DENVER (AP) — A Colorado woman knew what she was doing when she stabbed her young stepson 18 times and then shot him in the head before driving across the country to dump a suitcase with his remains over a bridge in the Florida Panhandle, a prosecutor told jurors Monday at the start of her trial.

Authorities allege Letecia Stauch killed 11-year-old Gannon Stauch in his bedroom a few hours before reporting him missing on Jan. 27, 2020, while his father was on a National Guard deployment. They have suggested she was unhappy in her marriage and resentful of being treated like an unpaid babysitter.

Attorneys for Stauch, who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, countered that by claiming she suffered a “major psychotic crack” as a result of childhood trauma when she killed Gannon.

The dueling narratives for why Stauch carried out the crime came during opening statements in Colorado Springs for a trial expected to last several weeks.

District Attorney Michael Allen argued in his opening statement that the steps that Stauch took to cover up her actions are proof that she knew what she did was wrong and was therefore sane. She cleaned up blood in Gannon's bedroom, moving his body to various locations to hide it before disposing of it “like garbage” in a river that flows into the Gulf of Mexico in hopes it would never be found, he said.

Stauch also lied to investigators various times to try to hamper their investigation, Allen said, changing her accounts of what happened to Gannon. She claimed two different men had raped her and then abducted Gannon and, later, that one of those men had taken Gannon after he hurt himself in a bike crash.

“All of her actions were purposefully designed by her to distance herself from what she did,” Allen said.

But defense attorney Will Cook said the gruesome details highlighted by Allen, including how Gannon was killed and the lack of a motive, are proof that Stauch was “insane” because it all does not make sense.

“These are all signs and evidence of a mind, a soul, that is broken in a most fundamental and profound way,” he said.

Cook suggested Stauch developed dissociative identify disorder as a result of being physically, emotionally and sexually abused by her absent mother's string of partners during her childhood, sometimes sleeping in a car in the driveway to escape the abuse. When she killed Gannon, she was not, in her mind, killing her stepson, but the “demons” from her childhood and life, he said.

Based on surveys given to potential jurors, many were skeptical of Stauch's mental health defense, Cook said. He urged jurors to put aside their impulse to make someone pay for such a brutal killing and keep an open mind because the judicial system requires Stauch to be presumed innocent.

“I'm not telling you to like it. I'm just telling you that's the way it is," he said.

Initially, authorities said they responded after Stauch said Gannon had not returned from playing with a friend. But she did not provide the names of any friends he may have been with or their parents. Within days, she concocted a variety of stories to mislead them, including that a man she hired to repair a carpet raped her and then abducted Gannon, according to investigators.

Over 200 volunteers conducted searches for the boy in the area around where the family lived near Colorado Springs, as authorities investigated. About two weeks after Gannon disappeared, searchers found a piece of particle board with Gannon's blood on it in a rural area nearby. Presuming the boy to be dead, authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/76fb47d139df286bb42dff1fd3155d4e">arrested Stauch in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 2, 2022</a>. She was held in the Saline County, Kansas jail on her return to Colorado.

Gannon's remains were found later that month in the small city of Pace, on the Florida Panhandle.

Stauch was charged with first-degree murder, tampering with a deceased human body and tampering with physical evidence.

Investigators found Gannon’s blood on Stauch’s shoe, found her DNA on a gun linked to his death and learned that she traveled to the Florida Panhandle shortly after he disappeared, prosecutors have said.

Stauch was also accused of trying to escape from jail after her arrest. According to court documents, she asked a fellow inmate to help her get out, explaining that she planned to use a broom handle to break the window in her cell, and that she had already measured herself to make sure she could fit through.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583419148723.jpeg" alt="After her March 2020 arrest in South Carolina, Letecia Stauch was held in the Saline County jail on her return to Colorado -Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>After her March 2020 arrest in South Carolina, Letecia Stauch was held in the Saline County jail on her return to Colorado -Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — A Colorado woman knew what she was doing when she stabbed her young stepson 18 times and then shot him in the head before driving across the country to dump a suitcase with his remains over a bridge in the Florida Panhandle, a prosecutor told jurors Monday at the start of her trial.Authorities allege Letecia Stauch killed 11-year-old Gannon Stauch in his bedroom a few hours before reporting him missing on Jan. 27, 2020, while his father was on a National Guard deployment. They have suggested she was unhappy in her marriage and resentful of being treated like an unpaid babysitter.Attorneys for Stauch, who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, countered that by claiming she suffered a “major psychotic crack” as a result of childhood trauma when she killed Gannon.The dueling narratives for why Stauch carried out the crime came during opening statements in Colorado Springs for a trial expected to last several weeks.District Attorney Michael Allen argued in his opening statement that the steps that Stauch took to cover up her actions are proof that she knew what she did was wrong and was therefore sane. She cleaned up blood in Gannon's bedroom, moving his body to various locations to hide it before disposing of it “like garbage” in a river that flows into the Gulf of Mexico in hopes it would never be found, he said.Stauch also lied to investigators various times to try to hamper their investigation, Allen said, changing her accounts of what happened to Gannon. She claimed two different men had raped her and then abducted Gannon and, later, that one of those men had taken Gannon after he hurt himself in a bike crash.“All of her actions were purposefully designed by her to distance herself from what she did,” Allen said.But defense attorney Will Cook said the gruesome details highlighted by Allen, including how Gannon was killed and the lack of a motive, are proof that Stauch was “insane” because it all does not make sense.“These are all signs and evidence of a mind, a soul, that is broken in a most fundamental and profound way,” he said.Cook suggested Stauch developed dissociative identify disorder as a result of being physically, emotionally and sexually abused by her absent mother's string of partners during her childhood, sometimes sleeping in a car in the driveway to escape the abuse. When she killed Gannon, she was not, in her mind, killing her stepson, but the “demons” from her childhood and life, he said.Based on surveys given to potential jurors, many were skeptical of Stauch's mental health defense, Cook said. He urged jurors to put aside their impulse to make someone pay for such a brutal killing and keep an open mind because the judicial system requires Stauch to be presumed innocent.“I'm not telling you to like it. I'm just telling you that's the way it is," he said.Initially, authorities said they responded after Stauch said Gannon had not returned from playing with a friend. But she did not provide the names of any friends he may have been with or their parents. Within days, she concocted a variety of stories to mislead them, including that a man she hired to repair a carpet raped her and then abducted Gannon, according to investigators.Over 200 volunteers conducted searches for the boy in the area around where the family lived near Colorado Springs, as authorities investigated. About two weeks after Gannon disappeared, searchers found a piece of particle board with Gannon's blood on it in a rural area nearby. Presuming the boy to be dead, authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/76fb47d139df286bb42dff1fd3155d4e">arrested Stauch in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 2, 2022</a>. She was held in the Saline County, Kansas jail on her return to Colorado.Gannon's remains were found later that month in the small city of Pace, on the Florida Panhandle.Stauch was charged with first-degree murder, tampering with a deceased human body and tampering with physical evidence.Investigators found Gannon’s blood on Stauch’s shoe, found her DNA on a gun linked to his death and learned that she traveled to the Florida Panhandle shortly after he disappeared, prosecutors have said.Stauch was also accused of trying to escape from jail after her arrest. According to court documents, she asked a fellow inmate to help her get out, explaining that she planned to use a broom handle to break the window in her cell, and that she had already measured herself to make sure she could fit through.

Defense: 'Psychotic crack' led woman, who was held in Kan.,  to kill stepson

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/2023/4/1680614953302.jpeg" alt="Philip Governor Locklear, Battery; Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Arrested 4/4" />
 <figcaption>Philip Governor Locklear, Battery; Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Arrested 4/4</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680615067230.jpeg" alt="Zackary Ryan McMurray, Failure to appear; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 4/4" />
 <figcaption>Zackary Ryan McMurray, Failure to appear; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 4/4</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680615142287.jpeg" alt="Kelly Johnston Simmons, Failure to appear; Arrested 4/3" />
 <figcaption>Kelly Johnston Simmons, Failure to appear; Arrested 4/3</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 4

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —A Kansas man is back in jail after his third arrest in less than a year.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;In June of 2022,&nbsp; David Boeschling, 24, Minneapolis was accused of taking $500 in cash from a video game at The Alley, 115 E. Ash Street, in Salina. Police arrested him on theft and drug charges.&nbsp; 

In October, Boeschling was in jail on a warrant for failure to appear and requested drug and weapons charges, after police found him with&nbsp; a 9mm Canik in the parking lot of a Salina mote.

Just after 6p.m. Sunday, police responded to multiple alarms in a storage building at 1007 W. North Street in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Officers observed a white male wearing a blue hooded jacket, hat, and backpack running through the building. When the officers went around the building, they saw the man later identified as Boeschling standing in a tree line west of the building.

Police arrested him on requested charges of Trespassing, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680523824074.jpeg" alt="Boeschling&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Boeschling&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —A Kansas man is back in jail after his third arrest in less than a year.&nbsp; &nbsp;In June of 2022,&nbsp; David Boeschling, 24, Minneapolis was accused of taking $500 in cash from a video game at The Alley, 115 E. Ash Street, in Salina. Police arrested him on theft and drug charges.&nbsp; In October, Boeschling was in jail on a warrant for failure to appear and requested drug and weapons charges, after police found him with&nbsp; a 9mm Canik in the parking lot of a Salina mote.Just after 6p.m. Sunday, police responded to multiple alarms in a storage building at 1007 W. North Street in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Officers observed a white male wearing a blue hooded jacket, hat, and backpack running through the building. When the officers went around the building, they saw the man later identified as Boeschling standing in a tree line west of the building.Police arrested him on requested charges of Trespassing, Interference with a law enforcement officer, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kan. man who allegedly took $500 from video game is back in jail

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged arson fire and have taken a registered Kansas sex offender into custody.

Just before 9:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to 3910 Cedar Park Place Apt. 8A in Great Bend in reference to smoke entering the apartment.

Police and fire crews discovered the smoke was entering apartment 8A from the wall conjoined with apartment 8B. The Great Bend Fire Department made entry into apartment 8B and was able to extinguish the fire inside the residence.

Fire crews reported to officers on scene of signs of arson inside the residence. An officer also observed an individual walking away from the complex that he has taken multiple calls about during the weekend. The officer identified the man as 27-year-old&nbsp; Michael Leeper.

Police found Leeper at a residence in Great Bend and he was detained pending investigation.

During the investigation, officers and firefighters located a broken glass and blood throughout the crime scene. When officers located Leeper, he had injuries to his hands and arms, consistent with burns and cuts. 

The Great Bend Fire Department treated Leeper and placed. him under arrest and transported him to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on requested charges of aggravated arson. He has a previous conviction for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and has been registered as a sex offender since 2017, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp; He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680552601164.png" alt="Leeper-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Leeper-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged arson fire and have taken a registered Kansas sex offender into custody.Just before 9:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to 3910 Cedar Park Place Apt. 8A in Great Bend in reference to smoke entering the apartment.Police and fire crews discovered the smoke was entering apartment 8A from the wall conjoined with apartment 8B. The Great Bend Fire Department made entry into apartment 8B and was able to extinguish the fire inside the residence.Fire crews reported to officers on scene of signs of arson inside the residence. An officer also observed an individual walking away from the complex that he has taken multiple calls about during the weekend. The officer identified the man as 27-year-old&nbsp; Michael Leeper.Police found Leeper at a residence in Great Bend and he was detained pending investigation.During the investigation, officers and firefighters located a broken glass and blood throughout the crime scene. When officers located Leeper, he had injuries to his hands and arms, consistent with burns and cuts. The Great Bend Fire Department treated Leeper and placed. him under arrest and transported him to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on requested charges of aggravated arson. He has a previous conviction for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and has been registered as a sex offender since 2017, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp; He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

Kansas sex offender jailed for alleged arson

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a 17-year-old girl that occurred at a home on North Kuney Street in Abilene.

The investigation began January 16, according to a media release from police. An autopsy determined the girl died from fentanyl intoxication.

On Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Daisy L. Skilling on an outstanding warrant from Dickinson County District Court charging her with&nbsp;distribution of a controlled substance causing death, use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, according to online jail records. She is being held on $150,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680547193087.png" alt="Skilling-photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Skilling-photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a 17-year-old girl that occurred at a home on North Kuney Street in Abilene.The investigation began January 16, according to a media release from police. An autopsy determined the girl died from fentanyl intoxication.On Monday, police arrested 18-year-old Daisy L. Skilling on an outstanding warrant from Dickinson County District Court charging her with&nbsp;distribution of a controlled substance causing death, use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, according to online jail records. She is being held on $150,000 bond.

Kansas woman accused in fentanyl death of 17-year-old

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a robbery, domestic violence incident and have made an arrest.

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 41-year-old Pearl James Haynes IV of 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

<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—Law enforcement authorities investigating a robbery, domestic violence incident and have made an arrest.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 41-year-old Pearl James Haynes IV of 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

Kan. felon with over a dozen convictions fired gun during pursuit

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an alleged incident that injured an officer.

Just before 2a.m. Sunday, officers observed a fight in progress at Tate's Bar in the 1100 Block of Moro Street in Aggieville between 33-year-old Keith Saniatan of Fort Sill, Oklahoma and staff who were attempting to remove him, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

As officers attempted to place him in custody, Saniatan actively resisted and smashed one officer's hand against a metal door frame with his shoulder. Saniatan was arrest and issued a total bond of $5,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details on the officer's injury.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with an alleged incident that injured an officer.Just before 2a.m. Sunday, officers observed a fight in progress at Tate's Bar in the 1100 Block of Moro Street in Aggieville between 33-year-old Keith Saniatan of Fort Sill, Oklahoma and staff who were attempting to remove him, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.As officers attempted to place him in custody, Saniatan actively resisted and smashed one officer's hand against a metal door frame with his shoulder. Saniatan was arrest and issued a total bond of $5,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details on the officer's injury.

Man accused of altercation with RCPD officer in Aggieville

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Manhattan man on multiple charges after an arrest following a pursuit.

Just after 11p.m. Friday, officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a car driven by 22-year-old Tyreek Toliver near the intersection of Walters Drive and Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the RCPD activity report.

Toliver continued to drive northbound on Tuttle Creek Blvd. and turned into a trailer park in the 3000 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. where he exited the car and began to run east through a residential area. 

He was later located and arrested within the trailer park on requested charges of fleeing by engaging in reckless driving, interference with LEO and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.

Toliver was issued a total bond of $8,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Manhattan man on multiple charges after an arrest following a pursuit.Just after 11p.m. Friday, officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a car driven by 22-year-old Tyreek Toliver near the intersection of Walters Drive and Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the RCPD activity report.Toliver continued to drive northbound on Tuttle Creek Blvd. and turned into a trailer park in the 3000 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. where he exited the car and began to run east through a residential area. He was later located and arrested within the trailer park on requested charges of fleeing by engaging in reckless driving, interference with LEO and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.Toliver was issued a total bond of $8,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.

RCPD: 22-year-old arrested after chase in Manhattan

SEATTLE (AP) — U.S. authorities said they arrested a Washington state man who made more than 20 “swatting” calls around the country and in Canada, prompting real emergency responses to his fake reports of bombs, shootings or other threats.

Ashton Connor Garcia, 20, of Bremerton, used voice-over-internet technology to conceal his identity as he placed the calls last year — and he treated them as entertainment, broadcasting them on the social media platform Discord, federal prosecutors said.

He faces 10 felony counts filed in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, Washington, that could bring up to a decade in prison. Court records did not immediately indicate if Garcia had an attorney who might speak on his behalf.

“Every time Mr. Garcia is alleged to have made one of his false reports to law enforcement, he triggered a potentially deadly event — sending heavily armed police officers to an address where they mistakenly believed they would confront someone who was armed and dangerous,” Seattle U.S. Attorney Nick Brown said in a news release. “Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the unpredictable and terrifying dynamic these calls created for Mr. Garcia’s alleged victims cannot be overstated."

Garcia's arrest came as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hoax-school-shootings-explainer-swatting-439046152b9c3db45bfbfd8c10321c28">a spate of threats and false reports of shooters</a>&nbsp;have been pouring into schools and colleges across the country, unnerving officials, parents and students who are already on edge about actual school shootings — including at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">a private Christian school in Nashville</a>, Tennessee, this week.

Computer-generated calls on Wednesday made hoax claims about active shooters in Pennsylvania, and a day earlier, nearly 30 Massachusetts schools received fake threats.

Garcia is not accused of having sent SWAT teams to schools. Instead, prosecutors say, in several cases he collected personal information about his victims and threatened to send emergency responses to their homes unless they turned over money, credit card information or sexually explicit images.

Law enforcement entered some of the homes with guns drawn and detained people inside, authorities said.

In other cases, he called in fake bomb scares for the Fox News station in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 28 and for a flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles on Aug. 23. In another instance, he is accused of threating to bomb an airport in Los Angeles unless he received $200,000 in Bitcoin.

The indictment does not indicate how investigators identified Garcia as a suspect.

Garcia placed the calls to agencies in California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oho, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington and Edmonton, in Alberta, Canada, the indictment said.

Authorities have warned that such hoaxes can prove deadly. In 2017, a police officer in Wichita, Kansas, shot and killed a man while responding to a hoax emergency call. This month, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/swat-wichita-police-killing-settlement-8d48bc5c4db63afb97457d4080c02612">city agreed to pay $5 million</a>&nbsp;to settle a lawsuit, with the money to go to the two children of 28-year-old Andrew Finch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592601982960.png" alt="In 2017, a police officer in Wichita shot and killed a man while responding to a hoax emergency call.-image from Wichita Police body camera on the night Andrew Finch died" />
 <figcaption>In 2017, a police officer in Wichita shot and killed a man while responding to a hoax emergency call.-image from Wichita Police body camera on the night Andrew Finch died</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — U.S. authorities said they arrested a Washington state man who made more than 20 “swatting” calls around the country and in Canada, prompting real emergency responses to his fake reports of bombs, shootings or other threats.Ashton Connor Garcia, 20, of Bremerton, used voice-over-internet technology to conceal his identity as he placed the calls last year — and he treated them as entertainment, broadcasting them on the social media platform Discord, federal prosecutors said.He faces 10 felony counts filed in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, Washington, that could bring up to a decade in prison. Court records did not immediately indicate if Garcia had an attorney who might speak on his behalf.“Every time Mr. Garcia is alleged to have made one of his false reports to law enforcement, he triggered a potentially deadly event — sending heavily armed police officers to an address where they mistakenly believed they would confront someone who was armed and dangerous,” Seattle U.S. Attorney Nick Brown said in a news release. “Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the unpredictable and terrifying dynamic these calls created for Mr. Garcia’s alleged victims cannot be overstated."Garcia's arrest came as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hoax-school-shootings-explainer-swatting-439046152b9c3db45bfbfd8c10321c28">a spate of threats and false reports of shooters</a>&nbsp;have been pouring into schools and colleges across the country, unnerving officials, parents and students who are already on edge about actual school shootings — including at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nashville-school-shooting-covenant-school-03aa394109a5e682877403c0c3e52aa7">a private Christian school in Nashville</a>, Tennessee, this week.Computer-generated calls on Wednesday made hoax claims about active shooters in Pennsylvania, and a day earlier, nearly 30 Massachusetts schools received fake threats.Garcia is not accused of having sent SWAT teams to schools. Instead, prosecutors say, in several cases he collected personal information about his victims and threatened to send emergency responses to their homes unless they turned over money, credit card information or sexually explicit images.Law enforcement entered some of the homes with guns drawn and detained people inside, authorities said.In other cases, he called in fake bomb scares for the Fox News station in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 28 and for a flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles on Aug. 23. In another instance, he is accused of threating to bomb an airport in Los Angeles unless he received $200,000 in Bitcoin.The indictment does not indicate how investigators identified Garcia as a suspect.Garcia placed the calls to agencies in California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oho, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington and Edmonton, in Alberta, Canada, the indictment said.Authorities have warned that such hoaxes can prove deadly. In 2017, a police officer in Wichita, Kansas, shot and killed a man while responding to a hoax emergency call. This month, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/swat-wichita-police-killing-settlement-8d48bc5c4db63afb97457d4080c02612">city agreed to pay $5 million</a>&nbsp;to settle a lawsuit, with the money to go to the two children of 28-year-old Andrew Finch.

Man charged in 20-plus calls of false threats in US

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/2023/4/1680528645658.jpeg" alt="Robert Gerard Enriquez, Probation Violation, arrested 4/2" />
 <figcaption>Robert Gerard Enriquez, Probation Violation, arrested 4/2</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680528709167.jpeg" alt="Amanda S McMillon, Probation Violation, Outside warrant x2; arrested 4/2" />
 <figcaption>Amanda S McMillon, Probation Violation, Outside warrant x2; arrested 4/2</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 3

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;

Just after 9a.m. March 31, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape at 134th Road near S. Road south of Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp;The driver, Carlos Acevedo, 28, of Topeka, was subsequently arrested on requested charges of possession of cocaine and driving while suspended. .

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680299177011.png" alt="Acevedo-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Acevedo-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;Just after 9a.m. March 31, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape at 134th Road near S. Road south of Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;The driver, Carlos Acevedo, 28, of Topeka, was subsequently arrested on requested charges of possession of cocaine and driving while suspended. .

Sheriff's deputy finds cocaine during Kan. traffic stop

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/2023/4/1680451036644.jpeg" alt="Philip Governor Locklear, Theft &lt;$1,500 Pocket picking; arrested 4/1" />
 <figcaption>Philip Governor Locklear, Theft &lt;$1,500 Pocket picking; arrested 4/1</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 2

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A former detention deputy in the Sedgwick County Jail has been sentenced to prison.

Sedgwick County District Judge Tyler Roush sentenced Dustin Burnett, 22 of Maize, to 68 months in prison. On February 10 Burnett made an Alford plea to three charges of unlawful sexual relations with two female inmates and official misconduct in the jail. 

The two official misconduct charges involve Burnett catching an inmate burning a hole through a jail cell window and watching others sneak contraband items through the hole. Burnett did not stop the act or report it.

In July, while investigating a security breach at Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp; investigators learned Burnett, the on-duty deputy in that area of the jail, observed inmates break a window, bring contraband into the facility and didn't stop it or inform anyone it occurred. He also did not give investigators the full story about the incident when confronted about it, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;

Later, two female inmates reported inappropriate sexual contact with Burnett, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick. The alleged sexual contact occurred on July 17, 2022.

Burnett started work at the jail in January of 2022 and was terminated upon his arrest.

An Alford plea is a guilty plea in which a defendant does not admit guilt but admits the prosecution’s evidence is sufficient to result in a finding of guilt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658429257903.png" alt="Burnett-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Burnett-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– A former detention deputy in the Sedgwick County Jail has been sentenced to prison.Sedgwick County District Judge Tyler Roush sentenced Dustin Burnett, 22 of Maize, to 68 months in prison. On February 10 Burnett made an Alford plea to three charges of unlawful sexual relations with two female inmates and official misconduct in the jail. The two official misconduct charges involve Burnett catching an inmate burning a hole through a jail cell window and watching others sneak contraband items through the hole. Burnett did not stop the act or report it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658430090733.png" alt="Suspected Fentanyl Laced Pills found during the search of the jail following Burnett's arrest -photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Suspected Fentanyl Laced Pills found during the search of the jail following Burnett's arrest -photo Sedgwick Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>In July, while investigating a security breach at Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp; investigators learned Burnett, the on-duty deputy in that area of the jail, observed inmates break a window, bring contraband into the facility and didn't stop it or inform anyone it occurred. He also did not give investigators the full story about the incident when confronted about it, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;Later, two female inmates reported inappropriate sexual contact with Burnett, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick. The alleged sexual contact occurred on July 17, 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658429970384.png" alt="--Pen sharpened down into a shank found during a search of the jail." />
 <figcaption>--Pen sharpened down into a shank found during a search of the jail.</figcaption>
 </figure>Burnett started work at the jail in January of 2022 and was terminated upon his arrest.An Alford plea is a guilty plea in which a defendant does not admit guilt but admits the prosecution’s evidence is sufficient to result in a finding of guilt.

Kan. jail deputy who let inmates sneak in drugs is sentenced

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/2023/4/1680372448226.jpeg" alt="Jose Luis Bueso-Valle, Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/expired tag; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Vehicle liability coverage required; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; arrested 4/1" />
 <figcaption>Jose Luis Bueso-Valle, Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/expired tag; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Vehicle liability coverage required; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; arrested 4/1</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680372688679.jpeg" alt="Ameer Suliaman Gilyard, Failure to appear; Outside warrant; arrested 3/31" />
 <figcaption>Ameer Suliaman Gilyard, Failure to appear; Outside warrant; arrested 3/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680372753373.jpeg" alt="Jamie Lee Ray, Probation Violation; arrested 3/31" />
 <figcaption>Jamie Lee Ray, Probation Violation; arrested 3/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680372902371.jpeg" alt="Kevin Deshawn Seldon, Failure to appear, arrested 3/31" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Deshawn Seldon, Failure to appear, arrested 3/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680372949643.jpeg" alt="Yasmeen Nichele Smith, Outside warrant; arrested 4/1" />
 <figcaption>Yasmeen Nichele Smith, Outside warrant; arrested 4/1</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 1

SEDGWICK COUNTY—An off-duty sheriff's deputy is under investigation.

On Thursday night, the Derby Police Department arrested off-duty Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy Aaron Burr on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to Colonel Jared Schechter.

 Burr was operating his personally owned vehicle and was not acting in any official capacity at the time of the arrest.

&nbsp;Burr has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since January of 2022. Burr will remain fulfilling his job duties while he goes through the legal process. At the conclusion of the legal process an internal investigation with the Professional Standards Unit will be conducted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680282415388.png" alt="Burr-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Burr-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—An off-duty sheriff's deputy is under investigation.On Thursday night, the Derby Police Department arrested off-duty Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy Aaron Burr on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to Colonel Jared Schechter. Burr was operating his personally owned vehicle and was not acting in any official capacity at the time of the arrest.&nbsp;Burr has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since January of 2022. Burr will remain fulfilling his job duties while he goes through the legal process. At the conclusion of the legal process an internal investigation with the Professional Standards Unit will be conducted.

Off-duty Kansas sheriff's deputy accused of DUI

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/2023/3/1680266051914.jpeg" alt="Tiffany Heather Dodson, Failure to appear; arrested 3/30" />
 <figcaption>Tiffany Heather Dodson, Failure to appear; arrested 3/30</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680266102076.jpeg" alt="Miles Dain Shelton, Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; arrested 3/30" />
 <figcaption>Miles Dain Shelton, Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; arrested 3/30</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 March 31

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury, prosecutors and defense lawyers say, making him the first former U.S. president to face a criminal charge and jolting his bid to retake the White House next year.

The former president responded to the indictment on his social media account and through his campaign.

The charges remained under seal late Thursday, but the investigation centered on payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an extramarital sexual encounter. Prosecutors said they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-arrest-process-what-to-know-02a2ce34e03e25ab2fdd0e81dbcc62c7">working to coordinate Trump's surrender</a>, which could happen early next week, but they did not say whether they intended to seek prison time in the event of a conviction.

The indictment, an extraordinary development after years of investigations into Trump’s business, political and personal dealings, injects a local district attorney’s office into the heart of a national presidential race and ushers in criminal proceedings in a city that the ex-president for decades called home. Arriving at a time of deep political divisions, the charges are likely to reinforce rather than reshape dueling perspectives of those who see accountability as long overdue and those who, like Trump, feel the Republican is being targeted for political purposes by a Democratic prosecutor.

Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly assailed the investigation, called the indictment “political persecution” and predicted it would damage Democrats in 2024. In a statement confirming the charges, defense lawyers Susan Necheles and Joseph Tacopina said Trump "did not commit any crime. We will vigorously fight this political prosecution in court.”

A spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney's office confirmed the indictment and said prosecutors had reached out to Trump's defense team to coordinate a surrender. A person familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to discuss sealed proceedings, said the surrender was expected to happen next week.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-alvin-bragg-trump-manhattan-da-d77a4ec8df9a2b2b35f6e8bb9a52a5a7?utm_source=hubpage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_03">District Attorney Alvin Bragg</a>&nbsp;left his office Thursday evening without commenting.

The case centers on well-chronicled allegations from a period in 2016 when Trump’s celebrity past collided with his political ambitions. Prosecutors for months scrutinized money paid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-stormy-daniels-karen-mcdougal-26f0b7e7cf464f5fc0681e04efe5fe9b">porn actor Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal</a>, whom he feared would go public with claims that they had extramarital sexual encounters with him.

The timing of the indictment appeared to come as a surprise to Trump campaign officials following news reports that criminal charges were likely weeks away. The former president was at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, on Thursday and had filmed an interview with a conservative commentator earlier in the day.

For a man whose presidency was defined by one obliterated norm after another, the indictment sets up yet another never-before-seen spectacle — a former president having his fingerprints and mug shot taken, and then facing arraignment. For security reasons, his booking is expected to be carefully choreographed to avoid crowds inside or outside the courthouse.

The prosecution also means that Trump will have to simultaneously fight for his freedom and political future, while also fending off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-else-is-trump-being-investigated-for-bbc926171b5bdf91eabd76db93411b8b">potentially more perilous legal threats</a>, including investigations into attempts by him and his allies to undo the 2020 election as well into as the hoarding of hundreds of classified documents.

In fact, New York until recently had been seen as an unlikely contender to be the first place to prosecute Trump, who continues to face long-running investigations in Atlanta and Washington that could also result in charges. Unlike those inquiries, the Manhattan case concerns conduct by Trump that occurred before he became president and is unrelated to his much-publicized efforts to overturn a presidential election.

The indictment comes as Trump is seeking to reassert control of the Republican Party and stave off a slew of one-time allies who are seeking or are likely to oppose him for the presidential nomination. An expected leading rival in the race, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, called the indictment “un-American” in a statement Thursday night that pointedly did not mention Trump's name.

In bringing the charges, Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, is embracing an unusual case that had been investigated by two previous sets of prosecutors, both of which declined to take the politically explosive step of seeking Trump’s indictment. The case may also turn in part on the testimony of a key witness, Trump's former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty to federal charges arising from the hush money payments.

The fate of the investigation seemed uncertain until word got out in early March that Bragg had invited Trump to testify before a grand jury, a signal that prosecutors were close to bringing charges.

Trump’s attorneys declined the invitation, but a lawyer closely allied with the former president briefly testified in an effort to undercut Cohen's credibility.

Trump himself had raised anticipation that he would be indicted soon, issuing a statement earlier this month in which he predicted an imminent arrest and called for protests. He did not repeat that call in a fresh statement Thursday, but the New York Police Department told its 36,000 officers to be fully mobilized and ready to respond to any potential protests or unrest.

Late in the 2016 presidential campaign, Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 to keep her silent about what she says was a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier after they met at a celebrity golf tournament.

Cohen was then reimbursed by Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, which also rewarded the lawyer with bonuses and extra payments logged internally as legal expenses. Over several months, Cohen said, the company paid him $420,000.

Earlier in 2016, Cohen had also arranged for the publisher of the supermarket tabloid the National Enquirer to pay Playboy model Karen McDougal $150,000 to squelch her story of a Trump affair in a journalistically dubious practice known as “catch-and-kill.”

The payments to the women were intended to buy secrecy, but they backfired almost immediately as details of the arrangements leaked to the news media.

Federal prosecutors in New York ultimately charged Cohen in 2018 with violating federal campaign finance laws, arguing that the payments amounted to impermissible help to Trump’s presidential campaign. Cohen pleaded guilty to those charges and unrelated tax evasion counts and served time in federal prison.

Trump was implicated in court filings as having knowledge of the arrangements — obliquely referred to in charging documents as “Individual 1” — but U.S. prosecutors at the time balked at bringing charges against him. The Justice Department has a longtime policy that it is likely unconstitutional to prosecute a sitting president in federal court.

Bragg’s predecessor as district attorney, Cyrus Vance Jr., then took up the investigation in 2019. While that probe initially focused on the hush money payments, Vance’s prosecutors moved on to other matters, including an examination of Trump’s business dealings and tax strategies.

Vance ultimately charged the Trump Organization and its chief financial officer with tax fraud related to fringe benefits paid to some of the company’s top executives.

The hush money matter became known around the D.A.’s office as the “zombie case,” with prosecutors revisiting it periodically but never opting to bring charges.

Bragg saw it differently. After the Trump Organization was convicted on the tax fraud charges in December, he brought fresh eyes to the well-worn case, hiring longtime white-collar prosecutor Matthew Colangelo to oversee the probe and convening a new grand jury.

Cohen became a key witness, meeting with prosecutors nearly two-dozen times, turning over emails, recordings and other evidence and testifying before the grand jury.

Trump has long decried the Manhattan investigation as “the greatest witch hunt in history.” He has also lashed out at Bragg, calling the prosecutor, who is Black, racist against white people.

The criminal charges in New York are the latest salvo in a profound schism between Trump and his hometown — a reckoning for a one-time favorite son who grew rich and famous building skyscrapers, hobnobbing with celebrities and gracing the pages of the city’s gossip press.

Trump, who famously riffed in 2016 that he “could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody” and “wouldn’t lose voters,” now faces a threat to his liberty in a borough where more than 75% of voters — many of them potential jurors — went against him in the last election.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury, prosecutors and defense lawyers say, making him the first former U.S. president to face a criminal charge and jolting his bid to retake the White House next year.The former president responded to the indictment on his social media account and through his campaign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680220494039.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680223200656.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The charges remained under seal late Thursday, but the investigation centered on payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an extramarital sexual encounter. Prosecutors said they were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-arrest-process-what-to-know-02a2ce34e03e25ab2fdd0e81dbcc62c7">working to coordinate Trump's surrender</a>, which could happen early next week, but they did not say whether they intended to seek prison time in the event of a conviction.The indictment, an extraordinary development after years of investigations into Trump’s business, political and personal dealings, injects a local district attorney’s office into the heart of a national presidential race and ushers in criminal proceedings in a city that the ex-president for decades called home. Arriving at a time of deep political divisions, the charges are likely to reinforce rather than reshape dueling perspectives of those who see accountability as long overdue and those who, like Trump, feel the Republican is being targeted for political purposes by a Democratic prosecutor.Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing and has repeatedly assailed the investigation, called the indictment “political persecution” and predicted it would damage Democrats in 2024. In a statement confirming the charges, defense lawyers Susan Necheles and Joseph Tacopina said Trump "did not commit any crime. We will vigorously fight this political prosecution in court.”A spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney's office confirmed the indictment and said prosecutors had reached out to Trump's defense team to coordinate a surrender. A person familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to discuss sealed proceedings, said the surrender was expected to happen next week.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-alvin-bragg-trump-manhattan-da-d77a4ec8df9a2b2b35f6e8bb9a52a5a7?utm_source=hubpage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_03">District Attorney Alvin Bragg</a>&nbsp;left his office Thursday evening without commenting.The case centers on well-chronicled allegations from a period in 2016 when Trump’s celebrity past collided with his political ambitions. Prosecutors for months scrutinized money paid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-stormy-daniels-karen-mcdougal-26f0b7e7cf464f5fc0681e04efe5fe9b">porn actor Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal</a>, whom he feared would go public with claims that they had extramarital sexual encounters with him.The timing of the indictment appeared to come as a surprise to Trump campaign officials following news reports that criminal charges were likely weeks away. The former president was at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, on Thursday and had filmed an interview with a conservative commentator earlier in the day.For a man whose presidency was defined by one obliterated norm after another, the indictment sets up yet another never-before-seen spectacle — a former president having his fingerprints and mug shot taken, and then facing arraignment. For security reasons, his booking is expected to be carefully choreographed to avoid crowds inside or outside the courthouse.The prosecution also means that Trump will have to simultaneously fight for his freedom and political future, while also fending off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-else-is-trump-being-investigated-for-bbc926171b5bdf91eabd76db93411b8b">potentially more perilous legal threats</a>, including investigations into attempts by him and his allies to undo the 2020 election as well into as the hoarding of hundreds of classified documents.In fact, New York until recently had been seen as an unlikely contender to be the first place to prosecute Trump, who continues to face long-running investigations in Atlanta and Washington that could also result in charges. Unlike those inquiries, the Manhattan case concerns conduct by Trump that occurred before he became president and is unrelated to his much-publicized efforts to overturn a presidential election.The indictment comes as Trump is seeking to reassert control of the Republican Party and stave off a slew of one-time allies who are seeking or are likely to oppose him for the presidential nomination. An expected leading rival in the race, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, called the indictment “un-American” in a statement Thursday night that pointedly did not mention Trump's name.In bringing the charges, Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, is embracing an unusual case that had been investigated by two previous sets of prosecutors, both of which declined to take the politically explosive step of seeking Trump’s indictment. The case may also turn in part on the testimony of a key witness, Trump's former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty to federal charges arising from the hush money payments.The fate of the investigation seemed uncertain until word got out in early March that Bragg had invited Trump to testify before a grand jury, a signal that prosecutors were close to bringing charges.Trump’s attorneys declined the invitation, but a lawyer closely allied with the former president briefly testified in an effort to undercut Cohen's credibility.Trump himself had raised anticipation that he would be indicted soon, issuing a statement earlier this month in which he predicted an imminent arrest and called for protests. He did not repeat that call in a fresh statement Thursday, but the New York Police Department told its 36,000 officers to be fully mobilized and ready to respond to any potential protests or unrest.Late in the 2016 presidential campaign, Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 to keep her silent about what she says was a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier after they met at a celebrity golf tournament.Cohen was then reimbursed by Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, which also rewarded the lawyer with bonuses and extra payments logged internally as legal expenses. Over several months, Cohen said, the company paid him $420,000.Earlier in 2016, Cohen had also arranged for the publisher of the supermarket tabloid the National Enquirer to pay Playboy model Karen McDougal $150,000 to squelch her story of a Trump affair in a journalistically dubious practice known as “catch-and-kill.”The payments to the women were intended to buy secrecy, but they backfired almost immediately as details of the arrangements leaked to the news media.Federal prosecutors in New York ultimately charged Cohen in 2018 with violating federal campaign finance laws, arguing that the payments amounted to impermissible help to Trump’s presidential campaign. Cohen pleaded guilty to those charges and unrelated tax evasion counts and served time in federal prison.Trump was implicated in court filings as having knowledge of the arrangements — obliquely referred to in charging documents as “Individual 1” — but U.S. prosecutors at the time balked at bringing charges against him. The Justice Department has a longtime policy that it is likely unconstitutional to prosecute a sitting president in federal court.Bragg’s predecessor as district attorney, Cyrus Vance Jr., then took up the investigation in 2019. While that probe initially focused on the hush money payments, Vance’s prosecutors moved on to other matters, including an examination of Trump’s business dealings and tax strategies.Vance ultimately charged the Trump Organization and its chief financial officer with tax fraud related to fringe benefits paid to some of the company’s top executives.The hush money matter became known around the D.A.’s office as the “zombie case,” with prosecutors revisiting it periodically but never opting to bring charges.Bragg saw it differently. After the Trump Organization was convicted on the tax fraud charges in December, he brought fresh eyes to the well-worn case, hiring longtime white-collar prosecutor Matthew Colangelo to oversee the probe and convening a new grand jury.Cohen became a key witness, meeting with prosecutors nearly two-dozen times, turning over emails, recordings and other evidence and testifying before the grand jury.Trump has long decried the Manhattan investigation as “the greatest witch hunt in history.” He has also lashed out at Bragg, calling the prosecutor, who is Black, racist against white people.The criminal charges in New York are the latest salvo in a profound schism between Trump and his hometown — a reckoning for a one-time favorite son who grew rich and famous building skyscrapers, hobnobbing with celebrities and gracing the pages of the city’s gossip press.Trump, who famously riffed in 2016 that he “could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody” and “wouldn’t lose voters,” now faces a threat to his liberty in a borough where more than 75% of voters — many of them potential jurors — went against him in the last election.

Read Donald Trump's response to grand jury indictment 

SALINE COUNTY —The Salina Police Department reported Thursday evening&nbsp; 54-year-old Garret Crutchfield turned himself in.

SALINE COUNTY —The cause of the death of a man whose body was found dumped along the side of the road in north Salina in late January has been ruled a fentanyl overdose and one of two people sought in the case has been arrested, according to a media release from Salina Police Department.

On Jan. 28, a citizen contacted police about a body in the 1900 block of N. Fifth Street. Police later identified the body as that of 20-year-old Brendon Thomas Wade Reed.

According to a statement from police, On January 29, an autopsy was conducted and no signs of fatal trauma were located during the examination. The autopsy and toxicology findings determined Reed’s cause of death a fentanyl overdose.&nbsp;

This week, warrants were issued for 44-year-old Jack Allen Kelley and 54-year-old Garret Clayton Crutchfield, both Salina residents for criminal desecration of a body and interference with law enforcement.

On Wednesday, police booked Kelley into the Saline County Jail for one count of criminal desecration of a body and one count of interference with law enforcement.

Police are looking for Crutchfield. He has previous felony convictions for burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp; 

If you know where he is, please contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210 and ask for dispatch to report his location.

The autopsy findings, toxicology report, and information from the case investigation have been provided to the Saline County Attorney, Jeff Ebel. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680205560645.png" alt="Police are asking for help to locate Garret Clayton Crutchfield in connection with the overdose death. Crutchfield has previous convictions for burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Police are asking for help to locate Garret Clayton Crutchfield in connection with the overdose death. Crutchfield has previous convictions for burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —The Salina Police Department reported Thursday evening&nbsp; 54-year-old Garret Crutchfield turned himself in.--------------SALINE COUNTY —The cause of the death of a man whose body was found dumped along the side of the road in north Salina in late January has been ruled a fentanyl overdose and one of two people sought in the case has been arrested, according to a media release from Salina Police Department.On Jan. 28, a citizen contacted police about a body in the 1900 block of N. Fifth Street. Police later identified the body as that of 20-year-old Brendon Thomas Wade Reed.According to a statement from police, On January 29, an autopsy was conducted and no signs of fatal trauma were located during the examination. The autopsy and toxicology findings determined Reed’s cause of death a fentanyl overdose.&nbsp;This week, warrants were issued for 44-year-old Jack Allen Kelley and 54-year-old Garret Clayton Crutchfield, both Salina residents for criminal desecration of a body and interference with law enforcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680181055668.jpeg" alt="Jack Allen Kelley-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Jack Allen Kelley-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, police booked Kelley into the Saline County Jail for one count of criminal desecration of a body and one count of interference with law enforcement.Police are looking for Crutchfield. He has previous felony convictions for burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp; If you know where he is, please contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210 and ask for dispatch to report his location.The autopsy findings, toxicology report, and information from the case investigation have been provided to the Saline County Attorney, Jeff Ebel.

Police: 2nd suspect in Kan. man's fentanyl death turns himself in

RENO COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; Kansas man who was in possession of fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, according to a media release from Hutchinson Police.

The Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations Division arrested 31-year-old Holden S. Walden for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Officers seized over one hundred suspected fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680206140730.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Police</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; Kansas man who was in possession of fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, according to a media release from Hutchinson Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680206198324.jpeg" alt="Walden-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Walden-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations Division arrested 31-year-old Holden S. Walden for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Officers seized over one hundred suspected fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.&nbsp;

Police seize oxycodone pills containing fentanyl in Hutchinson

A Salina man who allegedly head-butted a police officer was arrested on multiple requested charges after two incidents overnight.

Just after 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers were sent to a residence in the 800 block of Plaza Drive for the report of an aggravated burglary, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus. 

A couple at the residence said they noticed a light go on in their house. When they got up to investigate, they saw a man inside the residence who then left through the back door.

Items missing included a black duffle bag with miscellaneous welding equipment, two sets of vehicle keys, and a mailbox key, Hanus said.

As the officers were talking with the couple, their son returned home and told police that a short time before that, as he was leaving the residence, he saw the same person in his 2001 Ford four-door vehicle. The person left when he saw the son coming out of the house. The son locked the front door of the residence and left without telling his parents that he had seen someone in his vehicle, Hanus said.

At approximately 12:40 a.m. Thursday, police received a report of a suspicious person in the 900 block of Vassar Drive. When officers made contact with the person, they found him to be in possession of a black bag with welding equipment in it, Hanus said. The person was detained at that time and officers then found the stolen keys in his possession.

The person was identified as James David Laughlin, 21, of Salina.

While officers were attempting to take Laughlin into custody and put a safety wrap on him, he allegedly head-butted an officer and threatened the officer, Hanus said. 

Because of a medical issue, Laughlin was transported to the Salina Regional Health Center emergency room before he was booked into the Saline County Jail.

Hanus said Laughlin was arrested on the following requested charges, Aggravated burglary, Felony interference, Battery of a law enforcement officer, Four counts of assault of a law enforcement officer, Trespassing and Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678200604446.jpeg" alt="James David Laughlin- Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>James David Laughlin- Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man who allegedly head-butted a police officer was arrested on multiple requested charges after two incidents overnight.Just after 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers were sent to a residence in the 800 block of Plaza Drive for the report of an aggravated burglary, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus. A couple at the residence said they noticed a light go on in their house. When they got up to investigate, they saw a man inside the residence who then left through the back door.Items missing included a black duffle bag with miscellaneous welding equipment, two sets of vehicle keys, and a mailbox key, Hanus said.As the officers were talking with the couple, their son returned home and told police that a short time before that, as he was leaving the residence, he saw the same person in his 2001 Ford four-door vehicle. The person left when he saw the son coming out of the house. The son locked the front door of the residence and left without telling his parents that he had seen someone in his vehicle, Hanus said.At approximately 12:40 a.m. Thursday, police received a report of a suspicious person in the 900 block of Vassar Drive. When officers made contact with the person, they found him to be in possession of a black bag with welding equipment in it, Hanus said. The person was detained at that time and officers then found the stolen keys in his possession.The person was identified as James David Laughlin, 21, of Salina.While officers were attempting to take Laughlin into custody and put a safety wrap on him, he allegedly head-butted an officer and threatened the officer, Hanus said. Because of a medical issue, Laughlin was transported to the Salina Regional Health Center emergency room before he was booked into the Saline County Jail.Hanus said Laughlin was arrested on the following requested charges, Aggravated burglary, Felony interference, Battery of a law enforcement officer, Four counts of assault of a law enforcement officer, Trespassing and Theft.

Kansas burglary suspect allegedly head-butted police officer 

ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent stabbing in Hays and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police received a report of a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of E. 19th in Hays, where a victim had been stabbed multiple times.

First responders from the Hays Police Department, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and Ellis County Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene. They found the victim inside the home, and he was bleeding profusely from his injuries.

It was determined that he had suffered over 15 stab wounds, including injuries to his neck, arms and chest area.

Ellis County EMS personnel began providing life-saving medical care and the victim was quickly transported to the Hays Medical Center Emergency Room. The victim was admitted to the hospital. Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect had fled the scene on foot.

The suspect was quickly identified as Collin Micheal McMillin, 22, Hays.

Law enforcement officers from the Hays Police Department and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office began searching the area for McMillin.

At approximately 12:15 a.m. Wednesday , Sgt. Phillip Gage of the Hays Police Department located McMillin near the intersection of Fifth and Riley and took McMillin into custody. He&nbsp; was still in possession of a knife at the time of his arrest, according to police.

McMillin was transported to the Ellis County jail, where he is being held on the charges of attempted first-degree murder and domestic battery.His bond has been set at $1 million.

McMillin has previous convictions for aggravated endangering a child and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680189341105.png" alt="McMillin has previous convictions for aggravated endangering a child and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Ellis County photo" />
 <figcaption>McMillin has previous convictions for aggravated endangering a child and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Ellis County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent stabbing in Hays and have a suspect in custody.Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police received a report of a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of E. 19th in Hays, where a victim had been stabbed multiple times.First responders from the Hays Police Department, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and Ellis County Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene. They found the victim inside the home, and he was bleeding profusely from his injuries.It was determined that he had suffered over 15 stab wounds, including injuries to his neck, arms and chest area.Ellis County EMS personnel began providing life-saving medical care and the victim was quickly transported to the Hays Medical Center Emergency Room. The victim was admitted to the hospital. Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect had fled the scene on foot.The suspect was quickly identified as Collin Micheal McMillin, 22, Hays.Law enforcement officers from the Hays Police Department and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office began searching the area for McMillin.At approximately 12:15 a.m. Wednesday , Sgt. Phillip Gage of the Hays Police Department located McMillin near the intersection of Fifth and Riley and took McMillin into custody. He&nbsp; was still in possession of a knife at the time of his arrest, according to police.McMillin was transported to the Ellis County jail, where he is being held on the charges of attempted first-degree murder and domestic battery.His bond has been set at $1 million.McMillin has previous convictions for aggravated endangering a child and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kansas felon arrested for alleged violent knife attack 

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/2023/3/1680182481726.jpeg" alt="Glenn Shepherd Benson, Failure to Appear; Arrested 3/29" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Shepherd Benson, Failure to Appear; Arrested 3/29</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680182532727.jpeg" alt="Johnnae Janessa Bisio, Possession of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Criminal possession of a weapon by felon, firearm not used in the commission of a crime; Arrested 3/29" />
 <figcaption>Johnnae Janessa Bisio, Possession of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Criminal possession of a weapon by felon, firearm not used in the commission of a crime; Arrested 3/29</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680182641373.jpeg" alt="Zackery Scott Harper, Failure to appear; Interference with LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Arrested 3/30" />
 <figcaption>Zackery Scott Harper, Failure to appear; Interference with LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Arrested 3/30</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680182746501.jpeg" alt="Benjamin James Huston, Driving under the influence; 3rd conviction in 10 years; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; w/in 3 hrs; Transporting an open container; Possession of a firearm while under influence of alcohol or drugs; Endangering a child; arrested 3/29" />
 <figcaption>Benjamin James Huston, Driving under the influence; 3rd conviction in 10 years; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; w/in 3 hrs; Transporting an open container; Possession of a firearm while under influence of alcohol or drugs; Endangering a child; arrested 3/29</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 March 30

Russia's
 security service arrested an American reporter for The Wall Street 
Journal on espionage charges, the first time a U.S. correspondent has 
been detained on spying accusations since the Cold War. The newspaper 
denied the allegations and demanded his release.

Evan Gershkovich,
 31, was detained in Yekaterinburg, Russia's fourth-largest city, about 
1,670 kilometers (1,035 miles) east of Moscow. Russia's Federal Security
 Service accused him of trying to obtain classified information.

Known
 by the acronym FSB, the service is the top domestic security agency and
 main successor to the Soviet-era KGB. It alleged that Gershkovich “was 
acting on instructions from the American side to collect information 
about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian 
military-industrial complex that constitutes a state secret.”

The 
Journal "vehemently denies the allegations from the FSB and seeks the 
immediate release of our trusted and dedicated reporter, Evan 
Gershkovich,” the newspaper said. “We stand in solidarity with Evan and 
his family.”

The arrest comes at a moment of bitter tensions between the West and Moscow over <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">its war in Ukraine</a> and as the Kremlin intensifies a crackdown on opposition activists, independent journalists and civil society groups.

The
 sweeping campaign of repression is unprecedented since the Soviet era. 
Activists say it often means the very profession of journalism is 
criminalized, along with the activities of ordinary Russians who oppose 
the war.

Earlier this week, a Russian court <a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-crackdown-opposition-father-drawing-7ef43a8fb8f0110638b96a677a222b2b">convicted a father</a>
 over social media posts critical of the war and sentenced him to two 
years in prison. His 13-year-old daughter was sent to an orphanage.

Gershkovich
 is the first American reporter to be arrested on espionage charges in 
Russia since September 1986, when Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow 
correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, was arrested by the KGB. 
Daniloff was released without charge 20 days later in a swap for an 
employee of the Soviet Union's United Nations mission who was arrested 
by the FBI, also on spying charges.

At a hearing Thursday, a Moscow court quickly ruled that Gershkovich would be kept behind bars pending the investigation.

While
 previous American detainees have been freed in prisoner swaps, a top 
Russian official said it was too early to talk about any such deal.

In
 Washington, the Biden administration said it had spoken with the 
Journal and Gershkovich's family. White House press secretary Karine 
Jean-Pierre condemned the arrest "in the strongest terms" and urged 
Americans to heed government warnings not to travel to Russia.

The
 State Department was in direct touch with the Russian government and 
seeking access to Gershkovich, Jean-Pierre said. The administration has 
no “specific indication” that journalists in Russia are being targeted, 
she said.

Gershkovich, who covers Russia, Ukraine and other 
ex-Soviet nations as a correspondent in the Journal’s Moscow bureau, 
could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of espionage. Prominent
 lawyers noted that past investigations into espionage cases took a year
 to 18 months, during which time he may have little contact with the 
outside world.

The FSB noted that Gershkovich had accreditation 
from the Russian Foreign Ministry to work as a journalist, but ministry 
spokeswoman Maria Zakharova alleged that Gershkovich was using his 
credentials as cover for "activities that have nothing to do with 
journalism.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “It 
is not about a suspicion, it is about the fact that he was caught 
red-handed.”

Gershkovich speaks fluent Russian and had previously 
worked for the French news agency Agence France-Presse and The New York 
Times. He was a 2014 graduate of Bowdoin College in Maine, where he was a
 philosophy major who cooperated with local papers and championed a free
 press, according to Clayton Rose, the college's president.

Associated PressRussia's
 security service arrested an American reporter for The Wall Street 
Journal on espionage charges, the first time a U.S. correspondent has 
been detained on spying accusations since the Cold War. The newspaper 
denied the allegations and demanded his release.Evan Gershkovich,
 31, was detained in Yekaterinburg, Russia's fourth-largest city, about 
1,670 kilometers (1,035 miles) east of Moscow. Russia's Federal Security
 Service accused him of trying to obtain classified information.Known
 by the acronym FSB, the service is the top domestic security agency and
 main successor to the Soviet-era KGB. It alleged that Gershkovich “was 
acting on instructions from the American side to collect information 
about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian 
military-industrial complex that constitutes a state secret.”The 
Journal "vehemently denies the allegations from the FSB and seeks the 
immediate release of our trusted and dedicated reporter, Evan 
Gershkovich,” the newspaper said. “We stand in solidarity with Evan and 
his family.”The arrest comes at a moment of bitter tensions between the West and Moscow over <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">its war in Ukraine</a> and as the Kremlin intensifies a crackdown on opposition activists, independent journalists and civil society groups.The
 sweeping campaign of repression is unprecedented since the Soviet era. 
Activists say it often means the very profession of journalism is 
criminalized, along with the activities of ordinary Russians who oppose 
the war.Earlier this week, a Russian court <a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-crackdown-opposition-father-drawing-7ef43a8fb8f0110638b96a677a222b2b">convicted a father</a>
 over social media posts critical of the war and sentenced him to two 
years in prison. His 13-year-old daughter was sent to an orphanage.Gershkovich
 is the first American reporter to be arrested on espionage charges in 
Russia since September 1986, when Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow 
correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, was arrested by the KGB. 
Daniloff was released without charge 20 days later in a swap for an 
employee of the Soviet Union's United Nations mission who was arrested 
by the FBI, also on spying charges.At a hearing Thursday, a Moscow court quickly ruled that Gershkovich would be kept behind bars pending the investigation.While
 previous American detainees have been freed in prisoner swaps, a top 
Russian official said it was too early to talk about any such deal.In
 Washington, the Biden administration said it had spoken with the 
Journal and Gershkovich's family. White House press secretary Karine 
Jean-Pierre condemned the arrest "in the strongest terms" and urged 
Americans to heed government warnings not to travel to Russia.The
 State Department was in direct touch with the Russian government and 
seeking access to Gershkovich, Jean-Pierre said. The administration has 
no “specific indication” that journalists in Russia are being targeted, 
she said.Gershkovich, who covers Russia, Ukraine and other 
ex-Soviet nations as a correspondent in the Journal’s Moscow bureau, 
could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of espionage. Prominent
 lawyers noted that past investigations into espionage cases took a year
 to 18 months, during which time he may have little contact with the 
outside world.The FSB noted that Gershkovich had accreditation 
from the Russian Foreign Ministry to work as a journalist, but ministry 
spokeswoman Maria Zakharova alleged that Gershkovich was using his 
credentials as cover for "activities that have nothing to do with 
journalism.”Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “It 
is not about a suspicion, it is about the fact that he was caught 
red-handed.”Gershkovich speaks fluent Russian and had previously 
worked for the French news agency Agence France-Presse and The New York 
Times. He was a 2014 graduate of Bowdoin College in Maine, where he was a
 philosophy major who cooperated with local papers and championed a free
 press, according to Clayton Rose, the college's president.His 
last report from Moscow, published earlier this week, focused on the 
Russian economy’s slowdown amid Western sanctions imposed after Russian 
troops invaded Ukraine last year.Ivan Pavlov, a prominent Russian
 defense attorney who has worked on many espionage and treason cases, 
said Gershkovich's case is the first criminal espionage charge against a
 foreign journalist in post-Soviet Russia.“That unwritten rule 
not to touch accredited foreign journalists, has stopped working,” said 
Pavlov, a member of the First Department legal aid group.Pavlov 
said the case against Gershkovich was built to give Russia “trump cards”
 for a future prisoner exchange and will likely be resolved “not by the 
means of the law, but by political, diplomatic means.”Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov ruled out any quick swap.“I
 wouldn’t even consider this issue now because people who were 
previously swapped had already served their sentences,” Ryabkov said, 
according to Russian news agencies.In December, WNBA star Brittney Griner <a href="https://apnews.com/54de0cc371615a7165053a76eff17380">was freed</a> after 10 months behind bars in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.Another American, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-paul-whelan-government-and-politics-537c7eb77baee6f0342dbde07c184763">Paul Whelan</a>,
 a Michigan corporate security executive, has been imprisoned in Russia 
since December 2018 on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. 
government have said are baseless.“Our family is sorry to hear 
that another American family will have to experience the same trauma 
that we have had to endure for the past 1,553 days,” Whelan's brother 
David said in an emailed statement. “It sounds as though the frame-up of
 Mr. Gershkovich was the same as it was in Paul’s case.”Jeanne 
Cavelier, of the press freedom group Reporters Without Borders, said 
Gershkovich's arrest “looks like a retaliation measure of Russia against
 the United States.”"We are very alarmed because it is probably a
 way to intimidate all Western journalists that are trying to 
investigate aspects of the war on the ground in Russia,” said Cavelier, 
head of Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk at the Paris-based group.Another
 prominent lawyer with the First Department group, Yevgeny Smirnov, said
 that those arrested on espionage and treason charges are usually held 
at the FSB's Lefortovo prison, where they are usually placed in total 
isolation, without phone calls, visitors or even access to newspapers. 
At most, they can receive letters, often delayed by weeks. Smirnov 
called these conditions “tools of suppression.”Smirnov and Pavlov
 both said that any trial would be held behind closed doors. According 
to Pavlov, there have been no acquittals in treason and espionage cases 
in Russia since 1999.Cover image courtesy Pixabay