MORRIS COUNT —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 5:30p.m. April 4, police stopped a vehicle in the 600 block of W. Main St.&nbsp; in Council Grove for for an alleged traffic violation.

During the stop, the&nbsp;Morris Co. Sheriff’s Office’s&nbsp;K-9 Kimber was deployed and alerted to illegal drugs in the vehicle.

Following a probable cause search, deputies arrested the driver, 61-year-old Scott Berry of Council Grove, and a passenger identified as 24-year-old Wolphen Smith of Latimer.

Both were booked on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681161854893.png" alt="Berry is being held in Dickinson CO." />
 <figcaption>Berry is being held in Dickinson CO.</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNT —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 5:30p.m. April 4, police stopped a vehicle in the 600 block of W. Main St.&nbsp; in Council Grove for for an alleged traffic violation.During the stop, the&nbsp;Morris Co. Sheriff’s Office’s&nbsp;K-9 Kimber was deployed and alerted to illegal drugs in the vehicle.Following a probable cause search, deputies arrested the driver, 61-year-old Scott Berry of Council Grove, and a passenger identified as 24-year-old Wolphen Smith of Latimer.Both were booked on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kansas sheriff's K9 found meth, marijuana during traffic stop

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities and officials at Worlds of Fun are investigating after a difficult opening weekend at the theme park.

Just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy working off-duty security at the Kansas City theme park heard on the radio from park security about a fight involving multiple juveniles and a large crowd inside the park, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office.

 There were an estimated 100 to 150 teenagers involved, none of whom appeared to be accompanied by an adult. Deputies working off duty, Worlds of Fun security officers, and KCPD officers working off duty attempted to break up the crowd and move them out of the park.

Multiple fights continued to break out among the juveniles as officials tried to move them out. More Clay County Sheriff deputies and KCPD officers arrived to assist. Some juveniles said another juvenile had displayed a gun, but law enforcement was never able to verify that claim.

As a Clay County deputy escorted a group of juveniles from the park, a teenage girl refused to leave and punched him in the face. She was arrested and turned over to her parents. He had only superficial injuries.

Once the group had been pushed out to the parking lot, fights broke out in the parking lot. Deputies and KCPD officers then broke up those fights and dispersed the crowd. The park was cleared by about 8:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681167293215.png" alt="Worlds of Fun-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Worlds of Fun-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities and officials at Worlds of Fun are investigating after a difficult opening weekend at the theme park.Just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy working off-duty security at the Kansas City theme park heard on the radio from park security about a fight involving multiple juveniles and a large crowd inside the park, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office. There were an estimated 100 to 150 teenagers involved, none of whom appeared to be accompanied by an adult. Deputies working off duty, Worlds of Fun security officers, and KCPD officers working off duty attempted to break up the crowd and move them out of the park.Multiple fights continued to break out among the juveniles as officials tried to move them out. More Clay County Sheriff deputies and KCPD officers arrived to assist. Some juveniles said another juvenile had displayed a gun, but law enforcement was never able to verify that claim.As a Clay County deputy escorted a group of juveniles from the park, a teenage girl refused to leave and punched him in the face. She was arrested and turned over to her parents. He had only superficial injuries.Once the group had been pushed out to the parking lot, fights broke out in the parking lot. Deputies and KCPD officers then broke up those fights and dispersed the crowd. The park was cleared by about 8:30 p.m.

Sheriff: Multiple fights, deputy punched at Worlds of Fun

JUDD WEIL and NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON— A former Hutchinson police officer pleaded guilty to twelve felony charges related to sex crimes and five misdemeanors related to breach of privacy Monday afternoon in Reno County District Court. 

Todd W. Allen, 51, will receive 282 months in prison, according to the plea agreement. The plea hearing was before Judge Jeff Newsum.

The formal charges originally filed against Allen had included 17 felonies and seven misdemeanors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/d6da7f11-fb3b-4d3d-ae8a-a4039b6e92bd">Allen was arrested Aug. 17, 2022 </a>&nbsp;for crimes that stretched back as far as 2012.

Allen is scheduled for sentencing May 22 before Judge Keith Schroeder.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The rape case against a former Hutchinson police officer will have its pretrial hearing in April.

Following a Wednesday status conference, Judge Daniel Gilligan set the pretrial hearing for Todd W. Allen for April 10 at 8:30 a.m.

The formal charges filed against Allen include 17 felonies and seven misdemeanors.&nbsp;

Allen was arrested August 17&nbsp;and is charged with two counts of rape or alternative counts of aggravated sexual battery. &nbsp;

The charges also include three counts of attempted rape or alternative counts of aggravated sexual battery, two more counts of aggravated sexual battery, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of attempted aggravated sexual battery. &nbsp;

The two counts of rape are level one person felonies.&nbsp; Allen also faces five counts of breach of privacy and two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. &nbsp;He is currently free on a $250,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679423588082.png" alt="Todd W. Allen" />
 <figcaption>Todd W. Allen</figcaption>
 </figure>JUDD WEIL and NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON— A former Hutchinson police officer pleaded guilty to twelve felony charges related to sex crimes and five misdemeanors related to breach of privacy Monday afternoon in Reno County District Court. Todd W. Allen, 51, will receive 282 months in prison, according to the plea agreement. The plea hearing was before Judge Jeff Newsum.The formal charges originally filed against Allen had included 17 felonies and seven misdemeanors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/d6da7f11-fb3b-4d3d-ae8a-a4039b6e92bd">Allen was arrested Aug. 17, 2022 </a>&nbsp;for crimes that stretched back as far as 2012. Allen is scheduled for sentencing May 22 before Judge Keith Schroeder.------------HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The rape case against a former Hutchinson police officer will have its pretrial hearing in April.Following a Wednesday status conference, Judge Daniel Gilligan set the pretrial hearing for Todd W. Allen for April 10 at 8:30 a.m.The formal charges filed against Allen include 17 felonies and seven misdemeanors.&nbsp;Allen was arrested August 17&nbsp;and is charged with two counts of rape or alternative counts of aggravated sexual battery. &nbsp;The charges also include three counts of attempted rape or alternative counts of aggravated sexual battery, two more counts of aggravated sexual battery, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of attempted aggravated sexual battery. &nbsp;The two counts of rape are level one person felonies.&nbsp; Allen also faces five counts of breach of privacy and two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery. &nbsp;He is currently free on a $250,000 bond.&nbsp;

Ex-Kansas cop enters plea deal in serial sex assault case

RILEY COUNTY—One person was just injured another arrested after an accident just 1a.m. Saturday in Manhattan.

The Riley County Police Department reported a&nbsp;motorcycle driven by Douglas Boone, 42, of Lithia, Florida was involved in an accident in the 3200 Block of Stagg Hill Road. &nbsp;A second motorcycle driven by Travis Rusch, 35, of Manhattan was also on scene.&nbsp;

First responders found Boone laying on the side of the road unresponsive. EMS transported Boone to Via Christi and later to Stormont Vail in critical condition, according to the RCPD.

 Boone was not wearing a helmet. Rusch was found to be intoxicated and arrested for driving under the influence. Rusch was issued a total bond of $750 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was just injured another arrested after an accident just 1a.m. Saturday in Manhattan.The Riley County Police Department reported a&nbsp;motorcycle driven by Douglas Boone, 42, of Lithia, Florida was involved in an accident in the 3200 Block of Stagg Hill Road. &nbsp;A second motorcycle driven by Travis Rusch, 35, of Manhattan was also on scene.&nbsp;First responders found Boone laying on the side of the road unresponsive. EMS transported Boone to Via Christi and later to Stormont Vail in critical condition, according to the RCPD. Boone was not wearing a helmet. Rusch was found to be intoxicated and arrested for driving under the influence. Rusch was issued a total bond of $750 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

1 hospitalized, Manhattan man accused of DUI after crash

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/2023/4/1681133232371.jpeg" alt="Jose M Baquedano Matamoros, DUI-Liquor/Drugs (1st Conviction); Battery against law enforcement officer; Arrested 4/10" />
 <figcaption>Jose M Baquedano Matamoros, DUI-Liquor/Drugs (1st Conviction); Battery against law enforcement officer; Arrested 4/10</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681133755708.jpeg" alt="Timothy Daniel Bolton, Domestic Battery; Assault; Arrested 4/9" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Daniel Bolton, Domestic Battery; Assault; Arrested 4/9</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681133949995.jpeg" alt="Dominique Trevonne Patrick, Failure to appear; Arrested 4/9" />
 <figcaption>Dominique Trevonne Patrick, Failure to appear; Arrested 4/9</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 April 10

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon accused in a robbery, domestic violence incident made a court appearance last week.

Pearl Haynes IV, 40 of Wichita, is charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, burglary, theft, criminal damage to property, criminal threat, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement and battery against a law enforcement officer, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 9:20 pm, Friday, police dispatched to a Domestic Violence with weapon call in the 6700 block of West Par Lane in Wichita involving Haynes and a 34-year-old woman, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Officers arrived on the scene and spoke to the woman who stated Haynes showed up at her house intoxicated and began breaking several items in her apartment. Officers saw Haynes flee from the front of the apartment and they gave chase on foot. Haynes jumped a privacy fence. 

Once he got over that fence officers heard eight gunshots coming from where he landed placing the officers in fear. They immediately took cover and waited for more officers to arrive.

A short time later officers began to provide security around the area where Haynes was last seen. An abundance of precaution was being utilized due to Haynes firing several rounds. Other law enforcement agencies arrived to provide assistance as well.

At approximately 11:15 pm, a resident in the 1300 block of South Westfield called 911 stating Haynes was at their residence banging on the door saying he was on the run from the police.

Officers made their way to the Westfield location. Unmarked units were in the area when they witnessed Haynes flee on an ATV.

A brief pursuit would occur, and Haynes attempted to turn the ATV in the 200 block of South Byron Court when the vehicle tipped on its side and Haynes fled on foot. Police eventually took into custody in the 300 block of South Keith Street. He is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Assault LEO, criminal damage to property/Domestic Violence robbery, evade and elude, DUI, resisting arrest, and battery of a law enforcement officer. Police don't know if he was firing at officers or firing in the air while officers were chasing him in attempts to make officers fall back., according to Ditch.

Haynes knew both the victim at Par Lane and the Westfield location, according to Ditch. He has over a dozen previous convictions that include theft, burglary, robbery, aggravated escape from custody and for drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections\

He is being held on a bond of $100,000.  His next court appearance is April 13, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680378669885.png" alt="Haynes has over a dozen previous convictions that include theft, burglary, robbery, aggravated escape from custody and for drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Haynes has over a dozen previous convictions that include theft, burglary, robbery, aggravated escape from custody and for drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon accused in a robbery, domestic violence incident made a court appearance last week.Pearl Haynes IV, 40 of Wichita, is charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, burglary, theft, criminal damage to property, criminal threat, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement and battery against a law enforcement officer, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 9:20 pm, Friday, police dispatched to a Domestic Violence with weapon call in the 6700 block of West Par Lane in Wichita involving Haynes and a 34-year-old woman, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Officers arrived on the scene and spoke to the woman who stated Haynes showed up at her house intoxicated and began breaking several items in her apartment. Officers saw Haynes flee from the front of the apartment and they gave chase on foot. Haynes jumped a privacy fence. Once he got over that fence officers heard eight gunshots coming from where he landed placing the officers in fear. They immediately took cover and waited for more officers to arrive.A short time later officers began to provide security around the area where Haynes was last seen. An abundance of precaution was being utilized due to Haynes firing several rounds. Other law enforcement agencies arrived to provide assistance as well.At approximately 11:15 pm, a resident in the 1300 block of South Westfield called 911 stating Haynes was at their residence banging on the door saying he was on the run from the police.Officers made their way to the Westfield location. Unmarked units were in the area when they witnessed Haynes flee on an ATV.A brief pursuit would occur, and Haynes attempted to turn the ATV in the 200 block of South Byron Court when the vehicle tipped on its side and Haynes fled on foot. Police eventually took into custody in the 300 block of South Keith Street. He is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Assault LEO, criminal damage to property/Domestic Violence robbery, evade and elude, DUI, resisting arrest, and battery of a law enforcement officer. Police don't know if he was firing at officers or firing in the air while officers were chasing him in attempts to make officers fall back., according to Ditch.Haynes knew both the victim at Par Lane and the Westfield location, according to Ditch. He has over a dozen previous convictions that include theft, burglary, robbery, aggravated escape from custody and for drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections\He is being held on a bond of $100,000. His next court appearance is April 13, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas felon charged after firing weapon during police chase 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend stabbing and have a teen in custody.

Just before 7a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to report of the stabbing at a home in the 2700 block of E 15th Street North in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders located a 20-year-old victim at the intersection of 15th Street N and Volutsia and two citizens providing first aid to him.

The investigation revealed the 20-year-old victim got into a verbal argument with his brother after he accidentally woke him up. During the verbal argument, the suspect began stabbing his 20-year-old brother. 

The suspect stabbed his brother multiple times in his left upper body, lower back, and left arm.

EMS transported the victim to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The victim underwent surgery and was reported in critical but stable condition.

Police arrested the 17-year-old brother on requested charges of aggravated battery. Police have not released the name of the suspect or brother.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681049208489.png" alt="First responders at the scene early Saturday-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene early Saturday-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend stabbing and have a teen in custody.Just before 7a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to report of the stabbing at a home in the 2700 block of E 15th Street North in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders located a 20-year-old victim at the intersection of 15th Street N and Volutsia and two citizens providing first aid to him.The investigation revealed the 20-year-old victim got into a verbal argument with his brother after he accidentally woke him up. During the verbal argument, the suspect began stabbing his 20-year-old brother. The suspect stabbed his brother multiple times in his left upper body, lower back, and left arm.EMS transported the victim to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The victim underwent surgery and was reported in critical but stable condition.Police arrested the 17-year-old brother on requested charges of aggravated battery. Police have not released the name of the suspect or brother.

Kan. teen stabbed brother who accidentally woke him up

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stolen vehicle and have made two arrests.

An April 7, Patrol Deputies were dispatched to 1818 County Road 3700, Coffeyville, Kansas in reference to a vehicle being parked at the residence which matched a report of a stolen vehicle, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

 When deputies arrived they observed a black 2008 Chevy Suburban sitting at the residence and white male attempt to exit the driver’s side of the vehicle.

 Deputies immediately took the man identified as 27-year-old Chance Lawyer of&nbsp;Bartlesville, Oklahoma into custody.&nbsp;

 Deputies located a second subject in the passenger seat of the vehicle who was identified as 44-year-old Charles Miles of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and took him into custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Police confirmed that was the stolen vehicle from Coffeyville. Miles is being held without bond. He was released from prison in January and has previous convictions for robbery, theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections.

This case will be sent over to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for review and proper charging.  All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681081838096.png" alt="Miles has previous convictions for robbery, theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections.-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Miles has previous convictions for robbery, theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections.-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stolen vehicle and have made two arrests.An April 7, Patrol Deputies were dispatched to 1818 County Road 3700, Coffeyville, Kansas in reference to a vehicle being parked at the residence which matched a report of a stolen vehicle, according to Sheriff Ron Wade. When deputies arrived they observed a black 2008 Chevy Suburban sitting at the residence and white male attempt to exit the driver’s side of the vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681082095411.png" alt="Lawyer is no longer in custody-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Lawyer is no longer in custody-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Deputies immediately took the man identified as 27-year-old Chance Lawyer of&nbsp;Bartlesville, Oklahoma into custody.&nbsp; Deputies located a second subject in the passenger seat of the vehicle who was identified as 44-year-old Charles Miles of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and took him into custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Police confirmed that was the stolen vehicle from Coffeyville. Miles is being held without bond. He was released from prison in January and has previous convictions for robbery, theft, burglary and drugs, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections.This case will be sent over to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for review and proper charging. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law.

Kansas man released from prison in January caught in stolen car

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/2023/4/1681068763606.jpeg" alt="Eleanor Kate Fisher, Lewd and lascivious behavior; Disorderly conduct; arrested 4/8" />
 <figcaption>Eleanor Kate Fisher, Lewd and lascivious behavior; Disorderly conduct; arrested 4/8</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681069353488.jpeg" alt="Lloyd Wayne Fisher, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Misd; Unk conv; Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/expired tag; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; arrested 4/8" />
 <figcaption>Lloyd Wayne Fisher, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Misd; Unk conv; Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/expired tag; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; arrested 4/8</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681069638975.jpeg" alt="Patrick Aron Fisher, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; arrested 4/8" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Aron Fisher, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; arrested 4/8</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 April 9

BALTIMORE (AP) — More than 150 Catholic priests and others associated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore sexually abused over 600 children and often escaped accountability, according to a long-awaited <a href="https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/news%20documents/OAG_redacted_Report_on_Child_Sexual_Abuse.pdf">state report</a> released Wednesday that revealed the scope of abuse spanning 80 years and accused church leaders of decades of coverups.

<a href="https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/news%20documents/OAG_redacted_Report_on_Child_Sexual_Abuse.pdf">CLICK Here to read </a>the full report from the attorney general

The report paints a damning picture of the archdiocese, which is the oldest Roman Catholic diocese in the country and spans much of Maryland. Some parishes, schools and congregations had more than one abuser at the same time — including St. Mark Parish in Catonsville, which had 11 abusers living and working there between 1964 and 2004. One deacon admitted to molesting over 100 children. Another priest was allowed to feign hepatitis treatment and make other excuses to avoid facing abuse allegations.

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office released the findings of their yearslong investigation during Holy Week — considered the most sacred time of year in Christianity ahead of Easter Sunday — and said the number of victims is likely far higher. The report was redacted to protect confidential grand jury materials, meaning the identities of some accused clergy were removed.

“The staggering pervasiveness of the abuse itself underscores the culpability of the Church hierarchy,” the report said. “The sheer number of abusers and victims, the depravity of the abusers’ conduct, and the frequency with which known abusers were given the opportunity to continue preying upon children are astonishing.”

Disclosure of the redacted findings marks a significant development in an ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-baltimore-religion-3dd3cd21726aeed307dc32073f0af3b2">legal battle over their release</a>&nbsp;and adds to growing evidence from parishes across the country as numerous similar revelations have rocked the Catholic Church in recent years.

Baltimore Archbishop William Lori, in a statement posted online, apologized to the victims and said the report “details a reprehensible time in the history of this Archdiocese, a time that will not be covered up, ignored or forgotten.”

“It is difficult for most to imagine that such evil acts could have actually occurred,” Lori said. “For victim-survivors everywhere, they know the hard truth: These evil acts did occur.”

Also on Wednesday, the state legislature passed a bill to end a statute of limitations on abuse-related civil lawsuits, sending it to Gov. Wes Moore, who has said he supports it. The Baltimore archdiocese says it has paid more than $13.2 million for care and compensation for 301 abuse victims since the 1980s, including $6.8 million toward 105 voluntary settlements.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, who took office in January, said the investigation shows "pervasive, pernicious and persistent abuse.” State investigators began their work in 2019; they reviewed over 100,000 pages of documents dating back to the 1940s and interviewed hundreds of victims and witnesses.

Victims said the report was a long-overdue public reckoning with shameful accusations the church has been facing for decades.

Jean Hargadon Wehner said she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d5ab28a56bd544c9924db6686c0b52bf">abused in Baltimore as a teen</a>&nbsp;by A. Joseph Maskell, a priest who served as her Catholic high school’s counselor and chaplain. She said she reported her abuse to church officials in the early ’90s, when her memories of the trauma finally surfaced about two decades after she was repeatedly raped.

“I expected them to do the right thing in 1992,” she told reporters Wednesday. “I’m still angry.”

Maskell abused at least 39 victims, according to the report. He denied the allegations before his death in 2001 and was never criminally charged. The Associated Press typically doesn’t name victims of abuse, but Wehner has spoken publicly to draw attention to the issue.

Kurt Rupprecht, who also experienced abuse as a child, said he was in his late 40s when he pieced together his traumatic memories. He said the realization brought him some relief because it explained decades of self-destructive behavior and mental health challenges, but also left him overwhelmed with anger and disbelief.

Rupprecht said his abuser was assigned to the Diocese of Wilmington, which covers some counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

“We’re here to speak the truth and never stop,” he said after the news conference. “We deal with this every day. It is our life sentence.”

The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, known as SNAP, noted the report lists more names of abusers than have been released publicly by archdiocese officials. The organization called on the archbishop to explain the discrepancies.

Other investigations involving the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, which both include parts of Maryland, are ongoing.

ARCHDIOCESE TOOK STEPS TO PROTECT THE ACCUSED

The Baltimore report says church leaders were focused on keeping abuse hidden, not on protecting victims or stopping abuse. In some situations, victims ended up reporting abuse to priests who were abusive themselves. And when law enforcement did become aware of abuse allegations, police and prosecutors were often deferential and “uninterested in probing what church leaders knew and when,” according to the report.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-maryland-baltimore-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-3ff478115fb428133834c82676b892c0">nearly 500-page document</a>&nbsp;includes numerous instances of leaders taking steps to protect accused clergy, including allowing them to retire with financial support rather than be ousted, letting them remain in the ministry and failing to report alleged abuse to law enforcement.

In 1964, for instance, Father Laurence Brett admitted to sexually abusing a teenager at a Catholic university in Connecticut.

He was sent to New Mexico under the guise of hepatitis treatment and then to Sacramento, where another teenage boy reported being abused by Brett, the report said. He was later assigned to Baltimore, where he served as chaplain at a Catholic high school for boys and abused over 20 victims.

After several students accused him of abuse in 1973, Brett was allowed to resign, saying he had to care for a sick aunt. School officials didn’t report the abuse to authorities and dozens more victims later came forward. He never faced criminal charges and died in 2010.

The report largely focuses on the years before 2002, when an investigation by the Boston Globe into abuse and coverup in the Archdiocese of Boston led to an explosion of revelations nationwide. The nation’s Catholic bishops, for the first time, then agreed on reforms including a lifetime ban from ministry for any priest who commits even a single incident of abuse. While new national policies significantly improved the internal handling of reported abuse in the Baltimore archdiocese after 2002, significant flaws remained, according to the report.

Only one person has been indicted through the investigation: Neil Adleberg, 74, who was arrested last year and charged with rape and other counts. The case remains ongoing. Officials said he coached wrestling at a Catholic high school in the ’70s, then returned to the role for the 2014-2015 school year. The alleged abuse occurred in 2013 and 2014 but the victim was not a student of the school, officials said.

COURT TO CONSIDER RELEASING MORE NAMES IN THE FUTURE

Lawyers for the state asked a court for permission to release the report and a Baltimore Circuit Court judge ruled last month that a redacted version should be made public. The court ordered the removal the names and titles of 37 people accused of wrongdoing — whose names came out during confidential grand jury proceedings — but will consider releasing a more complete version in the future.

Lawmakers' passage of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clergy-sex-abuse-lawsuits-maryland-441d3b679404b5725199b5c2ee9a3803">bill to end the state’s statute of limitations</a>&nbsp;Wednesday came after similar proposals failed in recent years. Currently, victims of child sex abuse in Maryland can’t sue after they turn 38. The bill would eliminate the age limit and allow for retroactive lawsuits.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has long faced scrutiny over its handling of abuse allegations.

In 2002, Cardinal William Keeler, who served as Baltimore archbishop for nearly two decades, released a list of 57 priests accused of sexual abuse, earning himself a reputation for transparency at a time when the nationwide scope of wrongdoing remained largely unexposed. That changed, however, when a Pennsylvania grand jury accused Keeler of covering up sexual abuse allegations while serving as bishop of Harrisburg in the 1980s.

BALTIMORE (AP) — More than 150 Catholic priests and others associated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore sexually abused over 600 children and often escaped accountability, according to a long-awaited <a href="https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/news%20documents/OAG_redacted_Report_on_Child_Sexual_Abuse.pdf">state report</a> released Wednesday that revealed the scope of abuse spanning 80 years and accused church leaders of decades of coverups.<a href="https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/news%20documents/OAG_redacted_Report_on_Child_Sexual_Abuse.pdf">CLICK Here to read </a>the full report from the attorney generalThe report paints a damning picture of the archdiocese, which is the oldest Roman Catholic diocese in the country and spans much of Maryland. Some parishes, schools and congregations had more than one abuser at the same time — including St. Mark Parish in Catonsville, which had 11 abusers living and working there between 1964 and 2004. One deacon admitted to molesting over 100 children. Another priest was allowed to feign hepatitis treatment and make other excuses to avoid facing abuse allegations.The Maryland Attorney General’s Office released the findings of their yearslong investigation during Holy Week — considered the most sacred time of year in Christianity ahead of Easter Sunday — and said the number of victims is likely far higher. The report was redacted to protect confidential grand jury materials, meaning the identities of some accused clergy were removed.“The staggering pervasiveness of the abuse itself underscores the culpability of the Church hierarchy,” the report said. “The sheer number of abusers and victims, the depravity of the abusers’ conduct, and the frequency with which known abusers were given the opportunity to continue preying upon children are astonishing.”Disclosure of the redacted findings marks a significant development in an ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-baltimore-religion-3dd3cd21726aeed307dc32073f0af3b2">legal battle over their release</a>&nbsp;and adds to growing evidence from parishes across the country as numerous similar revelations have rocked the Catholic Church in recent years.Baltimore Archbishop William Lori, in a statement posted online, apologized to the victims and said the report “details a reprehensible time in the history of this Archdiocese, a time that will not be covered up, ignored or forgotten.”“It is difficult for most to imagine that such evil acts could have actually occurred,” Lori said. “For victim-survivors everywhere, they know the hard truth: These evil acts did occur.”Also on Wednesday, the state legislature passed a bill to end a statute of limitations on abuse-related civil lawsuits, sending it to Gov. Wes Moore, who has said he supports it. The Baltimore archdiocese says it has paid more than $13.2 million for care and compensation for 301 abuse victims since the 1980s, including $6.8 million toward 105 voluntary settlements.Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, who took office in January, said the investigation shows "pervasive, pernicious and persistent abuse.” State investigators began their work in 2019; they reviewed over 100,000 pages of documents dating back to the 1940s and interviewed hundreds of victims and witnesses.ABUSE RECALLED AS A ‘LIFE SENTENCE’Victims said the report was a long-overdue public reckoning with shameful accusations the church has been facing for decades.Jean Hargadon Wehner said she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d5ab28a56bd544c9924db6686c0b52bf">abused in Baltimore as a teen</a>&nbsp;by A. Joseph Maskell, a priest who served as her Catholic high school’s counselor and chaplain. She said she reported her abuse to church officials in the early ’90s, when her memories of the trauma finally surfaced about two decades after she was repeatedly raped.“I expected them to do the right thing in 1992,” she told reporters Wednesday. “I’m still angry.”Maskell abused at least 39 victims, according to the report. He denied the allegations before his death in 2001 and was never criminally charged. The Associated Press typically doesn’t name victims of abuse, but Wehner has spoken publicly to draw attention to the issue.Kurt Rupprecht, who also experienced abuse as a child, said he was in his late 40s when he pieced together his traumatic memories. He said the realization brought him some relief because it explained decades of self-destructive behavior and mental health challenges, but also left him overwhelmed with anger and disbelief.Rupprecht said his abuser was assigned to the Diocese of Wilmington, which covers some counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.“We’re here to speak the truth and never stop,” he said after the news conference. “We deal with this every day. It is our life sentence.”The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, known as SNAP, noted the report lists more names of abusers than have been released publicly by archdiocese officials. The organization called on the archbishop to explain the discrepancies.Other investigations involving the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, which both include parts of Maryland, are ongoing.ARCHDIOCESE TOOK STEPS TO PROTECT THE ACCUSEDThe Baltimore report says church leaders were focused on keeping abuse hidden, not on protecting victims or stopping abuse. In some situations, victims ended up reporting abuse to priests who were abusive themselves. And when law enforcement did become aware of abuse allegations, police and prosecutors were often deferential and “uninterested in probing what church leaders knew and when,” according to the report.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-maryland-baltimore-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-3ff478115fb428133834c82676b892c0">nearly 500-page document</a>&nbsp;includes numerous instances of leaders taking steps to protect accused clergy, including allowing them to retire with financial support rather than be ousted, letting them remain in the ministry and failing to report alleged abuse to law enforcement.In 1964, for instance, Father Laurence Brett admitted to sexually abusing a teenager at a Catholic university in Connecticut.He was sent to New Mexico under the guise of hepatitis treatment and then to Sacramento, where another teenage boy reported being abused by Brett, the report said. He was later assigned to Baltimore, where he served as chaplain at a Catholic high school for boys and abused over 20 victims.After several students accused him of abuse in 1973, Brett was allowed to resign, saying he had to care for a sick aunt. School officials didn’t report the abuse to authorities and dozens more victims later came forward. He never faced criminal charges and died in 2010.The report largely focuses on the years before 2002, when an investigation by the Boston Globe into abuse and coverup in the Archdiocese of Boston led to an explosion of revelations nationwide. The nation’s Catholic bishops, for the first time, then agreed on reforms including a lifetime ban from ministry for any priest who commits even a single incident of abuse. While new national policies significantly improved the internal handling of reported abuse in the Baltimore archdiocese after 2002, significant flaws remained, according to the report.Only one person has been indicted through the investigation: Neil Adleberg, 74, who was arrested last year and charged with rape and other counts. The case remains ongoing. Officials said he coached wrestling at a Catholic high school in the ’70s, then returned to the role for the 2014-2015 school year. The alleged abuse occurred in 2013 and 2014 but the victim was not a student of the school, officials said.COURT TO CONSIDER RELEASING MORE NAMES IN THE FUTURELawyers for the state asked a court for permission to release the report and a Baltimore Circuit Court judge ruled last month that a redacted version should be made public. The court ordered the removal the names and titles of 37 people accused of wrongdoing — whose names came out during confidential grand jury proceedings — but will consider releasing a more complete version in the future.Lawmakers' passage of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clergy-sex-abuse-lawsuits-maryland-441d3b679404b5725199b5c2ee9a3803">bill to end the state’s statute of limitations</a>&nbsp;Wednesday came after similar proposals failed in recent years. Currently, victims of child sex abuse in Maryland can’t sue after they turn 38. The bill would eliminate the age limit and allow for retroactive lawsuits.The Archdiocese of Baltimore has long faced scrutiny over its handling of abuse allegations.In 2002, Cardinal William Keeler, who served as Baltimore archbishop for nearly two decades, released a list of 57 priests accused of sexual abuse, earning himself a reputation for transparency at a time when the nationwide scope of wrongdoing remained largely unexposed. That changed, however, when a Pennsylvania grand jury accused Keeler of covering up sexual abuse allegations while serving as bishop of Harrisburg in the 1980s.___

Read the new report of 'staggering' Catholic Church child sex abuse

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/2023/4/1680997188554.jpeg" alt="Brad Wayne Briand, Probation Violation; Arrested 04/07" />
 <figcaption>Brad Wayne Briand, Probation Violation; Arrested 04/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680997263972.jpeg" alt="June Louise Meredith, Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Arrested 04/07" />
 <figcaption>June Louise Meredith, Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Arrested 04/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680997359116.jpeg" alt="Kevon Anthony Moore; Probation Violation; Arrested 04/07" />
 <figcaption>Kevon Anthony Moore; Probation Violation; Arrested 04/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680998328938.jpeg" alt="Zachary Donald Olson; Failure to appear; Arrested 04/07" />
 <figcaption>Zachary Donald Olson; Failure to appear; Arrested 04/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680998410625.jpeg" alt="Jamie Lee Ray; Probation Violation; Probation Violation; Arrested 04/07" />
 <figcaption>Jamie Lee Ray; Probation Violation; Probation Violation; Arrested 04/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680998526212.jpeg" alt="Michael Dean Salada; Failure to appear; Probation Violation; Arrested 04/07" />
 <figcaption>Michael Dean Salada; Failure to appear; Probation Violation; Arrested 04/07</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 April 8

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug crimes.

Following an investigation that included the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, sheriff's deputies in Jackson County arrested Derrick Michael Hainline, 35, of Holton, on a District Court Warrant, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The investigation alleges Hainline sold “Dirty 30s”, which are believed to be counterfeit Oxycodone pills with fentanyl in the Holton area.

The warrant is for distribution of opiate opium narcotic or certain stimulant within 1000 feet of a school in Holton, possession of opiate opium narcotic or certain stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680819177451.png" alt="Hainline-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hainline-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug crimes.Following an investigation that included the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, sheriff's deputies in Jackson County arrested Derrick Michael Hainline, 35, of Holton, on a District Court Warrant, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The investigation alleges Hainline sold “Dirty 30s”, which are believed to be counterfeit Oxycodone pills with fentanyl in the Holton area.The warrant is for distribution of opiate opium narcotic or certain stimulant within 1000 feet of a school in Holton, possession of opiate opium narcotic or certain stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Morse.

Sheriff: Kansas man sold 'Dirty 30s' tablets laced with fentanyl

By TIM CARPENTER <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>

OLATHE — Crystal Tucker’s 22-year-old son suffered chronic back and 
chest pain from an old skateboarding accident and decided to buy four 
oxycodone pills on the black market in an attempt to find temporary 
relief.

At 11:49 p.m. March 3, 2020, Lantz texted a friend to say the aches 
were severe and he was desperate for restful sleep. His text said he’d 
decided to try one of the pills before going to bed.

“The next day I went in to wake him up for work and found that he was
 completely lifeless,” Tucker said. “I used to be an EMT, so I knew 
right away it was far too late. We had no idea what happened.”

Tucker said her son didn’t have a drug addiction. She was curious if 
he had an undiagnosed heart condition. And, she agonized about never 
securing the right combination of health care to lower her son’s pain to
 a tolerable level.

“It wasn’t until 12 weeks later that we got the toxicology report 
that said Lantz died of a fentanyl overdose,” Tucker said. “He only took
 one pill. One time, one pill.”

Tucker, speaking during a panel discussion Wednesday with Gov. Laura 
Kelly on the opioid crisis in Kansas, said she appreciated work done to 
help heal people with addictions. She said more could be invested on the
 prevention side to make youth and young adults keenly aware drugs could
 be adulterated by fentanyl — a synthetic drug up to 100 times more 
potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.

She urged the Kansas Legislature to decriminalize fentanyl test 
strips so individuals who choose to take drugs had a tool to shield 
themselves from accidental poisoning or death. Kansas law recognizes 
fentanyl test strips as drug paraphernalia, making them out of bounds.

“I have absolutely no doubt that if fentanyl test strips were legal 
and easily accessible, Lantz would have had them and I know he would 
have used them,” she said. “If it spares one momma from burying their 
baby, then it will have been worth it. We’ve got to do something. This 
epidemic is killing our kids.”

Kelly, joined for the roundtable discussion by health care, 
addiction, counseling and research professionals, said urgency of the 
situation dictated Kansas move ahead with decriminalization of fentanyl 
test strips.

“We are experiencing an incredible opioid crisis. It has hit Kansas 
and hit Kansas hard,” the governor said. “Communities across our state 
are hurting. We must join the many states across the country that have 
made fentanyl test strips and other tools available to prevent exposure 
to fentanyl long before it kills.”

She said Senate Bill 174, subject to negotiations by the House and 
Senate, included language to make test strips accessible. She said the 
approach had been adopted this year in Mississippi, Georgia and North 
Dakota — states led by Republican governors.

Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister endorsed the reform idea 
because it would be a step toward making community members safer from 
the curse of fentanyl.

“Opponents of this lifesaving policy must ask themselves: Are you 
afraid these test strips may save a life you disagree with or find 
little value in saving? Are you willing to stand in front of a mother 
and tell her that her son’s or daughter’s life was not worth saving?” 
the sheriff said.

Kevin Kufeldt, clinical director of addiction services at the Johnson
 County Mental Health Center, said the incidence of opioid addiction 
among youth entering a residential program had grown from 7% in 2021 to 
35% in 2022. The trend in 2023 suggested the figure could escalate to 
50%, he said.

He said the state’s harm-reduction strategies ought to include access
 to fentanyl test strips so people could reasonably test substances for 
opioids.

“As the rate of opioid-related deaths continues to rise,
 we owe it to our fellow Kansans to equip them with the necessary tools 
to make cognizant decisions about their use,” he said. “Fentanyl test 
strips help a person who uses drugs be more informed, while reducing 
their risk of overdose and providing them with additional opportunities 
to seek treatment for their substance use disorder.”

Kufeldt said lawmakers should be open to different 
strategies because it wasn’t rational to believe a state could arrest 
and incarcerate its way out of the overdose problem.

Zijun Wang, assistant professor of pharmacology and 
toxicology at the University of Kansas, said it was important to 
appreciate the potency of fentanyl. She said a fatal dose of fentanyl 
was 2 milligrams, perhaps equivalent to no more than 10 grains of table 
salt.

“It is very important to know that whatever they’re 
taking is fentanyl free,” Wang said. “That will help them to want to 
shape their behavior, to be more responsible … for their own lives.”

She said research indicated youth were more likely to 
engage in risky behaviors because their prefrontal cortex, which 
controls decision making, had yet to fully develop. Other factors, 
including genetics, contributed to whether people became addicted to 
drugs, she said.

Drug addiction should be regarded as a disease rather than some sort of moral failing, she said.

Zahra Nasrazadani, an emergency medical clinical 
pharmacist at the Salina Regional Health Center, said it didn’t take 
long for a tainted batch of drugs to leave a mark on the community.

“I can tell you that when there is a bad batch going 
around we know about it pretty quickly and we start to see those 
patients in the emergency room,” she said.

She said a comprehensive response would include drug 
test strips, but also investment in psychosocial services, which would 
include mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and 
families. She said child care could be important to people fighting 
addiction. Naloxone and other medicines capable of reversing an opioid 
overdose should be available over-the-counter at no cost, Nasrazadani 
said.

In addition, she recommended implementation of syringe 
programs that could serve to draw people in for treatment of infectious 
diseases and other health challenges.

Erika Holliday, substance use coordinator in the public 
health department of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and 
Kansas City, Kansas, said influx of black-market pharmaceuticals 
necessitated legalization of test strips.

“We have youth overdosing more than ever because of 
counterfeit pills. They go to a party and try a pill to experiment. Now 
these pills have fentanyl,” she said.

Holliday said allowing health centers to legally 
distribute test strips would benefit chronic drug users who faced 
greater likelihood of overdose because manufacturers blend fentanyl with
 methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin to make the drug concoction more 
powerful and cheaper to make.

“It would be such a helpful tool,” she said. “Not only 
save lives, but be a bridge to engage with folks to say, ‘Hey, the 
health department is a trusting agency. They’re give us these strips to 
help save our lives.'”

She also said closure of the county’s only in-patient 
treatment center intensified the challenge of grappling with addiction. 
More addicts in recovery should be hired to work as counselors because a
 peer workforce was more effective in connecting with people, she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680803055199.png" alt="Olathe resident Crystal Tucker described during a forum with Gov. Laura Kelly the agony of losing her son, Lantz, to an accidental opioid overdose in March 2022. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Olathe resident Crystal Tucker described during a forum with Gov. Laura Kelly the agony of losing her son, Lantz, to an accidental opioid overdose in March 2022. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <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>OLATHE — Crystal Tucker’s 22-year-old son suffered chronic back and 
chest pain from an old skateboarding accident and decided to buy four 
oxycodone pills on the black market in an attempt to find temporary 
relief.At 11:49 p.m. March 3, 2020, Lantz texted a friend to say the aches 
were severe and he was desperate for restful sleep. His text said he’d 
decided to try one of the pills before going to bed.“The next day I went in to wake him up for work and found that he was
 completely lifeless,” Tucker said. “I used to be an EMT, so I knew 
right away it was far too late. We had no idea what happened.”Tucker said her son didn’t have a drug addiction. She was curious if 
he had an undiagnosed heart condition. And, she agonized about never 
securing the right combination of health care to lower her son’s pain to
 a tolerable level.“It wasn’t until 12 weeks later that we got the toxicology report 
that said Lantz died of a fentanyl overdose,” Tucker said. “He only took
 one pill. One time, one pill.”Tucker, speaking during a panel discussion Wednesday with Gov. Laura 
Kelly on the opioid crisis in Kansas, said she appreciated work done to 
help heal people with addictions. She said more could be invested on the
 prevention side to make youth and young adults keenly aware drugs could
 be adulterated by fentanyl — a synthetic drug up to 100 times more 
potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.She urged the Kansas Legislature to decriminalize fentanyl test 
strips so individuals who choose to take drugs had a tool to shield 
themselves from accidental poisoning or death. Kansas law recognizes 
fentanyl test strips as drug paraphernalia, making them out of bounds.“I have absolutely no doubt that if fentanyl test strips were legal 
and easily accessible, Lantz would have had them and I know he would 
have used them,” she said. “If it spares one momma from burying their 
baby, then it will have been worth it. We’ve got to do something. This 
epidemic is killing our kids.”<h2>Testing the idea</h2>Kelly, joined for the roundtable discussion by health care, 
addiction, counseling and research professionals, said urgency of the 
situation dictated Kansas move ahead with decriminalization of fentanyl 
test strips.“We are experiencing an incredible opioid crisis. It has hit Kansas 
and hit Kansas hard,” the governor said. “Communities across our state 
are hurting. We must join the many states across the country that have 
made fentanyl test strips and other tools available to prevent exposure 
to fentanyl long before it kills.”She said Senate Bill 174, subject to negotiations by the House and 
Senate, included language to make test strips accessible. She said the 
approach had been adopted this year in Mississippi, Georgia and North 
Dakota — states led by Republican governors.Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister endorsed the reform idea 
because it would be a step toward making community members safer from 
the curse of fentanyl.“Opponents of this lifesaving policy must ask themselves: Are you 
afraid these test strips may save a life you disagree with or find 
little value in saving? Are you willing to stand in front of a mother 
and tell her that her son’s or daughter’s life was not worth saving?” 
the sheriff said.Kevin Kufeldt, clinical director of addiction services at the Johnson
 County Mental Health Center, said the incidence of opioid addiction 
among youth entering a residential program had grown from 7% in 2021 to 
35% in 2022. The trend in 2023 suggested the figure could escalate to 
50%, he said.He said the state’s harm-reduction strategies ought to include access
 to fentanyl test strips so people could reasonably test substances for 
opioids.“As the rate of opioid-related deaths continues to rise,
 we owe it to our fellow Kansans to equip them with the necessary tools 
to make cognizant decisions about their use,” he said. “Fentanyl test 
strips help a person who uses drugs be more informed, while reducing 
their risk of overdose and providing them with additional opportunities 
to seek treatment for their substance use disorder.”Kufeldt said lawmakers should be open to different 
strategies because it wasn’t rational to believe a state could arrest 
and incarcerate its way out of the overdose problem.<h2>Psychosocial issues</h2>Zijun Wang, assistant professor of pharmacology and 
toxicology at the University of Kansas, said it was important to 
appreciate the potency of fentanyl. She said a fatal dose of fentanyl 
was 2 milligrams, perhaps equivalent to no more than 10 grains of table 
salt.“It is very important to know that whatever they’re 
taking is fentanyl free,” Wang said. “That will help them to want to 
shape their behavior, to be more responsible … for their own lives.”She said research indicated youth were more likely to 
engage in risky behaviors because their prefrontal cortex, which 
controls decision making, had yet to fully develop. Other factors, 
including genetics, contributed to whether people became addicted to 
drugs, she said.Drug addiction should be regarded as a disease rather than some sort of moral failing, she said.Zahra Nasrazadani, an emergency medical clinical 
pharmacist at the Salina Regional Health Center, said it didn’t take 
long for a tainted batch of drugs to leave a mark on the community.“I can tell you that when there is a bad batch going 
around we know about it pretty quickly and we start to see those 
patients in the emergency room,” she said.She said a comprehensive response would include drug 
test strips, but also investment in psychosocial services, which would 
include mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and 
families. She said child care could be important to people fighting 
addiction. Naloxone and other medicines capable of reversing an opioid 
overdose should be available over-the-counter at no cost, Nasrazadani 
said.In addition, she recommended implementation of syringe 
programs that could serve to draw people in for treatment of infectious 
diseases and other health challenges.<h2>Building that bridge</h2>Erika Holliday, substance use coordinator in the public 
health department of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and 
Kansas City, Kansas, said influx of black-market pharmaceuticals 
necessitated legalization of test strips.“We have youth overdosing more than ever because of 
counterfeit pills. They go to a party and try a pill to experiment. Now 
these pills have fentanyl,” she said.Holliday said allowing health centers to legally 
distribute test strips would benefit chronic drug users who faced 
greater likelihood of overdose because manufacturers blend fentanyl with
 methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin to make the drug concoction more 
powerful and cheaper to make.“It would be such a helpful tool,” she said. “Not only 
save lives, but be a bridge to engage with folks to say, ‘Hey, the 
health department is a trusting agency. They’re give us these strips to 
help save our lives.'”She also said closure of the county’s only in-patient 
treatment center intensified the challenge of grappling with addiction. 
More addicts in recovery should be hired to work as counselors because a
 peer workforce was more effective in connecting with people, she said.

Grieving mom’s to Kan. lawmakers: ‘This epidemic is killing our kids’

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities made five arrests Friday stemming from a narcotics investigation.

Just after 5:30a.m. Friday, a narcotics search warrant was executed by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team after the Patrol South Community Response Team developed information that a residence in the 6000 block of South Hydraulic in Wichita was involved in the distribution of Methamphetamines, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The assistance of the Patrol West Community Response Team was also used to execute the warrant.

Investigators seized 9 pounds of Methamphetamines, 300 grams of cocaine, 2 ounces of marijuana, 7 rifles, 4 handguns, two reported stolen, and over $68,000 in cash from the residence.

Police arrested 61-year-old Timothy Finley on requested charges&nbsp; of distribution of methamphetamines and cocaine, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of two stolen firearms, possession of paraphernalia, and two Sedgwick County warrants.

John Doub, 58, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of paraphernalia and a city warrant.

Sherri Horkavy is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamines and possession of paraphernalia

Carlos Moran, 35,&nbsp;is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of paraphernalia and two city warrants.

Kara Horkavy was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of paraphernalia and a city warrant.

&nbsp;Melissa Bingham, 23, being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680888116534.png" alt="Photos Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities made five arrests Friday stemming from a narcotics investigation.Just after 5:30a.m. Friday, a narcotics search warrant was executed by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team after the Patrol South Community Response Team developed information that a residence in the 6000 block of South Hydraulic in Wichita was involved in the distribution of Methamphetamines, according to Officer Chad Ditch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680888162401.png" alt="-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The assistance of the Patrol West Community Response Team was also used to execute the warrant.Investigators seized 9 pounds of Methamphetamines, 300 grams of cocaine, 2 ounces of marijuana, 7 rifles, 4 handguns, two reported stolen, and over $68,000 in cash from the residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680903940373.png" alt="Finley-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Finley-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested 61-year-old Timothy Finley on requested charges&nbsp; of distribution of methamphetamines and cocaine, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of two stolen firearms, possession of paraphernalia, and two Sedgwick County warrants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680903972602.png" alt="Doub-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Doub-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>John Doub, 58, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of paraphernalia and a city warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680904032935.png" alt="Sherri Horkavy-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Sherri Horkavy-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sherri Horkavy is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamines and possession of paraphernalia<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680904070033.png" alt="Moran-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Moran-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Carlos Moran, 35,&nbsp;is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of paraphernalia and two city warrants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680904147467.png" alt="Kara Horkavy&nbsp;-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Kara Horkavy&nbsp;-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kara Horkavy was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of paraphernalia and a city warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680916128424.png" alt="Bingham-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Bingham-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Melissa Bingham, 23, being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia.

Police seize rifles, $68K in cash and drugs from Kan. home

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Maintaining his defense to the very end that he was drugged, raped, and shot at, Kyle V. Hardwick was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates, 56, and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine, 58, both of Hutchinson, on April 7.&nbsp;

Kyle V. Hardwick was represented by Scott Loftis, an attorney from Ponca City, Oklahoma. Hardwick pled not guilty through the entire trial. &nbsp;

Two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000, and an alternating count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One count of solicitation perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Aug. 27, 2021 Reno County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to 1016 N. Palomino Trail in Reno County based on information they received&nbsp;regarding the owners of that property. &nbsp;

When they arrived at the scene, deputies spoke to three witnesses present at the property who were concerned because they had been unable to contact Ed Bates or Phil Anstine since the evening of Aug. 25, 2021. &nbsp;

A search of the property followed.&nbsp;They eventually discovered a body in a shallow and mostly dry pond on the property that had been covered by tree branches. A further check of the property resulted in the discovery of the badly burned and charred remains of a second body in a burn pit that had been covered by a pallet and metal sheeting.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;search warrant for the property, called “the compound,” was obtained and then executed on August 28, 2021. &nbsp;

Both bodies were recovered. Along with the charred body in the burn pit, other items such as the remains of a shotgun barrel were recovered. &nbsp;

Forensic investigation conducted by Dr. Scott Kipper with the Sedgwick County Forensic Center and Reno County District Attorney’s Office determined the bodies to be of Ed Bates and Phil Anstine. &nbsp;

Autopsies determined they were killed by a shotgun, and the manner of death was determined to be homicide.&nbsp;

Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Kyle V. Hardwick on Sept. 1 in Maize, Kansas near a Dollar General where he had made purchases. Formal charges of premeditated intentional murder of each victim and two alternative counts of theft were filed in Reno County District Court by the Reno County District Attorney’s Office. &nbsp;

A count of solicitation to commit perjury was added to the complaint after a May 19, 2022, telephone conversation during which it was alleged that the defendant attempted to solicit perjury from a witness, identified as a woman intimately known to him as Sherry Reed. &nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/03e0722b-52f8-4b48-9a71-cca42becd55a" target="_blank">A jury trial commenced on the complaint on Jan. 24, 2023</a>. &nbsp;

The Reno County District Attorney’s Office called approximately 60 witnesses and submitted more than 130 exhibits during the trial which lasted about two weeks. &nbsp;

The defendant, Hardwick, claimed at trial that he had killed Ed Bates and Phil Anstine in self-defense.&nbsp;

Described by the state in their opening statement, the "compound" is a property east of Hutchinson, where Ed&nbsp;Bates and Phil Anstine would frequent. It had various other additions like buildings built on it, a camper, a dried-up pond, and burn pits. The two men would hang out there, shoot firearms, and overall hone their survival techniques. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Of the two male victims, Hardwick knew Phil Anstine.&nbsp;

Hardwick did not know Marion Bates, but had a prior association with Phil Anstine through work that included building houses, akin to Habitat for Humanity. Anstine was said to have overseen much of the work, while Hardwick assisted with installation. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick called Anstine a friend and they were said to have a mutual interest in firearms. They were said to be close enough that they would travel to visit each other from time to time, but not frequently. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s last visit to see Anstine was said to be because of personal problems in his life. He wanted get out of Kansas City for a while. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick was said to have taken a Greyhound bus from Kansas City, Missouri to Hutchinson, Kansas to visit Anstine.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis told the jury that Anstine had dropped off Hardwick at the compound with a set of keys. Hardwick was said to have permission to drive Anstine’s truck and had those keys as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine then returned shortly after with Little Caesar’s pizza and Samuel Adams beer. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s defense by his attorney and by his own testimony, said he began to feel strange or ill after consuming some of the beer and the pizza.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s symptoms were described as&nbsp;stomach pains, light-headedness, and disorientation. Hardwick was said to have voiced his sudden illness to Anstine, and then went to the camper on the property where he passed out. Hardwick was said to not remember passing out in the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick alleged he woke up the next day, still disoriented, face down on a bed in the camper with his pants down, and a pain in his anus.&nbsp;

He said he&nbsp;surmised he was raped.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upon leaving the camper to search for Anstine out of concern, Hardwick returned to the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine is said to have returned to the compound with a shotgun in his hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick said he&nbsp;tried to tell Anstine of his situation, but became suspicious when Anstine was said to have been dismissive. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

When Hardwick then accused Anstine of raping him, Anstine cocked and aimed his shotgun at Hardwick.&nbsp;

Hardwick said he wrestled the shotgun out of Anstine’s hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine was said to have then pulled a .380 semiautomatic pistol and pointed it at Hardwick, causing Hardwick to fatally shoot him with the shotgun. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Still disoriented from the prior drugging and rape, the defense said that Hardwick then made his way to the pumphouse, north of the camper, for water. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis described to the jury what happened next as, “one of the real tragedies of this case.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another man, unknown to Hardwick, appeared and shot at Hardwick. Hardwick shot back with the shotgun he had taken from Anstine, striking the second man. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a while, determining the man is dead, Hardwick approached the body and searched the man and discovered his identity as Ed&nbsp;Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis said, more than likely Bates was not part of Hardwick’s alleged rape, and only came to aid his friend, Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The state, consisting of District Attorney (DA) Thomas Stanton and Deputy District Attorney Andrew Davidson, called a number of witnesses, including friends of the victims, forensic analysts with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and Sherry Reed herself, who corroborated the state’s opening statement that accused Hardwick of killing the pair for different reasons. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The KBI’s testimony mostly addressed the recovery and forensic testing of a red&nbsp;truck, which belonged to Phil Anstine, which was found at Pretty Prairie Road and Victory Road in October 2021. &nbsp;

Hardwick’s DNA was found on multiple places on the truck as well as on items of evidence found in the truck. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630599777911.png" alt="Hardwick-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Hardwick-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JUDD WEIL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Maintaining his defense to the very end that he was drugged, raped, and shot at, Kyle V. Hardwick was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates, 56, and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine, 58, both of Hutchinson, on April 7.&nbsp;Kyle V. Hardwick was represented by Scott Loftis, an attorney from Ponca City, Oklahoma. Hardwick pled not guilty through the entire trial. &nbsp;He was initially charged with:&nbsp;Two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000, and an alternating count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One count of solicitation perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On Aug. 27, 2021 Reno County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to 1016 N. Palomino Trail in Reno County based on information they received&nbsp;regarding the owners of that property. &nbsp;When they arrived at the scene, deputies spoke to three witnesses present at the property who were concerned because they had been unable to contact Ed Bates or Phil Anstine since the evening of Aug. 25, 2021. &nbsp;A search of the property followed.&nbsp;They eventually discovered a body in a shallow and mostly dry pond on the property that had been covered by tree branches. A further check of the property resulted in the discovery of the badly burned and charred remains of a second body in a burn pit that had been covered by a pallet and metal sheeting.&nbsp;A&nbsp;search warrant for the property, called “the compound,” was obtained and then executed on August 28, 2021. &nbsp;Both bodies were recovered. Along with the charred body in the burn pit, other items such as the remains of a shotgun barrel were recovered. &nbsp;Forensic investigation conducted by Dr. Scott Kipper with the Sedgwick County Forensic Center and Reno County District Attorney’s Office determined the bodies to be of Ed Bates and Phil Anstine. &nbsp;Autopsies determined they were killed by a shotgun, and the manner of death was determined to be homicide.&nbsp;Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Kyle V. Hardwick on Sept. 1 in Maize, Kansas near a Dollar General where he had made purchases. Formal charges of premeditated intentional murder of each victim and two alternative counts of theft were filed in Reno County District Court by the Reno County District Attorney’s Office. &nbsp;A count of solicitation to commit perjury was added to the complaint after a May 19, 2022, telephone conversation during which it was alleged that the defendant attempted to solicit perjury from a witness, identified as a woman intimately known to him as Sherry Reed. &nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/03e0722b-52f8-4b48-9a71-cca42becd55a" target="_blank">A jury trial commenced on the complaint on Jan. 24, 2023</a>. &nbsp;The Reno County District Attorney’s Office called approximately 60 witnesses and submitted more than 130 exhibits during the trial which lasted about two weeks. &nbsp;The defendant, Hardwick, claimed at trial that he had killed Ed Bates and Phil Anstine in self-defense.&nbsp;Described by the state in their opening statement, the "compound" is a property east of Hutchinson, where Ed&nbsp;Bates and Phil Anstine would frequent. It had various other additions like buildings built on it, a camper, a dried-up pond, and burn pits. The two men would hang out there, shoot firearms, and overall hone their survival techniques. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the two male victims, Hardwick knew Phil Anstine.&nbsp;Hardwick did not know Marion Bates, but had a prior association with Phil Anstine through work that included building houses, akin to Habitat for Humanity. Anstine was said to have overseen much of the work, while Hardwick assisted with installation. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick called Anstine a friend and they were said to have a mutual interest in firearms. They were said to be close enough that they would travel to visit each other from time to time, but not frequently. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s last visit to see Anstine was said to be because of personal problems in his life. He wanted get out of Kansas City for a while. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick was said to have taken a Greyhound bus from Kansas City, Missouri to Hutchinson, Kansas to visit Anstine.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis told the jury that Anstine had dropped off Hardwick at the compound with a set of keys. Hardwick was said to have permission to drive Anstine’s truck and had those keys as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine then returned shortly after with Little Caesar’s pizza and Samuel Adams beer. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s defense by his attorney and by his own testimony, said he began to feel strange or ill after consuming some of the beer and the pizza.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s symptoms were described as&nbsp;stomach pains, light-headedness, and disorientation. Hardwick was said to have voiced his sudden illness to Anstine, and then went to the camper on the property where he passed out. Hardwick was said to not remember passing out in the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick alleged he woke up the next day, still disoriented, face down on a bed in the camper with his pants down, and a pain in his anus.&nbsp;He said he&nbsp;surmised he was raped.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon leaving the camper to search for Anstine out of concern, Hardwick returned to the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine is said to have returned to the compound with a shotgun in his hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick said he&nbsp;tried to tell Anstine of his situation, but became suspicious when Anstine was said to have been dismissive. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Hardwick then accused Anstine of raping him, Anstine cocked and aimed his shotgun at Hardwick.&nbsp;Hardwick said he wrestled the shotgun out of Anstine’s hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine was said to have then pulled a .380 semiautomatic pistol and pointed it at Hardwick, causing Hardwick to fatally shoot him with the shotgun. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still disoriented from the prior drugging and rape, the defense said that Hardwick then made his way to the pumphouse, north of the camper, for water. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis described to the jury what happened next as, “one of the real tragedies of this case.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another man, unknown to Hardwick, appeared and shot at Hardwick. Hardwick shot back with the shotgun he had taken from Anstine, striking the second man. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a while, determining the man is dead, Hardwick approached the body and searched the man and discovered his identity as Ed&nbsp;Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis said, more than likely Bates was not part of Hardwick’s alleged rape, and only came to aid his friend, Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The state, consisting of District Attorney (DA) Thomas Stanton and Deputy District Attorney Andrew Davidson, called a number of witnesses, including friends of the victims, forensic analysts with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and Sherry Reed herself, who corroborated the state’s opening statement that accused Hardwick of killing the pair for different reasons. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The KBI’s testimony mostly addressed the recovery and forensic testing of a red&nbsp;truck, which belonged to Phil Anstine, which was found at Pretty Prairie Road and Victory Road in October 2021. &nbsp;Hardwick’s DNA was found on multiple places on the truck as well as on items of evidence found in the truck. &nbsp;Sherry Reed was the key witness of the trial, having turned in numerous evidence to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;During his testimony, Chase Mattingly, the boyfriend of Sherry Reed’s daughter, said he had overheard part of a phone conversation between Hardwick and Reed on Aug. 31,&nbsp;2021. &nbsp;&nbsp;He only understood part of the conversation, and said he had heard Hardwick tell Reed he had messed up. &nbsp;&nbsp;During cross-examination by the defense, Mattingly said he did not know what Hardwick was referring to at the time. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s&nbsp;additional count of solicitation to commit perjury stems from&nbsp;a FaceTime call between the defendant and Reed.&nbsp;&nbsp;The FaceTime call had been played in court prior when Hardwick was bound over in June 2022, and was played again on Jan. 27. &nbsp;&nbsp;In the recorded FaceTime conversation, Hardwick repeatedly tells Reed not to show up for the hearing and, if she did testify, to tell the court she was mentally unstable and on drugs. At one time he said, “Please don’t come,” and repeatedly said, “you don’t have to show up.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick was also noted as telling Reed to “just tell the truth.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick is also quoted to have said that “Phil was a friend and he dropped like a martyr.”&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Reed grew to become inconsistent with her testimony, claiming to not remember things she said even when her prior testimonies were presented to her. &nbsp;Brought up during the case, Hardwick was said to have told Reed he would have to kill his mother. &nbsp;During his own testimony when cross-examined, Hardwick would also prove inconsistent and become frustrated to the point he would accuse the state of “putting words in his mouth.” &nbsp;Hardwick also told the jury he had thoughts of suicide when he arrived to Hutchinson. &nbsp;The presentation of evidence concluded on Feb. 1. &nbsp;It was determined that Hardwick was stealing various guns, ammunition, and other items when Ed Bates caught him, prompting Hardwick to shoot him and move his body. &nbsp;Phil Anstine later discovered Hardwick and was killed in an execution style in the burn pit. &nbsp;Closing statements were made to the jury, and the jury began its deliberations,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/4ab76543-081a-4c03-b2e4-be61806d0e55" target="_blank">reaching one the morning of Feb. 2 at 10:45 a.m.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The jury delivered a verdict of guilty in the case of the State of Kansas v. Kyle V. Hardwick. &nbsp;Hardwick was convicted of two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree and one count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000, along with one count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000 and a count of solicitation of perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp; &nbsp;During sentencing, two months later, the family and friends of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine delivered statements to Hardwick. &nbsp;They informed how Hardwick’s actions had impacted their lives. Many of them implored the court to hand down the maximum punishment. &nbsp;In the State of Kansas, the burden of proof on the prosecution is extremely high in murder cases and if there is an element of doubt in a defendant’s&nbsp;guilt, a jury will not be able to reach conviction. &nbsp;Judge Keith Schroeder reminded the jury and the gallery of this throughout the case. &nbsp;When sentencing Hardwick, Judge Schroeder made note of the lack of sympathy from Hardwick for his actions, and that he would return in kind. &nbsp;Stipulated with Hardwick’s life convictions, he will not receive good time credit. Additionally, he will be required to register as a violent offender. &nbsp;Concurrent with his life convictions, Hardwick will serve eight months for his third alternative count of theft and seven months for solicitation of perjury. &nbsp;“The Bates family is very satisfied with the outcome,” Ken Bates, brother of Ed Bates, said. “Justice is served.” &nbsp;