rummaged through a reporter’s desk drawer and Meyer’s paperwork to take stock of confidential sources.

There is no indication in any of the records obtained by Kansas Reflector that anybody anywhere suggested the raid would be a bad idea, despite federal protections for journalists and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/20/completely-unjustified-affidavits-point-to-abuse-of-power-in-raid-on-kansas-newspaper/">flimsy pretext of a crime</a>.

Katherine Jacobsen, U.S. and Canada program coordinator for the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cpj.org/">Committee to Protect Journalists</a>, said it is incredibly concerning that so many taxpayer-funded agencies were willing to tacitly or directly sign off on a gross violation of the freedom of the press.

“I think the most charitable interpretation I can come up with is they just didn’t know and were ill informed about freedom of the press and the rights that journalists have in this country,” Jacobsen said. “A more nefarious interpretation is, of course, that they just didn’t care and were in fact kind of happy to see the journalists put in their place.”

Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn was exhausted Aug. 16 after staying up all night to publish the first edition of the newspaper since the raid five days earlier.

Scrutiny of the raid had intensified as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/12/police-defend-raid-on-kansas-newspaper-amid-backlash-over-brazen-violation-of-press-freedom/">the police chief</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/13/kbi-director-on-marion-county-newspaper-raid-media-is-not-above-the-law/">KBI director</a>&nbsp;issued statements about journalists not being above the law — a distraction from the reality that if anyone had broken the law, it was the police.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/16/marion-county-record-publishes-in-defiance-of-police-raid-and-gets-seized-property-back/">The newspaper’s 200-point bold type headline that morning</a>&nbsp;read: “SEIZED … but not silenced.”

Cody, the police chief, had notified County Attorney Joel Ensey of his investigation in an Aug. 8 email, and sent copies of the search warrants to Ensey before taking them to a magistrate. A day after the raid, Ensey told Cody he would need to get a district court judge to sign the warrants so that the evidence seized during the raid could be reviewed by law enforcement outside of Marion.

“I also believe with the scrutiny this will receive, another judge reviewing the warrant would be a good idea, especially with some of the new information learned during the search,” Ensey said.

But as copies of the newspaper were being&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cpj.org/2023/08/defiant-marion-county-record-hits-newsstands-following-police-raid/">delivered around town</a>&nbsp;on Aug. 16, and new subscribers streamed into the newspaper office, Ensey claimed he had reviewed the search warrants in detail on Aug. 14. He said there was insufficient evidence to support the raids and that items seized would be returned.

Zorn, wearing a Mickey Mouse T-shirt, leaned against the doorway to the sheriff’s office evidence locker, where a deputy was retrieving the electronic devices that police had collected and bagged during the raid. The reporter was listening to Sheriff Jeff Soyez assign blame to the police department.

“It’s not my search warrant,” Soyez said. “It was PD’s search warrant.”

He leaned in to say quietly in Zorn’s ear: “You didn’t see me over there.”

“No, I’m glad I didn’t,” she told him, “because as relaxed as it is between you and me, I probably would have said some things.”

In fact, it was one of Soyez’ officers, Detective Aaron Christner, who had advised Cody on Aug. 8 to get a search warrant to preserve emails. Christner then drafted the search warrants and sent them to Cody to modify and sign. During the raid, Christner used software to make a digital copy of files from Zorn’s computer, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/24/altered-evidence-list-indicates-marion-police-kept-illegal-copy-of-evidence-from-kansas-newspaper/">police initially didn’t disclose</a>&nbsp;on their evidence log.

Ensey and the sheriff weren’t the only ones offering a cop-out.

Anyone can access driving records legally through the Department of Revenue’s online database — if they have a name, date of birth, and driver’s license number. Marion resident Pam Maag on Aug. 2 sent Zorn and Herbel a copy of restaurateur Kari Newell’s driving record, which showed Newell had a DUI and had been driving without a license. Zorn used KDOR’s website to verify the record.

According to Marion police officer Zach Hudlin’s written summary of an Aug. 7 phone call, an unnamed employee in KDOR’s IT department told him “there was a loophole or a vulnerability in their system that would allow someone to access another person’s private data.” The IT staffer confirmed that Zorn had looked up Newell’s driving record on Aug. 4.

Emails exchanged among Chad Burr, with KDOR’s Office of Special Investigations; Garrett Kaufman, technical services manager at KDOR; Craig Bowser, with the Office of Information Technology Services; Desiree Perry, a cyber intelligence specialist; and Valerie Pitts, IT manager at KDOR, show the agency treated Zorn’s use of the website as a crime. Kaufman said it was good that police were working with the KBI.

KDOR didn’t respond to an email asking why the agency’s perspective changed in the days after the raid.

On Aug. 21, KDOR spokesman Zach Denney&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/kansas/article278460169.html">told the Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;that “this information is public record and available online.” He&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/police-accused-raided-kansas-newspaper-lying-get-records-reporter-used-rcna100998">told NBC News</a>&nbsp;“the motor vehicle driver’s checker is public-facing and free-use.”

Cody emailed KBI special agent Todd Leeds on Aug. 8 and asked for assistance. Leeds forwarded the request to his supervisor, special agent in charge Bethanie Popejoy, then opened a case on “Marion Public Corruption.”

Leeds asked police for cellphone numbers, Facebook account names and email addresses for Newell, Meyer, Herbel, Zorn and Maag. The KBI agent also wanted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/21-MPD-08.09.23-Victim-Statement-1a.pdf">Newell’s witness statement</a>&nbsp;and Herbel’s emails. Marion police sent Leeds “everything we have currently for the case.”

Hudlin sent copies of search warrants to Leeds on Aug. 10.

“Did you guys execute this today?” Leeds asked.

“No,” Hudlin replied. “My understanding is that the county attorney wasn’t in the office today.”

A day after the raid, Cody wrote to Popejoy at the KBI to notify her of the items police had gathered during the raid. He CC’d Ensey on the email.

“I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the KBI’s support,” Cody wrote. “It has been tough being the Chief of Police today.”

Two days after the raid, KBI director Toni Mattivi professed his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/13/kbi-director-on-marion-county-newspaper-raid-media-is-not-above-the-law/">belief in free speech</a>&nbsp;while defending his agency’s involvement in the investigation and taking a jab at news media. Mattivi said his agent did not apply for the search warrants and wasn’t present during the raid.

Attorney General Kris Kobach, who has oversight of the KBI,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/17/kobach-kbi-looking-into-possible-data-breach-in-kansas-newspaper-case/">told reporters on Aug. 16</a>&nbsp;that the KBI “was not notified of the searches prior to their taking place.”

Cody told the KBI that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar “scrutinized the evidence and decided it was not enough for me to get Pam Maag’s electronic devices.”

But Viar&nbsp;approved search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom, Meyer’s home and Herbel’s home. The alleged crime was identity theft.

On the morning of Aug. 11,&nbsp;Marion police asked Chris Mercer, an investigator with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to help with the raid.

Mercer agreed. He was briefed and assigned to Meyer’s house, according to the report he filed. He arrived at 10:55 a.m.

There, he secured Meyer’s cellphone and laptop and made Meyer leave a stack of paperwork on a table. Mercer told Meyer and his mother, Joan, the 98-year-old co-owner of the paper, they were free to leave.

From Mercer’s notes: “Eric home walking around with phone he’s upset, ‘we in s***storm,’ he says.”

Joan Meyer alternated between being calm and outraged, Mercer wrote. She called the judge stupid. Demanded police get out of her house. Called them Nazis.

She told Mercer she had previously suffered two strokes. If she has another, she said, that’s “going to be murder.”

“Joan crying and violent verbally, sitting in living room, Nazi comments, angry kicking walker,” Mercer wrote.

At one point, Mercer heard Eric Meyer talking to someone on the landline: “Cody has checkered past, and he will now have access to that information!”

The phone rang after Eric Meyer left to go to the newsroom, which was under siege. The caller was the author of this story. Joan Meyer answered, then handed the phone to a sheriff’s officer, who wasn’t interested in answering questions.

“Joan appears to be getting more confused,” Mercer wrote. She was crying and mumbling about corruption.

At the newsroom, police read reporters Zorn and Deb Gruver their Miranda rights. Gruver, who wasn’t named in any of the search warrant affidavits, told Cody she didn’t have anything to do with Newell’s driving record. Cody ripped her personal cellphone from her hand.

Surveillance video shows Hudlin uncovered a file in Gruver’s desk drawer and encouraged the police chief to take a look,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://marionrecord.com/direct/cody_found_reporter_s_notes_on_kc_misdeeds+5503cody+436f647920666f756e64207265706f727465722773206e6f746573206f6e204b43206d697364656564733c212d2d4d2d343434352d36363630332d343832352d2d3e?">the Marion County Record reported</a>.

“Hmm,” Cody said. “Keeping a personal file on me. I don’t care.”

The first page in the folder revealed a confidential source who had provided information about Cody’s time on the Kansas City, Missouri, police force. A half-dozen of Cody’s former coworkers had told Gruver that Cody faced demotion for sexual harassment before taking the Marion job in April.

When police arrived at Herbel’s house, she was in the bathroom. Her husband, who suffers from dementia, ran in a circle through the house trying to find her. He went to the backyard and screamed her name. She sat him down on the couch to try to calm him.

The councilwoman’s supposed crime involved forwarding Newell’s driving record to the city manager and raising concerns about whether the city council should grant Newell a liquor license. A political adversary, Mayor David Mayfield, had tried and failed to remove Herbel from office before. A felony crime would disqualify her from public service.

Police took her cellphone and computer during the raid, leaving her without a way to call for medical help if her husband needed it. She had to drive 35 miles to a town where she could buy a new phone.

Herbel’s husband ended up staying on the couch for more than three hours. Following the raid, she has taken him to the doctor several times because of his declining health.

“I will never forgive this police force or the sheriff’s office or the county attorney or anybody else for what they did to him,” Herbel said. “I mean, they can kick an old lady — and I’d say I’m an old lady because I’m 80 years old. And I can’t run that fast either. But they don’t do that to my husband. He’s 88, and I just felt that this shortened his lifespan tremendously when they did this, and I’ll have hard feelings against them all.”

By Mercer’s own account, he made sure city police went through the stack of paperwork he required Eric Meyer to leave behind.

Meanwhile, Mercer wrote, Joan Meyer was “yelling not to touch her stuff, calling us a**holes.”

She hoped officers would fall down the stairs and break their necks. She threw her walker.

“The team left and I was the last one out of the front door, while she sat in her recliner continuing to yell at us,” Mercer wrote. “She mentioned something about shoot if we come back, but I disregarded it as a I walked out the door.”

Joan Meyer died the next day. The coroner said the stress of the raid was a contributing factor.

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/49-MPD-08.11.23-Mercer-Narrative_Redacted.pdf">Mercer’s report</a>&nbsp;is dated Aug. 11, the day of the raid. Attached to it is a three-page article written by media law attorneys Jonathan E. Buchan and Corby Anderson in 2001.

The article — “When the police knock at your door: Newsroom search warrants” — is about the federal Privacy Protection Act, which requires criminal investigators to get a subpoena instead of a search warrant. Congress passed the law to address concerns about police weaponizing search warrants against journalists.

Journalists “feared that the magistrates who issued warrants for these searches, often political allies of law enforcement officials, would be biased in deciding whether there was probable cause to justify issuing a warrant,” the attorneys wrote. “In addition, they feared that such searches would physically disrupt the newsroom and its operations.”

A spokeswoman for the Office of the State Fire Marshal didn’t respond to questions for this story about why the legal memo is attached to Mercer’s report, or why he agreed to join an unlawful raid.

Max Kautsch, president of the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the reference to federal protections attached to Mercer’s report “goes a long way to show that the decision-makers at the state and local levels involved with authorizing and executing the searches knew or should have known the searches were contrary to clearly established law.”

Four days after the raid, Marion Councilman Zach Collett emailed the League of Kansas Municipalities. He was “beginning to wonder if it would be beneficial to our community to have a council member grant an interview request?”

“I would be comfortable doing this, but would most definitely want lots of coaching from someone more versed in crisis communication than myself,” Collett wrote. “I was wondering if the League offers any services like that? I am still unsure of the best route forward, but I am tired of our community being portrayed the way (it) is in a national headline currently.”

Nathan Eberline, executive director of the League of Municipalities, referred Collett to two firms that focus on crisis communications and pointed him to a YouTube webinar on the topic.

“Given the weight of the media focus, I agree that it would be prudent to speak with an expert,” Eberline said.

Eric Meyer said nobody in Marion, including himself, wanted this kind of publicity.

“I mean, we’ve become the laughingstock of the free world, really, in terms of we’ve got these Keystone Cops and the judge who doesn’t know anything and had drunk driving arrests, and prosecutors who can’t take time to read stuff, and city council members who don’t answer questions,” Meyer said.

In the weeks that followed, ethics complaints were filed against Ensey&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/06/kansas-commission-seeks-magistrates-perspective-on-marion-search-warrant-complaint/">and Viar</a>. Gruver left the newspaper and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/30/kansas-reporter-sues-marion-police-chief-alleging-retaliation-in-newsroom-raid/">filed a civil lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against Cody in federal court.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/03/marion-police-chief-resigns-after-body-cam-footage-shows-him-rifling-through-records-about-himself/">Cody resigned</a>&nbsp;after&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/investigations/police-chief-who-launched-raid-on-marion-newspaper-accused-of-directing-witness-to-delete-text-messages">KSHB reported</a>&nbsp;he had instructed Newell to delete text messages between them. Hudlin is now the interim police chief. Herbel is up for re-election Tuesday.

Melissa Underwood, spokeswoman for the KBI, said the agency’s investigation “remains ongoing.”

“We expect to be able to update on the case soon,” Underwood said. “At that time we should be able to answer some additional questions.”

Meyer believes the raid was orchestrated by local figures who wanted to bully him.

“And for what? So we got Kari Newell’s driving record,” Meyer said. “This isn’t a big drug deal. This isn’t embezzlement.”

The newspaper’s website recently was subjected to a malware attack, Meyer said.

“That’s probably a more serious crime than what we were accused of — particularly since when all this was said and done, nobody did anything about it,” Meyer said. “And we told them what we’d done. So what crime existed? No, they just saw this as a convenient excuse.”

Kan. officials downplayed involvement in Marion raid. Here’s what they knew

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in Kansas.&nbsp;

Just after 8:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to 900 E Armour iin Kansas City on a reported sound of gun shots, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.

Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle leaving the scene which was&nbsp; transporting the victim to an area hospital. 

Officers made contact with the adult male victim at the hospital who appeared to be suffering from apparent gun shot wounds.

The man later died from his injuries, according to Carlisle.

Police are working to determine circumstances leading up to the homicide. Police have not made an arrest or released the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699357013524.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in Kansas.&nbsp;Just after 8:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to 900 E Armour iin Kansas City on a reported sound of gun shots, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle leaving the scene which was&nbsp; transporting the victim to an area hospital. Officers made contact with the adult male victim at the hospital who appeared to be suffering from apparent gun shot wounds.The man later died from his injuries, according to Carlisle.Police are working to determine circumstances leading up to the homicide. Police have not made an arrest or released the name of the victim.

Shooting victim dies after rushed to KC-area hospital

By W.G. RAMIREZ Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Boogie Ellis had 24 points and eight rebounds as No. 21 Southern California defeated Kansas State 82-69 in the season opener for both teams Monday night.

The Trojans led by 19 with 6:33 left, but that margin was trimmed to eight with 1:41 remaining before USC held on.

“We've got a lot of vets and people that are experienced and been through it,” Ellis said. “So we just stayed calm and came together.”

Touted freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/USC_Hoops/status/1721767783053332528">Isaiah Collier made his USC debut</a>&nbsp;with 18 points, including 15 in the first half. He added six assists and received a standing ovation when he went to the bench after fouling out with 4:50 to play.

“I thought Isaiah played a great first half, first game on the big stage here in Las Vegas. I thought it was important for us to get out to a fast start,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “I thought Boogie and Isaiah really controlled the tempo in the first half. Isaiah got downhill and was able to get to the rim, made some great passes. ... I was proud of the six assists and 7 of 9 from the field. Very efficient tonight.”

<a href="https://twitter.com/USC_Hoops/status/1721757894662840355">Kobe Johnson</a>&nbsp;finished with 16 points for the Trojans, and Joshua Morgan had 11. USC shot 31 of 60 from the floor (51.7%).

Tyler Perry led Kansas State with 22 points. Cam Carter scored 15, and David N’Guessan had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

“This is exactly why we came here,” Wildcats coach Jerome Tang said. “This is a really good USC team. High-level players. The great thing is that we don’t have to wait for a month or two weeks or before the Big 12 to find out the things that we need to work on. It was very much exposed. ... We did a couple of good things and a whole bunch of not-so-good things.”

A strong defensive team last season, the Trojans limited the Wildcats to 31% shooting (22 of 71).

USC held its opponents under 40% in 19 of 33 games last season and finished eighth in the country in field goal percentage defense at 39.3%.

Kansas State, which reached the Elite Eight in March, dropped to 4-2 all-time against the Trojans.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usc-trojans-bronny-james-lebron-565ce3030ea6ef45d935114eb58c5e00">Bronny James wore grey team sweats</a>&nbsp;and cheered his USC teammates from the bench. The son of NBA career scoring leader LeBron James is still on his way back from suffering a cardiac arrest during a summer workout. LeBron James said last month that his son had surgery to repair a congenital heart condition that caused the collapse.

Kansas State: The Wildcats opened their season away from home for the first time since losing 73-64 to BYU in 2002. Kansas State dropped to 12-17 when starting outside Manhattan, Kansas.

USC: Collier’s performance came on the heels of an impressive one by fellow freshman JuJu Watkins, who led USC’s 21st-ranked women’s team to an 83-74 win over No. 7 Ohio State. Collier and Watkins were considered by many the consensus No. 1 recruits for 2023.

USC hosts Cal State Bakersfield on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699357649999.jpeg" alt="Kansas State guard Tylor Perry shoots the ball in an NCAA basketball game NCAA college basketball game against USC, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard Tylor Perry shoots the ball in an NCAA basketball game NCAA college basketball game against USC, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By W.G. RAMIREZ Associated PressLAS VEGAS (AP) — Boogie Ellis had 24 points and eight rebounds as No. 21 Southern California defeated Kansas State 82-69 in the season opener for both teams Monday night.The Trojans led by 19 with 6:33 left, but that margin was trimmed to eight with 1:41 remaining before USC held on.“We've got a lot of vets and people that are experienced and been through it,” Ellis said. “So we just stayed calm and came together.”Touted freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/USC_Hoops/status/1721767783053332528">Isaiah Collier made his USC debut</a>&nbsp;with 18 points, including 15 in the first half. He added six assists and received a standing ovation when he went to the bench after fouling out with 4:50 to play.“I thought Isaiah played a great first half, first game on the big stage here in Las Vegas. I thought it was important for us to get out to a fast start,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “I thought Boogie and Isaiah really controlled the tempo in the first half. Isaiah got downhill and was able to get to the rim, made some great passes. ... I was proud of the six assists and 7 of 9 from the field. Very efficient tonight.”<a href="https://twitter.com/USC_Hoops/status/1721757894662840355">Kobe Johnson</a>&nbsp;finished with 16 points for the Trojans, and Joshua Morgan had 11. USC shot 31 of 60 from the floor (51.7%).Tyler Perry led Kansas State with 22 points. Cam Carter scored 15, and David N’Guessan had 10 points and 10 rebounds.“This is exactly why we came here,” Wildcats coach Jerome Tang said. “This is a really good USC team. High-level players. The great thing is that we don’t have to wait for a month or two weeks or before the Big 12 to find out the things that we need to work on. It was very much exposed. ... We did a couple of good things and a whole bunch of not-so-good things.”A strong defensive team last season, the Trojans limited the Wildcats to 31% shooting (22 of 71).USC held its opponents under 40% in 19 of 33 games last season and finished eighth in the country in field goal percentage defense at 39.3%.Kansas State, which reached the Elite Eight in March, dropped to 4-2 all-time against the Trojans.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usc-trojans-bronny-james-lebron-565ce3030ea6ef45d935114eb58c5e00">Bronny James wore grey team sweats</a>&nbsp;and cheered his USC teammates from the bench. The son of NBA career scoring leader LeBron James is still on his way back from suffering a cardiac arrest during a summer workout. LeBron James said last month that his son had surgery to repair a congenital heart condition that caused the collapse.BIG PICTUREKansas State: The Wildcats opened their season away from home for the first time since losing 73-64 to BYU in 2002. Kansas State dropped to 12-17 when starting outside Manhattan, Kansas.USC: Collier’s performance came on the heels of an impressive one by fellow freshman JuJu Watkins, who led USC’s 21st-ranked women’s team to an 83-74 win over No. 7 Ohio State. Collier and Watkins were considered by many the consensus No. 1 recruits for 2023.UP NEXTKansas State hosts Bellarmine on Friday.USC hosts Cal State Bakersfield on Thursday.

🏀 Wildcats drop opener to No, 21 USC

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.

On Friday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 400 Block of SE Winfield Avenue related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located, marijuana, LSD, and drug paraphernalia.

As a result,&nbsp; police transported 20-year-old Trevor Brown and 20-year-old Arien Berkstresser to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.&nbsp; 

Berkstresser is being held on requested charges that include Distribution of marijuana, Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Distribution of LSD, Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communication facility and&nbsp; three arrest warrants

Brown is being held on requested charges Distribution of marijuana, Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana,&nbsp;&nbsp;Possession of drug paraphernalia, Distribution of a stimulant and Unlawful sell of prescription drug.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699223624536.png" alt="Brown-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.On Friday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 400 Block of SE Winfield Avenue related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located, marijuana, LSD, and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699223547516.png" alt="Berkstresser photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Berkstresser photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result,&nbsp; police transported 20-year-old Trevor Brown and 20-year-old Arien Berkstresser to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.&nbsp; Berkstresser is being held on requested charges that include Distribution of marijuana, Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Distribution of LSD, Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communication facility and&nbsp; three arrest warrantsBrown is being held on requested charges Distribution of marijuana, Distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana,&nbsp;&nbsp;Possession of drug paraphernalia, Distribution of a stimulant and Unlawful sell of prescription drug.

Kansas woman accused of selling LSD

JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; a suspect on child sex allegations.

On Friday, detectives arrested a suspect identified as&nbsp;Jacob Wendell Nelson, 33, of Holton, on a Jackson County District Court warrant for 3 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp;The arrest occurred after the sheriff's office executed a search warrant at 716 Pennsylvania Avenue in Holton on Thursday. 

The matter remains under investigation, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699048991863.png" alt="Nelson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Nelson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; a suspect on child sex allegations.On Friday, detectives arrested a suspect identified as&nbsp;Jacob Wendell Nelson, 33, of Holton, on a Jackson County District Court warrant for 3 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;The arrest occurred after the sheriff's office executed a search warrant at 716 Pennsylvania Avenue in Holton on Thursday. The matter remains under investigation, according to Morse.

Search warrant led  to arrest of Kan. man for alleged sex crimes

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and officials with USD 454 Burlingame are investigating an alleged school threat.

On Monday morning, officials learned of a potential threat against Burlingame Schools, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.

At 11a.m. the Burlingame School Resource Officer and school officials immediately placed the school into a shelter in place, followed by a lockdown.

 Additional deputies responded to the school and to the area to search for the suspect. The suspect, a juvenile, was located by Burlingame Police and taken into custody without incident at 11:40 am.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone with information on the threat to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit at 785-828-3121 or to remain anonymous contact Osage County Crime Stoppers at (877) OSCRIME.

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and officials with USD 454 Burlingame are investigating an alleged school threat.On Monday morning, officials learned of a potential threat against Burlingame Schools, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.At 11a.m. the Burlingame School Resource Officer and school officials immediately placed the school into a shelter in place, followed by a lockdown. Additional deputies responded to the school and to the area to search for the suspect. The suspect, a juvenile, was located by Burlingame Police and taken into custody without incident at 11:40 am.The Osage County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone with information on the threat to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit at 785-828-3121 or to remain anonymous contact Osage County Crime Stoppers at (877) OSCRIME.

Sheriff: Juvenile arrested after alleged threat at Kansas school

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon found guilty of a deadly shooting at a backyard family gathering is going to prison.

On Friday, Judge Seth Rundel sentenced&nbsp;43-year-old Michael Swinney to 23 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April of 2021,&nbsp; police responded to a home in the 2400 Block of North Sunny Lane in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Captain Jason Stephens.&nbsp; In the backyard of that location, police located 22-year-old Jacob Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation revealed Kalese, his girlfriend and&nbsp; Swinney were at a small gathering at the home with several other individuals.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between Swinney and Kalese, multiple shots were fired and&nbsp; Swinney fled the scene.

Through the investigation, investigators learned of Swinney’s involvement and he was arrested at a home in the 100 block of South Young in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614870081716.png" alt="Swinney has numerous convictions that include aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, violation of the offender registration act and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Swinney has numerous convictions that include aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, violation of the offender registration act and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon found guilty of a deadly shooting at a backyard family gathering is going to prison.On Friday, Judge Seth Rundel sentenced&nbsp;43-year-old Michael Swinney to 23 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In April of 2021,&nbsp; police responded to a home in the 2400 Block of North Sunny Lane in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Captain Jason Stephens.&nbsp; In the backyard of that location, police located 22-year-old Jacob Kalese with several gunshot wounds.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614789091458.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Wednesday morning shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Wednesday morning shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed Kalese, his girlfriend and&nbsp; Swinney were at a small gathering at the home with several other individuals.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between Swinney and Kalese, multiple shots were fired and&nbsp; Swinney fled the scene.Through the investigation, investigators learned of Swinney’s involvement and he was arrested at a home in the 100 block of South Young in Wichita.

Kan. felon sentenced for killing at backyard gathering

ELLIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hunting incident after a person suffered a gunshot injury at an enrolled Walk-in Hunting Program area near 300th Avenue and Catharine Road in rural Ellis County, according to a media release from the Ellis County Sheriff.

A witness at the scene told deputies that he and the 70-year-old victim were hunting when someone shot a rifle multiple times at a deer decoy that had been placed in the pasture near a waterway. 

The victim was struck in the face with one of the bullets and was transported to the hospital with a non-life­ threatening injury to the face.

After further investigation, deputies arrested an Ellis County man on requested charges of aggravated battery with a weapon and numerous hunting-related violations.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism is assisting with the investigation.

ELLIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a hunting incident after a person suffered a gunshot injury at an enrolled Walk-in Hunting Program area near 300th Avenue and Catharine Road in rural Ellis County, according to a media release from the Ellis County Sheriff.A witness at the scene told deputies that he and the 70-year-old victim were hunting when someone shot a rifle multiple times at a deer decoy that had been placed in the pasture near a waterway. The victim was struck in the face with one of the bullets and was transported to the hospital with a non-life­ threatening injury to the face.After further investigation, deputies arrested an Ellis County man on requested charges of aggravated battery with a weapon and numerous hunting-related violations.The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism is assisting with the investigation.

Kan. man arrested after hunting incident that injured 70-year-old

KANSAS CITY- Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in Kansas City that sent four to the hospital.

Just after 3 p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched on a sound of shots at 4409 South Benton in Kansas City, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

 An argument took place and multiple individuals began shooting at one another. Officers located three gunshot victims with serious but non-life threatening wounds who were transported to area hospitals. An additional subject involved arrived at an area hospital shortly after.

Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

KANSAS CITY- Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in Kansas City that sent four to the hospital.Just after 3 p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched on a sound of shots at 4409 South Benton in Kansas City, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. An argument took place and multiple individuals began shooting at one another. Officers located three gunshot victims with serious but non-life threatening wounds who were transported to area hospitals. An additional subject involved arrived at an area hospital shortly after.Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Police: 4 injured after argument led to gun fight at KC home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a porch theft from a home in Maize made an arrest last week.

&nbsp;The suspect in this case was identified with the help of private and Flock Cameras, other data sources, and tips from the public, according to a social media from Maize police.&nbsp; Officer also were able to recover the stolen item.

The suspect 65-year-old William Alan Winegarner has along history of crime with over two dozen previous convictions that include burglary, theft, forgery, computer crimes and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

He is now being held in Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of theft, making false information, possession of Methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

 The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for charging consideration.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; an alleged package theft from the&nbsp; porch of a home in the city of Maize.

Just after 2 p.m. Tuesday, the alleged Porch Pirate stole the package from a residence in the Watercress neighborhood, according to a media release from police.

The suspect is described as a white male driving a gold Ford Fusion. If you are a victim of a similar offense involving the same vehicle/suspect or have information as to the identity of the suspect(s) involved in this crime, please contact Maize PD Detective Jeff Piper at 316-425-3356.

Police also reminded that "this type of theft will likely increase with the holiday season upon us. The safest way to ensure receipt of packages is to have them delivered to your workplace or to a secure location such as a UPS or FedEx store. Otherwise, please ensure you or someone is home or available to collect your packages as soon as they are delivered to your doorstep."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698857057811.png" alt="Photo Maize Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Maize Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a porch theft from a home in Maize made an arrest last week.&nbsp;The suspect in this case was identified with the help of private and Flock Cameras, other data sources, and tips from the public, according to a social media from Maize police.&nbsp; Officer also were able to recover the stolen item.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698925105360.png" alt="Winegarner-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Winegarner-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect 65-year-old William Alan Winegarner has along history of crime with over two dozen previous convictions that include burglary, theft, forgery, computer crimes and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.He is now being held in Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of theft, making false information, possession of Methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for charging consideration.&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; an alleged package theft from the&nbsp; porch of a home in the city of Maize.Just after 2 p.m. Tuesday, the alleged Porch Pirate stole the package from a residence in the Watercress neighborhood, according to a media release from police.The suspect is described as a white male driving a gold Ford Fusion. If you are a victim of a similar offense involving the same vehicle/suspect or have information as to the identity of the suspect(s) involved in this crime, please contact Maize PD Detective Jeff Piper at 316-425-3356.Police also reminded that "this type of theft will likely increase with the holiday season upon us. The safest way to ensure receipt of packages is to have them delivered to your workplace or to a secure location such as a UPS or FedEx store. Otherwise, please ensure you or someone is home or available to collect your packages as soon as they are delivered to your doorstep."

Captured Kansas porch pirate has a long history of crime

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in Topeka have a second suspect in custody.

Just before 1:30a.m. October 21, police were dispatched to the 1500 block of SW 21st Street in Topeka reference a possible shooting, according to Topeka Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

&nbsp;Officers located two adult male victims, one with possible life threatening injuries and one with non-life threatening injuries. Both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

During the course of the investigation, police identified 22-year-old Rajhgerio Smith&nbsp; as a suspect. They arrested him on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.

On Friday, the Topeka Police Department asked the public for help in locating Tysuan E. White, 22, Topeka, as a person of interest in this investigation. 

With the public's help. police located and arrested Smith. He is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges&nbsp; of&nbsp; Aggravated Battery.

Police thanked the community for their help.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699193180106.png" alt="White-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>White-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in Topeka have a second suspect in custody.Just before 1:30a.m. October 21, police were dispatched to the 1500 block of SW 21st Street in Topeka reference a possible shooting, according to Topeka Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.&nbsp;Officers located two adult male victims, one with possible life threatening injuries and one with non-life threatening injuries. Both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697942064704.png" alt="Smith-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the course of the investigation, police identified 22-year-old Rajhgerio Smith&nbsp; as a suspect. They arrested him on requested charges of Aggravated Battery.On Friday, the Topeka Police Department asked the public for help in locating Tysuan E. White, 22, Topeka, as a person of interest in this investigation. With the public's help. police located and arrested Smith. He is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges&nbsp; of&nbsp; Aggravated Battery.Police thanked the community for their help.

Community helps police capture Kansas shooting suspect

WICHITA – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699060632838.png" alt="Carlson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Carlson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography.According to court documents, Eric Caleb Carlson, 43, of Wichita admits to downloading and receiving videos and images depicting prepubescent children subjected to sex acts, according to the United State's Attorney.In June 2023, Synchronoss Technologies submitted two reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding files uploaded to its cloud-based backup service containing child sexual abuse/exploitation material. Law enforcement investigators linked the account to Eric Carlson based on evidence including a photograph of Carlson’s driver’s license, a selfie of Carlson, and photographs taken at Wichita Unified School District 259, where Carlson formerly worked in the IT division.Carlson was arrested at the USD 259 office (his now former place of employment), and his phone was seized. A search of his phone revealed numerous images and videos of child sex abuse material located in a password protected private folder.Carlson also had the Onion Router (“Tor”) on his device, which is a free and open source software for enabling anonymous communications and access to the dark web. Investigators reviewed Carlson’s Tor browser history and found cached darknet webpages he had visited that offered access to child exploitation materials. In July 2023, Carlson downloaded and received a zip file from the dark web containing child sex abuse material. Carlson is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC)