SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — An American soldier facing military disciplinary actions fled across the heavily armed border from South Korea into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/north-korea">North Korea</a>, U.S. officials said Tuesday, becoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-north-korea-border-entry-4456952c66626ea2d5a04578d4e7bb31">the first American detained in the North in nearly five years</a>.

Two U.S. officials said the soldier detained was Private 2nd Class Travis King, who had just been released from a South Korean prison where he'd been held on assault charges and was facing additional military disciplinary actions in the United States.

King, who's in his early 20s, was escorted to the airport to be returned to Fort Bliss, Texas, but instead of getting on the plane he left and joined a tour of the Korean border village of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/panmunjom">Panmunjom</a>, where he ran across the border, the officials said on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter ahead of a public announcement.

Details about King, including his hometown and what additional charges he faced, were not immediately available. It was also unclear how he managed to leave the airport while he was being escorted.

The American-led U.N. Command said he is believed to be in North Korean custody and the command is working with its North Korean counterparts to resolve the incident. North Korea’s state media didn’t immediately report on the border crossing.

Cases of Americans or South Koreans defecting to North Korea are rare, though more than 30,000 North Koreans have fled to South Korea to avoid political oppression and economic difficulties since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.

Panmunjom, located inside the 248-kilometer (154-mile) -long Demilitarized Zone, has been jointly overseen by the U.N. Command and North Korea since its creation at the close of the Korean War. Bloodshed and gunfire have occasionally occurred there, but it has also been a venue for numerous talks and is a popular tourist spot.

Known for its blue huts straddling concrete slabs that form&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-north-korea-border-entry-4456952c66626ea2d5a04578d4e7bb31">the demarcation line</a>, Panmunjom draws visitors from both sides who want to see the Cold War’s last frontier. No civilians live at Panmunjom. In the past, North and South Korean soldiers faced off within meters (yards) of each other.

Tours to the southern side of the village reportedly drew around 100,000 visitors a year before the coronavirus pandemic, when South Korea restricted gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19. The tours resumed fully last year. During a short-lived period of inter-Korean engagement in 2018, Panmunjom was one of the border sites that underwent mine-clearing operations by North and South Korean army engineers as the Koreas vowed to turn the village into a “peace zone” where tourists from both sides could move around with more freedom.

In November 2017,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5deb0391ceac48558036db10c9208bef">North Korean soldiers fired 40 rounds</a>&nbsp;as one of their colleagues raced toward the South. The soldier was hit five times before he was found beneath a pile of leaves on the southern side of Panmunjom. He survived and is now in South Korea.

The most famous incident at Panmunjom happened in August 1976, when two American army officers were killed by ax-wielding North Korean soldiers. The U.S. officers had been sent to trim a 40-foot (12-meter) tree that obstructed the view from a checkpoint. The attack prompted Washington to fly nuclear-capable B-52 bombers toward the DMZ to intimidate North Korea.

Panmunjom also is where the armistice that ended the Korean War was signed. That armistice has yet to be replaced with a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula technically in a state of war. The United States still stations about 28,000 troops in South Korea.

There have been a small number of U.S. soldiers who went to North Korea during the Cold War, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab3ea3fb4dc84f5e8233afffdec449ab">Charles Jenkins</a>, who deserted his army post in South Korea in 1965 and fled across the DMZ. He appeared in North Korean propaganda films and married a Japanese nursing student who had been abducted from Japan by North Korean agents. He died in Japan in 2017.

But in recent years, some American civilians have been arrested in North Korea after allegedly entering the country from China. They were later convicted of espionage, subversion and other anti-state acts, but were often released after the U.S. sent high-profile missions to secure their freedom.

In May 2018, North Korea released&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4b7802fb42934d18b31c000f4c99c04e">three American detainees</a>&nbsp;-– Kim Dong Chul, Tony Kim and Kim Hak Song -– who returned to the United States on a plane with then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a short-lived period of warm relations between the longtime adversaries. Later in 2018, North Korea said it expelled American Bruce Byron Lowrance. Since his ouster, there have been no reports of other Americans detained in North Korea before Tuesday’s incident.

The 2018 releases came as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was engaged in nuclear diplomacy with then-President Donald Trump. The high-stakes diplomacy collapsed in 2019 amid wrangling over U.S.-led sanctions on North Korea.

Their freedoms were a striking contrast to the fate of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/otto-warmbier-united-states-new-york-ohio-north-korea-ff3163f4d9916e4f8c9cfb74bbfba381">Otto Warmbier</a>, an American university student who died in 2017 days after he was released by North Korea in a coma after 17 months in captivity. Warmbier and other previous American detainees in North Korea were imprisoned over a variety of alleged crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying.

The United States, South Korea and others have accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt were coerced while in North Korean custody.

Tuesday's border crossing happened amid high tensions over North Korea's barrage of missile tests since the start of last year. A U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-us-north-korea-nuclear-0c6a71344452d5b12420c13fd66a5a1f">nuclear-armed submarine visited South Korea</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday for the first time in four decades in deterrence against North Korea.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689700325324.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — An American soldier facing military disciplinary actions fled across the heavily armed border from South Korea into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/north-korea">North Korea</a>, U.S. officials said Tuesday, becoming&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-north-korea-border-entry-4456952c66626ea2d5a04578d4e7bb31">the first American detained in the North in nearly five years</a>.Two U.S. officials said the soldier detained was Private 2nd Class Travis King, who had just been released from a South Korean prison where he'd been held on assault charges and was facing additional military disciplinary actions in the United States.King, who's in his early 20s, was escorted to the airport to be returned to Fort Bliss, Texas, but instead of getting on the plane he left and joined a tour of the Korean border village of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/panmunjom">Panmunjom</a>, where he ran across the border, the officials said on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter ahead of a public announcement.Details about King, including his hometown and what additional charges he faced, were not immediately available. It was also unclear how he managed to leave the airport while he was being escorted.The American-led U.N. Command said he is believed to be in North Korean custody and the command is working with its North Korean counterparts to resolve the incident. North Korea’s state media didn’t immediately report on the border crossing.Cases of Americans or South Koreans defecting to North Korea are rare, though more than 30,000 North Koreans have fled to South Korea to avoid political oppression and economic difficulties since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.Panmunjom, located inside the 248-kilometer (154-mile) -long Demilitarized Zone, has been jointly overseen by the U.N. Command and North Korea since its creation at the close of the Korean War. Bloodshed and gunfire have occasionally occurred there, but it has also been a venue for numerous talks and is a popular tourist spot.Known for its blue huts straddling concrete slabs that form&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-north-korea-border-entry-4456952c66626ea2d5a04578d4e7bb31">the demarcation line</a>, Panmunjom draws visitors from both sides who want to see the Cold War’s last frontier. No civilians live at Panmunjom. In the past, North and South Korean soldiers faced off within meters (yards) of each other.Tours to the southern side of the village reportedly drew around 100,000 visitors a year before the coronavirus pandemic, when South Korea restricted gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19. The tours resumed fully last year. During a short-lived period of inter-Korean engagement in 2018, Panmunjom was one of the border sites that underwent mine-clearing operations by North and South Korean army engineers as the Koreas vowed to turn the village into a “peace zone” where tourists from both sides could move around with more freedom.In November 2017,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5deb0391ceac48558036db10c9208bef">North Korean soldiers fired 40 rounds</a>&nbsp;as one of their colleagues raced toward the South. The soldier was hit five times before he was found beneath a pile of leaves on the southern side of Panmunjom. He survived and is now in South Korea.The most famous incident at Panmunjom happened in August 1976, when two American army officers were killed by ax-wielding North Korean soldiers. The U.S. officers had been sent to trim a 40-foot (12-meter) tree that obstructed the view from a checkpoint. The attack prompted Washington to fly nuclear-capable B-52 bombers toward the DMZ to intimidate North Korea.Panmunjom also is where the armistice that ended the Korean War was signed. That armistice has yet to be replaced with a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula technically in a state of war. The United States still stations about 28,000 troops in South Korea.There have been a small number of U.S. soldiers who went to North Korea during the Cold War, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ab3ea3fb4dc84f5e8233afffdec449ab">Charles Jenkins</a>, who deserted his army post in South Korea in 1965 and fled across the DMZ. He appeared in North Korean propaganda films and married a Japanese nursing student who had been abducted from Japan by North Korean agents. He died in Japan in 2017.But in recent years, some American civilians have been arrested in North Korea after allegedly entering the country from China. They were later convicted of espionage, subversion and other anti-state acts, but were often released after the U.S. sent high-profile missions to secure their freedom.In May 2018, North Korea released&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4b7802fb42934d18b31c000f4c99c04e">three American detainees</a>&nbsp;-– Kim Dong Chul, Tony Kim and Kim Hak Song -– who returned to the United States on a plane with then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a short-lived period of warm relations between the longtime adversaries. Later in 2018, North Korea said it expelled American Bruce Byron Lowrance. Since his ouster, there have been no reports of other Americans detained in North Korea before Tuesday’s incident.The 2018 releases came as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was engaged in nuclear diplomacy with then-President Donald Trump. The high-stakes diplomacy collapsed in 2019 amid wrangling over U.S.-led sanctions on North Korea.Their freedoms were a striking contrast to the fate of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/otto-warmbier-united-states-new-york-ohio-north-korea-ff3163f4d9916e4f8c9cfb74bbfba381">Otto Warmbier</a>, an American university student who died in 2017 days after he was released by North Korea in a coma after 17 months in captivity. Warmbier and other previous American detainees in North Korea were imprisoned over a variety of alleged crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying.The United States, South Korea and others have accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt were coerced while in North Korean custody.Tuesday's border crossing happened amid high tensions over North Korea's barrage of missile tests since the start of last year. A U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-us-north-korea-nuclear-0c6a71344452d5b12420c13fd66a5a1f">nuclear-armed submarine visited South Korea</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday for the first time in four decades in deterrence against North Korea.

Why U.S. soldier crossed into North Korea ‘willfully, without authorization

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday that he has received a letter informing him that he is a target of the Justice Department's investigation into efforts to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election, an indication that he could soon be indicted by federal prosecutors.

Trump made the claim in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying he received the target letter while with his family on Sunday night. Such a letter can precede an indictment and is used to advise individuals that prosecutors have evidence linking them to a crime; Trump received one ahead of being charged last month in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-judge-cannon-b4e51c8a2721cdf15d1b0cfaf02dcdd3">separate investigation into the mishandling of classified documents.</a>

A spokesman for special counsel Jack Smith, whose office is leading the investigation, declined to comment.

Smith's team has cast a broad net in its investigation into attempts by Trump and his allies to block the legitimate transfer of power to Democrat Joe Biden in the days leading up to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol,</a>&nbsp;when Trump loyalists stormed the building in a bid to disrupt the certification of electoral votes in Congress. More than 1,000 people accused of participating in the riot have been charged.

Smith's probe has centered on a broad range of schemes from Trump and allies to keep him in power, including the use of slates of so-called fake electors in battleground states won by Biden and disputed by Trump.

Trump, who is currently the dominant early frontrunner for the Republican nomination, is scheduled to travel to Iowa Tuesday, where he is taping a town hall with Fox News host Sean Hannity.

One purpose of the target letter is to advise a potential defendant that he or she has a right to appear before the grand jury. Trump said in his post that he has been given “a very short 4 days to report to the Grand Jury, which almost always means an Arrest and indictment,” but aides did not immediately respond to questions seeking clarity.

Prosecutors in Georgia are conducting a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-grand-jury-election-485ca85e57fd80af7455a59174d10d4f">separate investigation into efforts by Trump</a>&nbsp;to reverse his election loss in that state, with the top prosecutor in Fulton County signaling that she expects to announce charging decisions next month.

In his post, Trump wrote that “they have now effectively indicted me three times.... with a probably fourth coming from Atlanta” and added in capital letters, “This witch hunt is all about election interference and a complete and total (political) weaponization of law enforTrump was indicted last month on 37 felony counts accusing him of illegally retaining hundreds of classified documents at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago. He has pleaded not guilty. A pretrial conference in that case was set for Tuesday in Fort Pierce, Fla.cement!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686700913232.png" alt="&nbsp;One purpose of the target letter is to advise a potential defendant that he or she has a right to appear before the grand jury. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;One purpose of the target letter is to advise a potential defendant that he or she has a right to appear before the grand jury. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday that he has received a letter informing him that he is a target of the Justice Department's investigation into efforts to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election, an indication that he could soon be indicted by federal prosecutors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689691291162.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump made the claim in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying he received the target letter while with his family on Sunday night. Such a letter can precede an indictment and is used to advise individuals that prosecutors have evidence linking them to a crime; Trump received one ahead of being charged last month in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-judge-cannon-b4e51c8a2721cdf15d1b0cfaf02dcdd3">separate investigation into the mishandling of classified documents.</a>A spokesman for special counsel Jack Smith, whose office is leading the investigation, declined to comment.Smith's team has cast a broad net in its investigation into attempts by Trump and his allies to block the legitimate transfer of power to Democrat Joe Biden in the days leading up to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol,</a>&nbsp;when Trump loyalists stormed the building in a bid to disrupt the certification of electoral votes in Congress. More than 1,000 people accused of participating in the riot have been charged.Smith's probe has centered on a broad range of schemes from Trump and allies to keep him in power, including the use of slates of so-called fake electors in battleground states won by Biden and disputed by Trump.Trump, who is currently the dominant early frontrunner for the Republican nomination, is scheduled to travel to Iowa Tuesday, where he is taping a town hall with Fox News host Sean Hannity.One purpose of the target letter is to advise a potential defendant that he or she has a right to appear before the grand jury. Trump said in his post that he has been given “a very short 4 days to report to the Grand Jury, which almost always means an Arrest and indictment,” but aides did not immediately respond to questions seeking clarity.Prosecutors in Georgia are conducting a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-grand-jury-election-485ca85e57fd80af7455a59174d10d4f">separate investigation into efforts by Trump</a>&nbsp;to reverse his election loss in that state, with the top prosecutor in Fulton County signaling that she expects to announce charging decisions next month.In his post, Trump wrote that “they have now effectively indicted me three times.... with a probably fourth coming from Atlanta” and added in capital letters, “This witch hunt is all about election interference and a complete and total (political) weaponization of law enforTrump was indicted last month on 37 felony counts accusing him of illegally retaining hundreds of classified documents at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago. He has pleaded not guilty. A pretrial conference in that case was set for Tuesday in Fort Pierce, Fla.cement!”

Read Trump's statement on expected indictment for 1/6

SEDGWICK COUNTY- A man is going to prison for killing one person and injuring&nbsp; others in September 2020 crash in Wichita.&nbsp;

On July 13, a judge sentenced 27-year-old&nbsp;Gabriel Ortiz to 43 months with 36 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. 

In May, Ortiz&nbsp; pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp;

On Jan. 25, 2021 , members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested&nbsp; Ortiz at the San Diego, California County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail to face charges in the crash, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV driven by Ortiz crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.&nbsp;

The passenger in the van, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision.&nbsp; Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643215327769.png" alt="Ortiz-photo Sedgwick&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ortiz-photo Sedgwick&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY- A man is going to prison for killing one person and injuring&nbsp; others in September 2020 crash in Wichita.&nbsp;On July 13, a judge sentenced 27-year-old&nbsp;Gabriel Ortiz to 43 months with 36 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In May, Ortiz&nbsp; pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery.&nbsp;On Jan. 25, 2021 , members of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office extradition unit arrested&nbsp; Ortiz at the San Diego, California County Jail and transported him to the Sedgwick County Jail to face charges in the crash, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.On September 5, 2020, an Infinity Q50 SUV driven by Ortiz crossed the centerline of the roadway at 5600 W MacArthur and struck a Toyota Sienna van head-on.&nbsp;The passenger in the van, 55-year-old Sonia Lopez of Wichita, died from injuries sustained during the collision.&nbsp; Two passengers in the Infinity and the driver of the Sienna sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Man arrested in California sentenced for fatal Kansas crash

Manhattan —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

Just after 2p.m. Friday, police arrested&nbsp;Matthew Hinton, 36, of Wichita after officers responded to a call reporting two people engaging in inappropriate behavior in a vehicle at City Park in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

&nbsp;Officers identified Hinton and a 14-year-old girl in the vehicle.

Further investigation led to Hinton’s arrest on requested charges of indecent liberties with a child and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Hinton remains confined in the Riley County Jail with a total bond of $200,000.

Manhattan —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.Just after 2p.m. Friday, police arrested&nbsp;Matthew Hinton, 36, of Wichita after officers responded to a call reporting two people engaging in inappropriate behavior in a vehicle at City Park in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.&nbsp;Officers identified Hinton and a 14-year-old girl in the vehicle.Further investigation led to Hinton’s arrest on requested charges of indecent liberties with a child and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.Hinton remains confined in the Riley County Jail with a total bond of $200,000.

RCPD: Kansas man accused of sex crimes involving 14-year-old

CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating vandalism at the city park in Concordia are offering a $200 reward for information that leads to an arrest and prosecution.

On Friday, police responded to report of damage at the park in the 300 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia and including the swimming pool and pickle ball courts, according to Police Chief Brent Gering.

The damage prevented the community from using the pool and courts over the weekend and resulted in costly repairs to buildings and equipment, lost wages to seasonal employees and lost revenue to the city.

Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689547541085.png" alt="Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police. Google image" />
 <figcaption>Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police. Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating vandalism at the city park in Concordia are offering a $200 reward for information that leads to an arrest and prosecution.On Friday, police responded to report of damage at the park in the 300 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia and including the swimming pool and pickle ball courts, according to Police Chief Brent Gering.The damage prevented the community from using the pool and courts over the weekend and resulted in costly repairs to buildings and equipment, lost wages to seasonal employees and lost revenue to the city.Anyone with information on the vandalism, contact Concordia Police.

Reward offered after city pool, pickle ball courts vandalized 

NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are praising the work of a K-9 officer after recent arrests.

On July 11, Kansas Game Warden Sievert and Game Warden Austin were on patrol when Kansas Highway Patrol initiated a vehicle pursuit ending in rural Neosho County, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens.

KHP and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office requested a Wildlife and Parks K-9 after both suspects ran on foot into the brush. On deployment, K-9 Apollo went into tracking profile, leading the officers across the field and into the brush where both suspects were laying in tall grass.

 Later, on an area search, Apollo located the suspect's phone and knife. 

Both individuals were arrested and booked into the Neosho County jail, and several charges were filed in Neosho and Montgomery counties.

On the morning of July 7, Game Warden Sievert and K-9 Apollo were requested following the conclusion of a vehicle pursuit with a convicted felon initiated by the Parsons Police Department. 

Once the suspect was in custody, police and Labette County Sheriff’s Office believed parts of a firearm had been discarded out in the tall grass on the side of the Highway to hide evidence. 

Upon deployment, Apollo made quick work of the road ditch, alerting on the components of the firearm that were thrown further down the highway.Apollo was rewarded with his Kong toy and a Pup Cup.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689366111369.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are praising the work of a K-9 officer after recent arrests.On July 11, Kansas Game Warden Sievert and Game Warden Austin were on patrol when Kansas Highway Patrol initiated a vehicle pursuit ending in rural Neosho County, according to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens.KHP and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office requested a Wildlife and Parks K-9 after both suspects ran on foot into the brush. On deployment, K-9 Apollo went into tracking profile, leading the officers across the field and into the brush where both suspects were laying in tall grass. Later, on an area search, Apollo located the suspect's phone and knife. Both individuals were arrested and booked into the Neosho County jail, and several charges were filed in Neosho and Montgomery counties.On the morning of July 7, Game Warden Sievert and K-9 Apollo were requested following the conclusion of a vehicle pursuit with a convicted felon initiated by the Parsons Police Department. Once the suspect was in custody, police and Labette County Sheriff’s Office believed parts of a firearm had been discarded out in the tall grass on the side of the Highway to hide evidence. Upon deployment, Apollo made quick work of the road ditch, alerting on the components of the firearm that were thrown further down the highway.Apollo was rewarded with his Kong toy and a Pup Cup.

Kan. game warden's K-9 helps capture suspects, evidence

By STEFANIE DAZIO and LARRY FENN Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Slain at the hands of strangers or gunned down by loved ones. Massacred in small towns, in big cities, inside their own homes or outside in broad daylight. This year's unrelenting bloodshed across the U.S. has led to the grimmest of milestones: The deadliest six months of mass killings recorded since at least 2006.

From Jan. 1 to June 30, the nation endured 28 mass killings, all but one of which involved guns. The death toll rose just about every week, a constant cycle of violence and grief.

Six months. 181 days. 28 mass killings. 140 victims. One country.

"What a ghastly milestone," said Brent Leatherwood, whose three children were in class at a private Christian school in Nashville on March 27 when a former student killed three children and three adults. "You never think your family would be a part of a statistic like that."

Leatherwood, a prominent Republican in a state that hasn't strengthened gun laws, believes something must be done to get guns out of the hands of people who might become violent. The shock of seeing the bloodshed strike so close to home has prompted him to speak out.

"You may as well say Martians have landed, right? It's hard to wrap your mind around it," he said.

A mass killing is defined as an occurrence when four or more people are slain, not including the assailant, within a 24-hour period. A database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University tracks this large-scale violence dating back to 2006.

The 2023 milestone beat the previous record of 27 mass killings, which was only set in the second half of 2022. James Alan Fox, a criminology professor at Northeastern University, never imagined records like this when he began overseeing the database about five years ago.

"We used to say there were two to three dozen a year," Fox said. "The fact that there's 28 in half a year is a staggering statistic."

But the chaos of the first six months of 2023 doesn't automatically doom the last six months. The remainder of the year could be calmer, despite more violence over the July Fourthholiday weekend.

"Hopefully it was just a blip," said Dr. Amy Barnhorst, a psychiatrist who is the associate director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis.

"There could be fewer killings later in 2023, or this could be part of a trend. But we won't know for sometime," she added.

Experts like Barnhorst and Fox attribute the rising bloodshed to a growing population with an increased number of guns in the U.S. Yet for all the headlines, mass killings are statistically rare and represent a fraction of the country's overall gun violence.

"We need to keep it in perspective," Fox said.

But the mass violence most often spurs attempts to reform gun laws, even if the efforts are not always successful.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, had urged the General Assembly in the wake of the Nashville school shooting to pass legislation keeping firearms away from people who could harm themselves or others, so-called "red flag laws," though Lee says the term is politically toxic.

Getting such a measure passed in Tennessee is an uphill climb. The Republican-led Legislature adjourned earlier this year without taking on gun control, prompting Lee to schedule a special session for August.

Leatherwood, a former executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party and now the head of the influential Southern Baptist Convention's public policy arm, wrote a letter to lawmakers asking them to pass the governor's proposal.

Leatherwood said he doesn't want any other family to go through what his children experienced at the time of the shooting when they were in kindergarten, second grade and fourth grade. One of his kids, preparing for a recent sleepaway camp, asked whether they would be safe there.

"Our child was asking, 'Do you think that there will be a gunman that comes to this camp? Do I need to be worried about that?'" Leatherwood said.

The Nashville shooter, whose writings Leatherwood and other parents are asking a court to keep private, used three guns in the attack, including an AR-15-style rifle. It was one of at least four mass killings in the first half of 2023 involving such a weapon, according to the database.

Nearly all of the mass killings in the first half of this year, 27 of 28, involved guns. The other was a fire that killed four people in a home in Monroe, Louisiana. A 37-year-old man was arrested on arson and murder charges in connection with the March 31 deaths.

Despite the unprecedented carnage, the National Rifle Association maintains fierce opposition to regulating firearms, including AR-15-style rifles and similar weapons.

"Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' constant efforts to gut the Second Amendment will not usher in safety for Americans; instead, it will only embolden criminals," NRA spokesman Billy McLaughlin said in a statement. "That is why the NRA continues our fight for self-defense laws. Rest assured, we will never bow, we will never retreat, and we will never apologize for championing the self-defense rights of law-abiding Americans."

Tito Anchondo's brother, Andre Anchondo, was among 23 people killed in a 2019 mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. The gunman was sentenced last week to 90 consecutive life sentences but could face more punishment, including the death penalty. The prosecution of the racist attack on Hispanic shoppers in the border city was one of the U.S. government's largest hate crime cases.

Andre Anchondo and his wife, Jordan, died shielding their 2-month-old son from bullets. Paul, who escaped with just broken bones, is now 4 years old.

Tito Anchondo said he feels like the country has forgotten about the El Paso victims in the years since and that not nearly enough has been done to stem the bloodshed. He worries about Paul's future.

"I hope that things can drastically change because this country is going down a very, very slippery slope; a downward spiral," he said. "It's just a little unnerving to know that he's eventually going to go to school with kids that also may bring a gun to school."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687710602889.png" alt="KC Police on the scene of&nbsp; the mass shooting at&nbsp; an after hours club near 57th and Prospect Avenue June 26-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>KC Police on the scene of&nbsp; the mass shooting at&nbsp; an after hours club near 57th and Prospect Avenue June 26-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEFANIE DAZIO and LARRY FENN Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Slain at the hands of strangers or gunned down by loved ones. Massacred in small towns, in big cities, inside their own homes or outside in broad daylight. This year's unrelenting bloodshed across the U.S. has led to the grimmest of milestones: The deadliest six months of mass killings recorded since at least 2006.From Jan. 1 to June 30, the nation endured 28 mass killings, all but one of which involved guns. The death toll rose just about every week, a constant cycle of violence and grief.Six months. 181 days. 28 mass killings. 140 victims. One country."What a ghastly milestone," said Brent Leatherwood, whose three children were in class at a private Christian school in Nashville on March 27 when a former student killed three children and three adults. "You never think your family would be a part of a statistic like that."Leatherwood, a prominent Republican in a state that hasn't strengthened gun laws, believes something must be done to get guns out of the hands of people who might become violent. The shock of seeing the bloodshed strike so close to home has prompted him to speak out."You may as well say Martians have landed, right? It's hard to wrap your mind around it," he said.A mass killing is defined as an occurrence when four or more people are slain, not including the assailant, within a 24-hour period. A database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University tracks this large-scale violence dating back to 2006.The 2023 milestone beat the previous record of 27 mass killings, which was only set in the second half of 2022. James Alan Fox, a criminology professor at Northeastern University, never imagined records like this when he began overseeing the database about five years ago."We used to say there were two to three dozen a year," Fox said. "The fact that there's 28 in half a year is a staggering statistic."But the chaos of the first six months of 2023 doesn't automatically doom the last six months. The remainder of the year could be calmer, despite more violence over the July Fourthholiday weekend."Hopefully it was just a blip," said Dr. Amy Barnhorst, a psychiatrist who is the associate director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis."There could be fewer killings later in 2023, or this could be part of a trend. But we won't know for sometime," she added.Experts like Barnhorst and Fox attribute the rising bloodshed to a growing population with an increased number of guns in the U.S. Yet for all the headlines, mass killings are statistically rare and represent a fraction of the country's overall gun violence."We need to keep it in perspective," Fox said.But the mass violence most often spurs attempts to reform gun laws, even if the efforts are not always successful.Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, had urged the General Assembly in the wake of the Nashville school shooting to pass legislation keeping firearms away from people who could harm themselves or others, so-called "red flag laws," though Lee says the term is politically toxic.Getting such a measure passed in Tennessee is an uphill climb. The Republican-led Legislature adjourned earlier this year without taking on gun control, prompting Lee to schedule a special session for August.Leatherwood, a former executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party and now the head of the influential Southern Baptist Convention's public policy arm, wrote a letter to lawmakers asking them to pass the governor's proposal.Leatherwood said he doesn't want any other family to go through what his children experienced at the time of the shooting when they were in kindergarten, second grade and fourth grade. One of his kids, preparing for a recent sleepaway camp, asked whether they would be safe there."Our child was asking, 'Do you think that there will be a gunman that comes to this camp? Do I need to be worried about that?'" Leatherwood said.The Nashville shooter, whose writings Leatherwood and other parents are asking a court to keep private, used three guns in the attack, including an AR-15-style rifle. It was one of at least four mass killings in the first half of 2023 involving such a weapon, according to the database.Nearly all of the mass killings in the first half of this year, 27 of 28, involved guns. The other was a fire that killed four people in a home in Monroe, Louisiana. A 37-year-old man was arrested on arson and murder charges in connection with the March 31 deaths.Despite the unprecedented carnage, the National Rifle Association maintains fierce opposition to regulating firearms, including AR-15-style rifles and similar weapons."Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' constant efforts to gut the Second Amendment will not usher in safety for Americans; instead, it will only embolden criminals," NRA spokesman Billy McLaughlin said in a statement. "That is why the NRA continues our fight for self-defense laws. Rest assured, we will never bow, we will never retreat, and we will never apologize for championing the self-defense rights of law-abiding Americans."Tito Anchondo's brother, Andre Anchondo, was among 23 people killed in a 2019 mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. The gunman was sentenced last week to 90 consecutive life sentences but could face more punishment, including the death penalty. The prosecution of the racist attack on Hispanic shoppers in the border city was one of the U.S. government's largest hate crime cases.Andre Anchondo and his wife, Jordan, died shielding their 2-month-old son from bullets. Paul, who escaped with just broken bones, is now 4 years old.Tito Anchondo said he feels like the country has forgotten about the El Paso victims in the years since and that not nearly enough has been done to stem the bloodshed. He worries about Paul's future."I hope that things can drastically change because this country is going down a very, very slippery slope; a downward spiral," he said. "It's just a little unnerving to know that he's eventually going to go to school with kids that also may bring a gun to school."___Dazio reported from Los Angeles.

Grim milestone: New U.S. record for deadliest 6 months of mass killings

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an armed robbery&nbsp; that occurred at the Flying J, 2250 North Ohio in Salina on April 9, have made an arrest.

During the incident, a masked suspect displayed a handgun and demanded money from the clerk.

According to&nbsp;Salina Police Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, on Thursday, detectives arrested 41-year-old Michael Hamen and 24-year-old Destany Dirksen both Salina on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery in this case.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688220057772.jpeg" alt="Hamen-Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Hamen-Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an armed robbery&nbsp; that occurred at the Flying J, 2250 North Ohio in Salina on April 9, have made an arrest.During the incident, a masked suspect displayed a handgun and demanded money from the clerk.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689335129661.png" alt="Dirksen photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Dirksen photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to&nbsp;Salina Police Sergeant Kyle Tonniges, on Thursday, detectives arrested 41-year-old Michael Hamen and 24-year-old Destany Dirksen both Salina on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery in this case.&nbsp;

Police capture suspects wanted for Kan. armed robbery

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.

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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/2023/7/1689358982183.jpeg" alt="Adrian Michael Board, Theft-All Other; Criminal trespass; Theft &lt;$1500 from building; Arrested 07/13/2023" />
 <figcaption>Adrian Michael Board, Theft-All Other; Criminal trespass; Theft &lt;$1500 from building; Arrested 07/13/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689359185281.jpeg" alt="Latoya Annie Chism, Failure to appear; Maintaining a public nuisance; Arrested 07/13/2023" />
 <figcaption>Latoya Annie Chism, Failure to appear; Maintaining a public nuisance; Arrested 07/13/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689359705228.jpeg" alt="Janese Lynae Duncan, Failure to appear; Arrested 07/13/2023" />
 <figcaption>Janese Lynae Duncan, Failure to appear; Arrested 07/13/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689359978581.jpeg" alt="Jonathan Michael Sample, Probation Violation; Arrested 07/13/2023" />
 <figcaption>Jonathan Michael Sample, Probation Violation; Arrested 07/13/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689360116900.jpeg" alt="Marquez Maurice Depray Thomas, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Distribute opiate/narcotic/certain stim/heroin; 100 gram- &lt;1kilo in 1000' school; Distribute or poss w/int to distribute drug paraph for illegal use; Unlawful to transfer proceeds derived from drugs; Value $5,000 - $100,000; Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance; Criminal use of weapons; Firearm to person addicted to and using controlled substance; Criminal use of weapons; Shotgun barrel &lt; 18" or automatic trigger; Arrested 07/13/2023" />
 <figcaption>Marquez Maurice Depray Thomas, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Distribute opiate/narcotic/certain stim/heroin; 100 gram- &lt;1kilo in 1000' school; Distribute or poss w/int to distribute drug paraph for illegal use; Unlawful to transfer proceeds derived from drugs; Value $5,000 - $100,000; Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance; Criminal use of weapons; Firearm to person addicted to and using controlled substance; Criminal use of weapons; Shotgun barrel &lt; 18" or automatic trigger; Arrested 07/13/2023</figcaption>
 </figure>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos July 14

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 2, mass shooting at the City Nightz Club in Wichita's Old Town have charged a third suspect.

On Thursday,&nbsp; 23-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita was charged with attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a city, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Thomas was the fourth suspect arrested from this incident. Five days ago police asked the public for help to locate him. Police took him into custody Wednesday.

On Tuesday prosecutors charged 19-year-old Ameir King-Ingram and&nbsp;27-year-old John D. Houze&nbsp; with aggravated battery, 6 counts of aggravated assault, 3 counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a city, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp; 

All three suspects are being held on bonds of $500,000 and are due back in court July 24.

A Missouri man arrested in the case was not charged after the district attorney determined he was acting in self defense.

Just before 1a.m. July 2, police responded to the club in the 200 Block of North Washington, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.

The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.

The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later Sunday.

On Tuesday King-Ingram was charged with aggravated battery, 6 counts of aggravated assault, 3 counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a city, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney. \  His bond is $500,000.&nbsp;

Houze was charged on Tuesday with 6 counts of aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a city. His bond is $500,000. King-ingram and Houze are due back in court July 24.

The facts of Thomas’ involvement will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for a charging decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689162087966.png" alt="Thomas-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 2, mass shooting at the City Nightz Club in Wichita's Old Town have charged a third suspect.On Thursday,&nbsp; 23-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita was charged with attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a city, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Thomas was the fourth suspect arrested from this incident. Five days ago police asked the public for help to locate him. Police took him into custody Wednesday.On Tuesday prosecutors charged 19-year-old Ameir King-Ingram and&nbsp;27-year-old John D. Houze&nbsp; with aggravated battery, 6 counts of aggravated assault, 3 counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a city, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp; All three suspects are being held on bonds of $500,000 and are due back in court July 24.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688300318332.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation July 2, -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation July 2, -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>A Missouri man arrested in the case was not charged after the district attorney determined he was acting in self defense.Just before 1a.m. July 2, police responded to the club in the 200 Block of North Washington, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later Sunday.On Tuesday King-Ingram was charged with aggravated battery, 6 counts of aggravated assault, 3 counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a city, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney. \ His bond is $500,000.&nbsp;Houze was charged on Tuesday with 6 counts of aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a city. His bond is $500,000. King-ingram and Houze are due back in court July 24.The facts of Thomas’ involvement will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for a charging decision.

Third suspect charged in Kansas  mass shooting

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a man whose body was found near the Kansas River in Lawrence have made an arrest.

Just after 7:00 p.m. Thursday, officers located 34-year-old Chadwick Potter who was wanted for questioning in reference to the homicide discovered near 6th&nbsp;and Vermont on July 12, according to Police Sgt. Drew Fennelly.

Officers on patrol located Potter behind a building near 19th&nbsp;and Massachusetts Street. He is being held at the Douglas County Correctional Facility on a requested charge of first degree murder.&nbsp;

The victim 62-year-old David Sullivan, was found dead near 6th&nbsp;and Vermont, near the Kansas River Wednesday morning, and appeared to have suffered traumatic injuries after being struck with a blunt object.&nbsp;

Police will submit the case to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a man whose body was found near the Kansas River in Lawrence have made an arrest.Just after 7:00 p.m. Thursday, officers located 34-year-old Chadwick Potter who was wanted for questioning in reference to the homicide discovered near 6th&nbsp;and Vermont on July 12, according to Police Sgt. Drew Fennelly.Officers on patrol located Potter behind a building near 19th&nbsp;and Massachusetts Street. He is being held at the Douglas County Correctional Facility on a requested charge of first degree murder.&nbsp;The victim 62-year-old David Sullivan, was found dead near 6th&nbsp;and Vermont, near the Kansas River Wednesday morning, and appeared to have suffered traumatic injuries after being struck with a blunt object.&nbsp;Police will submit the case to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.&nbsp;

Suspect jailed for man's body found near Kansas River

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lisa-marie-presley">Lisa Marie Presley</a>&nbsp;died from complications from bariatric surgery she had several years ago, authorities said Thursday.

The January 12 death at age 54 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-marie-presley-musical-legacy-71d8b763f38c75b389aab331d5cbe468">singer, songwriter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-marie-presley-dies-9fc02552f6f31e270647897a2e4104e9">heir of Elvis Presley</a>&nbsp;was ruled as being from natural causes due to effects of a small bowel obstruction.

Additional details about what caused Presley's death were included in an autopsy report released Thursday afternoon by the office of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.

The report says the complication that Presley experienced is a common complication from bariatric surgery, which is a weight loss procedure. The Mayo Clinic says it is often done when other weight loss methods haven't worked or if a person has a serious medical condition.

Presley died at a Los Angeles hospital, where she had been rushed by paramedics responding to a 911 call of a woman in cardiac arrest at her home. No indication was made public at the time of what may have caused the medical issue.

The autopsy report said she had been complaining of stomach pain earlier in the day.

She was buried at a Jan. 22&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/celebrity-lisa-marie-presley-memphis-b1b049e9ce7796830f48623fd173b9e2">funeral at Graceland</a>, the home where she lived with her father as a child that has become a museum, tourist attraction and shrine for Elvis fans.

Presley left behind three daughters, 34-year-old “Daisy Jones &amp; the Six” actor Riley Keough and 15-year-old twins Harper and Finley Lockwood. A son, Benjamin Keough, died in 2020.

In the immediate aftermath of her death, it appeared that a major legal fight would ensue over Presley's estate. Four days after her funeral, her mother,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-lisa-marie-presley-priscilla-riley-keough-los-angeles-0efc14c3329239fe2f2f143fe34966d8">Priscilla Presley, filed court documents</a>&nbsp;disputing a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie Presley's living trust that removed Priscilla Presley and a former business manager as trustees and replaced them with her two eldest children.

But Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough – who is now acting as sole trustee – agreed to a settlement in May.

Riley Keough was nominated for her first Emmy on Wednesday, for best actress in a limited series or TV movie for “Daisy Jones &amp; the Six.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674489309670.png" alt="More than a thousand people gathered on the front lawn of Graceland on a gray, chilly Memphis morning to mourn the death and remember the life of Lisa Marie Presley, who died Jan. 12 after she was taken to a hospital in California. photo by John Amis, Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>More than a thousand people gathered on the front lawn of Graceland on a gray, chilly Memphis morning to mourn the death and remember the life of Lisa Marie Presley, who died Jan. 12 after she was taken to a hospital in California. photo by John Amis, Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lisa-marie-presley">Lisa Marie Presley</a>&nbsp;died from complications from bariatric surgery she had several years ago, authorities said Thursday.The January 12 death at age 54 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-marie-presley-musical-legacy-71d8b763f38c75b389aab331d5cbe468">singer, songwriter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-marie-presley-dies-9fc02552f6f31e270647897a2e4104e9">heir of Elvis Presley</a>&nbsp;was ruled as being from natural causes due to effects of a small bowel obstruction.Additional details about what caused Presley's death were included in an autopsy report released Thursday afternoon by the office of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.The report says the complication that Presley experienced is a common complication from bariatric surgery, which is a weight loss procedure. The Mayo Clinic says it is often done when other weight loss methods haven't worked or if a person has a serious medical condition.Presley died at a Los Angeles hospital, where she had been rushed by paramedics responding to a 911 call of a woman in cardiac arrest at her home. No indication was made public at the time of what may have caused the medical issue.The autopsy report said she had been complaining of stomach pain earlier in the day.She was buried at a Jan. 22&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/celebrity-lisa-marie-presley-memphis-b1b049e9ce7796830f48623fd173b9e2">funeral at Graceland</a>, the home where she lived with her father as a child that has become a museum, tourist attraction and shrine for Elvis fans.Presley left behind three daughters, 34-year-old “Daisy Jones &amp; the Six” actor Riley Keough and 15-year-old twins Harper and Finley Lockwood. A son, Benjamin Keough, died in 2020.In the immediate aftermath of her death, it appeared that a major legal fight would ensue over Presley's estate. Four days after her funeral, her mother,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-lisa-marie-presley-priscilla-riley-keough-los-angeles-0efc14c3329239fe2f2f143fe34966d8">Priscilla Presley, filed court documents</a>&nbsp;disputing a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie Presley's living trust that removed Priscilla Presley and a former business manager as trustees and replaced them with her two eldest children.But Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough – who is now acting as sole trustee – agreed to a settlement in May.Riley Keough was nominated for her first Emmy on Wednesday, for best actress in a limited series or TV movie for “Daisy Jones &amp; the Six.”

Coroner reports on cause of Lisa Marie Presley's death

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in&nbsp;connection to an aggravated burglary that happened earlier in the week.

On July 9, police responded to the north part of Garden City for a reported aggravated burglary, according to a media release.

 Officers learned that 22-year-old Angel Ayala entered a residence without permission and was involved in a physical altercation with a woman known to him before leaving. 

Through further investigation, it was revealed that domestic incidents between Ayala and the victim allegedly occurred. 

On Wednesday, police took Ayala into custody without incident and he is being was held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Stalking, Aggravated Burglary,&nbsp; Aggravated Assault,&nbsp; Domestic Battery,&nbsp; Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Batter and&nbsp; Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness.

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a convicted felon on new charges after an incident in SW Kansas.

Just after 11:30p.m. July 9, officers responded to the north part of Garden City for a reported aggravated burglary, according to a media release.

Officers learned that an individual had entered a residence without permission and left. Through further investigation, it was revealed that 33-year-old James Fernandez followed the the victim in their vehicle and confronted them.

During the altercation, Fernandez allegedly pulled out a handgun and&nbsp; threatened the individual and a passenger and began punching the victim.

The passenger ran from the scene, at which point Fernandez entered the vehicle and forced the victim to drive to their residence. After arriving at the residence, Fernandez allegedly threatened the victim and a third individual before leaving.On July 10,

Police located Fernandez at his residence and arrested him on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, three counts of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Burglary and Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.&nbsp; He remains jailed on a $75,000 bond, according to online jail records

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689209842334.png" alt="Ayala photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Ayala photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in&nbsp;connection to an aggravated burglary that happened earlier in the week.On July 9, police responded to the north part of Garden City for a reported aggravated burglary, according to a media release. Officers learned that 22-year-old Angel Ayala entered a residence without permission and was involved in a physical altercation with a woman known to him before leaving. Through further investigation, it was revealed that domestic incidents between Ayala and the victim allegedly occurred. On Wednesday, police took Ayala into custody without incident and he is being was held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Stalking, Aggravated Burglary,&nbsp; Aggravated Assault,&nbsp; Domestic Battery,&nbsp; Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Batter and&nbsp; Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness.--------------FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a convicted felon on new charges after an incident in SW Kansas.Just after 11:30p.m. July 9, officers responded to the north part of Garden City for a reported aggravated burglary, according to a media release.Officers learned that an individual had entered a residence without permission and left. Through further investigation, it was revealed that 33-year-old James Fernandez followed the the victim in their vehicle and confronted them.During the altercation, Fernandez allegedly pulled out a handgun and&nbsp; threatened the individual and a passenger and began punching the victim.The passenger ran from the scene, at which point Fernandez entered the vehicle and forced the victim to drive to their residence. After arriving at the residence, Fernandez allegedly threatened the victim and a third individual before leaving.On July 10,Police located Fernandez at his residence and arrested him on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, three counts of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Burglary and Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.&nbsp; He remains jailed on a $75,000 bond, according to online jail records

SW Kan. man accused of stalking after incident at woman's home

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/2023/7/1689261340101.jpeg" alt="Gabrielle Breanne Ballenger, Failure to appear x4; Arrested 07/12/2023" />
 <figcaption>Gabrielle Breanne Ballenger, Failure to appear x4; Arrested 07/12/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689261440746.jpeg" alt="Cody Taylor Dodge, Interference with LEO; unknown circumstance; felony; Arrested 07/12/2023" />
 <figcaption>Cody Taylor Dodge, Interference with LEO; unknown circumstance; felony; Arrested 07/12/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689261956581.jpeg" alt="Xander Bryan Dutcher, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Outside warrant; Arrested 07/12/2023" />
 <figcaption>Xander Bryan Dutcher, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Outside warrant; Arrested 07/12/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689262101837.jpeg" alt="Aaron Bidal Tatum, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt; $25,000 Pocket picking" />
 <figcaption>Aaron Bidal Tatum, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt; $25,000 Pocket picking</figcaption>
 </figure>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos July 13

Department of Revenue sought to lift order, extend services to transgender Kansans

By TIM CARPENTER AND SAM BAILEY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Shawnee County District Court judge rejected Wednesday a request by a Kansas Department of Revenue lawyer to lift a temporary restraining order prohibiting the administration of Gov. Laura Kelly from issuing driver’s licenses amended to reflect gender preferences of transgender individuals.

Judge Teresa Watson, who conducted a technology-plagued hearing by livestream, affirmed her decision to impose the restraining order to make certain the state agency abided by Senate Bill 180. The statute adopted over a veto by Kelly became law July 1, and Attorney General Kris Kobach contended the law superseded previous policy or law guiding the Department of Revenue’s handling of requests to modify gender markers on licenses to drive.

Watson sided with Kobach on preservation of the temporary injunction. Her order said issuance of driver’s licenses in conflict with state law represented an “immediate and irreparable injury” given the influx of 172 requests for gender reclassifications on driver’s licenses in June.

“Driver’s licenses are issued for a period of six years and are difficult to take back and out of circulation once issued,” Watson said. “Compliance with stated legal requirements for identifying license holders is a public safety concern.”

Department of Revenue attorney Ted Smith urged Watson to dissolve the restraining order with the understanding the driver’s license division would continue to collect information on applicants’ gender status and biological sex at birth. He said a hold had been placed on gender adjustments to driver’s licenses.

He argued the new law inspired by an out-of-state conservative organization and embraced by GOP lawmakers in Kansas was generic and didn’t apply to issuance of driver’s licenses because there was a more specific statute on the books.

“Can you tell me why Senate Bill 180, which went into effect on July 1st, is not the status quo?” the judge asked Smith.

“Senate Bill 180 … basically doesn’t overwrite any existing driver’s license statutes,” Smith replied. “We have a more specific statute that deals with gender in the context of driver’s licenses. Senate Bill 180 doesn’t deal with driver’s licenses. Nowhere in that one-page bill does it reference driver’s licenses.”

“Doesn’t Senate Bill 180 say it applies to any state law?” the judge said. “And, wouldn’t it include driver’s license statutes?”

“Basically, that’s an implicit assumption, right?” Smith said. “It’s not specific to driver’s licenses. So, we’re always going to defer to the more specific statutes.”

Smith dismissed the nonbinding legal opinion issued by Kobach that asserted the law forbid gender changes to driver’s licenses and birth certificates.

“I don’t conflate his advisory opinion or interpretation of law to be equivalent to a specific statutory legal requirement,” Smith said. “And, I think there is a good faith and reasonable argument for our interpretation. We’re not bound, again, by the attorney general’s legal theories. We’re bound by the statutes.”

Kobach said in court documents and in his oral remarks that it would be improper for the Shawnee County judge to allow the state to deflect a law requiring Kansas government agencies gathering vital statistics to document a person’s sex at birth as either male or female.

The Department of Revenue’s approach to driver’s licenses, which was endorsed by the governor’s office, amounted to violation of state law, Kobach said.

“Violation of the statute itself is an injury to the state,” the Republican attorney general said. “If a state’s statutes are being violated by a state agency or in any large-scale fashion then the state is injured.”

Kobach said controversy about implementation of the law aimed at transgender Kansans had arisen in Johnson County in terms of law enforcement’s ability to to its job. He said failure by the Department of Revenue to comply with the new law could impede identification of suspects or the issuance of search or arrest warrants.

He said allowing the Department of Revenue to decide which statutes it followed and which it sidestepped away from would defy intent of the Legislature, which was the authorizing authority for the state agency. It was common understanding, established by the Kansas Supreme Court, new law trumped old law on a subject, he said.

“The status quo is the position of the individuals affected by the law, not the agency’s process,” Kobach said. “SB180 contains the phrase, ‘notwithstanding any provision of state law to the contrary.’ Clearly, SB180 was drafted with the intent of sweeping aside any possible contrary language in any other Kansas statute.”

The livestreamed hearing had to be halted twice due to technology woes, including problems with the attorney general’s internet connection that resulted in garbling of about half of his spoken words. The initial portion of the livestream wasn’t broadcast to dozens of online viewers.

Kobach filed the lawsuit July 7 against two employees in the Department of Revenue. The judge responded with the restraining order Monday. In wake of that action, the Department of Revenue sought a hearing to argue for repeal of the order.

On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas filed a request to intervene in Kobach’s lawsuit on behalf of five transgender Kansans. No decision has been released regarding the ACLU motion.

In a statement following the judge’s decision, the ACLU of Kansas said “we will continue to fight for transgender Kansans’ right to have identification that reflects who they are, and that fight is far from over.”

Watson, an appointee of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, instructed the attorney general’s office and the Department of Revenue lawyers to confer about scheduling the filing of documents and conducting a hearing on Kobach’s request for a temporary injunction in the case. If adopted by the judge, it would prevent the Department of Revenue from taking action central to the dispute before the conflict was resolved through a trial or settlement.

<h2>Department of Revenue sought to lift order, extend services to transgender Kansans</h2>By TIM CARPENTER AND SAM BAILEY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Shawnee County District Court judge rejected Wednesday a request by a Kansas Department of Revenue lawyer to lift a temporary restraining order prohibiting the administration of Gov. Laura Kelly from issuing driver’s licenses amended to reflect gender preferences of transgender individuals.Judge Teresa Watson, who conducted a technology-plagued hearing by livestream, affirmed her decision to impose the restraining order to make certain the state agency abided by Senate Bill 180. The statute adopted over a veto by Kelly became law July 1, and Attorney General Kris Kobach contended the law superseded previous policy or law guiding the Department of Revenue’s handling of requests to modify gender markers on licenses to drive.Watson sided with Kobach on preservation of the temporary injunction. Her order said issuance of driver’s licenses in conflict with state law represented an “immediate and irreparable injury” given the influx of 172 requests for gender reclassifications on driver’s licenses in June.“Driver’s licenses are issued for a period of six years and are difficult to take back and out of circulation once issued,” Watson said. “Compliance with stated legal requirements for identifying license holders is a public safety concern.”<h2>Motion to dissolve</h2>Department of Revenue attorney Ted Smith urged Watson to dissolve the restraining order with the understanding the driver’s license division would continue to collect information on applicants’ gender status and biological sex at birth. He said a hold had been placed on gender adjustments to driver’s licenses.He argued the new law inspired by an out-of-state conservative organization and embraced by GOP lawmakers in Kansas was generic and didn’t apply to issuance of driver’s licenses because there was a more specific statute on the books.“Can you tell me why Senate Bill 180, which went into effect on July 1st, is not the status quo?” the judge asked Smith.“Senate Bill 180 … basically doesn’t overwrite any existing driver’s license statutes,” Smith replied. “We have a more specific statute that deals with gender in the context of driver’s licenses. Senate Bill 180 doesn’t deal with driver’s licenses. Nowhere in that one-page bill does it reference driver’s licenses.”“Doesn’t Senate Bill 180 say it applies to any state law?” the judge said. “And, wouldn’t it include driver’s license statutes?”“Basically, that’s an implicit assumption, right?” Smith said. “It’s not specific to driver’s licenses. So, we’re always going to defer to the more specific statutes.”Smith dismissed the nonbinding legal opinion issued by Kobach that asserted the law forbid gender changes to driver’s licenses and birth certificates.“I don’t conflate his advisory opinion or interpretation of law to be equivalent to a specific statutory legal requirement,” Smith said. “And, I think there is a good faith and reasonable argument for our interpretation. We’re not bound, again, by the attorney general’s legal theories. We’re bound by the statutes.”<h2>Violation of state law</h2>Kobach said in court documents and in his oral remarks that it would be improper for the Shawnee County judge to allow the state to deflect a law requiring Kansas government agencies gathering vital statistics to document a person’s sex at birth as either male or female.The Department of Revenue’s approach to driver’s licenses, which was endorsed by the governor’s office, amounted to violation of state law, Kobach said.“Violation of the statute itself is an injury to the state,” the Republican attorney general said. “If a state’s statutes are being violated by a state agency or in any large-scale fashion then the state is injured.”Kobach said controversy about implementation of the law aimed at transgender Kansans had arisen in Johnson County in terms of law enforcement’s ability to to its job. He said failure by the Department of Revenue to comply with the new law could impede identification of suspects or the issuance of search or arrest warrants.He said allowing the Department of Revenue to decide which statutes it followed and which it sidestepped away from would defy intent of the Legislature, which was the authorizing authority for the state agency. It was common understanding, established by the Kansas Supreme Court, new law trumped old law on a subject, he said.“The status quo is the position of the individuals affected by the law, not the agency’s process,” Kobach said. “SB180 contains the phrase, ‘notwithstanding any provision of state law to the contrary.’ Clearly, SB180 was drafted with the intent of sweeping aside any possible contrary language in any other Kansas statute.”The livestreamed hearing had to be halted twice due to technology woes, including problems with the attorney general’s internet connection that resulted in garbling of about half of his spoken words. The initial portion of the livestream wasn’t broadcast to dozens of online viewers.Kobach filed the lawsuit July 7 against two employees in the Department of Revenue. The judge responded with the restraining order Monday. In wake of that action, the Department of Revenue sought a hearing to argue for repeal of the order.On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas filed a request to intervene in Kobach’s lawsuit on behalf of five transgender Kansans. No decision has been released regarding the ACLU motion.In a statement following the judge’s decision, the ACLU of Kansas said “we will continue to fight for transgender Kansans’ right to have identification that reflects who they are, and that fight is far from over.”Watson, an appointee of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, instructed the attorney general’s office and the Department of Revenue lawyers to confer about scheduling the filing of documents and conducting a hearing on Kobach’s request for a temporary injunction in the case. If adopted by the judge, it would prevent the Department of Revenue from taking action central to the dispute before the conflict was resolved through a trial or settlement.

Kan. judge affirms restraining order: No driver’s licenses with gender changes

WASHINGTON — A Kansas City man was sentenced Tuesday for assaulting law enforcement officers during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

Cale Douglas Clayton, 42, of Drexel, Missouri, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution to the Architect of the Capitol.

&nbsp;Clayton pleaded guilty, on March 10, 2023, to the felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Clayton traveled from his home in Drexel to Washington, D.C., to attend a rally and afterward walked to the north side of the Capitol building. At approximately 4:15 p.m., Clayton was present at the upper west terrace as law enforcement began to clear the area and protestors began to clash with police. While protestors were pushing against police, Clayton picked up a police baton that had been dropped by an officer. Clayton then forcibly grabbed a riot shield held by a police officer.

&nbsp;Later, at approximately 4:28 p.m., Clayton made his way to another confrontation between police and protestors.&nbsp; At this time, police attempted to recover the baton from Clayton. In response, Clayton forcibly made contact with a police officer by grabbing the face shield of the officer’s helmet and pushing the officer backward.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.

&nbsp;This case was investigated by the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department, Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department, Arlington County, Virginia Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police.

In the 30 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689157947463.png" alt="photo- United State's Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>photo- United State's Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — A Kansas City man was sentenced Tuesday for assaulting law enforcement officers during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.Cale Douglas Clayton, 42, of Drexel, Missouri, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution to the Architect of the Capitol.&nbsp;Clayton pleaded guilty, on March 10, 2023, to the felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689157830427.png" alt="Douglas photo&nbsp; United State's Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Douglas photo&nbsp; United State's Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Clayton traveled from his home in Drexel to Washington, D.C., to attend a rally and afterward walked to the north side of the Capitol building. At approximately 4:15 p.m., Clayton was present at the upper west terrace as law enforcement began to clear the area and protestors began to clash with police. While protestors were pushing against police, Clayton picked up a police baton that had been dropped by an officer. Clayton then forcibly grabbed a riot shield held by a police officer.&nbsp;Later, at approximately 4:28 p.m., Clayton made his way to another confrontation between police and protestors.&nbsp; At this time, police attempted to recover the baton from Clayton. In response, Clayton forcibly made contact with a police officer by grabbing the face shield of the officer’s helmet and pushing the officer backward.This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.&nbsp;This case was investigated by the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department, Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department, Arlington County, Virginia Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police.In the 30 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

KC-area man admits assaulting officers during Jan. 6 Capitol breach

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 11p.m. Tuesday, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Caleb A. Cummins, of&nbsp; Atchison, in the 400 block U.S.59 for a traffic violation, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The officer found drugs and and arrested Cummins.

He is being held on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal use of a vehicle license tag.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689167435732.png" alt="Cummins-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Cummins-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 11p.m. Tuesday, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Caleb A. Cummins, of&nbsp; Atchison, in the 400 block U.S.59 for a traffic violation, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. The officer found drugs and and arrested Cummins.He is being held on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal use of a vehicle license tag.

Police: Kansas man was transporting fentanyl

LOS ANGELES&nbsp;– A federal grand jury Wednesday returned an indictment against a man from Hays, Kansas and a man from West Los Angeles who allegedly ran a decade-long telemarketing scam primarily targeting elderly victims that fraudulently obtained more than $4.5 million via false promises to help victims sell or rent their timeshare properties.

Michael Alexai Dragunov, 44, whose aliases include “Michael Anthony Farole,” “Michael LeFleur,” “Victor Romano,” and “James Logan,” is charged in the 10-count indictment along with Christopher Michael Lang, 42, of Hays, Kansas, whose aliases include “Scott Graham,” “Don Lewis,” and “Jack Morgan.”

Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and nine counts of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and email marketing targeting the elderly.

Dragunov was arrested on a federal criminal complaint in this matter on June 28 and was ordered jailed without bond. His arraignment is scheduled for July 18 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Lang was arrested in Kansas on June 28 and is expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.

According to the indictment, from August 2013 to June 2023, Dragunov and Lang purported to represent companies that provided advertising and other services to current or former timeshare owners. The companies included Premier Marketing LLC, CML Marketing Specialists Inc., Condo Rental Associates LLC, and Paramount Media LLC.

Dragunov and Lang allegedly contacted victims, many of whom were elderly, and, to conceal the fraudulent scheme and their true identities, the defendants also used Skype messaging service phone numbers and used aliases instead of their true names.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688408367149.png" alt="Christopher Lang was booked into the Shawnee Co. Jail June 28.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Lang was booked into the Shawnee Co. Jail June 28.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES&nbsp;– A federal grand jury Wednesday returned an indictment against a man from Hays, Kansas and a man from West Los Angeles who allegedly ran a decade-long telemarketing scam primarily targeting elderly victims that fraudulently obtained more than $4.5 million via false promises to help victims sell or rent their timeshare properties.Michael Alexai Dragunov, 44, whose aliases include “Michael Anthony Farole,” “Michael LeFleur,” “Victor Romano,” and “James Logan,” is charged in the 10-count indictment along with Christopher Michael Lang, 42, of Hays, Kansas, whose aliases include “Scott Graham,” “Don Lewis,” and “Jack Morgan.”Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and nine counts of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and email marketing targeting the elderly.Dragunov was arrested on a federal criminal complaint in this matter on June 28 and was ordered jailed without bond. His arraignment is scheduled for July 18 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Lang was arrested in Kansas on June 28 and is expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.According to the indictment, from August 2013 to June 2023, Dragunov and Lang purported to represent companies that provided advertising and other services to current or former timeshare owners. The companies included Premier Marketing LLC, CML Marketing Specialists Inc., Condo Rental Associates LLC, and Paramount Media LLC.Dragunov and Lang allegedly contacted victims, many of whom were elderly, and, to conceal the fraudulent scheme and their true identities, the defendants also used Skype messaging service phone numbers and used aliases instead of their true names.Victims allegedly were induced to enter into agreements with the defendants’ telemarketing companies – agreements that were formalized in documents that were faxed or sent electronically – by falsely representing that the telemarketing companies would assist the victims with selling or renting their timeshare properties for a “one time” advertising fee.Despite the recurring fees that each victim paid, often reaching the hundreds of thousands over several years, no victim received the timeshare-related services or proceeds promised, the indictment alleges.To dupe victims into sending them more money, Dragunov and Lang allegedly told their victims a series of lies, including that the fees being requested would be refunded or reimbursed to the victims upon completion of the sale or rental of the victims’ timeshare, that the victims still owed taxes on the timeshare properties, and if the victims tried to dispute their payments to the telemarketing companies, the victims would automatically lose their disputes and lose all funds paid and any proceeds from a sale or rental of their timeshares.To create the false impression that the telemarketing companies were legitimate, Dragunov and Lang pretended to be the companies’ customers and engaged in hundreds of phony small transactions with the companies’ payment processing accounts, according to the indictment.Dragunov and Lang also allegedly concealed material facts from the victims, including the fact that their money was being used to personally enrich themselves.If convicted of all charges, Dragunov and Lang would face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each count.An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; the Henry County (Ohio) Sheriff’s Department; Hays (Kansas) Police Department; and United States Marshals Service provided substantial assistance.