By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/kansas-house-agrees-to-raise-legal-smoking-age-to-21/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Alejandro Rangel-Lopez says lawmakers who refuse to legalize medical marijuana are responsible for the needless suffering of Kansans.

After two days of Senate hearings on proposed legislation, there appears to be little hope for change this year.

Rangel-Lopez, a Dodge City resident who has appeared before the Legislature previously to advocate for voting rights and immigration policy, said there were 17 arrests for possession of marijuana in Ford County between November and February.

“These are folks my age. I recognize a lot of those names from elementary school, from high school. I graduated with a lot of them,” Rangel-Lopez said. “And it’s heartbreaking because you know what’s going to happen. They get sucked into the criminal justice system, and they end up in parole for years, if not decades. And it ruins their lives. And for what? For what? I don’t think we have anything to show for the criminalization of marijuana. So I’m tired of seeing folks suffer needlessly due to inaction from our lawmakers.”

The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee tabled debate on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb135/">Senate Bill 135</a>, which would implement a medical marijuana program in 2025. The committee decision means the legislation is unlikely to advance before lawmakers finish their work in early April, although any policy could resurface as part of a late-session deal.

Rangel-Lopez and dozens of other advocates for medical marijuana offered vocal and written testimony in support of the bill during a hearing Wednesday. The following day, law enforcement and others warned the bill would have negative consequences.

Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood questioned Rangel-Lopez about why his “friends” use drugs, although Rangel-Lopez never described them as friends.

“Do you know if these people were using for medical reasons? Or were they just simply using to feel good?” Straub said.

Rangel-Lopez said there is little access to mental health resources in southwest Kansas, and “there’s a lot of self medication.”

“I don’t know what they were using it for, but a lot of them are first-time offenders, and it’s just unjust,” Rangel-Lopez said. “There’s no good reason to arrest them and keep them in jail for that, in my opinion.”

The proposed legislation, introduced by Sen. Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, would regulate the cultivation, testing, processing, distribution and sale of marijuana. Four state agencies would provide oversight: the Department of Health and Environment; Board of Healing Arts; Department of Revenue’s Alcohol and Beverage Control, which would be renamed to Alcohol and Cannabis Control; and the Board of Pharmacy.

Cultivators would pay $20,000 for a license and $20 per plant. Processors, distributors and retailers also would pay $20,000 for a license. Patients would pay $50 for a registration card and a 10% excise tax on purchases.

The legal limit for THC would be 35% for plant materials, 60% for oils and concentrates, 3.5 grams for edibles and 10 milligrams for patches. Smoking and vaporizing would remain illegal.

Mandy Sohosky, who identified herself as a private citizen, said she had tried “everything” to treat chronic migraines. She compared the “sudden, piercing pain” to the kind of “brain freeze” someone gets after eating ice cream, except that it can last for hours or days.

She estimates that she has spent half of the past 20 years in pain that prohibits her from watching movies, attending sporting events or going to church.

Sohosky said she tried medications, trigger point injections, sleep studies, MRIs, bloodwork, physical therapy, diets, acupuncture and even “crazy” things like daith piercings, specific body wash, supplements and exercise.

“The doctors don’t have anything else to try, so they prescribe me muscle relaxers and opioids,” Sohosky said. “When I picked up my last refill at the pharmacy, the pharmacist asked if I needed them to request Narcan for me to have on hand.”

Narcan is used to reverse an opioid overdose.

A few months ago, she said, she nervously tried medical marijuana in a state where it is legal. Ten minutes later, the pain was gone. She cried.

“There is a solution for my migraines” Sohosky said. “It’s not a perfect solution, but it would help me be a more present parent for my kids. I could attend karate practice, go to choir concerts. I could be there for family movie night. There is a solution for my pain. Please allow me to use it while my kids are still young, and my parents are still alive. I have so many memories left to make. Please allow me to make them.”

Tuck Duncan, a lobbyist for the Kansas Cannabis Industry Association, said 70% of Kansans and 90% of Americans favor some form of legal marijuana.

“Those who oppose medical marijuana, quite honestly, in my opinion, are on the wrong side of history,” Duncan said. “If not this year, it will happen.”

Debbie Mize, co-founder of the prominent anti-vaccine group Kansans for Health Freedom, joined law enforcement officials and former state Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook in providing opposition to the bill.

Mize, a Louisburg resident who sells herbal supplements, advocated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for the rights of individuals to decide what goes into their bodies. But in her written testimony, she said the proposed legislation for medical marijuana was a “guise” to legalize a “dangerous substance that is tied to the foreign cartels.”

“We all know that the cartels are noncompliant of all legal authority creating a very dangerous situation for unsuspecting marijuana users,” Mize said, without providing any evidence to support her claims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/P3150163-1024x576.jpg" alt="&nbsp;Alejandro Rangel-Lopez appears before a Senate panel March 15, 2023, to advocate for the legalization of medical marijuana. He says lawmakers are responsible for needless suffering of Kansans. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Alejandro Rangel-Lopez appears before a Senate panel March 15, 2023, to advocate for the legalization of medical marijuana. He says lawmakers are responsible for needless suffering of Kansans. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/kansas-house-agrees-to-raise-legal-smoking-age-to-21/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Alejandro Rangel-Lopez says lawmakers who refuse to legalize medical marijuana are responsible for the needless suffering of Kansans.After two days of Senate hearings on proposed legislation, there appears to be little hope for change this year.Rangel-Lopez, a Dodge City resident who has appeared before the Legislature previously to advocate for voting rights and immigration policy, said there were 17 arrests for possession of marijuana in Ford County between November and February.“These are folks my age. I recognize a lot of those names from elementary school, from high school. I graduated with a lot of them,” Rangel-Lopez said. “And it’s heartbreaking because you know what’s going to happen. They get sucked into the criminal justice system, and they end up in parole for years, if not decades. And it ruins their lives. And for what? For what? I don’t think we have anything to show for the criminalization of marijuana. So I’m tired of seeing folks suffer needlessly due to inaction from our lawmakers.”The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee tabled debate on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb135/">Senate Bill 135</a>, which would implement a medical marijuana program in 2025. The committee decision means the legislation is unlikely to advance before lawmakers finish their work in early April, although any policy could resurface as part of a late-session deal.Rangel-Lopez and dozens of other advocates for medical marijuana offered vocal and written testimony in support of the bill during a hearing Wednesday. The following day, law enforcement and others warned the bill would have negative consequences.<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/P3150194.jpg" alt="Sen. Alicia Straub questions Alejandro Rangel-Lopez about whether people he knows use marijuana for medical purposes or just to feel good. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Alicia Straub questions Alejandro Rangel-Lopez about whether people he knows use marijuana for medical purposes or just to feel good. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood questioned Rangel-Lopez about why his “friends” use drugs, although Rangel-Lopez never described them as friends.“Do you know if these people were using for medical reasons? Or were they just simply using to feel good?” Straub said.Rangel-Lopez said there is little access to mental health resources in southwest Kansas, and “there’s a lot of self medication.”“I don’t know what they were using it for, but a lot of them are first-time offenders, and it’s just unjust,” Rangel-Lopez said. “There’s no good reason to arrest them and keep them in jail for that, in my opinion.”The proposed legislation, introduced by Sen. Jeff Longbine, R-Emporia, would regulate the cultivation, testing, processing, distribution and sale of marijuana. Four state agencies would provide oversight: the Department of Health and Environment; Board of Healing Arts; Department of Revenue’s Alcohol and Beverage Control, which would be renamed to Alcohol and Cannabis Control; and the Board of Pharmacy.Cultivators would pay $20,000 for a license and $20 per plant. Processors, distributors and retailers also would pay $20,000 for a license. Patients would pay $50 for a registration card and a 10% excise tax on purchases.The legal limit for THC would be 35% for plant materials, 60% for oils and concentrates, 3.5 grams for edibles and 10 milligrams for patches. Smoking and vaporizing would remain illegal.<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/P3150042.jpg" alt="Mandy Sohosky describes the pain of her chronic migraines during a March 15, 2023, legislative hearing. She says medical marijuana is the only treatment that can bring her relief. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Mandy Sohosky describes the pain of her chronic migraines during a March 15, 2023, legislative hearing. She says medical marijuana is the only treatment that can bring her relief. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Mandy Sohosky, who identified herself as a private citizen, said she had tried “everything” to treat chronic migraines. She compared the “sudden, piercing pain” to the kind of “brain freeze” someone gets after eating ice cream, except that it can last for hours or days.She estimates that she has spent half of the past 20 years in pain that prohibits her from watching movies, attending sporting events or going to church.Sohosky said she tried medications, trigger point injections, sleep studies, MRIs, bloodwork, physical therapy, diets, acupuncture and even “crazy” things like daith piercings, specific body wash, supplements and exercise.“The doctors don’t have anything else to try, so they prescribe me muscle relaxers and opioids,” Sohosky said. “When I picked up my last refill at the pharmacy, the pharmacist asked if I needed them to request Narcan for me to have on hand.”Narcan is used to reverse an opioid overdose.A few months ago, she said, she nervously tried medical marijuana in a state where it is legal. Ten minutes later, the pain was gone. She cried.“There is a solution for my migraines” Sohosky said. “It’s not a perfect solution, but it would help me be a more present parent for my kids. I could attend karate practice, go to choir concerts. I could be there for family movie night. There is a solution for my pain. Please allow me to use it while my kids are still young, and my parents are still alive. I have so many memories left to make. Please allow me to make them.”<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/P3150137.jpg" alt="-Lobbyist Tuck Duncan says those who oppose the legalization of medical marijuana are on the wrong side of history. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>-Lobbyist Tuck Duncan says those who oppose the legalization of medical marijuana are on the wrong side of history. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tuck Duncan, a lobbyist for the Kansas Cannabis Industry Association, said 70% of Kansans and 90% of Americans favor some form of legal marijuana.“Those who oppose medical marijuana, quite honestly, in my opinion, are on the wrong side of history,” Duncan said. “If not this year, it will happen.”Debbie Mize, co-founder of the prominent anti-vaccine group Kansans for Health Freedom, joined law enforcement officials and former state Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook in providing opposition to the bill.Mize, a Louisburg resident who sells herbal supplements, advocated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for the rights of individuals to decide what goes into their bodies. But in her written testimony, she said the proposed legislation for medical marijuana was a “guise” to legalize a “dangerous substance that is tied to the foreign cartels.”“We all know that the cartels are noncompliant of all legal authority creating a very dangerous situation for unsuspecting marijuana users,” Mize said, without providing any evidence to support her claims.

Medical marijuana advocate blames Kansas lawmakers for needless suffering

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) —&nbsp;Top Republicans, including some of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;potential rivals for the GOP's 2024 presidential nomination, rushed to his defense Saturday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-arrested-indicted-hush-money-manhattan-prosecutor-a48428984cf99d23f46b4157b34160ae?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">Trump said he is bracing for possible arrest.</a>

“The idea of indicting a former president of the United States is deeply troubling to me as it is to tens of millions of Americans," said former Vice President Mike Pence, a likely Trump rival, during a visit to Iowa, an early-voting state. 

Tech investor Vivek Ramaswamy, campaigning in South Carolina, said he didn't want to live in a country where “the party in power is able to use police force to arrest its political opposition."

The reaction underscores the political risks faced by would-be opponents who are eager to convince voters that it is time to move on from the former president, but who must contend with the fact that he remains the most popular figure in the party. The multiple investigations Trump is facing — his&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/110044039949982181">post on social media</a>&nbsp;about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stormy-daniels-michael-cohen-indictment-new-york-f3ce87a1b4ec50fbeaefcbe21f87ab0b">the Manhattan district attorney's probe</a>&nbsp;led to the public declarations of support — remain deeply unpopular with his supporters and criticizing Trump too harshly risks alienating his loyal base.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-9e8d683afe87389407950af7ccfdbdd6">garnered similar support</a>&nbsp;last summer after the FBI searched his Mar-a-Lago club as part of an investigation into his handling of classified documents. The search also proved a fundraising boon.

Among those coming to Trump's defense were House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who said a possible indictment would be “an outrageous abuse of power by a radical DA who lets violent criminals walk as he pursues political vengeance" against Trump.

McCarthy, R-Calif., said he would direct relevant GOP-led House committees “to immediately investigate if federal funds are being used to subvert our democracy by interfering in elections with politically motivated prosecutions.” McCarthy has not endorsed Trump’s White House campaign, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">Trump helped McCarthy secure the speakership</a>&nbsp;after a contentious campaign that required multiple rounds of voting.

New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, the third-ranking House Republican and an early Trump endorser, said action by the district attorney would be “unAmerican.”

The comments came hours after Trump claimed in a social media post that he expects to be arrested this coming week as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drug-crimes-united-states-government-new-york-city-donald-trump-manhattan-6c5ace7d704c944fe2e4bc66c71a42ba">New York prosecutor Alvin Bragg</a>&nbsp;mulls charges in an investigation into hush money payments to women who alleged sexual encounters with Trump. A Trump lawyer and spokesman said Saturday that Trump, who has long denied the charges, had been responding in that post to media reports and had no independent knowledge of any pending legal action.

Trump, in a message on his Truth Social network, nonetheless declared that, “THE FAR &amp; AWAY LEADING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE &amp; FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WILL BE ARRESTED ON TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK.” He then called on his supporters to "PROTEST, PROTEST, PROTEST!!!” recalling the pleas he made before the deadly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, 2021.

Any potential violence spurred by Trump's comments could change the tenor of reaction. But on Saturday, several of Trump's declared and potential rivals were quick to blast the district attorney's investigation.

Pence, who has been escalating his criticism of the former president in recent weeks, said the news was particularly troubling, "happening in what appears to be a politically-charged environment in New York where the attorney general and other elected officials literally campaigned on a pledge to prosecutor the former president."

“No one is above the law," he added. “I’m confident President Trump can take care of himself. My focus is going to continue to be on the issues that are affecting the American people.”

Pence had been noncommittal when asked Thursday if Trump should drop out if he is indicted. “I think it’s a free country. Everybody can make their own decisions,” he said.

Trump has said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cpac-gop-nomination-campaign-a7017a5d45abbb9d631a422514f9f12f">he would continue his presidential campaign even if indicted</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-and-politics-united-states-government-2022-midterm-elections-ohio-e1c1cbe47763bd979b6b47557aee043d">Ramaswamy</a>, who is already a declared candidate, earlier called on Bragg to “reconsider."

“A Trump indictment would be a national disaster,” Ramaswamy tweeted. “It is un-American for the ruling party to use police power to arrest its political rivals.”

Representatives for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, another potential candidate who is seen as Trump's most serious rival, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday — a decision publicized by a super PAC supporting Trump's candidacy. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, another declared candidate, did not address the investigation while campaigning in South Carolina.

Ramaswamy called on Haley and DeSantis to join him in condemning the possible indictment.

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who won his race in 2022 with Trump’s endorsement, said he had been asked by multiple reporters if an indictment would lead him to rescind support for Trump's campaign.

"The answer is: hell no. A politically motivated prosecution makes the argument for Trump stronger,” he tweeted. “We simply don’t have a real country if justice depends on politics.”

Prosecutors have been investigating hush money payments made to two women who alleged sexual encounters with Trump decades ago. A grand jury has been hearing from witnesses including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-grand-jury-hush-money-stormy-daniels-fb5c515d90c607d8e954431e271f9e16">former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen</a>, who says he orchestrated payments in 2016 to the women in exchange for their silence.

Trump denies the encounters and has cast the investigation as a “witch hunt” by a Democratic prosecutor bent on sabotaging Trump's latest presidential campaign. Trump has said he believes an indictment would help him in the 2024 race.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a longtime ally, said he agreed.

“The prosecutor in New York has done more to help Donald Trump get elected,” Graham said Saturday at the Vision ’24 conference in North Charleston, South Carolina. “They’re doing this because they’re afraid of Donald Trump."

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) —&nbsp;Top Republicans, including some of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;potential rivals for the GOP's 2024 presidential nomination, rushed to his defense Saturday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-arrested-indicted-hush-money-manhattan-prosecutor-a48428984cf99d23f46b4157b34160ae?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">Trump said he is bracing for possible arrest.</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Great being at the <a href="https://twitter.com/KUHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KUHoops</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RazorbackMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RazorbackMBB</a> game in Des Moines today! Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/RazorbackMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RazorbackMBB</a>! 🏀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZjQxqWuatu">pic.twitter.com/ZjQxqWuatu</a>&mdash; Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1637239788938969089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The idea of indicting a former president of the United States is deeply troubling to me as it is to tens of millions of Americans," said former Vice President Mike Pence, a likely Trump rival, during a visit to Iowa, an early-voting state. Tech investor Vivek Ramaswamy, campaigning in South Carolina, said he didn't want to live in a country where “the party in power is able to use police force to arrest its political opposition."The reaction underscores the political risks faced by would-be opponents who are eager to convince voters that it is time to move on from the former president, but who must contend with the fact that he remains the most popular figure in the party. The multiple investigations Trump is facing — his&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/110044039949982181">post on social media</a>&nbsp;about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stormy-daniels-michael-cohen-indictment-new-york-f3ce87a1b4ec50fbeaefcbe21f87ab0b">the Manhattan district attorney's probe</a>&nbsp;led to the public declarations of support — remain deeply unpopular with his supporters and criticizing Trump too harshly risks alienating his loyal base.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-government-and-politics-9e8d683afe87389407950af7ccfdbdd6">garnered similar support</a>&nbsp;last summer after the FBI searched his Mar-a-Lago club as part of an investigation into his handling of classified documents. The search also proved a fundraising boon.Among those coming to Trump's defense were House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who said a possible indictment would be “an outrageous abuse of power by a radical DA who lets violent criminals walk as he pursues political vengeance" against Trump.McCarthy, R-Calif., said he would direct relevant GOP-led House committees “to immediately investigate if federal funds are being used to subvert our democracy by interfering in elections with politically motivated prosecutions.” McCarthy has not endorsed Trump’s White House campaign, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-house-of-representatives-kevin-mccarthy-us-republican-party-0938c7358f41c83759246f8949ac7c15">Trump helped McCarthy secure the speakership</a>&nbsp;after a contentious campaign that required multiple rounds of voting.New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, the third-ranking House Republican and an early Trump endorser, said action by the district attorney would be “unAmerican.”The comments came hours after Trump claimed in a social media post that he expects to be arrested this coming week as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drug-crimes-united-states-government-new-york-city-donald-trump-manhattan-6c5ace7d704c944fe2e4bc66c71a42ba">New York prosecutor Alvin Bragg</a>&nbsp;mulls charges in an investigation into hush money payments to women who alleged sexual encounters with Trump. A Trump lawyer and spokesman said Saturday that Trump, who has long denied the charges, had been responding in that post to media reports and had no independent knowledge of any pending legal action.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679143938516.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump, in a message on his Truth Social network, nonetheless declared that, “THE FAR &amp; AWAY LEADING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE &amp; FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WILL BE ARRESTED ON TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK.” He then called on his supporters to "PROTEST, PROTEST, PROTEST!!!” recalling the pleas he made before the deadly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">insurrection at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, 2021.Any potential violence spurred by Trump's comments could change the tenor of reaction. But on Saturday, several of Trump's declared and potential rivals were quick to blast the district attorney's investigation.Pence, who has been escalating his criticism of the former president in recent weeks, said the news was particularly troubling, "happening in what appears to be a politically-charged environment in New York where the attorney general and other elected officials literally campaigned on a pledge to prosecutor the former president."“No one is above the law," he added. “I’m confident President Trump can take care of himself. My focus is going to continue to be on the issues that are affecting the American people.”Pence had been noncommittal when asked Thursday if Trump should drop out if he is indicted. “I think it’s a free country. Everybody can make their own decisions,” he said.Trump has said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cpac-gop-nomination-campaign-a7017a5d45abbb9d631a422514f9f12f">he would continue his presidential campaign even if indicted</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-and-politics-united-states-government-2022-midterm-elections-ohio-e1c1cbe47763bd979b6b47557aee043d">Ramaswamy</a>, who is already a declared candidate, earlier called on Bragg to “reconsider."“A Trump indictment would be a national disaster,” Ramaswamy tweeted. “It is un-American for the ruling party to use police power to arrest its political rivals.”Representatives for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, another potential candidate who is seen as Trump's most serious rival, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday — a decision publicized by a super PAC supporting Trump's candidacy. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, another declared candidate, did not address the investigation while campaigning in South Carolina.Ramaswamy called on Haley and DeSantis to join him in condemning the possible indictment.Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who won his race in 2022 with Trump’s endorsement, said he had been asked by multiple reporters if an indictment would lead him to rescind support for Trump's campaign."The answer is: hell no. A politically motivated prosecution makes the argument for Trump stronger,” he tweeted. “We simply don’t have a real country if justice depends on politics.”Prosecutors have been investigating hush money payments made to two women who alleged sexual encounters with Trump decades ago. A grand jury has been hearing from witnesses including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-grand-jury-hush-money-stormy-daniels-fb5c515d90c607d8e954431e271f9e16">former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen</a>, who says he orchestrated payments in 2016 to the women in exchange for their silence.Trump denies the encounters and has cast the investigation as a “witch hunt” by a Democratic prosecutor bent on sabotaging Trump's latest presidential campaign. Trump has said he believes an indictment would help him in the 2024 race.Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a longtime ally, said he agreed.“The prosecutor in New York has done more to help Donald Trump get elected,” Graham said Saturday at the Vision ’24 conference in North Charleston, South Carolina. “They’re doing this because they’re afraid of Donald Trump."

Former VP attends KU game, is against a Trump indictment

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Three people involved in a botched drug deal that left a 19-year-old man dead have been sentenced.&nbsp;

On March 3, a judge sentenced 20-year-old Brian Youngman to nine years in prison for the killing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Thursday, 19-year-old Lanita Baugh was&nbsp;sentenced to eight years in prison and 20-year-old&nbsp; Myrashia Griffin&nbsp; was sentenced to one year of probation.

On July 11,2022, sheriff's deputies were sent to a shooting call near the intersection of 47th Street South and Clifton in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 The call location was quickly updated to the QuikTrip at 47th Street South and Hydraulic. When deputies arrived at the convenience store they found a 19-year-old later identified as Donovan Graves of Wichita, in a vehicle deceased from a gunshot wound. Baugh and Griffin were with him.

Deputies were directed to a mobile home in the 5200 block of south Clifton where the shooting occurred. 

Investigators learned that Graves, Baugh and Griffin drove to the 5200 Block of South Clifton for a drug transaction, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter. 

Graves attempted to rob a 17-year-old girl of marijuana, according to Easter.&nbsp; Youngman pulled a gun and shot Graves during the robbery.

Deputies arrested Youngman, the two women with Graves and the 17-year-old girl for marijuana possession with intent to sell, according to Easter.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Three suspects arrested after a fatal drug deal shooting will return to court for a preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon.

Brian Youngman, 20 of Wichita, was charged with 1st degree murder and attempted distribution of a controlled substance, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Myrashia Griffin, 20 and&nbsp;Lanita Baugh, 19, both of Wichita, were charged with 1st degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery, according to the DA's office.

Just after 7:30p.m. July 11, deputies were sent to a shooting call near the intersection of 47th Street South and Clifton in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

 The call location was quickly updated to the QuikTrip at 47th Street South and Hydraulic. When deputies arrived at the convenience store they found a 19-year-old later identified as Donovan Graves of Wichita, in a vehicle deceased from a gunshot wound. Two adult woman were with him.

Deputies arrested 20-year-old Brian Youngman of Wichita at the mobile home and booked him on requested charges of first degree murder.

Investigators learned that Graves, 19-year-old Lanita Baugh and 20-year-old Myrashia Griffin drove to the 5200 Block of South Clifton for a drug transaction, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter. 

Graves attempted to rob a 17-year-old girl of marijuana, according to Easter. Youngman pulled a gun and shot Graves during the robbery.

Deputies arrested the two women with Graves, according to Blick.&nbsp; Deputies also arrested the 17-year-old girl for marijuana possession with intent to sell, according to Easter. She and Graves knew each other.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657641940268.png" alt="Youngman-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Youngman-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Three people involved in a botched drug deal that left a 19-year-old man dead have been sentenced.&nbsp;On March 3, a judge sentenced 20-year-old Brian Youngman to nine years in prison for the killing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On Thursday, 19-year-old Lanita Baugh was&nbsp;sentenced to eight years in prison and 20-year-old&nbsp; Myrashia Griffin&nbsp; was sentenced to one year of probation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657636527733.png" alt="Baugh-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Baugh-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On July 11,2022, sheriff's deputies were sent to a shooting call near the intersection of 47th Street South and Clifton in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. The call location was quickly updated to the QuikTrip at 47th Street South and Hydraulic. When deputies arrived at the convenience store they found a 19-year-old later identified as Donovan Graves of Wichita, in a vehicle deceased from a gunshot wound. Baugh and Griffin were with him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657636612949.png" alt="Griffin-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Griffin-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies were directed to a mobile home in the 5200 block of south Clifton where the shooting occurred. Investigators learned that Graves, Baugh and Griffin drove to the 5200 Block of South Clifton for a drug transaction, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter. Graves attempted to rob a 17-year-old girl of marijuana, according to Easter.&nbsp; Youngman pulled a gun and shot Graves during the robbery.Deputies arrested Youngman, the two women with Graves and the 17-year-old girl for marijuana possession with intent to sell, according to Easter.&nbsp;-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Three suspects arrested after a fatal drug deal shooting will return to court for a preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon.Brian Youngman, 20 of Wichita, was charged with 1st degree murder and attempted distribution of a controlled substance, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Myrashia Griffin, 20 and&nbsp;Lanita Baugh, 19, both of Wichita, were charged with 1st degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery, according to the DA's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657634255367.png" alt="Deputies on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Deputies on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 7:30p.m. July 11, deputies were sent to a shooting call near the intersection of 47th Street South and Clifton in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. The call location was quickly updated to the QuikTrip at 47th Street South and Hydraulic. When deputies arrived at the convenience store they found a 19-year-old later identified as Donovan Graves of Wichita, in a vehicle deceased from a gunshot wound. Two adult woman were with him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657636612949.png" alt="Griffin-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Griffin-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies were directed to a mobile home in the 5200 block of south Clifton where the shooting occurred. Deputies arrested 20-year-old Brian Youngman of Wichita at the mobile home and booked him on requested charges of first degree murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657636527733.png" alt="Baugh-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Baugh-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators learned that Graves, 19-year-old Lanita Baugh and 20-year-old Myrashia Griffin drove to the 5200 Block of South Clifton for a drug transaction, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter. Graves attempted to rob a 17-year-old girl of marijuana, according to Easter. Youngman pulled a gun and shot Graves during the robbery.Deputies arrested the two women with Graves, according to Blick.&nbsp; Deputies also arrested the 17-year-old girl for marijuana possession with intent to sell, according to Easter. She and Graves knew each other.Each is being held on a $500,000 bond

Three sentenced for drug deal killing of Kansas teen

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump said in a social media post that he expects to be arrested Tuesday as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-grand-jury-investigation-manhattan-e35836ebb6179e1c0ea28877590cfc1c">New York prosecutor is eyeing charges</a>&nbsp;in a case examining hush money paid to women who alleged sexual encounters with the former president.

Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network early Saturday that “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan district attorney's office indicate that “THE FAR &amp; AWAY LEADING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE &amp; FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WILL BE ARRESTED ON TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK.”

Messages left Saturday with the district attorney’s office were not immediately returned. Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to calls for comment.

Trump did not provide any details on social media about how he knew about the expected arrest. In his postings, he repeated his lies that the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden was stolen and he urged his followers to “PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!” That language evoked the message from the then-president that preceded the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Law enforcement officials in New York have been making security preparations for the possibility that Trump could be indicted.

There has been no public announcement of any time frame for the grand jury’s secret work in the case, including any potential vote on whether to indict the ex-president.

Trump's posting echoes one made last summer when he broke the news on Truth Socia that the FBI was searching his home as part of an investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents.

The grand jury in Manhattan has been hearing from witnesses, including former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who says he orchestrated payments in 2016 to two women to silence them about sexual encounters they said they had with Trump a decade earlier.

Trump denies the encounters occurred, says he did nothing wrong and has cast the investigation as a “witch hunt” by a Democratic prosecutor bent on sabotaging the Republican’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has apparently been examining whether any state laws were broken in connection with the payments or the way Trump’s company compensated Cohen for his work to keep the women’s allegations quiet.

Daniels and at least two former Trump aides — onetime political adviser Kellyanne Conway and former spokesperson Hope Hicks — are among witnesses who have met with prosecutors in recent weeks.

Cohen has said that at Trump’s direction, he arranged payments totaling $280,000 to porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. According to Cohen, the payouts were to buy their silence about Trump, who was then in the thick of his first presidential campaign. ___

Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump said in a social media post that he expects to be arrested Tuesday as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-grand-jury-investigation-manhattan-e35836ebb6179e1c0ea28877590cfc1c">New York prosecutor is eyeing charges</a>&nbsp;in a case examining hush money paid to women who alleged sexual encounters with the former president.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679143938516.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network early Saturday that “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan district attorney's office indicate that “THE FAR &amp; AWAY LEADING REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE &amp; FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WILL BE ARRESTED ON TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK.”Messages left Saturday with the district attorney’s office were not immediately returned. Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to calls for comment.Trump did not provide any details on social media about how he knew about the expected arrest. In his postings, he repeated his lies that the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden was stolen and he urged his followers to “PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!” That language evoked the message from the then-president that preceded the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.Law enforcement officials in New York have been making security preparations for the possibility that Trump could be indicted.There has been no public announcement of any time frame for the grand jury’s secret work in the case, including any potential vote on whether to indict the ex-president.Trump's posting echoes one made last summer when he broke the news on Truth Socia that the FBI was searching his home as part of an investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents.The grand jury in Manhattan has been hearing from witnesses, including former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who says he orchestrated payments in 2016 to two women to silence them about sexual encounters they said they had with Trump a decade earlier.Trump denies the encounters occurred, says he did nothing wrong and has cast the investigation as a “witch hunt” by a Democratic prosecutor bent on sabotaging the Republican’s 2024 presidential campaign.Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has apparently been examining whether any state laws were broken in connection with the payments or the way Trump’s company compensated Cohen for his work to keep the women’s allegations quiet.Daniels and at least two former Trump aides — onetime political adviser Kellyanne Conway and former spokesperson Hope Hicks — are among witnesses who have met with prosecutors in recent weeks.Cohen has said that at Trump’s direction, he arranged payments totaling $280,000 to porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. According to Cohen, the payouts were to buy their silence about Trump, who was then in the thick of his first presidential campaign. ___Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.

Trump expects to be arrested Tuesday as DA eyes charges

IRON COUNTY (AP) —A rural Missouri sheriff and two deputies are jailed and facing charges accusing them of helping a man in a parental kidnapping plot.

Officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Thursday arrested Iron County Sheriff Jeff Burkett, deputies Matthew Cozad and Chase Bresnahan, and the father of the child, Donald Gaston. All four face multiple charges and were jailed Friday in neighboring Washington County.

Iron County has about 9,500 residents and sits 100 miles (161 kilometers) southwest of St. Louis.

Burkett's lawyer, Gabe Crocker, said the charges are politically motivated.

“This is small-town politics,” Crocker said. "This is the continuation of a long gestating effort to remove this sheriff from office."

Charging documents say that in February, Gaston, 62, sought to take his daughter after an argument with the child's mother. Among the accusations against Burkett: Prosecutors say he lied to a 911 dispatcher to report that the mother had kidnapped the girl, and falsely accused the woman of putting the child in danger. Ultimately, the girl remained with her mother.

The sheriff and deputies also are accused of tracking the woman's whereabouts through her cell phone.

All four men were charged with criminal street gang activity since the alleged crime was organized. Burkett, 46, also is charged with attempted kidnapping, being an accessory to stalking, and other crimes.

Gaston's alleged crimes include stalking and attempted parental kidnapping. Gaston, Cozad and Bresnahan do not yet have attorneys, according to Missouri's online court reporting system.

Burkett is jailed on $500,000 cash-only bond. The other suspects are jailed on $400,000 cash-only bond.

Burkett, a Republican, was elected sheriff in 2020 and previously worked as a deputy. Last year, he was hospitalized for nearly four months with COVID-19, including spending time on a ventilator, according to the department's Facebook page. While he was hospitalized, county officials sought to remove him from office but eventually backed off, the posting said.

“It is no secret that Sheriff Burkett is an outsider to many of the current elected officials,” the posting stated.

Burkett was hospitalized briefly on March 10 due to lingering COVID-19 “symptoms and complications,” the Facebook page stated. The mugshot photo taken after his arrest shows him wearing an oxygen line in his nose.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679072161027.png" alt="Burkett-photo Washington Co." />
 <figcaption>Burkett-photo Washington Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>IRON COUNTY (AP) —A rural Missouri sheriff and two deputies are jailed and facing charges accusing them of helping a man in a parental kidnapping plot.Officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Thursday arrested Iron County Sheriff Jeff Burkett, deputies Matthew Cozad and Chase Bresnahan, and the father of the child, Donald Gaston. All four face multiple charges and were jailed Friday in neighboring Washington County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679072213542.png" alt="Cozad-phjoto Washington Co." />
 <figcaption>Cozad-phjoto Washington Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Iron County has about 9,500 residents and sits 100 miles (161 kilometers) southwest of St. Louis.Burkett's lawyer, Gabe Crocker, said the charges are politically motivated.“This is small-town politics,” Crocker said. "This is the continuation of a long gestating effort to remove this sheriff from office."Charging documents say that in February, Gaston, 62, sought to take his daughter after an argument with the child's mother. Among the accusations against Burkett: Prosecutors say he lied to a 911 dispatcher to report that the mother had kidnapped the girl, and falsely accused the woman of putting the child in danger. Ultimately, the girl remained with her mother.The sheriff and deputies also are accused of tracking the woman's whereabouts through her cell phone.All four men were charged with criminal street gang activity since the alleged crime was organized. Burkett, 46, also is charged with attempted kidnapping, being an accessory to stalking, and other crimes.Gaston's alleged crimes include stalking and attempted parental kidnapping. Gaston, Cozad and Bresnahan do not yet have attorneys, according to Missouri's online court reporting system.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679072275600.png" alt="Gaston-photo Washington Co." />
 <figcaption>Gaston-photo Washington Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Burkett is jailed on $500,000 cash-only bond. The other suspects are jailed on $400,000 cash-only bond.Burkett, a Republican, was elected sheriff in 2020 and previously worked as a deputy. Last year, he was hospitalized for nearly four months with COVID-19, including spending time on a ventilator, according to the department's Facebook page. While he was hospitalized, county officials sought to remove him from office but eventually backed off, the posting said.“It is no secret that Sheriff Burkett is an outsider to many of the current elected officials,” the posting stated.Burkett was hospitalized briefly on March 10 due to lingering COVID-19 “symptoms and complications,” the Facebook page stated. The mugshot photo taken after his arrest shows him wearing an oxygen line in his nose.

Rural sheriff, 2 deputies arrested in kidnap plot

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;

On Thursday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 2300 Block of SE Oakwood Drive, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

As a result, officer arrested 32-year-old Cody Cowhick and transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested&nbsp; charges that include Distribution of Opioids (Fentanyl), Possession of Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and&nbsp; Possession of User Drug Paraphernalia 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678963945921.png" alt="Cowhick-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cowhick-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;On Thursday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 2300 Block of SE Oakwood Drive, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.As a result, officer arrested 32-year-old Cody Cowhick and transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested&nbsp; charges that include Distribution of Opioids (Fentanyl), Possession of Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and&nbsp; Possession of User Drug Paraphernalia

Kansas man accused of selling fentanyl

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.

Just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the the 1300 Block of SW Garfield Ave. in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders found one individual with life threatening injuries. EMS transported the victim to local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Following an investigation, police took a 14-year-old boy from Topeka,&nbsp; to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree, according to Stanley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679050938330.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation late Thursday-photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation late Thursday-photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.Just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the the 1300 Block of SW Garfield Ave. in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.First responders found one individual with life threatening injuries. EMS transported the victim to local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Following an investigation, police took a 14-year-old boy from Topeka,&nbsp; to the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 2nd Degree, according to Stanley.

Police: 14-year-old Kansas boy accused in fatal shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bank robbery and quickly made an arrest.

Just before 1 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a bank robbery in the 2400 block of S. Seneca, according to Officer Chad Ditch. An employee of Emprise Bank reported a man had passed a note to a clerk demanding money and claiming to have a weapon. 

Officers obtained a description of the suspect and began checking the area in an attempt to locate him.

An officer contacted a man matching the description of the suspect in a nearby McDonald’s restaurant at 2418 South Seneca and <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20052107">took 52-year-old Brian Richards</a>&nbsp; into custody without incident.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20052107">He is being held on a requested charge </a>of aggravated robbery, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679049529946.png" alt="Richards-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Richards-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a bank robbery and quickly made an arrest.Just before 1 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a bank robbery in the 2400 block of S. Seneca, according to Officer Chad Ditch. An employee of Emprise Bank reported a man had passed a note to a clerk demanding money and claiming to have a weapon. Officers obtained a description of the suspect and began checking the area in an attempt to locate him.An officer contacted a man matching the description of the suspect in a nearby McDonald’s restaurant at 2418 South Seneca and <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20052107">took 52-year-old Brian Richards</a>&nbsp; into custody without incident. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20052107">He is being held on a requested charge </a>of aggravated robbery, according to online jail records.

Police: Kansas man robbed bank and went to McDonald's 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after he was seen littering from his vehicle.

Just before 3a.m. Thursday,&nbsp; a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a&nbsp; 2000 Ford Taurus after a mattress fell off the top of the vehicle near SW 29th Street and SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

The driver identified as 59-year-old Robert N. Kirk, Jr.&nbsp; of Topeka had an expired and suspended Kansas driver’s license and felony warrants out of Shawnee County and Elk County, Kansas.

During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics and arrested Kirk on requested&nbsp;charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended and littering from vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678991093670.png" alt="Kirk-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kirk-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after he was seen littering from his vehicle.Just before 3a.m. Thursday,&nbsp; a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a&nbsp; 2000 Ford Taurus after a mattress fell off the top of the vehicle near SW 29th Street and SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The driver identified as 59-year-old Robert N. Kirk, Jr.&nbsp; of Topeka had an expired and suspended Kansas driver’s license and felony warrants out of Shawnee County and Elk County, Kansas.During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics and arrested Kirk on requested&nbsp;charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended and littering from vehicle.

Sheriff: Kan. driver lost mattress and is accused of drug possession

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs wasted little time filling two enormous holes on their Super Bowl-winning roster.

After reaching agreements earlier in the week, the Chiefs announced the signings Thursday of offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor and defensive end Charles Omenihu. Taylor is expected to replace Orlando Brown Jr., who agreed to a deal elsewhere in free agency, and Omenihu is expected to help replace Frank Clark, who was released in a move to create salary cap space.

"There was a good amount of teams involved," Taylor said, "but once free agency opened up, my agent told me about the possibility of the Chiefs wanting me. It's a great opportunity and I couldn't pass it up."

The 25-year-old Taylor, who played almost exclusively right tackle in Jacksonville but will likely move to the left side in Kansas City, agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal with $60 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms were not disclosed.

Omenihu, who is also 25, signed a two-year, $16 million deal, a person with knowledge of the deal also told the AP.

The Chiefs were tight on salary cap space after the season — a big reason they released Clark and were unable to sign wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who instead agreed to a deal with New England. But they were able to free up some extra space on Wednesday night when they converted part of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' $34.4 million roster bonus into a signing bonus spread over the next four years, which freed up nearly $10 million in space for the current offseason.

Mahomes will hope that Taylor can continue the breakthrough he began to experience last season.

The second-round pick of the Jaguars in the 2019 draft gave up a league-leading 40 sacks his first three seasons. But Taylor only allowed six sacks while protecting Trevor Lawrence last season, which ended with a divisional-round loss to Kansas City, and produced one of the lowest pressure rates among offensive tackles in the league.

It's not guaranteed that Taylor will end up at right tackle, though that's the expectation. The Chiefs also have a hole on the right side after Andrew Wylie joined Washington, but that position is typically easier — and cheaper — to fill. The Chiefs have an in-house candidate with Lucas Niang and could also address that need through next month's draft.

"Left tackle, right tackle, it's just a flip of the hips, honestly," Taylor said. "If you're athletic enough, trust your feet, have good coaching and I think they have that here, I think the transition will be pretty good."

Omenihu was a fifth-round pick of the Texans in 2019 but was traded after two-plus seasons of mediocre production to San Francisco in November 2021. He proceed to have a career-best 4 1/2 sacks for the 49ers last season.

"I think I'm a guy that can play the run on first and second down, play over tight ends, and I can rush on the edge if you need me to," Omenihu said. "I think versatiltiy is what I bring to the table, a guy that's going to play hard."

Omenihu arrives in Kansas City amid some off-the-field trouble. He was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in January, though no charges have been filed, after his girlfriend accused him of pushing her to the ground.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has been a whiz when it comes to plugging holes through the draft, and while their first pick isn't until No. 31 overall, they have 11 total to further address defensive end, offensive tackle and wide receiver.

Last year, the Chiefs used one of their first-round picks on George Karlaftis, and he blossomed into a game-changing pass rusher who totaled six sacks. The previous year, they used a second-round pick on Creed Humphrey and a sixth-rounder on guard Trey Smith, both of whom have joined Joe Thuney in forming a dominant interior offensive line.

"You always try to stick to just the best player," Veach said, "because it's a game of attrition. You can sit there and think that you're deep at a position — I remember a few years ago we thought we were really deep at defensive line and within the first three or four weeks we lost three of them. So, you always want to make sure you take the best player."

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs wasted little time filling two enormous holes on their Super Bowl-winning roster.After reaching agreements earlier in the week, the Chiefs announced the signings Thursday of offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor and defensive end Charles Omenihu. Taylor is expected to replace Orlando Brown Jr., who agreed to a deal elsewhere in free agency, and Omenihu is expected to help replace Frank Clark, who was released in a move to create salary cap space."There was a good amount of teams involved," Taylor said, "but once free agency opened up, my agent told me about the possibility of the Chiefs wanting me. It's a great opportunity and I couldn't pass it up."The 25-year-old Taylor, who played almost exclusively right tackle in Jacksonville but will likely move to the left side in Kansas City, agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal with $60 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms were not disclosed.Omenihu, who is also 25, signed a two-year, $16 million deal, a person with knowledge of the deal also told the AP.The Chiefs were tight on salary cap space after the season — a big reason they released Clark and were unable to sign wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who instead agreed to a deal with New England. But they were able to free up some extra space on Wednesday night when they converted part of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' $34.4 million roster bonus into a signing bonus spread over the next four years, which freed up nearly $10 million in space for the current offseason.Mahomes will hope that Taylor can continue the breakthrough he began to experience last season.The second-round pick of the Jaguars in the 2019 draft gave up a league-leading 40 sacks his first three seasons. But Taylor only allowed six sacks while protecting Trevor Lawrence last season, which ended with a divisional-round loss to Kansas City, and produced one of the lowest pressure rates among offensive tackles in the league.It's not guaranteed that Taylor will end up at right tackle, though that's the expectation. The Chiefs also have a hole on the right side after Andrew Wylie joined Washington, but that position is typically easier — and cheaper — to fill. The Chiefs have an in-house candidate with Lucas Niang and could also address that need through next month's draft."Left tackle, right tackle, it's just a flip of the hips, honestly," Taylor said. "If you're athletic enough, trust your feet, have good coaching and I think they have that here, I think the transition will be pretty good."Omenihu was a fifth-round pick of the Texans in 2019 but was traded after two-plus seasons of mediocre production to San Francisco in November 2021. He proceed to have a career-best 4 1/2 sacks for the 49ers last season."I think I'm a guy that can play the run on first and second down, play over tight ends, and I can rush on the edge if you need me to," Omenihu said. "I think versatiltiy is what I bring to the table, a guy that's going to play hard."Omenihu arrives in Kansas City amid some off-the-field trouble. He was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in January, though no charges have been filed, after his girlfriend accused him of pushing her to the ground.Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has been a whiz when it comes to plugging holes through the draft, and while their first pick isn't until No. 31 overall, they have 11 total to further address defensive end, offensive tackle and wide receiver.Last year, the Chiefs used one of their first-round picks on George Karlaftis, and he blossomed into a game-changing pass rusher who totaled six sacks. The previous year, they used a second-round pick on Creed Humphrey and a sixth-rounder on guard Trey Smith, both of whom have joined Joe Thuney in forming a dominant interior offensive line."You always try to stick to just the best player," Veach said, "because it's a game of attrition. You can sit there and think that you're deep at a position — I remember a few years ago we thought we were really deep at defensive line and within the first three or four weeks we lost three of them. So, you always want to make sure you take the best player."

Chiefs announce signings of OT Taylor, DE Omenihu to deals

KANSAS CITY—A&nbsp;Kansas City man has been charged with Assault 1st Degree of a Law Enforcement Officer and other felonies after he was seen shooting with a gun later determined to be altered to be fully automatic at a chasing Cass County Sheriff's Deputy, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Kainon K. Singleton, 25, faces felony criminal charges of the Class A Felony of Assault 1st Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.

According to court records, early Friday Kansas City police officers notified Grandview police that they were conducting surveillance on a moving vehicle that was subject of a multi-agency burglary investigation. 

Cass County deputies soon joined the high-speed pursuit of the vehicle and deployed stop sticks. As the pursuit neared 140th Street in Grandview, the suspect fired at officers. 

Soon after, Cass County deputies deployed a heavy-duty nylon net that snagged the vehicle and it stopped. The defendant exited the vehicle and an officer pursued him on foot until he took the suspect to the ground. A handgun was recovered that had been modified to be fully automatic. 

A second gun altered to be fully automatic was recovered from the passenger, a woman. Inside the vehicle, officers found merchandise from an Overland Park, Kan., store that recently was burglarized and from a liquor store in Clay County. 

Singleton told an officer who asked to talked to him, &nbsp;"All that sh** is on me. I was driving and she was in the back seat." He remains jailed on a $250,000 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678545125064.png" alt="Singleton-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Singleton-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A&nbsp;Kansas City man has been charged with Assault 1st Degree of a Law Enforcement Officer and other felonies after he was seen shooting with a gun later determined to be altered to be fully automatic at a chasing Cass County Sheriff's Deputy, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Kainon K. Singleton, 25, faces felony criminal charges of the Class A Felony of Assault 1st Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.According to court records, early Friday Kansas City police officers notified Grandview police that they were conducting surveillance on a moving vehicle that was subject of a multi-agency burglary investigation. Cass County deputies soon joined the high-speed pursuit of the vehicle and deployed stop sticks. As the pursuit neared 140th Street in Grandview, the suspect fired at officers. Soon after, Cass County deputies deployed a heavy-duty nylon net that snagged the vehicle and it stopped. The defendant exited the vehicle and an officer pursued him on foot until he took the suspect to the ground. A handgun was recovered that had been modified to be fully automatic. A second gun altered to be fully automatic was recovered from the passenger, a woman. Inside the vehicle, officers found merchandise from an Overland Park, Kan., store that recently was burglarized and from a liquor store in Clay County. Singleton told an officer who asked to talked to him, &nbsp;"All that sh** is on me. I was driving and she was in the back seat." He remains jailed on a $250,000 cash bond.

KC man fired automatic weapon at police during high-speed chase

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide in Topeka have identified the victim as 19-year-old&nbsp; Khristopher A. L. Brown of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

Just before 8 p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;&nbsp;responded to the 1300 block SE 8th for a hit-and-run accident, according Eubanks. Officers located Brown, who was suffering from a gunshot wound. 

First responders pronounced him deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Detectives were notified and traffic was shut down along 8th and 10th street between SE Locust and SE Lime.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678875079561.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW&nbsp; TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW&nbsp; TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide in Topeka have identified the victim as 19-year-old&nbsp; Khristopher A. L. Brown of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.Just before 8 p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;&nbsp;responded to the 1300 block SE 8th for a hit-and-run accident, according Eubanks. Officers located Brown, who was suffering from a gunshot wound. First responders pronounced him deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Detectives were notified and traffic was shut down along 8th and 10th street between SE Locust and SE Lime.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Homicide: Victim who died of gunshot at crash was Kan. teen

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINA —A&nbsp; Kansas felon with a history of drug crimes is back in jail for allegedly threatened another man with hedge trimmers.

Just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, police were sent to the 300 block of W. Crawford Street in Salina for a belated report of trespassing, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.

When they arrived, they found Cole Marlow, 37, of Salina, wielding a pair of black and yellow hedge trimmers in the parking lot at 302 W. Crawford Street.

 Marlow was walking toward the 600 block of S. Ninth Street and yelling at a 22-year-old Salina man. Marlow allegedly was wildly swinging the hedge trimmers and advancing toward the other man.

The 22-year-old man told police that he had been on his porch and had a verbal exchange with Marlow, who was holding the hedge trimmers. Marlow allegedly began aggressively swinging the hedge trimmers and moving toward the other man, who was concerned that Marlow would attack him or his family. It was at that point that officers arrived.

Police also learned that Marlow allegedly trespassed in a yard in the 500 block of S. 10th Street. Marlow, who has four previous convictions for drugs, for intimidation of a witness, criminal damage, forgery and felony obstruction, was arrested on&nbsp; requested charges of Aggravated assault, Criminal trespassing and Pedestrian under the influence in the roadway. He completed in state post prison release February 27, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678883977811.jpeg" alt="Cole Marlow. Photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Cole Marlow. Photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINA —A&nbsp; Kansas felon with a history of drug crimes is back in jail for allegedly threatened another man with hedge trimmers.Just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, police were sent to the 300 block of W. Crawford Street in Salina for a belated report of trespassing, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.When they arrived, they found Cole Marlow, 37, of Salina, wielding a pair of black and yellow hedge trimmers in the parking lot at 302 W. Crawford Street. Marlow was walking toward the 600 block of S. Ninth Street and yelling at a 22-year-old Salina man. Marlow allegedly was wildly swinging the hedge trimmers and advancing toward the other man.The 22-year-old man told police that he had been on his porch and had a verbal exchange with Marlow, who was holding the hedge trimmers. Marlow allegedly began aggressively swinging the hedge trimmers and moving toward the other man, who was concerned that Marlow would attack him or his family. It was at that point that officers arrived.Police also learned that Marlow allegedly trespassed in a yard in the 500 block of S. 10th Street. Marlow, who has four previous convictions for drugs, for intimidation of a witness, criminal damage, forgery and felony obstruction, was arrested on&nbsp; requested charges of Aggravated assault, Criminal trespassing and Pedestrian under the influence in the roadway. He completed in state post prison release February 27, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon accused of threatening man with hedge trimmers

MANHATTAN–&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities have made three arrests in connection to the March 6 shooting at the Sunset Zoo parking lot in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

Edgar Torres, 17, Christian Soto, 18, and Carlos Rodiguez, 23, all of Manhattan, were each arrested Wednesday on requested aggravated robbery charges.

They investigation led police to believe the three robbed two other men aged 17 and 20, at gunpoint. During the robbery, Rodiguez was shot in the neck by the 17-year-old victim. All parties involved, except for Rodiguez, had left the scene when officers arrived. He was transported to Via Christi and later to Stormont Vail for further treatment and was released last week.

Soto and Rodiguez are being held in the Riley County Jail with $80,000 bonds each. Torres has been transported to the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.

Police are still seeking information on the person in the picture released on March 13. The person has yet to be identified and we are asking anyone with information to please call us at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777.&nbsp;He was seen by multiple witnesses running from the area of Sunset Zoo shortly after the shooting and we'd like to speak with him about his possible involvement in the incident.

Our investigation into this incident is still ongoing and we will provide updates when they become available.

We would like to thank the community for their continued cooperation and assistance in this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678733301954.jpeg" alt="Police are still seeking information on another suspect in connection with the crime. Police have yet to identify him." />
 <figcaption>Police are still seeking information on another suspect in connection with the crime. Police have yet to identify him.</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN–&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities have made three arrests in connection to the March 6 shooting at the Sunset Zoo parking lot in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.Edgar Torres, 17, Christian Soto, 18, and Carlos Rodiguez, 23, all of Manhattan, were each arrested Wednesday on requested aggravated robbery charges.They investigation led police to believe the three robbed two other men aged 17 and 20, at gunpoint. During the robbery, Rodiguez was shot in the neck by the 17-year-old victim. All parties involved, except for Rodiguez, had left the scene when officers arrived. He was transported to Via Christi and later to Stormont Vail for further treatment and was released last week.Soto and Rodiguez are being held in the Riley County Jail with $80,000 bonds each. Torres has been transported to the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.Police are still seeking information on the person in the picture released on March 13. The person has yet to be identified and we are asking anyone with information to please call us at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777.&nbsp;He was seen by multiple witnesses running from the area of Sunset Zoo shortly after the shooting and we'd like to speak with him about his possible involvement in the incident.Our investigation into this incident is still ongoing and we will provide updates when they become available.We would like to thank the community for their continued cooperation and assistance in this case.

3 arrested in for Sunset Zoo parking lot shooting

MARION — Two Junction City residents were arrested early Tuesday morning in Marion County on suspicion of drug offenses.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office reported that just after 1 a.m. Tuesday, a K9 deputy initiated a traffic stop at Highway 50 and Quail Creek Road. 

K9 Blue was deployed. During a search of the vehicle, fentanyl, marijuana and paraphernalia were located and seized, the sheriff's office reported.

Michael Henderson, 20, Junction City, was arrested on suspicion of drug distribution and drug possession.

Marcia Grayson, 18, Junction City, was taken in custody on suspicion of drug distribution, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to jail records.

MARION — Two Junction City residents were arrested early Tuesday morning in Marion County on suspicion of drug offenses.The Marion County Sheriff's Office reported that just after 1 a.m. Tuesday, a K9 deputy initiated a traffic stop at Highway 50 and Quail Creek Road. K9 Blue was deployed. During a search of the vehicle, fentanyl, marijuana and paraphernalia were located and seized, the sheriff's office reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678912895693.png" alt="Henderson / Marion Co. photo" />
 <figcaption>Henderson / Marion Co. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Henderson, 20, Junction City, was arrested on suspicion of drug distribution and drug possession.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678912918094.png" alt="Grayson / Marion Co. photo" />
 <figcaption>Grayson / Marion Co. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Marcia Grayson, 18, Junction City, was taken in custody on suspicion of drug distribution, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to jail records.

Two from Junction City arrested in Marion Co. on drug allegations

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for alleged use of counterfeit money.

Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 33-year-old Jamie Berges of St. George after being transported from the Pottawatomie County Jail for her Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 The warrant stems from a February 13, 2020, incident where it was reported Berges attempted to purchase cigarettes with fake money. Berges remains confined in the Riley County Jail with a total bond of $40,000.&nbsp; She has previous convictions for drugs and theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592230318906.png" alt="Berges-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Berges-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for alleged use of counterfeit money.Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 33-year-old Jamie Berges of St. George after being transported from the Pottawatomie County Jail for her Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. The warrant stems from a February 13, 2020, incident where it was reported Berges attempted to purchase cigarettes with fake money. Berges remains confined in the Riley County Jail with a total bond of $40,000.&nbsp; She has previous convictions for drugs and theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Woman with a history of crime accused of using counterfeit cash

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a baby have made two arrests.

On December 24, 2022, police responded to report of an infant that was not breathing inthe 2000 block of SE Echo Ridge in Topeka, according to Lt. Donna Eubanks.

The infant girl was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.

Through the course of the investigation conducted by Topeka Police detectives and the Shawnee County Coroner’s Office, the death was ruled a homicide. As a result of the investigation, police arrested a a 15-year-old from Topeka on requested charges of Murder in the 1st degree, Murder in the 2nd degree, Aggravated endangering a child and Abuse of a child.

Related to the incident, police arrested Lucia Meraz-Arreola, 45, Topeka on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering a Child. 

The teen is being held in the Shawnee County Juvenile Detention Center.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678826152533.png" alt="Meraz-Arreola-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Meraz-Arreola-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a baby have made two arrests.On December 24, 2022, police responded to report of an infant that was not breathing inthe 2000 block of SE Echo Ridge in Topeka, according to Lt. Donna Eubanks.The infant girl was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.Through the course of the investigation conducted by Topeka Police detectives and the Shawnee County Coroner’s Office, the death was ruled a homicide. As a result of the investigation, police arrested a a 15-year-old from Topeka on requested charges of Murder in the 1st degree, Murder in the 2nd degree, Aggravated endangering a child and Abuse of a child.Related to the incident, police arrested Lucia Meraz-Arreola, 45, Topeka on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering a Child. The teen is being held in the Shawnee County Juvenile Detention Center.&nbsp;

15-year-old, Kan. woman accused in Christmas Eve death of baby

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City, Missouri, police officer who fatally shot a man at a convenience store nearly two years ago will not be charged with a crime, following a decision by a special prosecutor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622753220441.png" alt="-Image from video taken during the attempted arrest at the gas station -courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>-Image from video taken during the attempted arrest at the gas station -courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City, Missouri, police officer who fatally shot a man at a convenience store nearly two years ago will not be charged with a crime, following a decision by a special prosecutor.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-kansas-police-shootings-07c9ee2bca9013d73d8751a263932aa5">Malcolm Johnson</a>&nbsp;was killed in March 2021. Some civil rights, religious and community activists said the shooting of Johnson, who was Black, was part of a trend of officers in Missouri's largest city killing Black men. They questioned if officers gave Johnson sufficient time to surrender before shooting him.St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell's office announced Monday that no charges should be filed, following an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Bell's office took on the case after Jackson County prosecutors cited a conflict of interest.“Given the review of all the evidence, there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer who shot Malcolm Johnson was not acting in lawful self-defense or defense of others under Missouri law,” Bell's office said in a statement.The decision drew criticism from some civil rights groups."This case is not only tragic but also a clear example of how KCPD gets away with murder, covers it up, and claims it is justice. This is not justice," the organization Decarcerate Kansas City wrote on Twitter.Khadijah Hardaway, a spokeswoman for the family of Malcolm Johnson, said the family will ask the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the decision not to charge the officer who shot Johnson.“We're just asking for transparency and justice for the Malcolm Johnson family,” Hardaway said.On the evening of March 25, 2021, two officers seeking Johnson for an unrelated shooting found him at a convenience store and approached him with their guns drawn. Surveillance video showed the officers grab Johnson. More officers joined in trying to restrain Johnson on the ground and an officer was shot. The report by Bell's office said the wounded officer shot Johnson twice in the head.But videos of the shooting raised questions about the police version, and the leader of a group of clergy who questioned the circumstances called Johnson’s death “an execution.”Police Chief Stacey Graves said department officials “recognize there is still work to do with our community to build that trust and under my leadership relationships are among my top priorities,” the Kansas City Star reported.Last year, former detective&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-5168b9935ec869fa74453228a87c166d">Eric DeValkenaere</a>&nbsp;was sentenced to six years in prison for fatally shooting Cameron Lamb, a Black man who was backing a pickup truck into a garage.In September, the U.S. Department of Justice announced an investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/Eric%20DeValkenaere">allegations of discrimination against Black officers</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas City Police Department that reportedly begins during hiring and extends to promotions and discipline.Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Jean Peters Baker announced shortly after Johnson's death that her office's prosecution of him in prior criminal cases could be seen as a conflict of interest. Baker’s office charged Johnson in 2014 in a fatal shooting, and he later pleaded guilty to reduced charges of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.