JACKSON COUNTY– Sheriff Tim Morse reports that a Mayetta woman was arrested early Saturday morning in Jefferson County. 

 Shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday Jackson County Deputies located a Ford Fusion near Holton that had been reported stolen, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 A pursuit ensued with the vehicle south of Holton on U.S. 75.  The pursuit continued into Shawnee County,&nbsp; east on Highway 24 and then into Jefferson County and the City of Perry. 

 A deputy initiated a tactical vehicle intervention technique that ended the pursuit south of the train tracks on the south side of Perry. 

Deputies took 38-year-old Saleena Rae Masquat, of Mayetta. Masquat remains in the Jackson County Jail on multiple charges.

In January, Masquat was passenger in a vehicle stopped by sheriff's deputies. They arrested her on a warrant from Topeka and on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of stolen property.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674934923409.png" alt="Masquat-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Masquat-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY– Sheriff Tim Morse reports that a Mayetta woman was arrested early Saturday morning in Jefferson County. Shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday Jackson County Deputies located a Ford Fusion near Holton that had been reported stolen, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. A pursuit ensued with the vehicle south of Holton on U.S. 75. The pursuit continued into Shawnee County,&nbsp; east on Highway 24 and then into Jefferson County and the City of Perry. A deputy initiated a tactical vehicle intervention technique that ended the pursuit south of the train tracks on the south side of Perry. Deputies took 38-year-old Saleena Rae Masquat, of Mayetta. Masquat remains in the Jackson County Jail on multiple charges.In January, Masquat was passenger in a vehicle stopped by sheriff's deputies. They arrested her on a warrant from Topeka and on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of stolen property.&nbsp;

Kansas woman jailed after 3-county chase in reported stolen car

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Kansas City.

Just&nbsp;11 p.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to 67th and Richmond Ave on a reported shooting, according Captain Corey Carlisle Upon arrival officers made entry to the residence and located an adult male suffering from apparent gun shot wounds.&nbsp; EMS arrived on scene and declared the victim deceased. An adult female victim arrived at a nearby fire station. She was suffering from apparent gun shot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. There is no one in custody at this time. The circumstances surrounding the homicide are still being investigated. Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel have responded to the scene.&nbsp; They will be processing the scene to recover any evidence and speaking to any potential witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 816-234-5043. Or if you wish to remain anonymous you can do so by calling the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting at a home in Kansas City.Just&nbsp;11 p.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to 67th and Richmond Ave on a reported shooting, according Captain Corey Carlisle Upon arrival officers made entry to the residence and located an adult male suffering from apparent gun shot wounds.&nbsp; EMS arrived on scene and declared the victim deceased. An adult female victim arrived at a nearby fire station. She was suffering from apparent gun shot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. There is no one in custody at this time. The circumstances surrounding the homicide are still being investigated. Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel have responded to the scene.&nbsp; They will be processing the scene to recover any evidence and speaking to any potential witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 816-234-5043. Or if you wish to remain anonymous you can do so by calling the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information provided to TIPS which leads to an arrest in the case. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

KCPD: Man dead, woman with gunshot wounds ran to fire station

&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —A former Kansas teacher&nbsp; of sex crimes involving a 13-year-old student has been sentenced to prison

On Thursday, 33-year-old Christin Covel was sentenced to&nbsp;34 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. Covel must also register for the rest of her life as a sex offender.

In February Covel pleaded no contest to two counts of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child involving the student.

In Jan. of 2022, police in Oklahoma arrested Covel, a teacher at Edison Preparatory Schools in Tulsa, on complaints out of Sedgewick County accusing her of having inappropriate relations with a boy while working at Mead Middle School 2601 E Skinner Street in Wichita, according to the Tulsa Police Department.&nbsp;

The incidents involving the boy happened between 2018 and 2019, according to police. Covel worked in the district from 2015 to 2020, according to USD 259.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641428925404.png" alt="Covel-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Covel-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —A former Kansas teacher&nbsp; of sex crimes involving a 13-year-old student has been sentenced to prisonOn Thursday, 33-year-old Christin Covel was sentenced to&nbsp;34 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. Covel must also register for the rest of her life as a sex offender.In February Covel pleaded no contest to two counts of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child involving the student.In Jan. of 2022, police in Oklahoma arrested Covel, a teacher at Edison Preparatory Schools in Tulsa, on complaints out of Sedgewick County accusing her of having inappropriate relations with a boy while working at Mead Middle School 2601 E Skinner Street in Wichita, according to the Tulsa Police Department.&nbsp;The incidents involving the boy happened between 2018 and 2019, according to police. Covel worked in the district from 2015 to 2020, according to USD 259.----------

Former Kan. teacher must register as a sex offender for life

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at a funeral and have made an arrested as 18-year-old&nbsp;Demetrius Carter of Wichita.

Just after 2:00 pm, Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 1100 block of North Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim later identified as Carter was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that several suspects arrived at the parking lot of a local church and confronted a large group of people attending a funeral right outside the main door.

After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested Carter and transported him to investigations for further questioning. He is being held requested charges of eight counts of aggravated assault.

During the incident, several vehicles, and residences around and in front of the church’s parking lot were hit with gunfire. Police also recovered several firearms from the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686967298655.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at a funeral and have made an arrested as 18-year-old&nbsp;Demetrius Carter of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687013150860.png" alt="Blurry booking photo of Carter provided by Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Blurry booking photo of Carter provided by Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 2:00 pm, Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 1100 block of North Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim later identified as Carter was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that several suspects arrived at the parking lot of a local church and confronted a large group of people attending a funeral right outside the main door.After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested Carter and transported him to investigations for further questioning. He is being held requested charges of eight counts of aggravated assault.During the incident, several vehicles, and residences around and in front of the church’s parking lot were hit with gunfire. Police also recovered several firearms from the scene.

Police ID Kan. teen arrested after gun fight outside funeral

MORGANTOWN (AP) —West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins has resigned a day after his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving in the latest incident in a Hall of Fame career that imploded quickly.

The university announced the resignation Saturday night. It came a month after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-xavier-77ce70b41112a0062421ad9405558473">university suspended him for three games</a>&nbsp;for using an anti-gay slur while also denigrating Catholics during a radio interview.

The 69-year-old Huggins leaves as the third-winningest coach all-time in Division I with 935 career victories, behind only Mike Krzyzewski of Duke (1,202) and Jim Boeheim of Syracuse (1,015), both of whom are retired. Unlike the others, Huggins had no national titles, taking Cincinnati to the Final Four in 1992 and West Virginia in 2010.

Huggins had 16-year stints each with the Bearcats and Mountaineers. Both ended in the aftermath of arrests for drinking and driving.

Huggins was charged with driving under the influence on Friday night after his SUV had stopped in the middle of traffic in Pittsburgh with a shredded tire and the driver’s side door was open at about 8:30 p.m. According to a criminal complaint, a breath test determined Huggins’ blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.

Huggins was charged with driving under the influence, released from custody and will appear at a later date for a preliminary hearing, according to a police report.

In a statement to the West Virginia community on Saturday night, Huggins said: “Today, I have submitted a letter to President Gordon Gee and Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker informing them of my resignation and intention to retire as head men’s basketball coach at West Virginia University effective immediately.”

In a separate statement Saturday night, West Virginia’s athletic department said it accepted the resignation “in light of recent events.

“We support his decision so that he can focus on his health and family. On behalf of West Virginia University, we share our appreciation for his service to our University, our community and our state."

No replacement was immediately named for Huggins. The athletic department statement said that “in the days ahead, we will focus on supporting the student-athletes in our men’s basketball program and solidifying leadership for our program.”

Huggins said his recent actions do not represent the university's values or the leadership expected in his role as coach.

“While I have always tried to represent our University with honor, I have let all of you — and myself — down,” he said. “I am solely responsible for my conduct and sincerely apologize to the University community — particularly to the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our program. I must do better, and I plan to spend the next few months focused on my health and my family so that I can be the person they deserve.”

Huggins added that it was “the honor of my professional career” to lead the team at his alma mater. Born in Morgantown, he said it “will always be my home, and I will always be a Mountaineer. Thank you to everyone who has supported our program over the years. It has meant more to me and my family than you could ever know.”

Friday night, officers directed Huggins to move off the road so they could help with the tire, then activated their lights when they observed Huggins having trouble maneuvering the SUV to allow vehicles to pass. Upon questioning, officers suspected he was intoxicated and asked him to exit the vehicle. The report said he failed standard field sobriety tests, was taken into custody without incident and transported for further testing.

It was Huggins’ second such arrest. The other occurred in 2004, when he was the head coach at Cincinnati.

In June 2004, Huggins pleaded no contest to driving under the influence in a suburb of Cincinnati and was ordered to attend a three-day intervention program. The University of Cincinnati suspended him indefinitely with pay and told Huggins to rehabilitate himself.

Huggins was allowed to return to work two months later, saying that “I made a terrible mistake, and what bothers me most is I hurt other people. All I can do is work like crazy to be a better person, a better coach, be better at everything I do and make those people proud of me.”

By 2005, Huggins' Cincinnati career was over; he was fired amid a power struggle with the school’s president as well as the aftermath of the 2004 arrest.

After spending one season at Kansas State, Huggins took his dream job at West Virginia, his alma mater, in 2007.

Last month, Huggins agreed to a three-game suspension, a $1 million salary reduction and sensitivity training for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-665dd3d31760b1c6f66d7d706e825727">using the slur</a>&nbsp;during an interview with Cincinnati radio station WLW. Huggins was asked about the transfer portal and whether he had a chance of landing a player at West Virginia from Xavier, a Jesuit school.

“Catholics don’t do that,” Huggins said. “I tell you what, any school that can throw rubber penises on the floor and then say they didn’t do it, by God they can get away with anything.

“It was the Crosstown Shootout. What it was, was all those (expletive), those Catholic (expletive), I think.”

In a joint statement later that week, Gee and Baker said the university “made it explicitly clear to Coach Huggins that any incidents of similar derogatory and offensive language will result in immediate termination.”

Huggins’ salary of $4.15 million had been reduced by $1 million after the slur. That reduction was to be used to directly support WVU’s LGBTQ+ Center, as well as a mental health center at the university and other groups that support marginalized communities. At the time, he was suspended for the first three games of the 2023-24 season. In addition, his contract was amended from a multiyear agreement to a year-by-year agreement that began on May 10.

Huggins entered the Basketball Hall of Fame last September. In 41 seasons, his teams have gone to 25 NCAA Tournaments, finished ranked in the top 10 of The Associated Press poll seven times and finished under .500 five times. The Mountaineers have 11 NCAA Tournament appearances under Huggins.

Huggins had assembled a solid group from the transfer portal for next season, including Syracuse center Jesse Edwards, Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa, Manhattan guards Jose Perez and Omar Silverio, and Montana State guard RaeQuan Battle.

“Man.. I knew the dude 3 months but felt like forever,” Kriisa said Saturday night on Twitter. “So thankful for really believing in me and taking me as part of your family forever. Love u coach.”

MORGANTOWN (AP) —West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins has resigned a day after his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving in the latest incident in a Hall of Fame career that imploded quickly.The university announced the resignation Saturday night. It came a month after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-xavier-77ce70b41112a0062421ad9405558473">university suspended him for three games</a>&nbsp;for using an anti-gay slur while also denigrating Catholics during a radio interview.The 69-year-old Huggins leaves as the third-winningest coach all-time in Division I with 935 career victories, behind only Mike Krzyzewski of Duke (1,202) and Jim Boeheim of Syracuse (1,015), both of whom are retired. Unlike the others, Huggins had no national titles, taking Cincinnati to the Final Four in 1992 and West Virginia in 2010.Huggins had 16-year stints each with the Bearcats and Mountaineers. Both ended in the aftermath of arrests for drinking and driving.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687028787636.png" alt="Pittsburg police report on the DUI arrest" />
 <figcaption>Pittsburg police report on the DUI arrest</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687028832105.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Huggins was charged with driving under the influence on Friday night after his SUV had stopped in the middle of traffic in Pittsburgh with a shredded tire and the driver’s side door was open at about 8:30 p.m. According to a criminal complaint, a breath test determined Huggins’ blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.Huggins was charged with driving under the influence, released from custody and will appear at a later date for a preliminary hearing, according to a police report.In a statement to the West Virginia community on Saturday night, Huggins said: “Today, I have submitted a letter to President Gordon Gee and Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker informing them of my resignation and intention to retire as head men’s basketball coach at West Virginia University effective immediately.”In a separate statement Saturday night, West Virginia’s athletic department said it accepted the resignation “in light of recent events.“We support his decision so that he can focus on his health and family. On behalf of West Virginia University, we share our appreciation for his service to our University, our community and our state."No replacement was immediately named for Huggins. The athletic department statement said that “in the days ahead, we will focus on supporting the student-athletes in our men’s basketball program and solidifying leadership for our program.”Huggins said his recent actions do not represent the university's values or the leadership expected in his role as coach.“While I have always tried to represent our University with honor, I have let all of you — and myself — down,” he said. “I am solely responsible for my conduct and sincerely apologize to the University community — particularly to the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our program. I must do better, and I plan to spend the next few months focused on my health and my family so that I can be the person they deserve.”Huggins added that it was “the honor of my professional career” to lead the team at his alma mater. Born in Morgantown, he said it “will always be my home, and I will always be a Mountaineer. Thank you to everyone who has supported our program over the years. It has meant more to me and my family than you could ever know.”Friday night, officers directed Huggins to move off the road so they could help with the tire, then activated their lights when they observed Huggins having trouble maneuvering the SUV to allow vehicles to pass. Upon questioning, officers suspected he was intoxicated and asked him to exit the vehicle. The report said he failed standard field sobriety tests, was taken into custody without incident and transported for further testing.It was Huggins’ second such arrest. The other occurred in 2004, when he was the head coach at Cincinnati.In June 2004, Huggins pleaded no contest to driving under the influence in a suburb of Cincinnati and was ordered to attend a three-day intervention program. The University of Cincinnati suspended him indefinitely with pay and told Huggins to rehabilitate himself.Huggins was allowed to return to work two months later, saying that “I made a terrible mistake, and what bothers me most is I hurt other people. All I can do is work like crazy to be a better person, a better coach, be better at everything I do and make those people proud of me.”By 2005, Huggins' Cincinnati career was over; he was fired amid a power struggle with the school’s president as well as the aftermath of the 2004 arrest.After spending one season at Kansas State, Huggins took his dream job at West Virginia, his alma mater, in 2007.Last month, Huggins agreed to a three-game suspension, a $1 million salary reduction and sensitivity training for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-665dd3d31760b1c6f66d7d706e825727">using the slur</a>&nbsp;during an interview with Cincinnati radio station WLW. Huggins was asked about the transfer portal and whether he had a chance of landing a player at West Virginia from Xavier, a Jesuit school.“Catholics don’t do that,” Huggins said. “I tell you what, any school that can throw rubber penises on the floor and then say they didn’t do it, by God they can get away with anything.“It was the Crosstown Shootout. What it was, was all those (expletive), those Catholic (expletive), I think.”In a joint statement later that week, Gee and Baker said the university “made it explicitly clear to Coach Huggins that any incidents of similar derogatory and offensive language will result in immediate termination.”Huggins’ salary of $4.15 million had been reduced by $1 million after the slur. That reduction was to be used to directly support WVU’s LGBTQ+ Center, as well as a mental health center at the university and other groups that support marginalized communities. At the time, he was suspended for the first three games of the 2023-24 season. In addition, his contract was amended from a multiyear agreement to a year-by-year agreement that began on May 10.Huggins entered the Basketball Hall of Fame last September. In 41 seasons, his teams have gone to 25 NCAA Tournaments, finished ranked in the top 10 of The Associated Press poll seven times and finished under .500 five times. The Mountaineers have 11 NCAA Tournament appearances under Huggins.Huggins had assembled a solid group from the transfer portal for next season, including Syracuse center Jesse Edwards, Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa, Manhattan guards Jose Perez and Omar Silverio, and Montana State guard RaeQuan Battle.“Man.. I knew the dude 3 months but felt like forever,” Kriisa said Saturday night on Twitter. “So thankful for really believing in me and taking me as part of your family forever. Love u coach.”___

🏀 Basketball coach Bob Huggins resigns hours after DUI arrest

NEW YORK (AP) — Check fraud is back in a big way, fueled by a rise in organized crime that is forcing small businesses and individuals to take additional safety measures or to avoid sending checks through the mail altogether.

Banks issued roughly 680,000 reports of check fraud to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, also known as FinCEN, last year. That’s up from 350,000 reports in 2021. Meanwhile the U.S. Postal Inspection Service reported roughly 300,000 complaints of mail theft in 2021, more than double the prior year's total.

Early in the pandemic, government relief checks became an attractive target for criminals. The problem has only gotten worse and postal authorities and bank officials are warning Americans to avoid mailing checks if possible, or at least to use a secure mail drop such as inside the post office. Meanwhile, as the cases of fraud increase, victims are waiting longer to recover their stolen money.

Check usage has been in decline for decades as Americans have largely switched to paying for their services with credit and debit cards. Americans wrote roughly 3.4 billion checks in 2022, down from nearly 19 billion checks in 1990, according to the Federal Reserve. However, the average size of the checks Americans write rose from $673 in 1990 — or $1,602 in today's dollars — to $2,652 last year.

“Despite the declining use of checks in the United States, criminals have been increasingly targeting the U.S. Mail since the COVID-19 pandemic to commit check fraud,” FinCEN wrote in an alert sent out in February.

Checks are still frequently used by small businesses. Eric Fischgrund, who runs FischTank PR, a 30-person public relations firm in New York, had about 15 checks that were being mailed to him from clients stolen after they all went through the same Postal Service distribution center. Ten of them were successfully cashed by criminals.

The checks were stolen in March and Fischgrund became aware of the problem in April, when several of his clients who were never late missed payments. The Postal Service investigated and Fischgrund has recovered about 70% of the revenue, but some of the cases haven’t yet been resolved.

According to the investigator on the case, the perpetrators used technology that melted ink in the “to” field of the checks so they could write in fake names. FischTank instructed all its clients to change their paper format because it was dealing with a check fraud issue.

Fischgrund said he’d never previously had an issue with check fraud in the nearly 10 years he has run his own business. Now he has a clause in invoices and new client contracts that asks for electronic payments only.

“I don’t think we’ll ever go back to asking for checks as an option,” he said.

Today’s check fraud criminals are not small operations, or lone individuals like the Leonardo DiCaprio character in the 2002 movie “Catch Me If You Can,” counterfeiting checks from his hotel room and apartment. They are sophisticated criminal operations, with participants infiltrating post office distribution centers, setting up fake businesses or creating fake IDs to deposit the checks. “Walkers,” or people who actually walk in to cash these checks, receive training in how to appear even more legitimate.

In one case in Southern California last year, nearly sixty people were arrested on charges of committing more than $5 million in check fraud against 750 people.

Criminals are getting the checks or identification information by fishing mail out of U.S. postal boxes, looking for envelopes that appear to be either bill payments or checks being mailed.

The most common type of check fraud is what’s known as check washing, where a criminal steals the check from the mail and proceeds to change the payee’s name on the check and, additionally, the amount of money.

Some criminals are going further and using the information found on a check to gather sensitive personal data on a potential victim. There have been reports of criminals creating fake entities out of personal data obtained from a check, or even opening new lines of credit or businesses with that data as well. This allows fraudsters to create new checks using old account data.

That’s why check fraud experts are saying Americans should avoid sending checks in the mail or at least take additional safety steps to avoid becoming a victim.

“If you need to mail a check, do not put a check in your residential mailbox and raise the flag to notify the postman. Drop off checks inside a post office if you have to,” said Todd Robertson with Argo Data, a financial data provider.

Banks, keenly aware of the problem, are increasingly watching for signs of fraud at branches and through mobile check deposit services, including large check deposits. They’re training branch employees to take steps such as looking at check numbers, because checks are typically written in order, or noticing when a check is being written for a much larger amount than the customer’s previous history would indicate. Banks also now deploy software at their branches that can tell how risky a check might be.

But those systems become moot if criminals are able to persuade tellers — often at the front lines for check acceptance — to look past any red flags.

“These fraudsters are much more aggressive than they were in the past, and they are pressuring tellers to override internal systems that might flag a potentially suspicious transaction,” Paul Brenda, a senior vice president at the American Bankers Association.

Banks generally reimburse customers if they are victims of check fraud within days. However, due to the growing number of fraud cases, refunds have slowed down in recent months. In March, a trio of Democratic Senators asked the banking industry to be more prompt in reimbursing victims of check fraud whenever possible.

Another safety tip for businesses is to opt in to a bank’s “positive pay” services with a business checking account. Positive pay means you pre-authorize checks for a certain amount as well as the check number, cutting down criminals’ ability to wash the check and withdraw money for an amount that isn’t pre-authorized.

NEW YORK (AP) — Check fraud is back in a big way, fueled by a rise in organized crime that is forcing small businesses and individuals to take additional safety measures or to avoid sending checks through the mail altogether.Banks issued roughly 680,000 reports of check fraud to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, also known as FinCEN, last year. That’s up from 350,000 reports in 2021. Meanwhile the U.S. Postal Inspection Service reported roughly 300,000 complaints of mail theft in 2021, more than double the prior year's total.Early in the pandemic, government relief checks became an attractive target for criminals. The problem has only gotten worse and postal authorities and bank officials are warning Americans to avoid mailing checks if possible, or at least to use a secure mail drop such as inside the post office. Meanwhile, as the cases of fraud increase, victims are waiting longer to recover their stolen money.Check usage has been in decline for decades as Americans have largely switched to paying for their services with credit and debit cards. Americans wrote roughly 3.4 billion checks in 2022, down from nearly 19 billion checks in 1990, according to the Federal Reserve. However, the average size of the checks Americans write rose from $673 in 1990 — or $1,602 in today's dollars — to $2,652 last year.“Despite the declining use of checks in the United States, criminals have been increasingly targeting the U.S. Mail since the COVID-19 pandemic to commit check fraud,” FinCEN wrote in an alert sent out in February.Checks are still frequently used by small businesses. Eric Fischgrund, who runs FischTank PR, a 30-person public relations firm in New York, had about 15 checks that were being mailed to him from clients stolen after they all went through the same Postal Service distribution center. Ten of them were successfully cashed by criminals.The checks were stolen in March and Fischgrund became aware of the problem in April, when several of his clients who were never late missed payments. The Postal Service investigated and Fischgrund has recovered about 70% of the revenue, but some of the cases haven’t yet been resolved.According to the investigator on the case, the perpetrators used technology that melted ink in the “to” field of the checks so they could write in fake names. FischTank instructed all its clients to change their paper format because it was dealing with a check fraud issue.Fischgrund said he’d never previously had an issue with check fraud in the nearly 10 years he has run his own business. Now he has a clause in invoices and new client contracts that asks for electronic payments only.“I don’t think we’ll ever go back to asking for checks as an option,” he said.Today’s check fraud criminals are not small operations, or lone individuals like the Leonardo DiCaprio character in the 2002 movie “Catch Me If You Can,” counterfeiting checks from his hotel room and apartment. They are sophisticated criminal operations, with participants infiltrating post office distribution centers, setting up fake businesses or creating fake IDs to deposit the checks. “Walkers,” or people who actually walk in to cash these checks, receive training in how to appear even more legitimate.In one case in Southern California last year, nearly sixty people were arrested on charges of committing more than $5 million in check fraud against 750 people.Criminals are getting the checks or identification information by fishing mail out of U.S. postal boxes, looking for envelopes that appear to be either bill payments or checks being mailed.The most common type of check fraud is what’s known as check washing, where a criminal steals the check from the mail and proceeds to change the payee’s name on the check and, additionally, the amount of money.Some criminals are going further and using the information found on a check to gather sensitive personal data on a potential victim. There have been reports of criminals creating fake entities out of personal data obtained from a check, or even opening new lines of credit or businesses with that data as well. This allows fraudsters to create new checks using old account data.That’s why check fraud experts are saying Americans should avoid sending checks in the mail or at least take additional safety steps to avoid becoming a victim.“If you need to mail a check, do not put a check in your residential mailbox and raise the flag to notify the postman. Drop off checks inside a post office if you have to,” said Todd Robertson with Argo Data, a financial data provider.Banks, keenly aware of the problem, are increasingly watching for signs of fraud at branches and through mobile check deposit services, including large check deposits. They’re training branch employees to take steps such as looking at check numbers, because checks are typically written in order, or noticing when a check is being written for a much larger amount than the customer’s previous history would indicate. Banks also now deploy software at their branches that can tell how risky a check might be.But those systems become moot if criminals are able to persuade tellers — often at the front lines for check acceptance — to look past any red flags.“These fraudsters are much more aggressive than they were in the past, and they are pressuring tellers to override internal systems that might flag a potentially suspicious transaction,” Paul Brenda, a senior vice president at the American Bankers Association.Banks generally reimburse customers if they are victims of check fraud within days. However, due to the growing number of fraud cases, refunds have slowed down in recent months. In March, a trio of Democratic Senators asked the banking industry to be more prompt in reimbursing victims of check fraud whenever possible.Another safety tip for businesses is to opt in to a bank’s “positive pay” services with a business checking account. Positive pay means you pre-authorize checks for a certain amount as well as the check number, cutting down criminals’ ability to wash the check and withdraw money for an amount that isn’t pre-authorized.____

Americans warned not to mail checks; check fraud has spiked dramatically

KANSAS CITY – A&nbsp; man was sentenced in federal court this week for attempting to produce child pornography following his online harassment of a Calloway County, Mo., teenager over five years, according to the United State's Attorney.

David Jonathon Dodds, 61, Corydon, Iowa, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Dodds to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration.

On Sept. 29, 2022, Dodds pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to produce child pornography. Dodds is a registered sex offender in Iowa due to his conviction for the exhibition of obscene materials to minors. In that case, Dodds sent a pornographic Snapchat video of himself to a 16-year-old victim. Dodds has been in federal custody since his arrest.

Dodds admitted that he initially contacted the child victim through her Instagram account when she was 13 years old, disguising himself as a teenage male, and continued contacting her through Facebook Messenger and her cell phone until she was 18 years old. Her father contacted the Calloway County Sheriff’s Department in February 2020 to report that his 18-year-old daughter had been the victim of harassment and sexual enticement for several years.

Dodds admitted to having similar conversations with several other unidentified underage victims.

After Dodds contacted the child victim through Instagram, his behavior escalated to messaging her numerous times a day and sending her pornographic images of himself. Dodds also asked her to send nude photographs of herself, and the child victim sent several nude photos of herself in 2015, when she was 14 years old.

The child victim told investigators she became uncomfortable with the ongoing conversations with Dodds and attempted to cut off communications. He became agitated with her and he began threatening to text her parents or friends if she didn’t communicate with him. Dodds messaged her parents and left three voicemail messages on her boyfriend’s phone telling him she had been cheating on both of them. The child victim told investigators she began hiding in photos taken with friends or family that may end up on social media to avoid being seen. She began receiving contact on Facebook Messenger and her cell phone. She turned off her cell phone for durations to avoid any contact.

The child victim reported this continued harassment led to significant anxiety and caused her to quit several jobs. It became apparent that Dodds was monitoring her parents’ public posts on Facebook, harassing her about going to prom or noting how they had been at Wal-Mart looking for her. His behavior caused her to trade cell phones and delete Instagram and Facebook accounts.

The child victim eventually disclosed the harassment to her family, who contacted law enforcement.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665776837946.png" alt="Dodds- photo Sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Dodds- photo Sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A&nbsp; man was sentenced in federal court this week for attempting to produce child pornography following his online harassment of a Calloway County, Mo., teenager over five years, according to the United State's Attorney.David Jonathon Dodds, 61, Corydon, Iowa, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Dodds to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration.On Sept. 29, 2022, Dodds pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to produce child pornography. Dodds is a registered sex offender in Iowa due to his conviction for the exhibition of obscene materials to minors. In that case, Dodds sent a pornographic Snapchat video of himself to a 16-year-old victim. Dodds has been in federal custody since his arrest.Dodds admitted that he initially contacted the child victim through her Instagram account when she was 13 years old, disguising himself as a teenage male, and continued contacting her through Facebook Messenger and her cell phone until she was 18 years old. Her father contacted the Calloway County Sheriff’s Department in February 2020 to report that his 18-year-old daughter had been the victim of harassment and sexual enticement for several years.Dodds admitted to having similar conversations with several other unidentified underage victims.After Dodds contacted the child victim through Instagram, his behavior escalated to messaging her numerous times a day and sending her pornographic images of himself. Dodds also asked her to send nude photographs of herself, and the child victim sent several nude photos of herself in 2015, when she was 14 years old.The child victim told investigators she became uncomfortable with the ongoing conversations with Dodds and attempted to cut off communications. He became agitated with her and he began threatening to text her parents or friends if she didn’t communicate with him. Dodds messaged her parents and left three voicemail messages on her boyfriend’s phone telling him she had been cheating on both of them. The child victim told investigators she began hiding in photos taken with friends or family that may end up on social media to avoid being seen. She began receiving contact on Facebook Messenger and her cell phone. She turned off her cell phone for durations to avoid any contact.The child victim reported this continued harassment led to significant anxiety and caused her to quit several jobs. It became apparent that Dodds was monitoring her parents’ public posts on Facebook, harassing her about going to prom or noting how they had been at Wal-Mart looking for her. His behavior caused her to trade cell phones and delete Instagram and Facebook accounts.The child victim eventually disclosed the harassment to her family, who contacted law enforcement.This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.

Sex offender sentenced; initially contacted teen on Instagram

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase and arrest.&nbsp;

Just after 3:30a.m. Friday, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop near SW 29th Street and SW Topeka Boulevard on a green2007 Kia Sportage that had been reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.

The driver, later identified as&nbsp;Michelle L. Baker, 36, of Topeka, failed to stop and initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, the driver drove through multiple yards, striking a mailbox in the 3300 block of SE Bryant Street. The pursuit ended in the 3300 block of SE Adams Street where she was taken into custody.

Baker was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of stolen property, felony flee and elude, reckless driving, criminal damage to property, operating a vehicle without a valid license, and numerous traffic violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687004252926.png" alt="Baker-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Baker-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase and arrest.&nbsp;Just after 3:30a.m. Friday, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop near SW 29th Street and SW Topeka Boulevard on a green2007 Kia Sportage that had been reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.The driver, later identified as&nbsp;Michelle L. Baker, 36, of Topeka, failed to stop and initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, the driver drove through multiple yards, striking a mailbox in the 3300 block of SE Bryant Street. The pursuit ended in the 3300 block of SE Adams Street where she was taken into custody.Baker was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of stolen property, felony flee and elude, reckless driving, criminal damage to property, operating a vehicle without a valid license, and numerous traffic violations.

Kansas woman jailed after chase in reported stolen SUV

PITTSBURG (AP) —West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, a month after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-xavier-77ce70b41112a0062421ad9405558473">university suspended him for three games</a>&nbsp;for using an anti-gay slur while also denigrating Catholics during a radio interview.P

Huggins, 69, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was pulled over by police in Pittsburgh on Friday night. He was charged with driving under the influence, was released from custody and will appear at a later date for a preliminary hearing, according to a police report.

An officer observed garbage bags with empty beer containers both inside the vehicle and in the trunk, according to a criminal complaint. Huggins said he had been to a basketball camp with his brother in Sherrodsville, Ohio. An officer said Huggins was asked multiple times what city he was in but never got a response. A breath test determined Huggins’ blood alcohol content was 0.21%, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08% in Pennsylvania. A blood sample also was taken from Huggins at a hospital before his release.

It was Huggins' second such arrest. The other occurred in 2004 when he was the head coach at Cincinnati.

West Virginia's athletic department said in a statement it was aware of Friday's incident. “We are gathering more information and will take appropriate action once the review is complete,” the statement said.

Officers observed a black SUV in the middle of a road blocking traffic just before 8:30 p.m. The vehicle had a flat and shredded tire, and the driver's side door was open, according to the police report.

Officers directed Huggins to move off the road so they could help with the tire, then activated their lights when they observed Huggins having trouble maneuvering the SUV to allow vehicles to pass. Upon questioning, officers suspected he was intoxicated and asked him to exit the vehicle. The report said he failed standard field sobriety tests, was taken into custody without incident and transported for further testing.

By 2005, Huggins’ 16-year career at Cincinnati was over; he was fired amid a power struggle with the school’s president as well as the aftermath of the 2004 arrest.

Last month Huggins agreed to a three-game suspension, a $1 million salary reduction and sensitivity training for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-665dd3d31760b1c6f66d7d706e825727">using the slur</a>&nbsp;during an interview with Cincinnati radio station WLW. Huggins was asked about the transfer portal and whether he had a chance of landing a player at West Virginia from Xavier, a Jesuit school.

In a joint statement later that week, West Virginia University President Gordon Gee and athletic director Wren Baker said the university “made it explicitly clear to Coach Huggins that any incidents of similar derogatory and offensive language will result in immediate termination.”

Huggins' salary of $4.15 million will be reduced by $1 million. That reduction will be used to directly support WVU’s LGBTQ+ Center, as well as a mental health center at the university and other groups that support marginalized communities. He is suspended for the first three games of the 2023-24 season. In addition, his contract will be amended from a multiyear agreement to a year-by-year agreement that began on May 10 of this year and ends on April 30, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687028737005.png" alt="Huggins-photo courtesy University of West Virginia athletics" />
 <figcaption>Huggins-photo courtesy University of West Virginia athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURG (AP) —West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, a month after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-xavier-77ce70b41112a0062421ad9405558473">university suspended him for three games</a>&nbsp;for using an anti-gay slur while also denigrating Catholics during a radio interview.P<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687028787636.png" alt="Police report on the Huggins arrest" />
 <figcaption>Police report on the Huggins arrest</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687028832105.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Huggins, 69, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was pulled over by police in Pittsburgh on Friday night. He was charged with driving under the influence, was released from custody and will appear at a later date for a preliminary hearing, according to a police report.An officer observed garbage bags with empty beer containers both inside the vehicle and in the trunk, according to a criminal complaint. Huggins said he had been to a basketball camp with his brother in Sherrodsville, Ohio. An officer said Huggins was asked multiple times what city he was in but never got a response. A breath test determined Huggins’ blood alcohol content was 0.21%, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08% in Pennsylvania. A blood sample also was taken from Huggins at a hospital before his release.It was Huggins' second such arrest. The other occurred in 2004 when he was the head coach at Cincinnati.West Virginia's athletic department said in a statement it was aware of Friday's incident. “We are gathering more information and will take appropriate action once the review is complete,” the statement said.Officers observed a black SUV in the middle of a road blocking traffic just before 8:30 p.m. The vehicle had a flat and shredded tire, and the driver's side door was open, according to the police report.Officers directed Huggins to move off the road so they could help with the tire, then activated their lights when they observed Huggins having trouble maneuvering the SUV to allow vehicles to pass. Upon questioning, officers suspected he was intoxicated and asked him to exit the vehicle. The report said he failed standard field sobriety tests, was taken into custody without incident and transported for further testing.In June 2004, Huggins pleaded no contest to driving under the influence in a suburb of Cincinnati and was ordered to attend a three-day intervention program. The University of Cincinnati suspended him indefinitely with pay and told Huggins to rehabilitate himself.Huggins was allowed to return to work two months later, saying that “I made a terrible mistake, and what bothers me most is I hurt other people. All I can do is work like crazy to be a better person, a better coach, be better at everything I do and make those people proud of me.”By 2005, Huggins’ 16-year career at Cincinnati was over; he was fired amid a power struggle with the school’s president as well as the aftermath of the 2004 arrest.After spending one season at Kansas State, Huggins took his dream job at West Virginia, his alma mater, in 2007.Last month Huggins agreed to a three-game suspension, a $1 million salary reduction and sensitivity training for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/huggins-homophobic-slur-west-virginia-665dd3d31760b1c6f66d7d706e825727">using the slur</a>&nbsp;during an interview with Cincinnati radio station WLW. Huggins was asked about the transfer portal and whether he had a chance of landing a player at West Virginia from Xavier, a Jesuit school.“Catholics don’t do that,” Huggins said. “I tell you what, any school that can throw rubber penises on the floor and then say they didn’t do it, by God they can get away with anything.“It was the Crosstown Shootout. What it was, was all those (expletive), those Catholic (expletive), I think.”In a joint statement later that week, West Virginia University President Gordon Gee and athletic director Wren Baker said the university “made it explicitly clear to Coach Huggins that any incidents of similar derogatory and offensive language will result in immediate termination.”Huggins' salary of $4.15 million will be reduced by $1 million. That reduction will be used to directly support WVU’s LGBTQ+ Center, as well as a mental health center at the university and other groups that support marginalized communities. He is suspended for the first three games of the 2023-24 season. In addition, his contract will be amended from a multiyear agreement to a year-by-year agreement that began on May 10 of this year and ends on April 30, 2024.Huggins entered the Basketball Hall of Fame last September. In 41 seasons, his teams have gone to 25 NCAA Tournaments, finished ranked in the top 10 of The Associated Press poll seven times and finished under .500 five times. The Mountaineers have 11 NCAA Tournament appearances under Huggins.___

Read police report on DUI arrest of coach Bob Huggins 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at a funeral and have made an arrest.

First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.

After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested the 18-year-old victim and transported him to investigations for further questioning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686967298655.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at a funeral and have made an arrest.Just after 2:00 pm, Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 1100 block of North Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that several suspects arrived at the parking lot of a local church and confronted a large group of people attending a funeral right outside the main door.After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested the 18-year-old victim and transported him to investigations for further questioning.During the incident, several vehicles, and residences around and in front of the church’s parking lot were hit with gunfire. Police also recovered several firearms from the scene.

Kan. teen wounded, arrested after gun fight outside funeral 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex crime allegations involving patients at a Wichita hospital.

Just after 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a call of an officer was in trouble at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, 929, St. Francis Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

A hospital security officer was in a physical altercation with a suspect.

When Wichita Police arrived they learned three adult female patients were allegedly sexually assaulted.

Officers arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=740544">28-year-old Miguel Rodela</a> of Wichita on requested charges of rape. He is not an employee or a patient of the hospital, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686922520098.png" alt="Rodela-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Rodela-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex crime allegations involving patients at a Wichita hospital.Just after 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a call of an officer was in trouble at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, 929, St. Francis Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.A hospital security officer was in a physical altercation with a suspect.When Wichita Police arrived they learned three adult female patients were allegedly sexually assaulted.Officers arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=740544">28-year-old Miguel Rodela</a> of Wichita on requested charges of rape. He is not an employee or a patient of the hospital, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp;

Suspect accused of sexually assaulting patients at Kan. hospital

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting and car crash have arrested a 16-year-old from Wichita.

Just after 10 p.m. on June 10, police responded to a shooting call at the 2300 block of East Macarthur in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders located&nbsp;27-year-old Rashaad Hollingsworth of Wichita. inside a vehicle with a single gunshot wound to his upper body. Hollingsworth was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Hollingsworth was driving his 2011 Chevy Traverse when the incident occurred. The suspect produced a handgun and shot Hollingsworth. 

Hollingsworth lost control of the vehicle and collided with a structure on the side of the road. The suspect fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers.

Due to the relentless efforts of our investigation department, detectives were able to develop some leads that led to the identification and arrest of the 16-year-old suspect.

The teen is being held on requested charges of murder in the first degree.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting and car crash have arrested a 16-year-old from Wichita.Just after 10 p.m. on June 10, police responded to a shooting call at the 2300 block of East Macarthur in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders located&nbsp;27-year-old Rashaad Hollingsworth of Wichita. inside a vehicle with a single gunshot wound to his upper body. Hollingsworth was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.During the investigation, detectives learned that Hollingsworth was driving his 2011 Chevy Traverse when the incident occurred. The suspect produced a handgun and shot Hollingsworth. Hollingsworth lost control of the vehicle and collided with a structure on the side of the road. The suspect fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers.Due to the relentless efforts of our investigation department, detectives were able to develop some leads that led to the identification and arrest of the 16-year-old suspect.The teen is being held on requested charges of murder in the first degree.

Police: 16-year-old passenger killed driver, ran from Kan. crash

RILEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Riley County Police Department has taken reports of eight suspected fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Riley County since the beginning of 2023, according to a media release from the agency. The majority of these overdoses are occurring in young adults aged 18-24. Police continue to see counterfeit Oxycodone pills, commonly referred to as “dirty 30s", in the majority of these overdoses and in other drug-related crimes in the county.

Fentanyl is also commonly hidden in counterfeit pills appearing as Xanax, Percocet, or Adderall, and has been found in cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and heroin. "Our community is not immune to this national crisis," said Director Brian Peete. "Please remember the only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Criminal drug networks mass-produce fake pills and falsely market them as legit prescription pills." While previous arrests have been made, our goal remains to identify, apprehend, and prosecute any distributor and/or distribution network that is bringing these drugs into our community. "We want to emphasize an individual who overdoses is not a suspect in our investigations," said Investigations Captain Erin Freidline. "Those responsible for trafficking this deadly drug will be held accountable for their actions and punished to the fullest extent." The statute police use to investigate overdoses is KSA 21-5430 - Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm which is a level 5 person felony. Distribution of a controlled substance causing death is a level 1 person felony. If you have any information about the distribution of fentanyl you can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777 or contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 and ask to speak with the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

RILEY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Riley County Police Department has taken reports of eight suspected fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Riley County since the beginning of 2023, according to a media release from the agency. The majority of these overdoses are occurring in young adults aged 18-24. Police continue to see counterfeit Oxycodone pills, commonly referred to as “dirty 30s", in the majority of these overdoses and in other drug-related crimes in the county. Fentanyl is also commonly hidden in counterfeit pills appearing as Xanax, Percocet, or Adderall, and has been found in cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and heroin. "Our community is not immune to this national crisis," said Director Brian Peete. "Please remember the only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Criminal drug networks mass-produce fake pills and falsely market them as legit prescription pills." While previous arrests have been made, our goal remains to identify, apprehend, and prosecute any distributor and/or distribution network that is bringing these drugs into our community. "We want to emphasize an individual who overdoses is not a suspect in our investigations," said Investigations Captain Erin Freidline. "Those responsible for trafficking this deadly drug will be held accountable for their actions and punished to the fullest extent." The statute police use to investigate overdoses is KSA 21-5430 - Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm which is a level 5 person felony. Distribution of a controlled substance causing death is a level 1 person felony. If you have any information about the distribution of fentanyl you can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777 or contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 and ask to speak with the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

RCPD investigating suspected fentanyl-related deaths

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop in Barton County.

Just after 1a.m. June 14, 1:12 a.m.,&nbsp; police were dispatched to report of a disturbance in the 1200 block of Jefferson in Great Bend, according to a media release.

 While responding to the area, the reporting party advised a man and woman left in a white Ford pickup. 

Officers located the pickup in the 1000 block of Adams Street and conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the occupants, officers observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers found suspected methamphetamine, prescription narcotics and more drug paraphernalia.

Police arrested the the juvenile driver and the passenger identified as 27-year-old Martez Tyus. 

If you have any information on these or any other crimes please contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686838485520.jpeg" alt="photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop in Barton County.Just after 1a.m. June 14, 1:12 a.m.,&nbsp; police were dispatched to report of a disturbance in the 1200 block of Jefferson in Great Bend, according to a media release. While responding to the area, the reporting party advised a man and woman left in a white Ford pickup. Officers located the pickup in the 1000 block of Adams Street and conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the occupants, officers observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers found suspected methamphetamine, prescription narcotics and more drug paraphernalia.Police arrested the the juvenile driver and the passenger identified as 27-year-old Martez Tyus. If you have any information on these or any other crimes please contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

Police found meth, prescription drugs during Kansas traffic stop

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.

Following a month long investigation of sex crimes reported to have occurred in December 2022 involving 15-year-old girl, police on Wednesday arrested 55-year-old Dale Nicodemus, according to a media release from Garden City Police.

Officer arrested him at his residence and he remain jailed on requested charges of Rape, Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child, Aggravated Solicitation of a Child, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Attempted Aggravated Criminal Sodomy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686837269476.png" alt="Nicodemus-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Nicodemus-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.Following a month long investigation of sex crimes reported to have occurred in December 2022 involving 15-year-old girl, police on Wednesday arrested 55-year-old Dale Nicodemus, according to a media release from Garden City Police.Officer arrested him at his residence and he remain jailed on requested charges of Rape, Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child, Aggravated Solicitation of a Child, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Attempted Aggravated Criminal Sodomy.

SW Kan. man accused sex crimes involving 15-year-old 

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.

On June 9, St. Joseph Police arrested 25-year-old Skylar D. Coady of St. Joseph on an Atchison District Court warrant charging her with aggravated robbery and theft, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She was taken to the Buchanan County Missouri jail and transported to the Atchison County jail this week.

Coady is the second person charged with aggravated robbery by using force to take a cellphone from a 38-year-old male victim on May 27th in the 1300 block South 8th and subsequently using a mobile pay app on the phone to commit theft.

On June 8, police arrested 33-year-old Christopher B. Heston of Atchison in the 400 block Commercial on a District Court warrant charging him with theft and aggravated robbery, according to Wilson.

Heston is charged with aggravated robbery by using force to take a cellphone from a 38-year-old male victim on May 27th in the 1300 block South 8th and subsequently using a mobile pay app on the phone to commit theft.

He is also charged in a separate warrant for the theft of a cellphone from a 25-year-old female victim on May 27th in the 100 block River Road.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686847839130.png" alt="Coady-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Coady-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.On June 9, St. Joseph Police arrested 25-year-old Skylar D. Coady of St. Joseph on an Atchison District Court warrant charging her with aggravated robbery and theft, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.She was taken to the Buchanan County Missouri jail and transported to the Atchison County jail this week.Coady is the second person charged with aggravated robbery by using force to take a cellphone from a 38-year-old male victim on May 27th in the 1300 block South 8th and subsequently using a mobile pay app on the phone to commit theft.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686257299448.png" alt="Heston-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Heston-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 8, police arrested 33-year-old Christopher B. Heston of Atchison in the 400 block Commercial on a District Court warrant charging him with theft and aggravated robbery, according to Wilson.Heston is charged with aggravated robbery by using force to take a cellphone from a 38-year-old male victim on May 27th in the 1300 block South 8th and subsequently using a mobile pay app on the phone to commit theft.He is also charged in a separate warrant for the theft of a cellphone from a 25-year-old female victim on May 27th in the 100 block River Road.&nbsp;

Police: Suspects used mobile pay app on phone to commit theft

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an injury crash and have made an arrest.

Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, officers arrested 54-year-old Jose Torres of Manhattan on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated battery, transporting an open container, failure to stop at an accident, passing with insufficient clearance and driving with no license, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

This warrant stems from a March 24 crash near the intersection of E. Marlatt Avenue and Brookepointe Circle in Manhattan.

 It was reported that Torres left the scene of the crash after his westbound 2007 Chevrolet van crossed the center line of E. Marlatt and struck an eastbound 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Jesus Maldonado, 60, of Manhattan.

 A passenger of the Silverado, Juan Maldonado, 31, of Manhattan was trapped in the passenger side and was eventually transported to Via Christi for treatment of a broken wrist and other cuts, scrapes, and bruises. 

Officers also found an open container of alcohol in the unoccupied van when they arrived on scene. Torres was issued a total bond of $15,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating an injury crash and have made an arrest.Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, officers arrested 54-year-old Jose Torres of Manhattan on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated battery, transporting an open container, failure to stop at an accident, passing with insufficient clearance and driving with no license, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.This warrant stems from a March 24 crash near the intersection of E. Marlatt Avenue and Brookepointe Circle in Manhattan. It was reported that Torres left the scene of the crash after his westbound 2007 Chevrolet van crossed the center line of E. Marlatt and struck an eastbound 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Jesus Maldonado, 60, of Manhattan. A passenger of the Silverado, Juan Maldonado, 31, of Manhattan was trapped in the passenger side and was eventually transported to Via Christi for treatment of a broken wrist and other cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Officers also found an open container of alcohol in the unoccupied van when they arrived on scene. Torres was issued a total bond of $15,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

RCPD makes arrest in hit-and-run injury crash 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; multiple car burglaries at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel located at 2033 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka have made an arrest. 

Just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Topeka police investigators identified a vehicle involved in the incident in the 2400 block of SE 25th Street, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols

 A short time later, officers located the driver, identified as Travis D. Munsell, 33, of Topeka., Munsell was determined to have been involved, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge that include Possession of stolen property, Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime, Theft and Criminal Use Of A Financial Card.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773425903.png" alt="Munsell-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Munsell-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; multiple car burglaries at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel located at 2033 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka have made an arrest. Just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Topeka police investigators identified a vehicle involved in the incident in the 2400 block of SE 25th Street, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols A short time later, officers located the driver, identified as Travis D. Munsell, 33, of Topeka., Munsell was determined to have been involved, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge that include Possession of stolen property, Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime, Theft and Criminal Use Of A Financial Card.

Kansas man accused of multiple car burglaries at hotel

MIAMI COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and have made an arrest.

On May 25, police in Paola received information of alleged sexual assault that occurred at the Lake Miola Swim Beach involving a juvenile victim, according to Police Captain Eric Jenkins.

Following an investigation, police on Wednesday arrested 18-year-old Hayden West on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child by the Miami County Attorney's office.&nbsp;

During the investigation, police discovered additional victims. Police want any other potential victims to also come forward and speak to Police Lt. Marc Miller.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686826428712.png" alt="West-photo Paola police" />
 <figcaption>West-photo Paola police</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and have made an arrest.On May 25, police in Paola received information of alleged sexual assault that occurred at the Lake Miola Swim Beach involving a juvenile victim, according to Police Captain Eric Jenkins.Following an investigation, police on Wednesday arrested 18-year-old Hayden West on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child by the Miami County Attorney's office.&nbsp;During the investigation, police discovered additional victims. Police want any other potential victims to also come forward and speak to Police Lt. Marc Miller.

Kansas teen charged with child sex crimes at swim beach

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for allegedly driving under the influence and one who was involved in an accident with a police officer.

Just after 2a.m. Wednesday, a Traffic Officer was investigating a suspected DUI at West and University in Wichita when his vehicle was rear ended by another suspected DUI, according to a media release.

 Both the initial DUI involving Ruben D. Roble and the driver identified as Dallas Marques Ligons that rear-ended the police car&nbsp; were arrested on multiple traffic allegations.

The Police vehicle had significant damage and had to be towed from the scene.  There were no injuries involved during the crash.&nbsp;

Roble was arrested on requested charge of: DRIVING UNDER THE INFL
OF DRUGS/ALCOHOL; 1ST CONV;COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD/BREATH .08+ and driving without a license, according to police booking records.

Ligons was booked on requested charges of&nbsp;DRIVING
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS/ALC; 1ST CONV; INCAPABLE OF SAFELY Driving, Driving while suspended and VEHICLE
LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIRED, according to police booking records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686760168415.png" alt="Roble-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Roble-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for allegedly driving under the influence and one who was involved in an accident with a police officer.(click below to watch)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F769454641534515%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just after 2a.m. Wednesday, a Traffic Officer was investigating a suspected DUI at West and University in Wichita when his vehicle was rear ended by another suspected DUI, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686760234186.png" alt="Ligons-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ligons-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure> Both the initial DUI involving Ruben D. Roble and the driver identified as Dallas Marques Ligons that rear-ended the police car&nbsp; were arrested on multiple traffic allegations.The Police vehicle had significant damage and had to be towed from the scene. There were no injuries involved during the crash.&nbsp;Roble was arrested on requested charge of: DRIVING UNDER THE INFL
OF DRUGS/ALCOHOL; 1ST CONV;COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD/BREATH .08+ and driving without a license, according to police booking records.Ligons was booked on requested charges of&nbsp;DRIVING
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS/ALC; 1ST CONV; INCAPABLE OF SAFELY Driving, Driving while suspended and VEHICLE
LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIRED, according to police booking records.

🎥 While pulling over DUI suspect, Kan. officer rear-ended by another DUI suspect

ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man is back on jail again for alleged stalking.

On Tuesday, police arrested 34-year-old&nbsp;Howard L. Hooper IV of Atchison on a District Court warrant for stalking and violation of a protective order, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In December of 2020, Hooper was jailed on requested charges of stalking, harassment by phone and violation of a protection order, according to online jail records.&nbsp; 

Hooper has been in custody over two dozen times since 2007 and convicted for stalking, criminal threat and violation of a protection order, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686750068282.png" alt="Hooper-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Hooper-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —A Kansas man is back on jail again for alleged stalking.On Tuesday, police arrested 34-year-old&nbsp;Howard L. Hooper IV of Atchison on a District Court warrant for stalking and violation of a protective order, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.In December of 2020, Hooper was jailed on requested charges of stalking, harassment by phone and violation of a protection order, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Hooper has been in custody over two dozen times since 2007 and convicted for stalking, criminal threat and violation of a protection order, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas man convicted of stalking is accused of it again

SEDGWICK COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) announced that their newly formed task force, the Joint Fentanyl Impact Team (JFIT), made its first major seizure of fentanyl pills, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, a JFIT investigation into suspicious activity led to the seizure of an estimated 25,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills, commonly referred to as “dirty 30s.” The pills are suspected to contain fentanyl, and in total weighed approximately 11 ½ pounds. The seizure occurred near the intersection of Central and Oliver, in Wichita.

A 27-year-old male from Wichita was detained and questioned for being in possession of the pills. He was later arrested on outstanding warrants and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. Charges related to the fentanyl seizure are pending. The investigation is ongoing.

“Pills containing fentanyl, like those taken off the streets this week, are causing extreme harm to our communities,” said KBI Director Mattivi. “This seizure will likely prevent many poisoning deaths, but we still have much work to do.”

“I have made clear that the resources and energy of the KBI will be focused on the fentanyl threat. This seizure is a result of that focus, in cooperation with KHP,” said Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. “This is a significant victory for Kansas law enforcement in the battle against fentanyl. We will continue to escalate our efforts in the months ahead.”

JFIT was formed in June as the enforcement component of Attorney General Kris Kobach’s strategy to prevent fentanyl overdose deaths. The objective of the JFIT is to identify and disrupt fentanyl trafficking and distribution networks, and remove this deadly drug from Kansas streets. The team is comprised of KBI special agents and KHP troopers experienced in complex narcotics investigations. Team members are embedded alongside KBI agents operating across the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686770906639.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) announced that their newly formed task force, the Joint Fentanyl Impact Team (JFIT), made its first major seizure of fentanyl pills, according to a media release from the KBI.Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, a JFIT investigation into suspicious activity led to the seizure of an estimated 25,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills, commonly referred to as “dirty 30s.” The pills are suspected to contain fentanyl, and in total weighed approximately 11 ½ pounds. The seizure occurred near the intersection of Central and Oliver, in Wichita.A 27-year-old male from Wichita was detained and questioned for being in possession of the pills. He was later arrested on outstanding warrants and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. Charges related to the fentanyl seizure are pending. The investigation is ongoing.“Pills containing fentanyl, like those taken off the streets this week, are causing extreme harm to our communities,” said KBI Director Mattivi. “This seizure will likely prevent many poisoning deaths, but we still have much work to do.”“I have made clear that the resources and energy of the KBI will be focused on the fentanyl threat. This seizure is a result of that focus, in cooperation with KHP,” said Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. “This is a significant victory for Kansas law enforcement in the battle against fentanyl. We will continue to escalate our efforts in the months ahead.”JFIT was formed in June as the enforcement component of Attorney General Kris Kobach’s strategy to prevent fentanyl overdose deaths. The objective of the JFIT is to identify and disrupt fentanyl trafficking and distribution networks, and remove this deadly drug from Kansas streets. The team is comprised of KBI special agents and KHP troopers experienced in complex narcotics investigations. Team members are embedded alongside KBI agents operating across the state.

KBI, KHP task force seizes 25K fentanyl-laced pills

TOPEKA, KAN.– A federal jury convicted a Missouri man on one count of travel with intent to&nbsp;engage in illicit sexual conduct, after he was arrested in an undercover operation. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Steven E. Spradley, 58, of Kansas City, Missouri, traveled from Jackson County, Missouri, to Osage County, Kansas, in July 2021 to have sex with whom he believed to be a 17-year-old girl he met online. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625322692210.png" alt="Spradley photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Spradley photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN.– A federal jury convicted a Missouri man on one count of travel with intent to&nbsp;engage in illicit sexual conduct, after he was arrested in an undercover operation. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Steven E. Spradley, 58, of Kansas City, Missouri, traveled from Jackson County, Missouri, to Osage County, Kansas, in July 2021 to have sex with whom he believed to be a 17-year-old girl he met online. Spradley was actually communicating with an investigator from the Osage County Sheriff’s Office posing as a minor.The Osage County Sheriff’s Office is part of the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.Spradley faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.“While child predators have long been a threat, the internet has greatly extended their reach to seek out victims,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “As these criminals scour for opportunities to prey on our young people, I applaud law enforcement officers for their proactive approach to catching these criminals and hopefully put them behind bars before a child falls victim.”“This conviction holds Mr. Spradley accountable for his shameful and predatory actions. It underscores our continued commitment to have our children grow up without fear of exploitation and the importance of our state and local law enforcement partnerships in stopping those whoattempt to harm the most vulnerable in our community,” said Charles Dayoub, FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge.The Osage County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the case.