BRANSON (AP) —A Tennessee man filed a lawsuit Friday claiming that operators of the Kanakuk Camps in Branson, Missouri, lied to him and his parents while persuading them to sign a settlement over sexual abuse by a camp counselor.

Logan Yandell, 27, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and his parents reached a confidential settlement with Kanakuk in 2010 that included a non-disclosure agreement after Yandell was abused by Peter Newman, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auburn-d599411ff6b34113a339febd9158e8ff">serving two life sentences</a>&nbsp;for sexually abusing multiple children while working for the Christian summer camps.

The lawsuit names Kanakuk Ministries, Kanakuk CEO Joe White, Kanakuk Heritage Inc., Westchester Fire Insurance Company and a John Doe.

A statement from Kanakuk said the company just received the lawsuit on Friday and does not comment on pending litigation.

“We will respond further if or when appropriate,” the company said. “In the meantime, we continue to pray for all who have been affected by Pete Newman’s behavior.

Yandell was sexually abused while attending the summer camp and other activities between 2005 and 2008.

The lawsuit alleges that Kanakuk officials claimed they did not know about Newman's sexual abuse of children prior to his arrest but the Yandell family later learned that wasn't true.

In December 2021, the conservative online news outlet The Dispatch reported that Newman’s supervisor, Will Cunningham, recommended in 2003 that Newman be fired because of reports of child sexual abuse, including participating in several activities with children while nude, “counseling” them in a hot tub and sleeping alone with children.

The lawsuit filed Friday contains an affidavit from Cunningham confirming that he wanted Newman fired. Instead, White overruled the suggestion and promoted Newman to camp director, according to the lawsuit.

The family would not have signed the settlement and non-disclosure agreement if they had known that Kanakuk officials had lied to them, Brian Kent, one of the family's attorneys, said Friday.

He said company officials took advantage of the family.

“Knowing that the Yandells were really trying to deal with making sure their child is OK and getting him better, this was a clear effort by Joe White and Kanakuk to advise them this is something they should do. And they lied to them in order to get them to sign.”

The lawsuit is not a class action but Kent said it's possible more of Newman's victims will file similar lawsuits because of the new information.

The Associated Press generally does not name victims of sexual abuse but Yandell is named in the lawsuit and has publicly discussed his case.

One of the reasons the family decided to file the lawsuit 12 years after signing the settlement was to allow Yandell to “get his voice back and have his voice heard,” Kent said.

Newman is serving two life sentences plus 30 years in state prison after his 2010 sentencing on seven felony counts of sexually abusing boys while he was a Kanakuk counselor. The number of victims is believed to be in the hundreds, according to the lawsuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668864737977.png" alt="Newman is serving two life sentences plus 30 years in state prison after his 2010 sentencing on seven felony counts of sexually abusing boys while he was a Kanakuk counselor.-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Newman is serving two life sentences plus 30 years in state prison after his 2010 sentencing on seven felony counts of sexually abusing boys while he was a Kanakuk counselor.-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>BRANSON (AP) —A Tennessee man filed a lawsuit Friday claiming that operators of the Kanakuk Camps in Branson, Missouri, lied to him and his parents while persuading them to sign a settlement over sexual abuse by a camp counselor.Logan Yandell, 27, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and his parents reached a confidential settlement with Kanakuk in 2010 that included a non-disclosure agreement after Yandell was abused by Peter Newman, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auburn-d599411ff6b34113a339febd9158e8ff">serving two life sentences</a>&nbsp;for sexually abusing multiple children while working for the Christian summer camps.The lawsuit names Kanakuk Ministries, Kanakuk CEO Joe White, Kanakuk Heritage Inc., Westchester Fire Insurance Company and a John Doe.A statement from Kanakuk said the company just received the lawsuit on Friday and does not comment on pending litigation.“We will respond further if or when appropriate,” the company said. “In the meantime, we continue to pray for all who have been affected by Pete Newman’s behavior.Yandell was sexually abused while attending the summer camp and other activities between 2005 and 2008.The lawsuit alleges that Kanakuk officials claimed they did not know about Newman's sexual abuse of children prior to his arrest but the Yandell family later learned that wasn't true.In December 2021, the conservative online news outlet The Dispatch reported that Newman’s supervisor, Will Cunningham, recommended in 2003 that Newman be fired because of reports of child sexual abuse, including participating in several activities with children while nude, “counseling” them in a hot tub and sleeping alone with children.The lawsuit filed Friday contains an affidavit from Cunningham confirming that he wanted Newman fired. Instead, White overruled the suggestion and promoted Newman to camp director, according to the lawsuit.The family would not have signed the settlement and non-disclosure agreement if they had known that Kanakuk officials had lied to them, Brian Kent, one of the family's attorneys, said Friday.He said company officials took advantage of the family.“Knowing that the Yandells were really trying to deal with making sure their child is OK and getting him better, this was a clear effort by Joe White and Kanakuk to advise them this is something they should do. And they lied to them in order to get them to sign.”The lawsuit is not a class action but Kent said it's possible more of Newman's victims will file similar lawsuits because of the new information.The Associated Press generally does not name victims of sexual abuse but Yandell is named in the lawsuit and has publicly discussed his case.One of the reasons the family decided to file the lawsuit 12 years after signing the settlement was to allow Yandell to “get his voice back and have his voice heard,” Kent said.Newman is serving two life sentences plus 30 years in state prison after his 2010 sentencing on seven felony counts of sexually abusing boys while he was a Kanakuk counselor. The number of victims is believed to be in the hundreds, according to the lawsuit.

Christian summer camp operators sued over sex abuse settlement

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for alleged child sex crimes.

On Nov. 16, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division conducted an investigation into child sex crimes, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies arrested Chad W. Hartman, 37, of Kincaid, Kansas.&nbsp;

Hartman remains jailed in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of electronic solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668692285711.png" alt="Hartman-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Hartman-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for alleged child sex crimes.On Nov. 16, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division conducted an investigation into child sex crimes, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies arrested Chad W. Hartman, 37, of Kincaid, Kansas.&nbsp;Hartman remains jailed in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of electronic solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of child sex crimes

RILEY COUNTY—A Riley County teen arrested in connection with a burglary has&nbsp; been charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Just after 2a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a business alarm at Casey's in the 300 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;A window was broken out, around $1,200 loss, and approximately $1,800 worth of tobacco products were stolen.&nbsp;

 Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden is charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary in connection to an October 27, 2022 break-in at the convenience store where a window was broken out, around $1,200 and $1,500 worth of tobacco products were stolen.

 He is also charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and attempted burglary in connection to an October 26, 2022 attempted break-in at the Ogden Valero. A window and door were damaged in an attempt to enter the business, this resulted in an approximate total loss of $1,750. 

After Thursday's arrest, Rochin was processed by juvenile intake and released to a guardian.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.

At the scene, officers found a window of the business broken out and a 16-year-old suspect inside the building. 

The teen ran from the officers north on N. Park Street. Following a short search by officers and an RCPD K9, Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden was later located in the 200 block of 16th Street and arrested on a requested charge of burglary, interference with LEO, and criminal damage to property. 

Rochin was processed by juvenile intake and released to a guardian. The estimated total loss associated with this case is still under investigation

RILEY COUNTY—A Riley County teen arrested in connection with a burglary has&nbsp; been charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Just after 2a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a business alarm at Casey's in the 300 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;A window was broken out, around $1,200 loss, and approximately $1,800 worth of tobacco products were stolen.&nbsp; Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden is charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary in connection to an October 27, 2022 break-in at the convenience store where a window was broken out, around $1,200 and $1,500 worth of tobacco products were stolen. He is also charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and attempted burglary in connection to an October 26, 2022 attempted break-in at the Ogden Valero. A window and door were damaged in an attempt to enter the business, this resulted in an approximate total loss of $1,750. After Thursday's arrest, Rochin was processed by juvenile intake and released to a guardian.----------RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just after 2a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a business alarm at Casey's in the 300 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.At the scene, officers found a window of the business broken out and a 16-year-old suspect inside the building. The teen ran from the officers north on N. Park Street. Following a short search by officers and an RCPD K9, Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden was later located in the 200 block of 16th Street and arrested on a requested charge of burglary, interference with LEO, and criminal damage to property. Rochin was processed by juvenile intake and released to a guardian. The estimated total loss associated with this case is still under investigation

Update: Teen who ran from alleged burglary faces additional charges

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Several fires led to significant monetary damage to a Kansas print shop and ultimately, investigators tracked down a suspected serial arsonist.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; Lawrence Police and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical were called to the fire at 725 N 2nd Street, according to police spokesperson Laure McCabe.&nbsp; This report came amidst multiple reports of dumpster fires along North Second and Third Streets.

Fire Investigators and Police were able to determine four fires were all connected. Within two hours, the teams identified, located, and arrested the suspect. The 19-year-old woman was taken into custody in the 100 block of Maple Street just before 11pm and transported her to jail.&nbsp;

LDCFM Division Chief Kevin Joles says crews performed an offensive attack to contain the flames with the help of sprinkler systems. “Sprinkler systems continually prove their value through incidents like this and one and we believe the system significantly reduced potential damage to nearby businesses last night,” says Joles.

LKPD Sgt. Drew Fennelly oversaw the Police Department’s efforts saying, “This investigation is a great example of multi-agency cooperation. We worked together to provide a swift resolution to a potentially life-threatening series of crimes that caused&nbsp; significant damage, but thankfully no injury.”

Damage was also found, and fire extinguished at 1010 N 3rd Street; 100 Riverfront Road; 725 N 2nd Street and 401 N 2nd Street, according to McCabe.&nbsp;Police have not released the suspect's name or the requested charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668717138518.png" alt="&nbsp;Lawrence Police and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical on the scene of the arson fires-photos courtesy Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Lawrence Police and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical on the scene of the arson fires-photos courtesy Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Several fires led to significant monetary damage to a Kansas print shop and ultimately, investigators tracked down a suspected serial arsonist.Just after 9p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; Lawrence Police and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical were called to the fire at 725 N 2nd Street, according to police spokesperson Laure McCabe.&nbsp; This report came amidst multiple reports of dumpster fires along North Second and Third Streets.Fire Investigators and Police were able to determine four fires were all connected. Within two hours, the teams identified, located, and arrested the suspect. The 19-year-old woman was taken into custody in the 100 block of Maple Street just before 11pm and transported her to jail.&nbsp;LDCFM Division Chief Kevin Joles says crews performed an offensive attack to contain the flames with the help of sprinkler systems. “Sprinkler systems continually prove their value through incidents like this and one and we believe the system significantly reduced potential damage to nearby businesses last night,” says Joles.LKPD Sgt. Drew Fennelly oversaw the Police Department’s efforts saying, “This investigation is a great example of multi-agency cooperation. We worked together to provide a swift resolution to a potentially life-threatening series of crimes that caused&nbsp; significant damage, but thankfully no injury.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668769926318.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Damage was also found, and fire extinguished at 1010 N 3rd Street; 100 Riverfront Road; 725 N 2nd Street and 401 N 2nd Street, according to McCabe.&nbsp;Police have not released the suspect's name or the requested charges.

Police arrest 19-year-old woman for series of Kansas arson fires

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man was arrested early Wednesday morning after he allegedly threatened others with a machete.

Just after 3a.m. Wednesday, officers were sent to the 2300 block of Chapel Ridge Place in Salina for the report of a resident there, identified as Ryan A. Hardey, 23, of Salina, who appeared to be intoxicated and allegedly had struck another resident twice.

When Hardey exited a bedroom with a sheathed machete, two other people in the apartment, the resident who was struck and a woman resident, tried to stop him from leaving the apartment because they believed he was a threat to himself.

 At that point, Hardey allegedly threatened to cut their throats with the machete if they didn't let him go, Feldman said.

Officers located Hardey nearby, however, he allegedly did not comply with police instructions and was tased, Feldman said. Officers also located the machete near where Hardey was taken into custody. 

Hardey is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Aggravated weapons violation by a convicted felon, Domestic battery and Interference with a law enforcement officer.

He has previous convictions for theft, burglary, flee or elude law enforcement, drug possession and contribute to the misconduct of a minor, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668706082804.jpeg" alt="Ryan A. Hardey has previous convictions for theft, burglary, flee or elude law enforcement, drug possession and contribute to the misconduct of a minor, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Ryan A. Hardey has previous convictions for theft, burglary, flee or elude law enforcement, drug possession and contribute to the misconduct of a minor, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested early Wednesday morning after he allegedly threatened others with a machete.Just after 3a.m. Wednesday, officers were sent to the 2300 block of Chapel Ridge Place in Salina for the report of a resident there, identified as Ryan A. Hardey, 23, of Salina, who appeared to be intoxicated and allegedly had struck another resident twice.When Hardey exited a bedroom with a sheathed machete, two other people in the apartment, the resident who was struck and a woman resident, tried to stop him from leaving the apartment because they believed he was a threat to himself. At that point, Hardey allegedly threatened to cut their throats with the machete if they didn't let him go, Feldman said.Officers located Hardey nearby, however, he allegedly did not comply with police instructions and was tased, Feldman said. Officers also located the machete near where Hardey was taken into custody. Hardey is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Aggravated weapons violation by a convicted felon, Domestic battery and Interference with a law enforcement officer.He has previous convictions for theft, burglary, flee or elude law enforcement, drug possession and contribute to the misconduct of a minor, according to the Kan. Dept. of Corrections&nbsp;

Police: Kan. man with a history of crime made threat with machete

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A man who killed a police officer still faces execution later this month after a judge denied a special prosecutor's request to halt the death sentence.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-executions-missouri-3c5c00c2e09cc3d4639b827e374e45a1">Kevin Johnson is scheduled to die</a>&nbsp;by injection on Nov. 29. The 37-year-old killed Kirkwood, Missouri, Police Officer William McEntee in 2005.

Last month, St. Louis Circuit Judge Mary Elizabeth Ott appointed a special prosecutor to review the case. The special prosecutor, E.E. Keenan, filed a motion Tuesday night to vacate the death sentence, stating that race played a “decisive factor” in the death sentence. Johnson is Black and the slain officer was white.

But in a ruling Wednesday, Ott denied the request. The two-sentence order didn't state why.

“We are analyzing our options and intend to appeal if we cannot obtain relief in the circuit court,” Keenan said in an email on Thursday. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these horrible events, particularly the family of Sgt. McEntee and the law enforcement community.”

Keenan's court filing said former St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch's office handled five cases involving the deaths of police officers during his 28 years in office. McCulloch sought the death penalty in the four cases involving Black defendants, but did not seek death in the one case where the defendant was white, the file said.

“The Special Prosecutor’s investigation and motion to vacate raise serious concerns about whether Mr. Johnson received the death penalty because he is Black,” Shawn Nolan, Johnson’s attorney, said in a statement.

McCulloch does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment.

Johnson’s lawyers have cited racism concerns previously. An earlier court petition stated that if not for racial comments by two white jurors at his trial, Johnson could have been convicted of second-degree murder instead of first-degree, and been spared the death penalty.

Johnson's lawyers also have asked the courts to intervene for other reasons, including a history of mental illness and his age — 19 — at the time of the crime. Courts have increasingly moved away from sentencing teen offenders to death since the Supreme Court in 2005&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/explore/locked-up-for-life/Roper-v-Simmons">banned the execution of offenders who were younger than 18</a>&nbsp;at the time of their crime.

The Supreme Court also is weighing a request for a stay of execution. In a response filed Wednesday, the Missouri Attorney General's Office stated there were no grounds for court intervention.

“The surviving victims of Johnson’s crimes have waited long enough for justice, and every day longer that they must wait is a day they are denied the chance to finally make peace with their loss,” the state petition stated.

McEntee, a husband and father of three, was among the police officers sent to Johnson’s home on July 5, 2005, to serve a warrant for his arrest. Johnson was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend, and police believed he had violated probation.

Johnson saw officers arrive and awoke his 12-year-old brother, Joseph “Bam Bam” Long, who ran next door to their grandmother’s house. Once there, the boy, who suffered from a congenital heart defect, collapsed and began having a seizure.

Johnson testified at trial that McEntee kept his mother from entering the house to aid his brother, who died a short time later at a hospital.

Later that evening, McEntee returned to the neighborhood to check on unrelated reports of fireworks being shot off. That’s when he encountered Johnson.

Johnson pulled a gun and shot the officer. He then approached the wounded, kneeling officer and shot him again, killing him.

The execution would be the first of three in the coming months in Missouri. The state plans to execute convicted killers Scott McLaughlin on Jan. 3 and Leonard Taylor on Feb. 7.

Executions have become far less common in recent years. The nation's 16th execution was carried out Thursday in Oklahoma when convicted killer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-oklahoma-mcalester-6a797ea579034b71f59cda8bc375d6ea">Richard Fairchild was put to death</a>&nbsp;for killing a 3-year-old boy. The number of executions nationally peaked at 98 in 1999.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661445268889.png" alt="Johnson photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — A man who killed a police officer still faces execution later this month after a judge denied a special prosecutor's request to halt the death sentence.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-executions-missouri-3c5c00c2e09cc3d4639b827e374e45a1">Kevin Johnson is scheduled to die</a>&nbsp;by injection on Nov. 29. The 37-year-old killed Kirkwood, Missouri, Police Officer William McEntee in 2005.Last month, St. Louis Circuit Judge Mary Elizabeth Ott appointed a special prosecutor to review the case. The special prosecutor, E.E. Keenan, filed a motion Tuesday night to vacate the death sentence, stating that race played a “decisive factor” in the death sentence. Johnson is Black and the slain officer was white.But in a ruling Wednesday, Ott denied the request. The two-sentence order didn't state why.“We are analyzing our options and intend to appeal if we cannot obtain relief in the circuit court,” Keenan said in an email on Thursday. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these horrible events, particularly the family of Sgt. McEntee and the law enforcement community.”Keenan's court filing said former St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch's office handled five cases involving the deaths of police officers during his 28 years in office. McCulloch sought the death penalty in the four cases involving Black defendants, but did not seek death in the one case where the defendant was white, the file said.“The Special Prosecutor’s investigation and motion to vacate raise serious concerns about whether Mr. Johnson received the death penalty because he is Black,” Shawn Nolan, Johnson’s attorney, said in a statement.McCulloch does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment.Johnson’s lawyers have cited racism concerns previously. An earlier court petition stated that if not for racial comments by two white jurors at his trial, Johnson could have been convicted of second-degree murder instead of first-degree, and been spared the death penalty.Johnson's lawyers also have asked the courts to intervene for other reasons, including a history of mental illness and his age — 19 — at the time of the crime. Courts have increasingly moved away from sentencing teen offenders to death since the Supreme Court in 2005&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/explore/locked-up-for-life/Roper-v-Simmons">banned the execution of offenders who were younger than 18</a>&nbsp;at the time of their crime.The Supreme Court also is weighing a request for a stay of execution. In a response filed Wednesday, the Missouri Attorney General's Office stated there were no grounds for court intervention.“The surviving victims of Johnson’s crimes have waited long enough for justice, and every day longer that they must wait is a day they are denied the chance to finally make peace with their loss,” the state petition stated.McEntee, a husband and father of three, was among the police officers sent to Johnson’s home on July 5, 2005, to serve a warrant for his arrest. Johnson was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend, and police believed he had violated probation.Johnson saw officers arrive and awoke his 12-year-old brother, Joseph “Bam Bam” Long, who ran next door to their grandmother’s house. Once there, the boy, who suffered from a congenital heart defect, collapsed and began having a seizure.Johnson testified at trial that McEntee kept his mother from entering the house to aid his brother, who died a short time later at a hospital.Later that evening, McEntee returned to the neighborhood to check on unrelated reports of fireworks being shot off. That’s when he encountered Johnson.Johnson pulled a gun and shot the officer. He then approached the wounded, kneeling officer and shot him again, killing him.The execution would be the first of three in the coming months in Missouri. The state plans to execute convicted killers Scott McLaughlin on Jan. 3 and Leonard Taylor on Feb. 7.Executions have become far less common in recent years. The nation's 16th execution was carried out Thursday in Oklahoma when convicted killer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-oklahoma-mcalester-6a797ea579034b71f59cda8bc375d6ea">Richard Fairchild was put to death</a>&nbsp;for killing a 3-year-old boy. The number of executions nationally peaked at 98 in 1999.

Judge denies request to halt cop killer's execution

Two Ellis County residents face rape and other charges related to an incident in March 2021.&nbsp;

According to court records, Michael Patrick Schmidt, 22, and Casey Ray Robben, 22, appeared in Ellis County District Court this week after an arrest warrant was issued for both men on Nov. 7.

In the filed criminal complaints, Robben was charged with rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and breach of privacy.

Schmidt was charged with rape and aggravated criminal sodomy.

The charges stem from an incident alleged to have occurred on March 17, 2021.

During the incident, the unidentified victim was said to have been assaulted by both men while intoxicated and unable to offer consent, according to court documents.

Robben also allegedly filmed the victim in a state of undress and is accused of sharing that video without consent.

Schmidt was also charged on suspicion of rape in a second incident reported to have occurred with a separate unidentified victim on August 12, 2021.

Bond for Schmidt was set at $100,000, and he was no longer listed as being held in the Ellis County jail as of Thursday morning.

A hearing to reduce a $250,000 bond for Robben was set for 10 a.m. Thursday. The motion was presented through his attorney Andrew Walter and sought his release without a bond but under the supervision of a court services officer.

By JAMES BELL Hays PostTwo Ellis County residents face rape and other charges related to an incident in March 2021.&nbsp;According to court records, Michael Patrick Schmidt, 22, and Casey Ray Robben, 22, appeared in Ellis County District Court this week after an arrest warrant was issued for both men on Nov. 7.In the filed criminal complaints, Robben was charged with rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and breach of privacy.Schmidt was charged with rape and aggravated criminal sodomy.The charges stem from an incident alleged to have occurred on March 17, 2021.During the incident, the unidentified victim was said to have been assaulted by both men while intoxicated and unable to offer consent, according to court documents.Robben also allegedly filmed the victim in a state of undress and is accused of sharing that video without consent.Schmidt was also charged on suspicion of rape in a second incident reported to have occurred with a separate unidentified victim on August 12, 2021.Bond for Schmidt was set at $100,000, and he was no longer listed as being held in the Ellis County jail as of Thursday morning.A hearing to reduce a $250,000 bond for Robben was set for 10 a.m. Thursday. The motion was presented through his attorney Andrew Walter and sought his release without a bond but under the supervision of a court services officer.

Two Kansas men accused of rape, sharing video of victim

Richard Phillips, age 99, of Manhattan, Kansas, died November 8, 2022 in Westmoreland, Kansas.

Richard Phillips was born September 13, 1923 in the farm home of his parents near new Sharon, Iowa to Mildred (Hawk) and Claude Phillips, their first born. His mother died from cardiac arrest when Richard was 3 years old. His natural siblings were a still born baby sister and brother Charles, killed in a hunting accident when 17 years 9 months of age. The family was joined by their stepmother, Lorena (Ravlin) Kannewurf and her daughter Marylee in 1927.

The merged family remained active in agriculture, moving to a larger rental farm in Tama County, Iowa in 1929 where Richard attended Star rural School ½ mile away. Then in 1935 the family moved back to Mahaska County to Dr. Wilcox’s large livestock farm west of Beacon. It was 2 ½ miles from rural school, but had a tenant house for hired man’s family and other advantages for farming. After finishing his 8th grade exams, Richard entered Oskaloosa High School by bicycling to Beacon and catching a public bus with a school friend. There he majored in vocational Agriculture and was active in FFA as well as 4-H activities.

The family’s next move was to a purchased 100-acre farm near Barnes city in northern Mahaska County in 1939. Dick’s dad had become active in improved chicken and egg production, and this farm was well suited for that as well as for purebred livestock operations. The kids rode the school bus three miles to Barnes City High School, thriving o the rural small-town atmosphere there. Richard expanded his 4-H Club activities, exhibiting at Mahaska County and Iowa State Fairs. Upon high school graduation he remained home for a year, assisting with farming activities and earning money from his 4-H projects for Iowa State College.

Richard’s freshman year in Ag. Education at Iowa State went well, sharing a faculty member’s basement apartment with an Engineering senior. Both doing garden and house work in lieu of rental payment. Waiting tables at girls’ dorms for meals ad setting up bleachers, etc. at the Athletic Department for extra cash stretched his budget. With the War on, ROTC activity was featured and recruiting by all branches of U.S. Military service was supported by the College. After his first quarter in school, Richard joined the Farmhouse Fraternity, but continued to live in his apartment. Later he was accepted in the U.S. Navy V-12 program of college prep for officer candidacy and reported for active duty at Purdue University July 1, 1943.

The Purdue program was tailored to College of Agriculture students, mostly from land grant colleges across the country. In Navy uniforms of Apprentice Seaman doing a bit of marching and taking courses in Navy Organization and Naval Regulation, the new sailors continue their Ag Curriculum courses with top faculty for full credit at Navy expense. They also were given options to enroll in other programs, and after on academic year, Richard opted to the Navy’s V-5 aviation training program. This brought back to Iowa, first to Ottumwa primary training base as Tarmac Seaman 2nd Class, second to Cornell College at Mt. Vernon as Aviation Cadet for Flight Preparatory Training and then to Iowa City for Pre Flight training.

It was at the Ottumwa base that Richard met his wife to be. Valeta D. Conner, a student nurse of Ottumwa’s St. Joseph Hospital. They met at a USO sponsored dance in Hanger No. 1 on the base. Neither had much time off nor spare funds, but they managed enough dates to become better acquainted and closer friends. After Richard became Naval Aviation Cadet and Valeta Army Cadet Nurse, they continued to see one another. Richard could hitch hike in uniform from his Iowa bases to Ottumwa and be back before curfew.

The visits were curtailed when Richard was transferred to Primary Pilot Training at Norman, at the Aerial Navigator Training at Clinton, Oklahoma. But over the holiday mailing season, Richard had leave and hitchhiked to Chicago to work at a parcel sorting facility earning money for wedding and engagement rings, sleeping at the YMCA and eating YMCA bag lunches. It worked, and he met Valeta in Dubuque where she had a student nurse assignment to present the newly acquired engagement ring-happy times indeed.

After he received his Navigator wings and Ensign commission, Richard was eligible to marry but as Army Cadet Nurse, Valeta was not. So, she resigned from the Army and become a civilian licensed registered nurse. They were married August 28, 1945 before he was shipped to his VR11 duty post in Honolulu, Hawaii. Learning that Richard would have periodic flights back to Oakland, Valeta came out for private duty nursing, choosing 24-hour care of mothers with a new baby. While in transit to Oakland, Richard often could also stay in the home of Valeta’s client. Not a bad arrangement for the young couple.

Even better would be residency in Honolulu, but housing there at the time was so scarce that I didn’t seem possible. A lottery came to the rescue. The Navy Nurses quarters were vacated after Japan’s surrender, freeing 22 duplex housing units. Lots of Navy servicemen of various rands and rates and applied, so it was decided to run a lottery of the whole list; Richards’s name was drawn 13th-his birthday number. Valeta was free to come by the ship to join her husband. Next door neighbors there were the Squadron Navigation Officer, a full Commander, and a Chief Petty officer, both with useful connections for Richard and Valeta.

Lots of great experiences in Honolulu. Valeta’s childhood friends, Noel and Verla Kirby were there, as well as Richards’s aunt and family. Richard was able to get a small used care for touring Oahu and for attending a few classes at the University of Hawaii. For the return to mainland and home, Richard couldn’t get air passage for Valeta, so they returned by ship, he as ship officer, and she in the large dormitory area on the same ship, in San Francisco Richard mustered out from active duty in record time and they were on the Amtrack Train back to Iowa.

Richard’s service time earned ample credits for college training under the GI bill, but family student housing at universities was very tight, he was employed as County Extension Club Agent in his home county for a year, helping on down payment for an apartment house in Ames in 1947 to continue college at Iowa State. The couple’s first child, Judy was born in Oskaloosa; the other four and a stillborn daughter were born in Ames. In college Richard was able to supplement his subsistence under the GI bill by teaching Vocational Agriculture to veterans at Mingo High School, and then, after receiving his B.S. Degree, as Graduate Assistant in Ag. Economics at Iowa State. After his M.S., he made Assistant Professor in 1950 and earned his PhD in 1952. The first edition of his college textbook appeared in 1957. His first international assignment was to Nigeria in 1960. His promotion to full professor came in 1961.

The next year, 1962 the family moved to Manhattan, Kansas where Richard was employed by Agri-Research, a private consulting company. Following eight years at Agri and one with Logistics Research in Kansas City, Richard joined the Graduate Faculty at Kansas State and moved the family back to Manhattan. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1995 after 25 years of active service at Kansas State. Throughout his career at KSU he worked in over 50 countries.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his infant daughter Deborah Sue, and his brother and step sister; also, his grandparents, Amos W. and Dora (Hickox) Phillis and Charles Eli and Anna Cornelia (Klump) Hawk.

He is survived by his wife Valeta of 80 years, four daughters: Judith Ann Jungen of Wauwatosa, WI, Patricia Jean Cink of Bandon, OR, Rebecca K. Phillips, DC, of Albuquerque, NM, and Kathryn Sue Phillips-Israel, PhD, of Portland OR, one son, Ralph L. Phillips of Dewey, AZ, twelve grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Mr. Phillips will be held on Saturday November 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, Kansas. The family will greet friends at 10:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

A Graveside Service for Mr. Phillips with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday November 28, 2022 at the Union Mills Cemetery in Union Mills, Iowa. The Richard and Valeta D. (Conner) gravestone is in place in the family block at the endowed Union Mills Cemetery, Union Mills, Iowa. This cemetery is the final resting place for Richard’s parents and brother, as well as many of his ancestors.

The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Richard be made to the Riley County Genealogy Society, the Riley County Historical Society, or the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

Richard Phillips, age 99, of Manhattan, Kansas, died November 8, 2022 in Westmoreland, Kansas. Richard Phillips was born September 13, 1923 in the farm home of his parents near new Sharon, Iowa to Mildred (Hawk) and Claude Phillips, their first born. His mother died from cardiac arrest when Richard was 3 years old. His natural siblings were a still born baby sister and brother Charles, killed in a hunting accident when 17 years 9 months of age. The family was joined by their stepmother, Lorena (Ravlin) Kannewurf and her daughter Marylee in 1927.The merged family remained active in agriculture, moving to a larger rental farm in Tama County, Iowa in 1929 where Richard attended Star rural School ½ mile away. Then in 1935 the family moved back to Mahaska County to Dr. Wilcox’s large livestock farm west of Beacon. It was 2 ½ miles from rural school, but had a tenant house for hired man’s family and other advantages for farming. After finishing his 8th grade exams, Richard entered Oskaloosa High School by bicycling to Beacon and catching a public bus with a school friend. There he majored in vocational Agriculture and was active in FFA as well as 4-H activities.The family’s next move was to a purchased 100-acre farm near Barnes city in northern Mahaska County in 1939. Dick’s dad had become active in improved chicken and egg production, and this farm was well suited for that as well as for purebred livestock operations. The kids rode the school bus three miles to Barnes City High School, thriving o the rural small-town atmosphere there. Richard expanded his 4-H Club activities, exhibiting at Mahaska County and Iowa State Fairs. Upon high school graduation he remained home for a year, assisting with farming activities and earning money from his 4-H projects for Iowa State College.Richard’s freshman year in Ag. Education at Iowa State went well, sharing a faculty member’s basement apartment with an Engineering senior. Both doing garden and house work in lieu of rental payment. Waiting tables at girls’ dorms for meals ad setting up bleachers, etc. at the Athletic Department for extra cash stretched his budget. With the War on, ROTC activity was featured and recruiting by all branches of U.S. Military service was supported by the College. After his first quarter in school, Richard joined the Farmhouse Fraternity, but continued to live in his apartment. Later he was accepted in the U.S. Navy V-12 program of college prep for officer candidacy and reported for active duty at Purdue University July 1, 1943.The Purdue program was tailored to College of Agriculture students, mostly from land grant colleges across the country. In Navy uniforms of Apprentice Seaman doing a bit of marching and taking courses in Navy Organization and Naval Regulation, the new sailors continue their Ag Curriculum courses with top faculty for full credit at Navy expense. They also were given options to enroll in other programs, and after on academic year, Richard opted to the Navy’s V-5 aviation training program. This brought back to Iowa, first to Ottumwa primary training base as Tarmac Seaman 2nd Class, second to Cornell College at Mt. Vernon as Aviation Cadet for Flight Preparatory Training and then to Iowa City for Pre Flight training.It was at the Ottumwa base that Richard met his wife to be. Valeta D. Conner, a student nurse of Ottumwa’s St. Joseph Hospital. They met at a USO sponsored dance in Hanger No. 1 on the base. Neither had much time off nor spare funds, but they managed enough dates to become better acquainted and closer friends. After Richard became Naval Aviation Cadet and Valeta Army Cadet Nurse, they continued to see one another. Richard could hitch hike in uniform from his Iowa bases to Ottumwa and be back before curfew.The visits were curtailed when Richard was transferred to Primary Pilot Training at Norman, at the Aerial Navigator Training at Clinton, Oklahoma. But over the holiday mailing season, Richard had leave and hitchhiked to Chicago to work at a parcel sorting facility earning money for wedding and engagement rings, sleeping at the YMCA and eating YMCA bag lunches. It worked, and he met Valeta in Dubuque where she had a student nurse assignment to present the newly acquired engagement ring-happy times indeed.After he received his Navigator wings and Ensign commission, Richard was eligible to marry but as Army Cadet Nurse, Valeta was not. So, she resigned from the Army and become a civilian licensed registered nurse. They were married August 28, 1945 before he was shipped to his VR11 duty post in Honolulu, Hawaii. Learning that Richard would have periodic flights back to Oakland, Valeta came out for private duty nursing, choosing 24-hour care of mothers with a new baby. While in transit to Oakland, Richard often could also stay in the home of Valeta’s client. Not a bad arrangement for the young couple.Even better would be residency in Honolulu, but housing there at the time was so scarce that I didn’t seem possible. A lottery came to the rescue. The Navy Nurses quarters were vacated after Japan’s surrender, freeing 22 duplex housing units. Lots of Navy servicemen of various rands and rates and applied, so it was decided to run a lottery of the whole list; Richards’s name was drawn 13th-his birthday number. Valeta was free to come by the ship to join her husband. Next door neighbors there were the Squadron Navigation Officer, a full Commander, and a Chief Petty officer, both with useful connections for Richard and Valeta.Lots of great experiences in Honolulu. Valeta’s childhood friends, Noel and Verla Kirby were there, as well as Richards’s aunt and family. Richard was able to get a small used care for touring Oahu and for attending a few classes at the University of Hawaii. For the return to mainland and home, Richard couldn’t get air passage for Valeta, so they returned by ship, he as ship officer, and she in the large dormitory area on the same ship, in San Francisco Richard mustered out from active duty in record time and they were on the Amtrack Train back to Iowa.Richard’s service time earned ample credits for college training under the GI bill, but family student housing at universities was very tight, he was employed as County Extension Club Agent in his home county for a year, helping on down payment for an apartment house in Ames in 1947 to continue college at Iowa State. The couple’s first child, Judy was born in Oskaloosa; the other four and a stillborn daughter were born in Ames. In college Richard was able to supplement his subsistence under the GI bill by teaching Vocational Agriculture to veterans at Mingo High School, and then, after receiving his B.S. Degree, as Graduate Assistant in Ag. Economics at Iowa State. After his M.S., he made Assistant Professor in 1950 and earned his PhD in 1952. The first edition of his college textbook appeared in 1957. His first international assignment was to Nigeria in 1960. His promotion to full professor came in 1961.The next year, 1962 the family moved to Manhattan, Kansas where Richard was employed by Agri-Research, a private consulting company. Following eight years at Agri and one with Logistics Research in Kansas City, Richard joined the Graduate Faculty at Kansas State and moved the family back to Manhattan. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1995 after 25 years of active service at Kansas State. Throughout his career at KSU he worked in over 50 countries.Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his infant daughter Deborah Sue, and his brother and step sister; also, his grandparents, Amos W. and Dora (Hickox) Phillis and Charles Eli and Anna Cornelia (Klump) Hawk.He is survived by his wife Valeta of 80 years, four daughters: Judith Ann Jungen of Wauwatosa, WI, Patricia Jean Cink of Bandon, OR, Rebecca K. Phillips, DC, of Albuquerque, NM, and Kathryn Sue Phillips-Israel, PhD, of Portland OR, one son, Ralph L. Phillips of Dewey, AZ, twelve grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.Funeral Services for Mr. Phillips will be held on Saturday November 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, Kansas. The family will greet friends at 10:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.A Graveside Service for Mr. Phillips with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday November 28, 2022 at the Union Mills Cemetery in Union Mills, Iowa. The Richard and Valeta D. (Conner) gravestone is in place in the family block at the endowed Union Mills Cemetery, Union Mills, Iowa. This cemetery is the final resting place for Richard’s parents and brother, as well as many of his ancestors.The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Richard be made to the Riley County Genealogy Society, the Riley County Historical Society, or the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

Richard Phillips

GRANT COUNTY — A southwest Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with the 2019 death of a child, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Uraquio Agustin Arredondo, 29, of Ulysses, was sentenced Tuesday in Grant County District Court by Judge Clinton Peterson. Arredondo was sentenced to life in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility without the possibility of parole for 25 years for one count of first degree murder. In addition, he was sentenced to 110 months in a KDOC facility for one count of child abuse. 

The sentences are to be served consecutively, followed by lifetime post-release supervision.

Arredondo was convicted of the crimes in April following a bench trial. 

On Feb. 24, 2019 authorities arrested Uraquio “Rocky” A. Arredondo, at his home in the 900 Block of S. Cheyenne in Ulysses, Kan, according to a media release from the KBI.

Arredondo was arrested for first degree murder and abuse of a child.&nbsp;

The arrest followed a yearlong investigation by the KBI and the Ulysses Police Department into the death of 3-year-old Carlos Valenzuela III. On Feb. 26, 2019, police and EMS were dispatched to the child’s home after they received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child.

The boy was first transported to Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital and was then transferred to a Denver, Colo. hospital for treatment. He died Feb. 27, 2019 in Denver. Arredondo was in a relationship with child’s mother, according to the KBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582652296671.png" alt=" Arredondo-Grant County" />
 <figcaption> Arredondo-Grant County</figcaption>
 </figure>GRANT COUNTY — A southwest Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with the 2019 death of a child, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Uraquio Agustin Arredondo, 29, of Ulysses, was sentenced Tuesday in Grant County District Court by Judge Clinton Peterson. Arredondo was sentenced to life in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility without the possibility of parole for 25 years for one count of first degree murder. In addition, he was sentenced to 110 months in a KDOC facility for one count of child abuse. The sentences are to be served consecutively, followed by lifetime post-release supervision.Arredondo was convicted of the crimes in April following a bench trial. On Feb. 24, 2019 authorities arrested Uraquio “Rocky” A. Arredondo, at his home in the 900 Block of S. Cheyenne in Ulysses, Kan, according to a media release from the KBI.Arredondo was arrested for first degree murder and abuse of a child.&nbsp;The arrest followed a yearlong investigation by the KBI and the Ulysses Police Department into the death of 3-year-old Carlos Valenzuela III. On Feb. 26, 2019, police and EMS were dispatched to the child’s home after they received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child.The boy was first transported to Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital and was then transferred to a Denver, Colo. hospital for treatment. He died Feb. 27, 2019 in Denver. Arredondo was in a relationship with child’s mother, according to the KBI.

SW Kan. man sentenced for abuse death of girlfriend's 3-year-old

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A federal appeals court has rejected an appeal by several Kansas law enforcement officers who were seeking qualified immunity for their roles in the arrest and prosecution of a man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-a48b5f67c13f46beb3ecf124b56423e7">who was wrongfully convicted</a>&nbsp;of killing a young girl.

Floyd Bledsoe spent 16 years in prison after being convicted of killing 14-year-old Camille Arfmann in November 1999 in rural Jefferson County, Kansas.

Floyd Bledsoe's brother, Tom, was originally charged with murder after he confessed and led authorities to the body. But those charges were dropped and Floyd Bledsoe was arrested. He was convicted in 2000 of murder, kidnapping and indecent liberties with a child and sentenced to life in prison.

His brother committed suicide in 2015 after writing a note confessing to killing the girl. The charges against Floyd Bledsoe were dismissed and he was released from prison later that year after DNA evidence showed he could not have been the killer.

Bledsoe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d8e00f2ed6d24f40a954f56d3a8d944e">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in 2016 against 10 defendants, including Jefferson County law enforcement officers and Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents, alleging they violated his civil rights by fabricating and suppressing evidence that would have proved his innocence.

The defendants appealed a U.S. District Court judge’s decision allowing Bledsoe's lawsuit to proceed. They contended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-suicides-lawsuits-us-news-courts-ff56fc43b3e94d97bd3f4e374f4a9f77">they should have qualified immunity</a>&nbsp;in the case, and that Bledsoe had failed to show his rights were violated.

Qualified immunity generally protects public officials from personal liability if they acted on good faith at the time of their actions.

On Tuesday, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the law officers' argument for qualified immunity and their motion to dismiss the case.

“We conclude that Bledsoe adequately alleged that each appellant participated in depriving him of his constitutional rights,” the appeals court’s decision said.

Ruth Brown, one of Bledsoe's attorneys, said in an email Wednesday that they are pleased with the appellate court's decision.

“We hope that the parties will now resume the fact-finding process of discovery without additional delay,” Brown said. “Mr. Bledsoe looks forward to getting a trial and holding Defendants accountable for causing his wrongful conviction.”

Attorneys for the defendants did not immediately return messages seeking comment on the ruling.

In 2019, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/93cecdea95494971aa75d8729ff3ae53">agreed to pay</a>&nbsp;Bledsoe $1.03 million under a mistaken conviction law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668633834190.png" alt="Floyd Bledsoe -File photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Floyd Bledsoe -File photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET STAFFORDKANSAS CITY (AP) —A federal appeals court has rejected an appeal by several Kansas law enforcement officers who were seeking qualified immunity for their roles in the arrest and prosecution of a man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-a48b5f67c13f46beb3ecf124b56423e7">who was wrongfully convicted</a>&nbsp;of killing a young girl.Floyd Bledsoe spent 16 years in prison after being convicted of killing 14-year-old Camille Arfmann in November 1999 in rural Jefferson County, Kansas.Floyd Bledsoe's brother, Tom, was originally charged with murder after he confessed and led authorities to the body. But those charges were dropped and Floyd Bledsoe was arrested. He was convicted in 2000 of murder, kidnapping and indecent liberties with a child and sentenced to life in prison.His brother committed suicide in 2015 after writing a note confessing to killing the girl. The charges against Floyd Bledsoe were dismissed and he was released from prison later that year after DNA evidence showed he could not have been the killer.Bledsoe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d8e00f2ed6d24f40a954f56d3a8d944e">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in 2016 against 10 defendants, including Jefferson County law enforcement officers and Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents, alleging they violated his civil rights by fabricating and suppressing evidence that would have proved his innocence.The defendants appealed a U.S. District Court judge’s decision allowing Bledsoe's lawsuit to proceed. They contended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-suicides-lawsuits-us-news-courts-ff56fc43b3e94d97bd3f4e374f4a9f77">they should have qualified immunity</a>&nbsp;in the case, and that Bledsoe had failed to show his rights were violated.Qualified immunity generally protects public officials from personal liability if they acted on good faith at the time of their actions.On Tuesday, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the law officers' argument for qualified immunity and their motion to dismiss the case.“We conclude that Bledsoe adequately alleged that each appellant participated in depriving him of his constitutional rights,” the appeals court’s decision said.Ruth Brown, one of Bledsoe's attorneys, said in an email Wednesday that they are pleased with the appellate court's decision.“We hope that the parties will now resume the fact-finding process of discovery without additional delay,” Brown said. “Mr. Bledsoe looks forward to getting a trial and holding Defendants accountable for causing his wrongful conviction.”Attorneys for the defendants did not immediately return messages seeking comment on the ruling.In 2019, the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/93cecdea95494971aa75d8729ff3ae53">agreed to pay</a>&nbsp;Bledsoe $1.03 million under a mistaken conviction law.

Court rules against officers in Kansas wrongful conviction

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

On November 13, 2022, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop in a motel parking lot located at 115 S. Arizona Avenue in Holton on a 2004 Chevrolet Impala for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the traffic stop, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 was deployed and alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. 

A search of the vehicle revealed MDMA/ecstasy and marijuana. The driver, Fredrick Andrew Trimble, 53, of Wichita, was arrested on requested charges that include distribute certain hallucinogenic drugs, possession of marijuana and driving while a habitual violator.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668447749460.png" alt="Trimble-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Trimble-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on allegations.On November 13, 2022, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop in a motel parking lot located at 115 S. Arizona Avenue in Holton on a 2004 Chevrolet Impala for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.During the traffic stop, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 was deployed and alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed MDMA/ecstasy and marijuana. The driver, Fredrick Andrew Trimble, 53, of Wichita, was arrested on requested charges that include distribute certain hallucinogenic drugs, possession of marijuana and driving while a habitual violator.

Kan. sheriff's K9 finds MDMA/ecstasy in motel parking lot

MORRIS COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

On Nov. 10, police executed a search warrant at 124&nbsp; South 4th Street in Council Grove, according to a media release from police. Officers found meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia and arrested 61-year-old Scott A. Berry.&nbsp; In addition to the requested drug charges, additional charges are expected, according to police. The Morris County Sheriff's office assisted with the search and arrest.

Berry has previous convictions for burglary, theft and numerous convictions for DUI, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668527120902.png" alt="Berry-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Berry-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.On Nov. 10, police executed a search warrant at 124&nbsp; South 4th Street in Council Grove, according to a media release from police. Officers found meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia and arrested 61-year-old Scott A. Berry.&nbsp; In addition to the requested drug charges, additional charges are expected, according to police. The Morris County Sheriff's office assisted with the search and arrest.Berry has previous convictions for burglary, theft and numerous convictions for DUI, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Search finds meth, marijuana at home of Kansas felon

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teen in connection with a incident at school in Manhattan.

Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery at Manhattan High School in the 2100 block of Poyntz Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;A 16-year-old suspect choked a 16-year-old girl with&nbsp;a phone cord. 

Police arrested Siley Thomas, 16, of Manhattan on a requested charge of aggravated battery.&nbsp; The teen was processed through juvenile intake and released to a guardian.

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teen in connection with a incident at school in Manhattan.Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery at Manhattan High School in the 2100 block of Poyntz Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;A 16-year-old suspect choked a 16-year-old girl with&nbsp;a phone cord. Police arrested Siley Thomas, 16, of Manhattan on a requested charge of aggravated battery.&nbsp; The teen was processed through juvenile intake and released to a guardian.

Teen arrested for allegedly choking girl with phone cord

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

Just after 5p.m. Nov. 11, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Dodge Journey near 162nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of illegal substances and drug paraphernalia. Deputies located 26 individually packaged bags of cocaine and other assorted drugs and paraphernalia. 

Deputies arrested the driver Ernest Russell Davis, 60, of Topeka, on requested charges that include distribution of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668447607014.png" alt="Davis-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Davis-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.Just after 5p.m. Nov. 11, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Dodge Journey near 162nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of illegal substances and drug paraphernalia. Deputies located 26 individually packaged bags of cocaine and other assorted drugs and paraphernalia. Deputies arrested the driver Ernest Russell Davis, 60, of Topeka, on requested charges that include distribution of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia, according to Morse.

Kan. deputies find bags of cocaine during traffic stop

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Salina man after an alleged incident early Monday at his place of employment.

Just before 5aa.m. Monday, police were sent to Schwan's, 3019 Scanlan Avenue in Salina for a report of a physical altercation between two employees, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

A 35-year-old female manager was summoned to the office for the report of Travious McFate, 25, of Salina, punching another employee. She told police that when she arrived at the office, she overheard McFate tell others in the office that he had a gun in his car, according to Forrester. McFate also was yelling at another employee.

At that point, McFate allegedly punched two people and pushed the female manager into a wall as he left. The manager followed him and McFate allegedly threw the manager to the ground and got on top of her according to Forrester. 

Another employee pulled McFate off of the manager and McFate allegedly punch him as well, causing a one-inch laceration. There were four alleged victims including a&nbsp;27-year-old man, two 35-year-old women and a&nbsp;56-year-old man.

&nbsp;McFate was gone by the time officers arrived, however they located him in his Honda CRV in the 3000 block of Marcella Drive in southwest Salina.

Police obtained a search warrant for the CRV and during the search located a loaded .45 caliber Hi-Point hand gun that had its identification information scratched off.

Officers arrested McFate on requested charges of Criminal threat, Four counts of battery and for Defacing identification markers of a firearm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668525885793.jpeg" alt="McFate-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>McFate-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Salina man after an alleged incident early Monday at his place of employment.Just before 5aa.m. Monday, police were sent to Schwan's, 3019 Scanlan Avenue in Salina for a report of a physical altercation between two employees, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.A 35-year-old female manager was summoned to the office for the report of Travious McFate, 25, of Salina, punching another employee. She told police that when she arrived at the office, she overheard McFate tell others in the office that he had a gun in his car, according to Forrester. McFate also was yelling at another employee.At that point, McFate allegedly punched two people and pushed the female manager into a wall as he left. The manager followed him and McFate allegedly threw the manager to the ground and got on top of her according to Forrester. Another employee pulled McFate off of the manager and McFate allegedly punch him as well, causing a one-inch laceration. There were four alleged victims including a&nbsp;27-year-old man, two 35-year-old women and a&nbsp;56-year-old man.&nbsp;McFate was gone by the time officers arrived, however they located him in his Honda CRV in the 3000 block of Marcella Drive in southwest Salina.Police obtained a search warrant for the CRV and during the search located a loaded .45 caliber Hi-Point hand gun that had its identification information scratched off.Officers arrested McFate on requested charges of Criminal threat, Four counts of battery and for Defacing identification markers of a firearm.

Police find loaded gun in Kan. man's SUV after threat, fight at work

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two former police officers in Kansas City pleaded guilty Monday to assaulting a Black transgender woman during an arrest that was caught on video.

Charles Prichard, 50, and Matthew Brummett, 39, were sentenced to three years of unsupervised probation and ordered to surrender their law enforcement licenses, after the judge suspended their prison sentences.

The two men were initially charged with misdemeanor assault, but those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-kansas-5a481c1754bf92d30d3a93636b6560b7">charges were upgraded</a>&nbsp;to felony third-degree assault after a grand jury watched a video of the May 24, 2019, arrest of Breona Hill and heard from two witnesses.

The video showed the officers slamming Hill's face into a concrete sidewalk, kneeing on her body and forcefully bending her arms over her head while she was handcuffed, prosecutors said.

Civil rights activists have cited the case and others in criticizing the police department’s use of force.

The city's interim Police Chief Joseph Mabin said in a statement the officers' actions did not meet department standards, and similar tactics would not be tolerated.

“I expect our officers to treat all those they come into contact with on a daily basis with dignity and respect,” Mabin said in the statement.

The officers, who were scheduled to go on trial next Monday, were placed on administrative leave after the charges were filed and left the department in December.

Kansas City attorney David Smith on Monday read a statement from the victim’s family spokesperson, Rena Childs, in which she called for reforms and culture change in the city's police department, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.

“But today is beginning to smell like justice,” Childs said. “These two officers will never be able to be police officers again.”

The man who recorded the arrest, Roderick Reed, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/db41066b7d28cdca8aad6f3317202cbb">convicted of a municipal violation</a>&nbsp;for not obeying officers’ commands to move his car after he stopped to videotape. He was later pardoned by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.

The City Council later approved an amendment to the city code that ensures witnesses aren’t barred from filming the police officers.

Hill was shot to death on Oct. 14, 2019, at a Kansas City home. Allan Robinson was charged in January 2020 with one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon. He received diversion in January because prosecutors believed he shot Hill in self-defense, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article257746738.html">reported</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589657213001.png" alt="Image from the video of the arrest of Breona Hill -courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Image from the video of the arrest of Breona Hill -courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two former police officers in Kansas City pleaded guilty Monday to assaulting a Black transgender woman during an arrest that was caught on video.Charles Prichard, 50, and Matthew Brummett, 39, were sentenced to three years of unsupervised probation and ordered to surrender their law enforcement licenses, after the judge suspended their prison sentences.The two men were initially charged with misdemeanor assault, but those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-kansas-5a481c1754bf92d30d3a93636b6560b7">charges were upgraded</a>&nbsp;to felony third-degree assault after a grand jury watched a video of the May 24, 2019, arrest of Breona Hill and heard from two witnesses.The video showed the officers slamming Hill's face into a concrete sidewalk, kneeing on her body and forcefully bending her arms over her head while she was handcuffed, prosecutors said.Civil rights activists have cited the case and others in criticizing the police department’s use of force.The city's interim Police Chief Joseph Mabin said in a statement the officers' actions did not meet department standards, and similar tactics would not be tolerated.“I expect our officers to treat all those they come into contact with on a daily basis with dignity and respect,” Mabin said in the statement.The officers, who were scheduled to go on trial next Monday, were placed on administrative leave after the charges were filed and left the department in December.Kansas City attorney David Smith on Monday read a statement from the victim’s family spokesperson, Rena Childs, in which she called for reforms and culture change in the city's police department, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.“But today is beginning to smell like justice,” Childs said. “These two officers will never be able to be police officers again.”The man who recorded the arrest, Roderick Reed, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/db41066b7d28cdca8aad6f3317202cbb">convicted of a municipal violation</a>&nbsp;for not obeying officers’ commands to move his car after he stopped to videotape. He was later pardoned by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.The City Council later approved an amendment to the city code that ensures witnesses aren’t barred from filming the police officers.Hill was shot to death on Oct. 14, 2019, at a Kansas City home. Allan Robinson was charged in January 2020 with one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon. He received diversion in January because prosecutors believed he shot Hill in self-defense, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article257746738.html">reported</a>.

Two KCPD officers plead guilty to assaulting transgender woman

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — The suspect in a shooting at the University of Virginia that killed three members of the football team was taken into custody Monday, more than 13 hours after he allegedly gunned down fellow students in a bus as they returned from a school field trip, authorities said.

University President Jim Ryan and law enforcement officials were in the middle of a late morning news conference when they received word that Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. had been apprehended.

Two other students were wounded in the shooting late Sunday night, which happened near a campus parking garage as a charter bus full of students returned from seeing a play in Washington, D.C., for a class field trip. Ryan said one of the students was in critical condition and the other student was in good condition at a local hospital.

The shooting touched off an intense manhunt, with authorities ordering students to shelter in place and conducting a building-by-building and grounds search of the campus. Students stayed in place for more than 12 hours until the order was lifted late Monday morning.

When the news conference began, university police chief Timothy Longo Sr. said officials were “reasonably confident" the shooter was no longer on school grounds and urged the public to call 911 immediately if they saw him or the black SUV he was believed to be driving. Longo then received word that Jones had been apprehended.

“Just give me a moment to thank God, breathe a sigh of relief,” he said.

Longo said police have obtained arrest warrants for Jones charging him with three counts of murder and three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He said the bus filled with students had just returned to campus when the shooting began.

“Someone among them chose to do an act of violence," he said.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Three people have been killed and two others were wounded in a shooting at a parking garage at the University of Virginia, according to the school’s president, and police searched Monday for a student who was a suspect.

The shooting at around 10:30 p.m. Sunday “resulted in three fatalities; two additional victims were injured and are receiving medical care,” President Jim Ryan said in&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/presjimryan/status/1592089243358486529">a letter to the university community posted on social media</a>.

The university’s emergency management issued an alert on Sunday night notifying the campus community of an “active attacker firearm." The message warned students to shelter in place following a report of shots fired on Culbreth Road on the northern outskirts of campus. Classes were canceled Monday.

The UVA Police Department posted a notice online saying multiple police agencies including the state police were searching for a suspect who was considered “armed and dangerous.”

The university’s emergency management Twitter account said shortly before 7 a.m. that “a complete search on and around UVA Grounds” by law enforcement was underway and urged people on campus to remain sheltered.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said agents were responding to the campus to assist in the investigation.

Ryan's letter confirmed that the suspect, who he said was a student, was still at large Monday morning.

“This is a message any leader hopes never to have to send, and I am devastated that this violence has visited the University of Virginia," Ryan wrote. “This is a traumatic incident for everyone in our community."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668424468744.png" alt="Jones is a former walk-on Virginia football player, according to the school's athletic website" />
 <figcaption>Jones is a former walk-on Virginia football player, according to the school's athletic website</figcaption>
 </figure>CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — The suspect in a shooting at the University of Virginia that killed three members of the football team was taken into custody Monday, more than 13 hours after he allegedly gunned down fellow students in a bus as they returned from a school field trip, authorities said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE: The UVA shelter in place order has been lifted based upon a thorough search on and around Grounds. A large police presence will remain.&mdash; UVA Police Department (@UVAPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAPolice/status/1592178868286554112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>University President Jim Ryan and law enforcement officials were in the middle of a late morning news conference when they received word that Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. had been apprehended.Two other students were wounded in the shooting late Sunday night, which happened near a campus parking garage as a charter bus full of students returned from seeing a play in Washington, D.C., for a class field trip. Ryan said one of the students was in critical condition and the other student was in good condition at a local hospital.The shooting touched off an intense manhunt, with authorities ordering students to shelter in place and conducting a building-by-building and grounds search of the campus. Students stayed in place for more than 12 hours until the order was lifted late Monday morning.When the news conference began, university police chief Timothy Longo Sr. said officials were “reasonably confident" the shooter was no longer on school grounds and urged the public to call 911 immediately if they saw him or the black SUV he was believed to be driving. Longo then received word that Jones had been apprehended.“Just give me a moment to thank God, breathe a sigh of relief,” he said.Longo said police have obtained arrest warrants for Jones charging him with three counts of murder and three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He said the bus filled with students had just returned to campus when the shooting began.“Someone among them chose to do an act of violence," he said.----------CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Three people have been killed and two others were wounded in a shooting at a parking garage at the University of Virginia, according to the school’s president, and police searched Monday for a student who was a suspect.The shooting at around 10:30 p.m. Sunday “resulted in three fatalities; two additional victims were injured and are receiving medical care,” President Jim Ryan said in&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/presjimryan/status/1592089243358486529">a letter to the university community posted on social media</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An update on the active shooter incident at UVA: <a href="https://t.co/LLshF8JJcR">pic.twitter.com/LLshF8JJcR</a>&mdash; Jim Ryan (@presjimryan) <a href="https://twitter.com/presjimryan/status/1592089243358486529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The university’s emergency management issued an alert on Sunday night notifying the campus community of an “active attacker firearm." The message warned students to shelter in place following a report of shots fired on Culbreth Road on the northern outskirts of campus. Classes were canceled Monday.The UVA Police Department posted a notice online saying multiple police agencies including the state police were searching for a suspect who was considered “armed and dangerous.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The UVA Police Department is looking for Christopher Darnell Jones regarding the shooting incident that occurred on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Call 911 if seen, do not approach. <a href="https://t.co/mKcxF6ksxw">pic.twitter.com/mKcxF6ksxw</a>&mdash; UVA Police Department (@UVAPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAPolice/status/1592028905804009472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The university’s emergency management Twitter account said shortly before 7 a.m. that “a complete search on and around UVA Grounds” by law enforcement was underway and urged people on campus to remain sheltered.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said agents were responding to the campus to assist in the investigation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UVA Alert: LAW ENFORCEMENT TEAMS ARE CONDUCTING A COMPLETE SEARCH ON AND AROUND UVA GROUNDS. REMAIN SHELTERED IN PLACE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.&mdash; UVA Police Department (@UVAPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/UVAPolice/status/1592124415571009537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ryan's letter confirmed that the suspect, who he said was a student, was still at large Monday morning.“This is a message any leader hopes never to have to send, and I am devastated that this violence has visited the University of Virginia," Ryan wrote. “This is a traumatic incident for everyone in our community."___

Univ. of Virginia shooting suspect captured; 3 football players dead

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after an investigation prompted a traffic stop.

On Wednesday, the Finney County/Garden City Joint Drug Task Force, received information that 28-year-old Levi Swann of Holcomb was attempting to sell firearms. 

Swann is a known suspect in numerous previous cases to include gun thefts and financial crimes, according to the Finney County Sheriff's office.

During follow-up investigation, a high-risk traffic stop was conducted on Swann.The only firearm located in the vehicle was a loaded Glock 19 with a high-capacity magazine, which was laying on top of the center console. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668166890619.png" alt="Swan-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Swan-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after an investigation prompted a traffic stop.On Wednesday, the Finney County/Garden City Joint Drug Task Force, received information that 28-year-old Levi Swann of Holcomb was attempting to sell firearms. Swann is a known suspect in numerous previous cases to include gun thefts and financial crimes, according to the Finney County Sheriff's office.During follow-up investigation, a high-risk traffic stop was conducted on Swann.The only firearm located in the vehicle was a loaded Glock 19 with a high-capacity magazine, which was laying on top of the center console. There was also evidence from multiple previous fraud cases located inside the vehicle. Deputies seized the vehicle to be processed later in reference to the financial crimes.A search warrant was applied for and granted for Swann’s residence, 300 Wiley in Holcomb. During the search of the residence, deputies located and seized numerous items of paraphernalia, both personal use and distribution types along with other evidence in the open fraud cases including credit cards,&nbsp; completed checks, blank checks, social security cards, personal identity&nbsp; information, car titles and two laptop computers.Deputies also found and seized shotgun, 5 rifles and a handgun,&nbsp; ammunition, a large amount of THC wax products, 20 dosage units of LSD, 148.2 grams of suspected Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)• Additional suspected DMT in various states,&nbsp; 16.1 grams of Methamphetamine and trace amounts of Fentanyl. Deputies arrested Swann was arrested on requested charges: of Distribute certain stimulant within 1000 feet of a school, Distribute or possess w/intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use. Possession of THC• Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of stimulant, Criminal use of weapons; possession of firearm by person addicted/use controlled substances (7 counts), Possession of opiate opium narcotic or certain stimulant, Distribute certain hallucinogenic within 1000 feet of a school, Distribute substance in KSA 65-4105g/65-4111; within 1000 feet of a school.