JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 11:30a.m. October 11, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Mitsubishi Galant for allegedly speeding on 150th Road near Q. Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 During the traffic stop the deputy discovered items believed to be illegal contraband.  The driver, Adam David Pace, 47, of Robertsdale, Arizona, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of opiates, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of depressants and hallucinogenic drugs. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697288956839.png" alt="Pace-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Pace-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 11:30a.m. October 11, a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a Mitsubishi Galant for allegedly speeding on 150th Road near Q. Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the traffic stop the deputy discovered items believed to be illegal contraband. The driver, Adam David Pace, 47, of Robertsdale, Arizona, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of opiates, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of depressants and hallucinogenic drugs. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Arizona man caught transporting drugs in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Kansas City-area shooting have a suspect in custody.

&nbsp;The shooting occurred Wednesday at a school bus stop in the 900 Block of Imperial Lane, according to the Blue Springs Police Department.&nbsp; The victim was transported to the hospital.

On Thursday police reported the arrest of&nbsp; 24-year-old Vatece Davis of Lee’s Summit on requested charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action and Stealing. She is being held on a $200,000 bond.

Police have not reported an update on the condition of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697157999338.png" alt="Security camera image Blue Springs Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Blue Springs Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Kansas City-area shooting have a suspect in custody.&nbsp;The shooting occurred Wednesday at a school bus stop in the 900 Block of Imperial Lane, according to the Blue Springs Police Department.&nbsp; The victim was transported to the hospital.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697229669535.png" alt="Davis-photo Jackson County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Davis-photo Jackson County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday police reported the arrest of&nbsp; 24-year-old Vatece Davis of Lee’s Summit on requested charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action and Stealing. She is being held on a $200,000 bond.Police have not reported an update on the condition of the victim.

Police capture woman in KC-area bus stop shooting 

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man charged in the museum heist of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/solen-ruby-slippers-wizard-of-oz-5d142469ad5f052f6af053d20dbf20c4">a pair of ruby slippers</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/judy-garland">Judy Garland</a>&nbsp;wore in the “The Wizard of Oz” pleaded guilty Friday in a deal that could keep him out of prison due to his failing health, but only cleared up some of the mystery that dates back 18 years.

Terry Jon Martin, 76, pleaded guilty to a single count of theft of a major artwork. The shoes were stolen in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in the late actor's hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and recovered by the FBI in 2018.

No one was arrested until Martin, who lives near Grand Rapids, was charged this year. During his change-of-plea hearing in federal court in Duluth, Martin said he used a hammer to smash the glass of the museum door and display case to take the slippers. He said he thought the slippers had real rubies and that he had hoped to sell the gems. But when a fence told him the rubies were glass, he said he got rid of the slippers.

Martin did not say how he got rid of them or to whom he gave them, leaving the slippers' whereabouts during the ensuing years a mystery. He did say that the theft had nothing to do with trying to get insurance money, as some have speculated.

“Terry has no idea where they were and how they were recovered," Martin’s attorney, Dane DeKrey, said afterward. "His involvement was that two-day period in 2005.”

Under the plea agreement, DeKrey and federal prosecutor Matt Greenley recommended that Martin not face any time behind bars because of his age and poor health. Martin, who appeared in court in a wheelchair with supplemental oxygen, has advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and struggles to breathe, DeKrey said. The proposed sentence would let Martin die at home, the attorney said.

“He's basically slowly suffocating to death,” DeKrey said.

Martin, who has a 1988 conviction for receiving stolen goods, remained free on his own recognizance after the hearing. U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz, the chief federal judge for Minnesota, ordered a presentence investigation and said he'd likely schedule the sentencing for about 2 1/2 months from now.

Schiltz told Martin that he isn't legally bound by the sentencing recommendation by the defense and prosecution. According to DeKrey, the nonbinding federal sentencing guidelines recommended eight to 10 years in similar cases.

The U.S. attorney's office said it would have no comment until after Martin is sentenced.

Garland wore several pairs of ruby slippers during filming of the classic 1939 musical, but only four authentic pairs are known to remain. The stolen slippers were insured for $1 million, but federal prosecutors put the current market value at about $3.5 million.

The FBI said a man approached the insurer in 2017 and said he could help get them back. The slippers were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5f15402e28f04341b6a25d179b070fc5">recovered during an FBI sting</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis. The FBI has never disclosed how it tracked down the slippers, which remain in the agency's custody.

The slippers were on loan to the museum from Hollywood memorabilia collector Michael Shaw when Martin stole them. Three other pairs that Garland wore in the movie are held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.si.edu/object/dorothys-ruby-slippers:nmah_670130">Smithsonian Museum of American History</a>&nbsp;and a private collector.

Several&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/958ee83929104907b80b387d92bb71e8">rewards were offered</a>&nbsp;over the years in hopes of figuring out who stole the slippers, which were key props in the 1939 movie. Garland’s character, Dorothy, has to click the slippers' heels three times and repeat, “There’s no place like home,” to return home to Kansas.

Garland was born Frances Gumm in 1922. She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/16889e9c55dd4728a45ee11a783b74de">lived in Grand Rapids,</a>&nbsp;about 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Minneapolis, until she was 4, when her family moved to Los Angeles. She died in 1969.

The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/">Judy Garland Museum,</a>&nbsp;which is in the house where she lived, says it has the world’s largest collection of Garland and Wizard of Oz memorabilia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684352824766.png" alt="FILE - A pair of ruby slippers once worn by actress Judy Garland in the "The Wizard of Oz" sit on display at a news conference on Sept. 4, 2018, at the FBI office in Brooklyn Center, Minn. Federal prosecutors say a man has been indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, on charges of stealing a pair of ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz.” The FBI recovered the slippers in 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Baenen, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - A pair of ruby slippers once worn by actress Judy Garland in the "The Wizard of Oz" sit on display at a news conference on Sept. 4, 2018, at the FBI office in Brooklyn Center, Minn. Federal prosecutors say a man has been indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, on charges of stealing a pair of ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz.” The FBI recovered the slippers in 2018. (AP Photo/Jeff Baenen, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man charged in the museum heist of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/solen-ruby-slippers-wizard-of-oz-5d142469ad5f052f6af053d20dbf20c4">a pair of ruby slippers</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/judy-garland">Judy Garland</a>&nbsp;wore in the “The Wizard of Oz” pleaded guilty Friday in a deal that could keep him out of prison due to his failing health, but only cleared up some of the mystery that dates back 18 years.Terry Jon Martin, 76, pleaded guilty to a single count of theft of a major artwork. The shoes were stolen in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in the late actor's hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and recovered by the FBI in 2018.No one was arrested until Martin, who lives near Grand Rapids, was charged this year. During his change-of-plea hearing in federal court in Duluth, Martin said he used a hammer to smash the glass of the museum door and display case to take the slippers. He said he thought the slippers had real rubies and that he had hoped to sell the gems. But when a fence told him the rubies were glass, he said he got rid of the slippers.Martin did not say how he got rid of them or to whom he gave them, leaving the slippers' whereabouts during the ensuing years a mystery. He did say that the theft had nothing to do with trying to get insurance money, as some have speculated.“Terry has no idea where they were and how they were recovered," Martin’s attorney, Dane DeKrey, said afterward. "His involvement was that two-day period in 2005.”Under the plea agreement, DeKrey and federal prosecutor Matt Greenley recommended that Martin not face any time behind bars because of his age and poor health. Martin, who appeared in court in a wheelchair with supplemental oxygen, has advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and struggles to breathe, DeKrey said. The proposed sentence would let Martin die at home, the attorney said.“He's basically slowly suffocating to death,” DeKrey said.Martin, who has a 1988 conviction for receiving stolen goods, remained free on his own recognizance after the hearing. U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz, the chief federal judge for Minnesota, ordered a presentence investigation and said he'd likely schedule the sentencing for about 2 1/2 months from now.Schiltz told Martin that he isn't legally bound by the sentencing recommendation by the defense and prosecution. According to DeKrey, the nonbinding federal sentencing guidelines recommended eight to 10 years in similar cases.The U.S. attorney's office said it would have no comment until after Martin is sentenced.Garland wore several pairs of ruby slippers during filming of the classic 1939 musical, but only four authentic pairs are known to remain. The stolen slippers were insured for $1 million, but federal prosecutors put the current market value at about $3.5 million.The FBI said a man approached the insurer in 2017 and said he could help get them back. The slippers were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5f15402e28f04341b6a25d179b070fc5">recovered during an FBI sting</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis. The FBI has never disclosed how it tracked down the slippers, which remain in the agency's custody.The slippers were on loan to the museum from Hollywood memorabilia collector Michael Shaw when Martin stole them. Three other pairs that Garland wore in the movie are held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.si.edu/object/dorothys-ruby-slippers:nmah_670130">Smithsonian Museum of American History</a>&nbsp;and a private collector.Several&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/958ee83929104907b80b387d92bb71e8">rewards were offered</a>&nbsp;over the years in hopes of figuring out who stole the slippers, which were key props in the 1939 movie. Garland’s character, Dorothy, has to click the slippers' heels three times and repeat, “There’s no place like home,” to return home to Kansas.Garland was born Frances Gumm in 1922. She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/16889e9c55dd4728a45ee11a783b74de">lived in Grand Rapids,</a>&nbsp;about 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Minneapolis, until she was 4, when her family moved to Los Angeles. She died in 1969.The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/">Judy Garland Museum,</a>&nbsp;which is in the house where she lived, says it has the world’s largest collection of Garland and Wizard of Oz memorabilia.___

Man admits stealing 'Wizard of Oz' ruby slippers from museum 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a third homicide in Topeka since Tuesday in Topeka.

Just before 1:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a shooting victim at a local hospital, according to Topeka Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

At the hospital, officers located 17-year-old Damayah Calhoun suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.&nbsp; Medical personnel pronounce Calhoun deceased. 

This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Police have not indicated a connection with two other teen murders this week.

Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka.&nbsp; First responders located&nbsp;Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, Topeka, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.

EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.

First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest in these cases.

Friday's death is the 29th homicide in Topeka in 2023, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215827398.png" alt="Scene of the police investigation Friday morning -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Scene of the police investigation Friday morning -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a third homicide in Topeka since Tuesday in Topeka.Just before 1:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of a shooting victim at a local hospital, according to Topeka Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.At the hospital, officers located 17-year-old Damayah Calhoun suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.&nbsp; Medical personnel pronounce Calhoun deceased. This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Police have not indicated a connection with two other teen murders this week.Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka.&nbsp; First responders located&nbsp;Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, Topeka, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene.&nbsp;At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest in these cases.Friday's death is the 29th homicide in Topeka in 2023, according to Monasmith.

Homicide: 3 Kansas teens dead in 4 days of violence

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The suspect in the September 15th shots-fired incident outside a Wyandotte High School football game, was arrested and charged Thursday afternoon, according to Kansas City, Kansas police.

The U. S. Marshals Service, with combined assistance from the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Police Department, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the public, tracked the suspect, a juvenile male, to Manhattan, Kansas where he was taken into custody without incident.

 He is a resident of Kansas City, Kansas.

The Wyandotte County District Attorney has charged the juvenile with attempted 2nd degree murder and shooting into an occupied building.

 He is currently being held in Riley County as he awaits extradition back to Wyandotte County. 

Just before 9:30p.m. Sept. 15, police responded to Wyandotte High School, 2500 Minnesota, after shots were fired during the football game, according to a media release from Kansas City, Kansas police.

At the scene, police learned that with one minute left in the game, two unknown suspects approached the entrance to the field from outside the stadium and began shooting toward a USD 500 police officer standing at the gate.

The officer returned fire until the suspect fled north to a vehicle and fled. Police have not reported anyone struck by gunfire.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694868319517.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation Sept. 15. photo courtesy KSHB TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation Sept. 15. photo courtesy KSHB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The suspect in the September 15th shots-fired incident outside a Wyandotte High School football game, was arrested and charged Thursday afternoon, according to Kansas City, Kansas police.The U. S. Marshals Service, with combined assistance from the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Police Department, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the public, tracked the suspect, a juvenile male, to Manhattan, Kansas where he was taken into custody without incident. He is a resident of Kansas City, Kansas.The Wyandotte County District Attorney has charged the juvenile with attempted 2nd degree murder and shooting into an occupied building. He is currently being held in Riley County as he awaits extradition back to Wyandotte County. Just before 9:30p.m. Sept. 15, police responded to Wyandotte High School, 2500 Minnesota, after shots were fired during the football game, according to a media release from Kansas City, Kansas police.At the scene, police learned that with one minute left in the game, two unknown suspects approached the entrance to the field from outside the stadium and began shooting toward a USD 500 police officer standing at the gate.The officer returned fire until the suspect fled north to a vehicle and fled. Police have not reported anyone struck by gunfire.&nbsp;

Suspect in high school football game gunfire captured in Manhattan

PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of burglary and numerous other crimes following a traffic stop last week made his first court appearance in the case on Tuesday.

Payton L. Klaus, 23, Hays, is charges with&nbsp; Endangering a Child; Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor; Possession of a firearm while under the Influence;  Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol; Transporting an Open Alcoholic Container; and Failing to Use a Turn Signal, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

During a police traffic stop on October 5,&nbsp; Klaus had a teenage boy in the vehicle with him. In addition to the&nbsp;the traffic stop, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a burglary of a Larned Township Building in which a firearm was stolen sometime during the night of October 4-5, 2023. The missing firearm matched an item retrieved from the Klaus vehicle incident to his arrest. 

A search warrant was then secured to search a location for additional items. Throughout the day on October 5, 2023, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and Larned Police Department received multiple reports of possible burglaries and thefts. Those investigations remain ongoing.

In connection with the burglaries, Klaus is also charged with two counts of Burglary of a non-dwellings, two counts of felony theft of firearms, felony criminal damage of property, misdemeanor theft, and misdemeanor criminal damage to property, according to McNett.

Klaus is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff on a $15,000 bond. A juvenile has also been charged in connection with the ongoing burglary/theft investigations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697047811011.png" alt="Klaus-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Klaus-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of burglary and numerous other crimes following a traffic stop last week made his first court appearance in the case on Tuesday.Payton L. Klaus, 23, Hays, is charges with&nbsp; Endangering a Child; Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor; Possession of a firearm while under the Influence; Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol; Transporting an Open Alcoholic Container; and Failing to Use a Turn Signal, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.During a police traffic stop on October 5,&nbsp; Klaus had a teenage boy in the vehicle with him. In addition to the&nbsp;the traffic stop, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a burglary of a Larned Township Building in which a firearm was stolen sometime during the night of October 4-5, 2023. The missing firearm matched an item retrieved from the Klaus vehicle incident to his arrest. A search warrant was then secured to search a location for additional items. Throughout the day on October 5, 2023, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and Larned Police Department received multiple reports of possible burglaries and thefts. Those investigations remain ongoing.In connection with the burglaries, Klaus is also charged with two counts of Burglary of a non-dwellings, two counts of felony theft of firearms, felony criminal damage of property, misdemeanor theft, and misdemeanor criminal damage to property, according to McNett.Klaus is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff on a $15,000 bond. A juvenile has also been charged in connection with the ongoing burglary/theft investigations.

Traffic stop leads to burglary charges for Kansas man

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged school threat and have made an arrest.

Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a potential threat to the <a href="https://usd437.net/tallgrass">Tallgrass Student</a> Learning Center,&nbsp;5740 SW 61st Street in Topeka. The school is in USD 437 Auburn-Washburn.

A student made threatening comments regarding bringing a firearm to school the next day, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The Shawnee County Criminal Investigation Division immediately contacted school administrators and the suspect identified as a 14-year-old.

At 10:30p.m., deputies arrested the 14-year-old and booked the teen into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony criminal threat and felony interference with law enforcement.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged school threat and have made an arrest.Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a potential threat to the <a href="https://usd437.net/tallgrass">Tallgrass Student</a> Learning Center,&nbsp;5740 SW 61st Street in Topeka. The school is in USD 437 Auburn-Washburn.A student made threatening comments regarding bringing a firearm to school the next day, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The Shawnee County Criminal Investigation Division immediately contacted school administrators and the suspect identified as a 14-year-old.At 10:30p.m., deputies arrested the 14-year-old and booked the teen into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony criminal threat and felony interference with law enforcement.

14-year-old accused of threat to bring gun to Kan. school

STANTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday Sheriff's Deputies responded to a shooting in the 100 block of North Elm Street in Johnson, Kansas, according to Sheriff Clayton Kester.

 When deputies arrived they located two individuals suffering from an apparent gunshot wounds. EMS transported them to the Stanton County Hospital in Johnson City. The sheriff had no update on their condition early Thursday.

Just before 11:30p.m. Tuesday, deputies arrested the suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Quinton Seely of Johnson City, in the 400 block of South Lake. 

Seely is currently in custody in Grant County awaiting formal charges.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697124455380.png" alt="Seely photo Stanton Co." />
 <figcaption>Seely photo Stanton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>STANTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday Sheriff's Deputies responded to a shooting in the 100 block of North Elm Street in Johnson, Kansas, according to Sheriff Clayton Kester. When deputies arrived they located two individuals suffering from an apparent gunshot wounds. EMS transported them to the Stanton County Hospital in Johnson City. The sheriff had no update on their condition early Thursday.Just before 11:30p.m. Tuesday, deputies arrested the suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Quinton Seely of Johnson City, in the 400 block of South Lake. Seely is currently in custody in Grant County awaiting formal charges.&nbsp;

SW Kansas man accused in shooting that injured two

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a second deadly shooting in Topeka in two days and have identified the victim as Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, of Topeka. 

Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp; First responders located Spicer suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. 

EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. It is the&nbsp; 28th homicide in Topeka in 2023.

Just before&nbsp;10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.

First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest in these two cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697120006665.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a second deadly shooting in Topeka in two days and have identified the victim as Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, of Topeka. Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp; First responders located Spicer suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. It is the&nbsp; 28th homicide in Topeka in 2023.Just before&nbsp;10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest in these two cases.

Homicide: 2nd Kansas teen dead in shooting this week

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of vehicle burglaries have a suspect in custody.

Six of the burglaries took place between 4:30 and 5:30a.m. Wednesday in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Those occurred in the 1600 Block of 6th Street; 600 Block of Spring Garden; 1200, 1400 and 1500 Block of South 7th Street and the 1200 Block of Riverview Drive.

One burglary took place October 6, in the 600 Block of North 3rd Street. Others occurred September 8, in the 700 block South 8th Street

The suspect identified as&nbsp;Kyler J. Reynolds, 25, Atchison, allegedly took&nbsp;purses, cash, financial cards and duffle bags.

As police were investigating Wednesday and following leads, they saw Reynolds on a bicycle in the area of 4th and U.S.59. Reynolds attempted to flee from officers but was apprehended near 2nd and Main Street just after 9a.m., according to Wilson.

He is being held on requested charges of vehicle burglary and theft involving eight cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the burglary and theft charges, Reynolds was also arrested on a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court in connection to previous burglary and theft cases.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697041198902.png" alt="Reynolds from an earlier arrest in Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Reynolds from an earlier arrest in Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of vehicle burglaries have a suspect in custody.Six of the burglaries took place between 4:30 and 5:30a.m. Wednesday in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Those occurred in the 1600 Block of 6th Street; 600 Block of Spring Garden; 1200, 1400 and 1500 Block of South 7th Street and the 1200 Block of Riverview Drive.One burglary took place October 6, in the 600 Block of North 3rd Street. Others occurred September 8, in the 700 block South 8th StreetThe suspect identified as&nbsp;Kyler J. Reynolds, 25, Atchison, allegedly took&nbsp;purses, cash, financial cards and duffle bags.As police were investigating Wednesday and following leads, they saw Reynolds on a bicycle in the area of 4th and U.S.59. Reynolds attempted to flee from officers but was apprehended near 2nd and Main Street just after 9a.m., according to Wilson.He is being held on requested charges of vehicle burglary and theft involving eight cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the burglary and theft charges, Reynolds was also arrested on a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court in connection to previous burglary and theft cases.&nbsp;

Kan. burglary suspect caught riding bicycle from crime scene

PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man facing multiple drug allegations made his first court appearance Tuesday.

 Kyle D. Stevens, 30 of Larned, is charged with Possession of 115..3 Grams of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute within 1000 Feet of a School; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to Cultivate Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Unlawful Use of a Telecommunication Device and Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and Larned Police Department resulting in the execution of search warrant at Steven’s Larned residence on October 8.

Stevens was arrested without incident at the time of the search warrant and is being held on a $90,000 bond. Stevens has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;He is due back in court for a  Preliminary Hearing October 23. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697032142980.png" alt="Stevens has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Stevens has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man facing multiple drug allegations made his first court appearance Tuesday. Kyle D. Stevens, 30 of Larned, is charged with Possession of 115..3 Grams of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute within 1000 Feet of a School; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to Cultivate Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Unlawful Use of a Telecommunication Device and Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and Larned Police Department resulting in the execution of search warrant at Steven’s Larned residence on October 8.Stevens was arrested without incident at the time of the search warrant and is being held on a $90,000 bond. Stevens has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;He is due back in court for a Preliminary Hearing October 23.

Kansas felon faces new charges for allegedly selling drugs

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman found guilty by a jury in the death of a man whose body was found in rural Sumner County in November 2022 is going to prison.

On Tuesday morning, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 20-year-old Tehya Turner, 20 of Haysville, to just over 11-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She must also serve 36 months of post release supervision.

On November 29, 2022, police were contacted by a 69-year-old man who reported 41-year-old Brent Boone, of Wichita, missing under unusual circumstances, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Boone had last been seen on November 24, 2022, at 9:30 pm at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Pershing in Wichita before leaving in a vehicle with two individuals – identified as 31-year-old Saul Chavez Valenciana and 19- year-old Tehya Turner, both of Wichita.

Police believed that an altercation occurred inside the car, during which Boone was killed.

On November 30, a follow-up investigation led officers to a crime scene in the 9300 block of S. Pattie in Haysville, where they began processing evidence. Police located the vehicle on December 1, near 21st and Ridge, abandoned, according to Officer Ditch.

Further investigation led officers to a rural area Southwest of Clearwater, one mile west of N Clearwater Road and 140th Ave N, where Boone's body was located. .

Police took Turner into custody on Dec. 2, and a CrimeStoppers tip helped police arrest Valenciana on Dec. 19, 2022.&nbsp; A jury found him guilty in June and. he is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670173983028.png" alt="Turner-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Turner-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman found guilty by a jury in the death of a man whose body was found in rural Sumner County in November 2022 is going to prison.On Tuesday morning, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 20-year-old Tehya Turner, 20 of Haysville, to just over 11-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She must also serve 36 months of post release supervision.On November 29, 2022, police were contacted by a 69-year-old man who reported 41-year-old Brent Boone, of Wichita, missing under unusual circumstances, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Boone had last been seen on November 24, 2022, at 9:30 pm at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Pershing in Wichita before leaving in a vehicle with two individuals – identified as 31-year-old Saul Chavez Valenciana and 19- year-old Tehya Turner, both of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670023341610.png" alt="-Valenciana-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>-Valenciana-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Police believed that an altercation occurred inside the car, during which Boone was killed.On November 30, a follow-up investigation led officers to a crime scene in the 9300 block of S. Pattie in Haysville, where they began processing evidence. Police located the vehicle on December 1, near 21st and Ridge, abandoned, according to Officer Ditch.Further investigation led officers to a rural area Southwest of Clearwater, one mile west of N Clearwater Road and 140th Ave N, where Boone's body was located. .Police took Turner into custody on Dec. 2, and a CrimeStoppers tip helped police arrest Valenciana on Dec. 19, 2022.&nbsp; A jury found him guilty in June and. he is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

Kan. woman sentenced for murder after man's body found in field

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities have recovered a vehicle stolen in 2021, according to a social media report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Drug and Crime Control.

"Our officers often recover stolen vehicles and equipment, but it's not everyday they are able to recover a stolen 1956 Ford Thunderbird missing since 2021.&nbsp; It is now back in the hands of its owner."

Authorities released no additional details on where they located the vehicle or an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696989448347.png" alt="Photo MSHP DDCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP DDCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities have recovered a vehicle stolen in 2021, according to a social media report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Drug and Crime Control."Our officers often recover stolen vehicles and equipment, but it's not everyday they are able to recover a stolen 1956 Ford Thunderbird missing since 2021.&nbsp; It is now back in the hands of its owner."Authorities released no additional details on where they located the vehicle or an arrest.

Troopers recover 1956 Ford Thunderbird missing since 2021

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City-area man now faces an additional 14 felony charges for an Aug. 2, 2023, shooting spree that began in Grandview and ended in Kansas City, plus charges for an earlier Raytown shooting, accoring to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Cameron K. Harper, 22, Grandview, now faces the following felony charges: two counts of Murder 1st Degree, four counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Assault 1st Degree, one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and eight counts of Armed Criminal Action.*

In early August, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office announced three initial charges against Harper and reported that an investigation was continuing into other shootings.

Court records earlier detailed that Grandview police were dispatched the morning of August 2, 2023, to a residence in Grandview and found the victim of a shooting in a white vehicle. The incident was near two other shootings that morning.

The suspect was driving a vehicle described as a green pickup truck with a lawn mower in the back. Officers arrested the suspect within three hours. Police located guns and shell casings that matched casings at the shootings. Ballistics also linked the suspect to a homicide in Raytown on July 31, 2023

Recently, a Jackson County Grand Jury added several new or enhanced felony charges related to the Grandview and Kansas City shootings and a fatal shooting in Raytown on July 31, 2023. Video from the Raytown shooting showed an older model green pickup truck with a lawnmower in back.

The victims in these shootings have no connection to each other or to the suspect.

Prosecutor Baker earlier praised the joint efforts by law enforcement to quickly arrest and investigate this case. Harper remains in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691153144673.png" alt="Harper-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Harper-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City-area man now faces an additional 14 felony charges for an Aug. 2, 2023, shooting spree that began in Grandview and ended in Kansas City, plus charges for an earlier Raytown shooting, accoring to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Cameron K. Harper, 22, Grandview, now faces the following felony charges: two counts of Murder 1st Degree, four counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Assault 1st Degree, one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and eight counts of Armed Criminal Action.*In early August, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office announced three initial charges against Harper and reported that an investigation was continuing into other shootings.Court records earlier detailed that Grandview police were dispatched the morning of August 2, 2023, to a residence in Grandview and found the victim of a shooting in a white vehicle. The incident was near two other shootings that morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690992870073.png" alt="Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide asked the public for help in identifying the suspect and vehicle.-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide asked the public for help in identifying the suspect and vehicle.-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect was driving a vehicle described as a green pickup truck with a lawn mower in the back. Officers arrested the suspect within three hours. Police located guns and shell casings that matched casings at the shootings. Ballistics also linked the suspect to a homicide in Raytown on July 31, 2023Recently, a Jackson County Grand Jury added several new or enhanced felony charges related to the Grandview and Kansas City shootings and a fatal shooting in Raytown on July 31, 2023. Video from the Raytown shooting showed an older model green pickup truck with a lawnmower in back.The victims in these shootings have no connection to each other or to the suspect.Prosecutor Baker earlier praised the joint efforts by law enforcement to quickly arrest and investigate this case. Harper remains in custody.

KC murder suspect identified by green pickup faces new charges

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a man's murder and have made an arrest.

Just after 10:30 p.m. September 25, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block SW Plass Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

 First responders found a man later identified as&nbsp;39-year-old Durant R. Redmond of Topeka  suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; He was transported to a local hospital with injuries considered to be life threatening. On September 27,&nbsp; Redmond died of his injuries.&nbsp;

On September 29, police asked for help to locate 31-year-old Chelsee A. Baugh (Retana) Topeka. Investigators believed she has information about the shooting and wanted to talk to her. Four days later, police did locate her.

On Monday evening, police&nbsp;reported they arrested David Jackson, 39, Oskaloosa, on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree and Criminal Possession of a weapon; convicted of person/drug felony for Redmond's death. Police have not indicated whether Baugh gave them details that led to the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696944205170.png" alt="Jackson -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jackson -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a man's murder and have made an arrest.Just after 10:30 p.m. September 25, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block SW Plass Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith. First responders found a man later identified as&nbsp;39-year-old Durant R. Redmond of Topeka suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; He was transported to a local hospital with injuries considered to be life threatening. On September 27,&nbsp; Redmond died of his injuries.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696031364543.png" alt="Baugh-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Baugh-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On September 29, police asked for help to locate 31-year-old Chelsee A. Baugh (Retana) Topeka. Investigators believed she has information about the shooting and wanted to talk to her. Four days later, police did locate her.On Monday evening, police&nbsp;reported they arrested David Jackson, 39, Oskaloosa, on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree and Criminal Possession of a weapon; convicted of person/drug felony for Redmond's death. Police have not indicated whether Baugh gave them details that led to the arrest.

Police make arrest in 3-week-old Kansas murder

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 108 months in prison for distribution of child pornography.

According to court documents, Bardia Behravesh, 46, of Mission, Kansas admitted in pleading guilty that he knowingly distributed videos of child pornography online through various apps and filesharing programs. The videos and images included minors under the age of twelve and depictions of violence, according to the United States Attorney.

After agents discovered Behravesh sharing this content, they obtained a search warrant of his home and discovered multiple electronics which contained images and videos of child pornography.

Behravesh was an assistant dean at the University of Kansas Medical Center at the time of his arrest.&nbsp;

In addition to 108 months of imprisonment, his sentence included a $74,000 restitution award to the victims depicted in the images and videos, a $35,000 assessment pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018 and $5,000 assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 108 months in prison for distribution of child pornography.According to court documents, Bardia Behravesh, 46, of Mission, Kansas admitted in pleading guilty that he knowingly distributed videos of child pornography online through various apps and filesharing programs. The videos and images included minors under the age of twelve and depictions of violence, according to the United States Attorney.After agents discovered Behravesh sharing this content, they obtained a search warrant of his home and discovered multiple electronics which contained images and videos of child pornography.Behravesh was an assistant dean at the University of Kansas Medical Center at the time of his arrest.&nbsp;In addition to 108 months of imprisonment, his sentence included a $74,000 restitution award to the victims depicted in the images and videos, a $35,000 assessment pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018 and $5,000 assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.

Former assistant dean at KU Medical Center sentenced for child porn 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in the deadly shooting of a 16-year-old Kansas boy made his first court appearance in the case Thursday.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=743084">Tyshon Jacques, 18,</a> was charged with 2nd degree intentional murder, according to the Sedegwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 3:30 p.m. Oct. 2, police were dispatched to a shooting call at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and 3rd Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebilledo.

The calling party reported seeing a slow-moving vehicle hit a pole and several people exiting the vehicle and running in different directions.

First responders located&nbsp; 18-year-old Jaqualen Dupree of Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;inside the vehicle he was driving unconscious and with an apparent gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers and EMS personnel began providing life-saving efforts. Dupree was transported to a local hospital in critical condition where he was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.

On Tuesday, police reported the arrest of an 18-year-old Jacques. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696349576450.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in the deadly shooting of a 16-year-old Kansas boy made his first court appearance in the case Thursday.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=743084">Tyshon Jacques, 18,</a> was charged with 2nd degree intentional murder, according to the Sedegwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 3:30 p.m. Oct. 2, police were dispatched to a shooting call at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and 3rd Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebilledo.The calling party reported seeing a slow-moving vehicle hit a pole and several people exiting the vehicle and running in different directions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696532369096.png" alt="Jacques-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Jacques-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located&nbsp; 18-year-old Jaqualen Dupree of Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;inside the vehicle he was driving unconscious and with an apparent gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers and EMS personnel began providing life-saving efforts. Dupree was transported to a local hospital in critical condition where he was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.On Tuesday, police reported the arrest of an 18-year-old Jacques. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

18-year-old charged in death of 16-year-old Kansas boy

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting and have identified the victim as 43-year-old Broderick A. Brown.

Just after noon Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Independence Avenue in Kansas City, according to Sheriff Darryl Forte'.

First responders located Brown inside a business who was unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; 

Brown and a person of interest in the shooting were both inside the business when an interaction led to shots being fired, according to an investigation by Kansas City Police.

Police were questioning on suspect and have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696716538765.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting and have identified the victim as 43-year-old Broderick A. Brown.Just after noon Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Independence Avenue in Kansas City, according to Sheriff Darryl Forte'.First responders located Brown inside a business who was unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Brown and a person of interest in the shooting were both inside the business when an interaction led to shots being fired, according to an investigation by Kansas City Police.Police were questioning on suspect and have not reported an arrest.

Police ID victim in Kansas City-area business killing

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.

Just before 10p.m. Oct. 2, a sheriff's deputy on routine patrol on U.S. 75 Highway&nbsp; near 150th Road&nbsp; encountered a vehicle that he noticed had a tag light violation.&nbsp; 

During the traffic stop and talk with the driver identified as Shedrick Ford,&nbsp; 58, of Liberty, Texas,&nbsp; the deputy detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; 

After investigation, Ford was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Expired Vehicle Registration,No Proof of insurance and Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended orRevoked and transported to the Brown County jail.&nbsp; &nbsp;He remains jailed without bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696435560235.png" alt="Ford-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Ford-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.Just before 10p.m. Oct. 2, a sheriff's deputy on routine patrol on U.S. 75 Highway&nbsp; near 150th Road&nbsp; encountered a vehicle that he noticed had a tag light violation.&nbsp; During the traffic stop and talk with the driver identified as Shedrick Ford,&nbsp; 58, of Liberty, Texas,&nbsp; the deputy detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; After investigation, Ford was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Expired Vehicle Registration,No Proof of insurance and Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended orRevoked and transported to the Brown County jail.&nbsp; &nbsp;He remains jailed without bond, according to online jail records.

Texas man caught transporting meth, marijuana in Kansas

KANSAS CITY. – A Kansas City man has been charged with three fentanyl overdose deaths in Belton, Mo., alongside six other metropolitan area residents indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that included illegal firearms and money laundering, according to the United State's Attorney.

Tiger Dean Draggoo, 23, his brother, Colt Justin Draggoo, 20, Jose Amparan, also known as “Lil Mex” and “Jose Garcia,” 20, Luis Manuel Morales, also known as “Trulu,” “Lulu,” “Luis,” and “Luis Mor,” 23, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Andrew R.A. Williams, also known as “DrewB Grittin,” 22, of Grandview, Mo.; Alexander D. Barnett, also known as “Alex” and “Cobra,” 22, of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; and Javier Armanmdo Alvarez, also known as “Mexxican,” Gomi,” and “Gummi,” 21, of Kansas City, Kan., were charged in a 13-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, Sept. 27. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrest and initial court appearances of Barnett and Morales. Colt Draggoo also was arrested today and will have an initial court appearance tomorrow.

The superseding indictment replaces the original indictment returned on Feb. 7, 2023, which only charged Tiger Draggoo, and includes additional charges and defendants.

The federal indictment charges Tiger Draggoo with three counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death. Tiger Draggoo allegedly distributed fentanyl on Sept. 3, 2022, the use of which caused the death of another person. Tiger Draggoo allegedly distributed fentanyl between Aug. 22 and Sept. 13, 2022, the use of which caused the death of another person. Tiger Draggoo allegedly distributed fentanyl between Dec. 7 and 20, 2022, the use of which caused the death of another person.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint that was filed against Draggoo on Jan. 23, 2023, three Belton teenagers who were associated with Draggoo died from acute fentanyl intoxication. On at least three more occasions, the affidavit says, Belton police officers were called because a juvenile was under the influence of fentanyl (one of those juveniles, who turned 18 after being contacted by police officers, is among the three fentanyl deaths).

The indictment alleges that all seven defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl from Dec. 1, 2021, to May 3, 2023. The indictment also alleges that Tiger Draggoo, Alvarez, Amparan, Morales and Williams participated in a money-laundering conspiracy.

Tiger Draggoo is also charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm. According to the indictment, Draggoo was in possession of a Jimenez Arms .380-caliber pistol, an Armscor .45-caliber pistol, a Taurus .357-caliber revolver, a Palmetto State Armory multi-caliber rifle, and a short-barreled Savage 12-gauge on Jan. 20, 2023. Those charges are related to Draggoo’s arrest on the federal complaint. Officers seized the fentanyl and firearms from Draggoo’s residence and vehicle when he was taken into custody.

Additionally, Tiger Dragoo is charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of illegally possessing machine guns. Those charges were basis of the original criminal complaint filed against Draggoo.

According to an affidavit filed in support of that complaint, police officers were conducting surveillance at an apartment complex on Sept. 22, 2022, when Tiger and Colt Draggoo left the apartment and got into a Jeep Renegade. Officers followed the Jeep and saw it commit numerous traffic violations while displaying erratic driving. A Jackson County sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled from the deputy.

A few minutes later, the Jeep returned to the apartment complex and Tiger and Colt Draggoo entered the apartment. Tiger Draggoo carried a large laundry bag from the apartment and placed it in the backseat of the Jeep. When a Jackson County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy drove into the parking lot, Tiger Draggoo ran back into the apartment building. When officers knocked on the door of Tiger Draggoo’s apartment, the affidavit says, his girlfriend initially told them he wasn’t there. After she allowed officers to enter the apartment, she admitted that Tiger Draggoo had run into the apartment and out the back door.

Officers searched the apartment and found 17 firearms, including two machine guns, ammunition of various calibers, $246,769 in cash, a ballistic vest with plates, a money counter, numerous pills that contained fentanyl, eight suspected LSD tabs, and marijuana. The 17 firearms included a Del-Ton 5.56-caliber rifle (converted into a machine gun), a Glock switch (used to convert a Glock pistol into a machine gun), three Marlin .22-caliber rifles, a Norinco 7.62-caliber rifle, a Mosin-Nagant rifle, an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223-caliber rifle, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, an Armscorp USA .308-caliber rifle, a Century Arms 7.62-caliber rifle, a Herbert Schmidt .22-caliber revolver, a New England Firearms .22-caliber revolver, a Kimber 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, and a Metro Arms .45-caliber pistol.

Williams is also charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Williams allegedly was in possession of a Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a Girsan .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun on April 19, 2023.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696014760468.png" alt="Draggoo-photo Lee's Summit PD" />
 <figcaption>Draggoo-photo Lee's Summit PD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY. – A Kansas City man has been charged with three fentanyl overdose deaths in Belton, Mo., alongside six other metropolitan area residents indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that included illegal firearms and money laundering, according to the United State's Attorney.Tiger Dean Draggoo, 23, his brother, Colt Justin Draggoo, 20, Jose Amparan, also known as “Lil Mex” and “Jose Garcia,” 20, Luis Manuel Morales, also known as “Trulu,” “Lulu,” “Luis,” and “Luis Mor,” 23, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Andrew R.A. Williams, also known as “DrewB Grittin,” 22, of Grandview, Mo.; Alexander D. Barnett, also known as “Alex” and “Cobra,” 22, of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; and Javier Armanmdo Alvarez, also known as “Mexxican,” Gomi,” and “Gummi,” 21, of Kansas City, Kan., were charged in a 13-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, Sept. 27. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrest and initial court appearances of Barnett and Morales. Colt Draggoo also was arrested today and will have an initial court appearance tomorrow.The superseding indictment replaces the original indictment returned on Feb. 7, 2023, which only charged Tiger Draggoo, and includes additional charges and defendants.The federal indictment charges Tiger Draggoo with three counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death. Tiger Draggoo allegedly distributed fentanyl on Sept. 3, 2022, the use of which caused the death of another person. Tiger Draggoo allegedly distributed fentanyl between Aug. 22 and Sept. 13, 2022, the use of which caused the death of another person. Tiger Draggoo allegedly distributed fentanyl between Dec. 7 and 20, 2022, the use of which caused the death of another person.According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint that was filed against Draggoo on Jan. 23, 2023, three Belton teenagers who were associated with Draggoo died from acute fentanyl intoxication. On at least three more occasions, the affidavit says, Belton police officers were called because a juvenile was under the influence of fentanyl (one of those juveniles, who turned 18 after being contacted by police officers, is among the three fentanyl deaths).The indictment alleges that all seven defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl from Dec. 1, 2021, to May 3, 2023. The indictment also alleges that Tiger Draggoo, Alvarez, Amparan, Morales and Williams participated in a money-laundering conspiracy.Tiger Draggoo is also charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of possessing an unregistered firearm. According to the indictment, Draggoo was in possession of a Jimenez Arms .380-caliber pistol, an Armscor .45-caliber pistol, a Taurus .357-caliber revolver, a Palmetto State Armory multi-caliber rifle, and a short-barreled Savage 12-gauge on Jan. 20, 2023. Those charges are related to Draggoo’s arrest on the federal complaint. Officers seized the fentanyl and firearms from Draggoo’s residence and vehicle when he was taken into custody.Additionally, Tiger Dragoo is charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of illegally possessing machine guns. Those charges were basis of the original criminal complaint filed against Draggoo.According to an affidavit filed in support of that complaint, police officers were conducting surveillance at an apartment complex on Sept. 22, 2022, when Tiger and Colt Draggoo left the apartment and got into a Jeep Renegade. Officers followed the Jeep and saw it commit numerous traffic violations while displaying erratic driving. A Jackson County sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled from the deputy.A few minutes later, the Jeep returned to the apartment complex and Tiger and Colt Draggoo entered the apartment. Tiger Draggoo carried a large laundry bag from the apartment and placed it in the backseat of the Jeep. When a Jackson County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy drove into the parking lot, Tiger Draggoo ran back into the apartment building. When officers knocked on the door of Tiger Draggoo’s apartment, the affidavit says, his girlfriend initially told them he wasn’t there. After she allowed officers to enter the apartment, she admitted that Tiger Draggoo had run into the apartment and out the back door.Officers searched the apartment and found 17 firearms, including two machine guns, ammunition of various calibers, $246,769 in cash, a ballistic vest with plates, a money counter, numerous pills that contained fentanyl, eight suspected LSD tabs, and marijuana. The 17 firearms included a Del-Ton 5.56-caliber rifle (converted into a machine gun), a Glock switch (used to convert a Glock pistol into a machine gun), three Marlin .22-caliber rifles, a Norinco 7.62-caliber rifle, a Mosin-Nagant rifle, an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223-caliber rifle, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, an Armscorp USA .308-caliber rifle, a Century Arms 7.62-caliber rifle, a Herbert Schmidt .22-caliber revolver, a New England Firearms .22-caliber revolver, a Kimber 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, and a Metro Arms .45-caliber pistol.Williams is also charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Williams allegedly was in possession of a Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a Girsan .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun on April 19, 2023.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

KC-area brothers charged with  fentanyl deaths

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a officer-shooting that took place at Prairie View at Village West apartments near the Legends Outlet and Kansas Speedway after an unknown suspect shot an off duty Wyandotte County Sheriff Deputy.

Just before 5:30 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to the Prairie View apartments,&nbsp;11200 Delaware Parkway, after an off duty deputy called 911 and stated they were shot, according to a media release from police.

The deputy witnessed a burglary to a vehicle that was in progress. When the deputy confronted the suspect, the suspect fired a weapon towards the deputy striking them.

EMS transported the deputy to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696620064677.png" alt="A view of the apartment complex near Legends Outlet and and Kansas Speedway where the shooting occurred -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>A view of the apartment complex near Legends Outlet and and Kansas Speedway where the shooting occurred -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a officer-shooting that took place at Prairie View at Village West apartments near the Legends Outlet and Kansas Speedway after an unknown suspect shot an off duty Wyandotte County Sheriff Deputy.Just before 5:30 a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to the Prairie View apartments,&nbsp;11200 Delaware Parkway, after an off duty deputy called 911 and stated they were shot, according to a media release from police.The deputy witnessed a burglary to a vehicle that was in progress. When the deputy confronted the suspect, the suspect fired a weapon towards the deputy striking them.EMS transported the deputy to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

Off-duty Kansas deputy shot by vehicle burglary suspect

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest in Riley County.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, police arrested 43-year-old Desie Chatfield of Hutchinson after being transported to the Riley County Police Department, according to the department activity report. 

Chatfield was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation. The original charge was for unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Chatfield is being held on a of $7,500 bond. 

He has previous convictions for domestic battery, aggravated domestic battery, criminal threat, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696601938870.png" alt="Chatfield photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Chatfield photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest in Riley County.Just after 4p.m. Thursday, police arrested 43-year-old Desie Chatfield of Hutchinson after being transported to the Riley County Police Department, according to the department activity report. Chatfield was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation. The original charge was for unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Chatfield is being held on a of $7,500 bond. He has previous convictions for domestic battery, aggravated domestic battery, criminal threat, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. man with a history of crime jailed on new allegations

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 25-year-old homeless man was charged Thursday in the rape and killing of a 5-year-old Kansas girl who died despite firefighters' efforts to save her life in a gas station parking lot.

Mickel Cherry faces one count of capital murder — which would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty — and one count each of first-degree murder and rape in the death of Zoey Felix on Monday. He was jailed in Topeka on a $2 million bond, and his next court appearance has not yet been determined.

Shawnee County District Attorney Michael Kagay told reporters that a decision about seeking a death sentence won't be made until after a preliminary hearing to determine whether Cherry stands trial. That is standard in capital cases.

Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, said his office would represent Cherry, but that he had no further comment. Cherry’s family didn’t respond to messages.

Authorities have released no details about the cause of Zoey’s death, but former neighbors of the girl and her family believe she, her father and Cherry had lived the past few weeks in a grove of trees on a wooded lot near the gas station, just blocks from the home where her mother lived. They believed she was carried from the wooded lot to the gas station, but police have not confirmed any of those details.

Kagay said in a news release that Topeka police rushed to a gas station where fire crews were attempting to save Zoey’s life. She was later pronounced dead. A medical examination at the hospital revealed injuries consistent with sexual assault.

“I think the investigation into the murder and rape of this 5-year-old girl is fairly complete,” Kagay told reporters during a brief news conference.

Asked about potentially charging other people, Kagay said, “I’m willing to consider any actionable investigations brought to me,” but when he was asked whether he is aware of any other investigations, he said, “I’m not.”

Timothy Phelps, deputy director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, confirmed that Cherry used to live at the same address as Zoey, but at the time of his arrest, Cherry was homeless.

Cherry has no criminal record in Kansas, but he does have a misdemeanor criminal trespass conviction in Amarillo, Texas.

Neighbors said they had raised concerns that Zoey's family home had no electricity and that they called the police and child welfare.

“She just had a good spirit to her. Honestly, very outgoing, smart. She was curious about everything. She’d ask you a 1,001 questions, and she demanded answers for those too,” said Shaniqua Bradley, a neighbor.

Topeka police confirmed Thursday that they made three visits to the home in September: one on Sept. 5 for a welfare check following a report that the home had no electricity; and two domestic disturbance calls in the afternoon and evening of Sept. 19, a little more than an hour apart. Police did not provide details about those two calls.

City spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said in an email that during the first call officers confirmed there was no electricity and that they were told the child wasn't staying there. Police met with the child, saw she was in “good spirits” but still made a report to child welfare and property officials, Spiker said.

The city moved to condemn the house but backed off when the utilities were turned back on. Neighbors said that everyone but the mother had moved out by then.

One tent and a tarp were set up in the woods a few blocks away from the home, in an area about a football field away from the pumps at a Dillons grocery store where fire crews tried to resuscitate Zoey.

Her dad worked at the gas station; a coworker said Wednesday that he was taking time off and the company hasn't responded to an email from The Associated Press.

A makeshift memorial of flowers, balloons and toys sat nearby.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696600819324.png" alt="Zoey Felix <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/zoey-felix-funeral-expenses">photo GoFundMe</a>" />
 <figcaption>Zoey Felix <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/zoey-felix-funeral-expenses">photo GoFundMe</a></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 25-year-old homeless man was charged Thursday in the rape and killing of a 5-year-old Kansas girl who died despite firefighters' efforts to save her life in a gas station parking lot.Mickel Cherry faces one count of capital murder — which would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty — and one count each of first-degree murder and rape in the death of Zoey Felix on Monday. He was jailed in Topeka on a $2 million bond, and his next court appearance has not yet been determined.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696342029742.png" alt="Cherryp-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cherryp-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Shawnee County District Attorney Michael Kagay told reporters that a decision about seeking a death sentence won't be made until after a preliminary hearing to determine whether Cherry stands trial. That is standard in capital cases.Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, said his office would represent Cherry, but that he had no further comment. Cherry’s family didn’t respond to messages.Authorities have released no details about the cause of Zoey’s death, but former neighbors of the girl and her family believe she, her father and Cherry had lived the past few weeks in a grove of trees on a wooded lot near the gas station, just blocks from the home where her mother lived. They believed she was carried from the wooded lot to the gas station, but police have not confirmed any of those details.Kagay said in a news release that Topeka police rushed to a gas station where fire crews were attempting to save Zoey’s life. She was later pronounced dead. A medical examination at the hospital revealed injuries consistent with sexual assault.“I think the investigation into the murder and rape of this 5-year-old girl is fairly complete,” Kagay told reporters during a brief news conference.Asked about potentially charging other people, Kagay said, “I’m willing to consider any actionable investigations brought to me,” but when he was asked whether he is aware of any other investigations, he said, “I’m not.”Timothy Phelps, deputy director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, confirmed that Cherry used to live at the same address as Zoey, but at the time of his arrest, Cherry was homeless.Cherry has no criminal record in Kansas, but he does have a misdemeanor criminal trespass conviction in Amarillo, Texas.Neighbors said they had raised concerns that Zoey's family home had no electricity and that they called the police and child welfare.“She just had a good spirit to her. Honestly, very outgoing, smart. She was curious about everything. She’d ask you a 1,001 questions, and she demanded answers for those too,” said Shaniqua Bradley, a neighbor.Topeka police confirmed Thursday that they made three visits to the home in September: one on Sept. 5 for a welfare check following a report that the home had no electricity; and two domestic disturbance calls in the afternoon and evening of Sept. 19, a little more than an hour apart. Police did not provide details about those two calls.City spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said in an email that during the first call officers confirmed there was no electricity and that they were told the child wasn't staying there. Police met with the child, saw she was in “good spirits” but still made a report to child welfare and property officials, Spiker said.The city moved to condemn the house but backed off when the utilities were turned back on. Neighbors said that everyone but the mother had moved out by then.One tent and a tarp were set up in the woods a few blocks away from the home, in an area about a football field away from the pumps at a Dillons grocery store where fire crews tried to resuscitate Zoey.Her dad worked at the gas station; a coworker said Wednesday that he was taking time off and the company hasn't responded to an email from The Associated Press.A makeshift memorial of flowers, balloons and toys sat nearby.

Man could face death penalty for murder of 5-year-old Kan. girl

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Biden administration will resume deporting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-tps-border-asylum-venezuela-temporary-status-2fa052ceacb020b861bb82332912bc92">Venezuelan migrants</a>, the largest single group encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border last month, back to their economically troubled country as their arrivals continue to grow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317742720.png" alt="The U.S. move is the latest effort to deal with swelling numbers of migrants as the administration comes under increasing pressure from Republicans and mayors from the president’s own party to do more to slow arrivals.- Photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>The U.S. move is the latest effort to deal with swelling numbers of migrants as the administration comes under increasing pressure from Republicans and mayors from the president’s own party to do more to slow arrivals.- Photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Biden administration will resume deporting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-tps-border-asylum-venezuela-temporary-status-2fa052ceacb020b861bb82332912bc92">Venezuelan migrants</a>, the largest single group encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border last month, back to their economically troubled country as their arrivals continue to grow.U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, speaking in Mexico City Thursday, cited the new measure as one of the “strict consequences” the Biden administration is pairing with the expansion of legal pathways for asylum seekers.“Our two countries are being challenged by an unprecedented level of migration throughout our hemisphere,” Mayorkas said, referring to Mexico.The repatriation flights are expected to begin shortly, said two U.S. officials, though they did not provide specific details on when the flights would begin taking off. The officials were not authorized to disclose details of the government’s plan and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-immigration-border-migrant-venezuela-b914be14aaeef14eb01bd10ee23067f4">The resumption of deportation flights comes not long after the administration increased protected status</a>&nbsp;for thousands of Venezuelans who had previously arrived to the U.S., they must have entered the country before July 31 of this year to be eligible for temporary protected status.In making the recent expansion of protections official, President Joe Biden's administration said just this week that it had determined that “extraordinary and temporary conditions continue to prevent Venezuelan nationals from returning in safety.”Mayorkas on Thursday addressed the contrast with the announcement just days later of more deportations, saying “we have made a determination it is safe to return Venezuelan nationals who arrived in the United States subsequent to July 31 and do not have a legal basis to remain here.”U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who led a U.S. delegation to Mexico, added that “we have an ironclad commitment to provide protection for those who qualify. That remains paramount in everything we’re doing.”The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service criticized the move to resume deportations noting the apparent contradiction with the expansion of temporary protected status.“Returning thousands of Venezuelans to the same unimaginably dangerous conditions they just fled is a profoundly problematic policy for the world’s humanitarian leader to adopt,” the organization’s CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah said in a statement.Administration officials would not discuss details about how frequently deportation flights would be going to Venezuela or describe how Venezuela agreed to accept back their citizens except to say that, like other countries around the world, the U.S. has long encouraged Venezuela to accept back its nationals. Cuba, another U.S. adversary, announced earlier this year that it would begin accepting Cuban deportees but there has only been one flight a month.The U.S. had been returning some Venezuelans via commercial flights, but in relatively small numbers and through third countries.In Venezuela, the government said it had reached an agreement with U.S. officials for a safe and orderly repatriation.“Venezuelan migration in recent years is a direct result of the application of unilateral coercive measures and a blockade of our economy,” Venezuela's foreign ministry said via X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. It said the government would support repatriated Venezuelans.The U.S. move is the latest effort to deal with swelling numbers of migrants as the administration comes under increasing pressure from Republicans and mayors from the president’s own party to do more to slow arrivals.The announcement came as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/antony-blinken">Blinken</a>&nbsp;and other top Biden administration officials met with their counterparts in Mexico City on security issues.Blinken discussed migration flows with Mexico Foreign Affairs Secretary Alicia Bárcena, as well as foreign ministers from Panama and Colombia, Wednesday. Talks continued Thursday, including meetings by Blinken and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland with López Obrador.Bárcena said Thursday that some 10,000 migrant encounters were registered at the U.S.-Mexico border on Wednesday.“We are going to continue taking forceful actions, including continuing some efforts we already have in relation to assisted returns, coordinating the dismantling of trafficking networks and human trafficking,” Bárcena said.Blinken said the U.S. government is working to support those efforts.“We're taking steps to aid the most vulnerable, those most vulnerable to organized crime, training nearly 200 Mexican immigration officials to better screen, identify and assist potential human trafficking victims,” Blinken said.“The scale of this challenge demands that we redouble our efforts, that we do more to increase legal migration ... more to address root causes and more to deter irregular migration humanely,” Blinken said.López Obrador said Thursday during his daily news briefing that Mexico has reiterated in talks its position that there should be investment to spur development in the countries that migrants leave.“The people don't abandon their towns because they want to, but rather out of necessity,” the president said. He also criticized the Biden administration's announcement Wednesday that it waived 26 federal laws in South Texas to allow border wall construction. López Obrador had previously praised Biden for not building more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-us-mexico-border-wall-immigration-texas-f99fd10257292a898618236df3613979">border wall</a>&nbsp;during his presidency.In August, the U.S. Border Patrol made 181,509 arrests at the Mexican border, up 37% from July but little changed from August 2022 and well below the more than 220,000 in December, according to figures released in September.The U.S. has tried to get Mexico and countries farther south to do more. In April, the U.S., Panama and Colombia announced a campaign to slow migration through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/darien-gap-panama-colombia-us-migrants-cf0cd1e9de2119208c9af186e53e09b7">treacherous Darien Gap dividing Colombia and Panama</a>. But migration through the jungle has only accelerated and is expected to approach some 500,000 people this year - the vast majority from Venezuela.Venezuelans were stopped 25,777 times the first 17 days of September, up 63% from the same period a month earlier, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection figures released by López Obrador. Those included some people admitted for scheduled asylum appointments, but the vast majority were illegal entries.Venezuela plunged into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis over the last decade, pushing at least 7.3 million people to migrate and making food and other necessities unaffordable for those who remain.The vast majority who fled settled in neighboring countries in Latin America, but many began coming to the United States in the last three years.Deportation flights had been paused in part because the U.S. has few diplomatic relations with the nation.U.S. and Mexican officials also discussed efforts aimed at combating the trafficking of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl.Mexican officials continued to explain with some difficulty López Obrador’s blanket assertion — false according to available evidence and the U.S. government — that Mexico does not produce fentanyl.Bárcena, the foreign relations secretary, said “there is no contradiction, chemical precursors are not produced in Mexico.” It was tacit admission that Mexican cartels import precursors, mainly from China, and process them chemically into fentanyl. But since the entire chemical process is not carried out in Mexico the government maintains that fentanyl is not produced here.U.S. officials highlighted the recent extradition of Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, to the U.S. on drug trafficking charges as a sign of cooperation between the two governments.__