SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an encounter with a deputy.&nbsp;

Just after 11a.m. August 6,&nbsp;a sheriff's deputy made contact with two individuals with a red 2003 Dodge Ram pickup truck backed into the bushes of a business in the 2600 block of SW Rochester Road in rural Shawnee County, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, it was determined that the man had a felony warrant for his arrest and illegal narcotics were located.

Todd A. Lohness, 59, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requeste charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia.

Lohness also had a felony warrant out of the county for a probation violation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754665135292.png" alt="Lohness photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Lohness photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an encounter with a deputy.&nbsp;Just after 11a.m. August 6,&nbsp;a sheriff's deputy made contact with two individuals with a red 2003 Dodge Ram pickup truck backed into the bushes of a business in the 2600 block of SW Rochester Road in rural Shawnee County, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, it was determined that the man had a felony warrant for his arrest and illegal narcotics were located.Todd A. Lohness, 59, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requeste charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia.Lohness also had a felony warrant out of the county for a probation violation.

Wanted suspect was hiding in bushes of rural Kan. business

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two juveniles were injured and three others are in custody after a shooting on Friday at a mall in Wichita.

&nbsp;Just after&nbsp;3:36 p.m. on Friday, police were dispatched to a reported shooting in the Town East Mall parking lot, near Round 1 Bowling, according to a media release.

Investigators discovered that a fight involving five males escalated into gunfire. Two victims were injured: one was shot in the torso and the other in the leg. Officers applied a tourniquet to the leg injury before Sedgwick County EMS arrived.

An off-duty officer from the Great Bend Police Department, who was in plain clothes, detained one suspect just as Wichita officers arrived. This suspect was found to be in possession of what appeared to be a rifle-caliber pistol. Officers subsequently took two additional males into custody.

The two victims, aged 17 and 15, were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were listed in critical condition on Saturday morning, according to police.

 The victims were on the ground when the primary suspect continued to shoot at them. The primary suspect, age 17, has been arrested for two counts of attempted murder. The two other suspects, both 16 years old, will be booked with disorderly conduct related to fighting.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan highlighted the dangers of youth access to high-powered weapons, stating, “Once again, we have an incident involving teenagers with a high-powered weapon that resulted in two young people being hospitalized. This was the result of poor decision-making by these teens. Lives were saved due to the quick and decisive actions of the off-duty Great Bend Police officer who happened to be at the scene and the rapid response of Wichita officers, which helped prevent further tragedy. I urge parents to monitor their children’s activities, possessions, and associates. Community involvement is crucial if we are to keep our youth safe and prevent these incidents from occurring.”

This incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Wichita Police Department detectives or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754688094504.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two juveniles were injured and three others are in custody after a shooting on Friday at a mall in Wichita.&nbsp;Just after&nbsp;3:36 p.m. on Friday, police were dispatched to a reported shooting in the Town East Mall parking lot, near Round 1 Bowling, according to a media release.Investigators discovered that a fight involving five males escalated into gunfire. Two victims were injured: one was shot in the torso and the other in the leg. Officers applied a tourniquet to the leg injury before Sedgwick County EMS arrived.An off-duty officer from the Great Bend Police Department, who was in plain clothes, detained one suspect just as Wichita officers arrived. This suspect was found to be in possession of what appeared to be a rifle-caliber pistol. Officers subsequently took two additional males into custody.The two victims, aged 17 and 15, were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were listed in critical condition on Saturday morning, according to police. The victims were on the ground when the primary suspect continued to shoot at them. The primary suspect, age 17, has been arrested for two counts of attempted murder. The two other suspects, both 16 years old, will be booked with disorderly conduct related to fighting.Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan highlighted the dangers of youth access to high-powered weapons, stating, “Once again, we have an incident involving teenagers with a high-powered weapon that resulted in two young people being hospitalized. This was the result of poor decision-making by these teens. Lives were saved due to the quick and decisive actions of the off-duty Great Bend Police officer who happened to be at the scene and the rapid response of Wichita officers, which helped prevent further tragedy. I urge parents to monitor their children’s activities, possessions, and associates. Community involvement is crucial if we are to keep our youth safe and prevent these incidents from occurring.”This incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Wichita Police Department detectives or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Teens critically injured in Kan. mall parking lot shooting

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement in Saline County are investigating a fatal&nbsp; crash that occurred just after 5:30a.m. Friday and have made an arrest.

According to Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes, a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by&nbsp;32-year-old Kayla Errebo of Lorraine was westbound on Kansas 140 at South Reese Road in rural Saline County. The Jeep entered the eastbound lanes and struck a&nbsp;Chevrolet truck driven by&nbsp;61-year-old Mark Sommerfeld of Brookville head-on.

A passenger in the Chevy identified as 55-year-old Deanna Sommerfeld from Brookville was pronounced deceased on scene. 

EMS transported a Mark Sommerfield to Salina Regional Health Center Both were properly restrained, according to Hughes.

Errebo was not at the scene of the crash. Deputies located her just before 8:30a.m. at an address in Ellsworth.&nbsp; She had minor&nbsp;injuries that did not require medical treatment. Errebo was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Murder in&nbsp; the second degree, Failure to report an injury accident, Circumvention of ignition interlock device and Probation violation

The Saline County Sheriffs Office is actively investigating the incident and encourages anyone with information to contact out office at 785-826-6500.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754697774905.png" alt="Kayla Errebo had a previous arrest for alleged DUI in June of 2024. She was also accused of DUI in January of 2024, according to online jail records. photo Saline Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Kayla Errebo had a previous arrest for alleged DUI in June of 2024. She was also accused of DUI in January of 2024, according to online jail records. photo Saline Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement in Saline County are investigating a fatal&nbsp; crash that occurred just after 5:30a.m. Friday and have made an arrest.According to Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes, a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by&nbsp;32-year-old Kayla Errebo of Lorraine was westbound on Kansas 140 at South Reese Road in rural Saline County. The Jeep entered the eastbound lanes and struck a&nbsp;Chevrolet truck driven by&nbsp;61-year-old Mark Sommerfeld of Brookville head-on.A passenger in the Chevy identified as 55-year-old Deanna Sommerfeld from Brookville was pronounced deceased on scene. EMS transported a Mark Sommerfield to Salina Regional Health Center Both were properly restrained, according to Hughes.Errebo was not at the scene of the crash. Deputies located her just before 8:30a.m. at an address in Ellsworth.&nbsp; She had minor&nbsp;injuries that did not require medical treatment. Errebo was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Murder in&nbsp; the second degree, Failure to report an injury accident, Circumvention of ignition interlock device and Probation violationThe Saline County Sheriffs Office is actively investigating the incident and encourages anyone with information to contact out office at 785-826-6500.

Driver arrested after head-on crash that killed Kansas woman

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect following a road rage incident, his second arrest for similar behavior in three months, according to Garden City police.

Around 8 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of a road rage altercation along W. Kansas Avenue in Garden City. The reporting party stated that they and another driver, identified as Andrew Ortiz, 31, were involved in an incident during which Ortiz allegedly pointed a handgun at them before fleeing the area. 

With the assistance of the Finney County Sheriff’s Office, police quickly located Ortiz in the 200 block of N. 11th Street. A high-risk traffic stop was conducted, and Ortiz was taken into custody. 

Officers later recovered a lower receiver of a firearm. Ortiz, who was arrested for a similar incident in May, is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Assault. There were no injuries from the incident. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754575860844.png" alt="Ortiz photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Ortiz photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect following a road rage incident, his second arrest for similar behavior in three months, according to Garden City police.Around 8 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of a road rage altercation along W. Kansas Avenue in Garden City. The reporting party stated that they and another driver, identified as Andrew Ortiz, 31, were involved in an incident during which Ortiz allegedly pointed a handgun at them before fleeing the area. With the assistance of the Finney County Sheriff’s Office, police quickly located Ortiz in the 200 block of N. 11th Street. A high-risk traffic stop was conducted, and Ortiz was taken into custody. Officers later recovered a lower receiver of a firearm. Ortiz, who was arrested for a similar incident in May, is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Assault. There were no injuries from the incident.

Road rage: SW Kan. man jailed again for pointing a gun at another driver 

The Department of State and the Department of Justice are announcing a reward offer increase of up to $50 million under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Nicolás Maduro for violating U.S. narcotics laws, according to a statement from agency.

For over a decade, Maduro has been a leader of Cartel de los Soles, which is responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States.&nbsp; On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Cartel de Los Soles as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).&nbsp;

Since 2020, Maduro has strangled democracy and grasped at power in Venezuela.&nbsp; Maduro claimed to have won Venezuela’s July 28, 2024, presidential election but failed to present any evidence that he had prevailed.&nbsp; The United States has refused to recognize Maduro as the winner of 2024 election and does not recognize him as the President of Venezuela.&nbsp;

Today’s reward offer is authorized by the Secretary under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/releases-bureau-of-international-narcotics-and-law-enforcement-affairs?results=30&amp;currpage=2&amp;totalpages=2&amp;coll_filter_year&amp;coll_filter_month&amp;coll_filter_speaker&amp;coll_filter_country&amp;coll_filter_release_type=1438&amp;coll_filter_bureau&amp;coll_filter_program&amp;coll_filter_profession" target="_blank">NRP</a>, which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice as a key pillar of President Trump’s “America First” priorities.&nbsp; If you have information, please contact the DEA by phone (voice, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or text) at +1-202-681-8187, or by&nbsp;<a href="mailto:CartelSolesTips@dea.gov">email</a>.&nbsp; If you are located outside the United States, you may also visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.&nbsp; If you are in the United States, you can also contact the local DEA field office.

ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.&nbsp; Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.

The Department of State and the Department of Justice are announcing a reward offer increase of up to $50 million under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Nicolás Maduro for violating U.S. narcotics laws, according to a statement from agency.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheJusticeDept</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> are announcing a $50 MILLION REWARD for information leading to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. <a href="https://t.co/D8LNqjS9yk">pic.twitter.com/D8LNqjS9yk</a>&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/1953583017353466306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>For over a decade, Maduro has been a leader of Cartel de los Soles, which is responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States.&nbsp; On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Cartel de Los Soles as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).&nbsp;Since 2020, Maduro has strangled democracy and grasped at power in Venezuela.&nbsp; Maduro claimed to have won Venezuela’s July 28, 2024, presidential election but failed to present any evidence that he had prevailed.&nbsp; The United States has refused to recognize Maduro as the winner of 2024 election and does not recognize him as the President of Venezuela.&nbsp;Today’s reward offer is authorized by the Secretary under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/releases-bureau-of-international-narcotics-and-law-enforcement-affairs?results=30&amp;currpage=2&amp;totalpages=2&amp;coll_filter_year&amp;coll_filter_month&amp;coll_filter_speaker&amp;coll_filter_country&amp;coll_filter_release_type=1438&amp;coll_filter_bureau&amp;coll_filter_program&amp;coll_filter_profession" target="_blank">NRP</a>, which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice as a key pillar of President Trump’s “America First” priorities.&nbsp; If you have information, please contact the DEA by phone (voice, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or text) at +1-202-681-8187, or by&nbsp;<a href="mailto:CartelSolesTips@dea.gov">email</a>.&nbsp; If you are located outside the United States, you may also visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.&nbsp; If you are in the United States, you can also contact the local DEA field office.ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.&nbsp; Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.

🎥U.S. offers $50M reward for arrest of Venezuelan President 

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest in Dickinson County.

On Thursday morning, police in Abilene received a FLOCK alert that a stolen vehicle from Wichita entered the city of Abilene, according to a media release.

Officers located the vehicle at the Love's Travel Center, 2322 Fair Road. As officers approached, 26-year old Daniel Natoli of Wichita exited the vehicle and ran. A short foot pursuit took place, but Natoli was arrested.

Police also arrested a passenger vehicle identified as 24-year old, Ivey Graves of Wichita.&nbsp;

Natoli is facing requested charges that could include theft, interference with Law Enforcement and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Graves&nbsp;is facing requested charges that could include possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754619260039.png" alt="Natoli photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Natoli photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest in Dickinson County.On Thursday morning, police in Abilene received a FLOCK alert that a stolen vehicle from Wichita entered the city of Abilene, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754619236957.png" alt="Graves photo Dickinson Co" />
 <figcaption>Graves photo Dickinson Co</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers located the vehicle at the Love's Travel Center, 2322 Fair Road. As officers approached, 26-year old Daniel Natoli of Wichita exited the vehicle and ran. A short foot pursuit took place, but Natoli was arrested.Police also arrested a passenger vehicle identified as 24-year old, Ivey Graves of Wichita.&nbsp;Natoli is facing requested charges that could include theft, interference with Law Enforcement and criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.Graves&nbsp;is facing requested charges that could include possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana.

Two Kansas suspects caught in reported stolen vehicle

JACKSON COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase.

Just after 2a.m. on August, 5, a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a 2018 Chevy Silverado heading north on U.S. Highway 75 near 134th Road for allegedly committing traffic infractions, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued northbound on U.S. Hwy 75. The suspect vehicle allegedly exceeded over 100mph.  At one point, a Jackson County Deputy performed a tactical vehicle intervention which temporarily disabled the suspect vehicle. The suspect allegedly ran motorists off the road way during the pursuit. The suspect vehicle eventually came to a stop near 278th Road on U.S. Hwy 75. 

 The driver, 35-year-old Michael Andrew Richardson of Topeka was arrested and taken into custody.  Richardson was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery on law enforcement, two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, two counts battery on law enforcement, battery on a corrections officer, one count of aggravated assault, felony criminal damage to property, flee and eluding law enforcement by reckless driving, driving under the influence and felony interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754506700869.png" alt="Richardson-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Richardson-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase.Just after 2a.m. on August, 5, a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a 2018 Chevy Silverado heading north on U.S. Highway 75 near 134th Road for allegedly committing traffic infractions, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued northbound on U.S. Hwy 75. The suspect vehicle allegedly exceeded over 100mph. At one point, a Jackson County Deputy performed a tactical vehicle intervention which temporarily disabled the suspect vehicle. The suspect allegedly ran motorists off the road way during the pursuit. The suspect vehicle eventually came to a stop near 278th Road on U.S. Hwy 75. The driver, 35-year-old Michael Andrew Richardson of Topeka was arrested and taken into custody. Richardson was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery on law enforcement, two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, two counts battery on law enforcement, battery on a corrections officer, one count of aggravated assault, felony criminal damage to property, flee and eluding law enforcement by reckless driving, driving under the influence and felony interference with law enforcement.

Sheriff: Kansas driver ran vehicles off the road during 100mph chase

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with robbing a bank, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Darrel D. Gray, 65, of Benton was indicted on one count of bank robbery. Gray is accused of using force, violence, and intimidation in July 2025, to take money from Community National Bank &amp; Trust in El Dorado.&nbsp;Employees of the bank told police that a man came in with a bag, placed it on the counter and demanded money. After the bank staff complied, they called 911, according to a media release from police.

Police arrested him nine hours after the robbery.&nbsp;

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754493045523.png" alt="Gray photo Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Gray photo Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with robbing a bank, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Darrel D. Gray, 65, of Benton was indicted on one count of bank robbery. Gray is accused of using force, violence, and intimidation in July 2025, to take money from Community National Bank &amp; Trust in El Dorado.&nbsp;Employees of the bank told police that a man came in with a bag, placed it on the counter and demanded money. After the bank staff complied, they called 911, according to a media release from police.Police arrested him nine hours after the robbery.&nbsp;The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Police: Kansas man arrested 9 hours after he robbed a bank

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that it is removing age limits for new hires at the agency responsible for immigration enforcement, as it aims to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-hiring-trump-border-mass-deportations-c89c6d51aa13a5cfce75705377afe2e5">expand hiring</a>&nbsp;after a massive infusion of cash from Congress.

The department said in a news release that it would waive age limits for new applicants so “even more patriots will qualify to join ICE,” the agency responsible for finding, arresting, detaining and removing people who are in the U.S. illegally.

The agency is at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to carry out President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-india-russia-oil-tariffs-2db9dc22d7b56624bdceb2e15c134d60">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;mass deportation agenda. Earlier this summer Congress passed a spending bill that gives ICE money to hire 10,000 more staff.

Currently, ICE applicants must be 21 years old and no older than 37 or 40, depending on what position they are applying for.

In an interview with Fox &amp; Friends, Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/noem-homeland-security-habeas-corpus-trump-338604206f40fed32c2790608d3e5da6">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;said applicants could be as young as 18.

“We no longer have a cap on how old you can be or you can continue at age 18, sign up for ICE and join us and be a part of it. We’ll get you trained and ready to be equipped to go out on the streets and help protect families,” Noem said.

The department said all recruits would have to go through medical and drug screening and complete a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-presidential-fitness-test-schoolchildren-1e0b667df467f767df1cd1388ea29f1c">physical fitness test</a>.

ICE earlier announced a recruiting campaign aimed at finding and hiring the deportation officers, investigators and lawyers it will need to meet its hiring goals.

As part of that campaign the agency is offering an eye-catching bonus of up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-hiring-trump-border-mass-deportations-ed1580c3f5c0c2a2b5c1ebd621574365">to $50,000 for new recruits</a>&nbsp;as well as other benefits like student loan forgiveness and abundant overtime for deportation officers.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that it is removing age limits for new hires at the agency responsible for immigration enforcement, as it aims to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-hiring-trump-border-mass-deportations-c89c6d51aa13a5cfce75705377afe2e5">expand hiring</a>&nbsp;after a massive infusion of cash from Congress.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">You spoke, we listened and we took action – the age cap for joining ICE has now been REMOVED. We must Defend the Homeland.<a href="https://t.co/3c7b0Ry86A">https://t.co/3c7b0Ry86A</a> <a href="https://t.co/xEeCXwnjTR">pic.twitter.com/xEeCXwnjTR</a>&mdash; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICEgov/status/1953080223827705972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The department said in a news release that it would waive age limits for new applicants so “even more patriots will qualify to join ICE,” the agency responsible for finding, arresting, detaining and removing people who are in the U.S. illegally.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Protect. Serve. Deport. <a href="https://t.co/nZkBEj3GGi">https://t.co/nZkBEj3GGi</a> <a href="https://t.co/2nNr5nh3vx">pic.twitter.com/2nNr5nh3vx</a>&mdash; Homeland Security (@DHSgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/1952771243112862206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The agency is at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to carry out President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-india-russia-oil-tariffs-2db9dc22d7b56624bdceb2e15c134d60">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;mass deportation agenda. Earlier this summer Congress passed a spending bill that gives ICE money to hire 10,000 more staff.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/smcq5ynxLB">https://t.co/smcq5ynxLB</a> <a href="https://t.co/bpElwEIiou">pic.twitter.com/bpElwEIiou</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1953263174087786644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Currently, ICE applicants must be 21 years old and no older than 37 or 40, depending on what position they are applying for.In an interview with Fox &amp; Friends, Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/noem-homeland-security-habeas-corpus-trump-338604206f40fed32c2790608d3e5da6">Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;said applicants could be as young as 18.“We no longer have a cap on how old you can be or you can continue at age 18, sign up for ICE and join us and be a part of it. We’ll get you trained and ready to be equipped to go out on the streets and help protect families,” Noem said.The department said all recruits would have to go through medical and drug screening and complete a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-presidential-fitness-test-schoolchildren-1e0b667df467f767df1cd1388ea29f1c">physical fitness test</a>.ICE earlier announced a recruiting campaign aimed at finding and hiring the deportation officers, investigators and lawyers it will need to meet its hiring goals.As part of that campaign the agency is offering an eye-catching bonus of up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-hiring-trump-border-mass-deportations-ed1580c3f5c0c2a2b5c1ebd621574365">to $50,000 for new recruits</a>&nbsp;as well as other benefits like student loan forgiveness and abundant overtime for deportation officers.

Now teenagers and seniors can be ICE agents

WASHINGTON (AP) — The man accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-9e77d16a88d634b0dde5b2455c96dddf">fatally shooting two staff members</a>&nbsp;of the Israeli Embassy in Washington outside a Jewish museum has been indicted on federal hate crime and murder charges, according to court documents unsealed Wednesday.

The indictment, filed in federal court in Washington, charges Elias Rodriguez with nine counts, including a hate crime resulting in death. The indictment also includes notice of special findings, which would allow the Justice Department to potentially pursue the death penalty.

Elias Rodriguez is accused of gunning down Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim as they left an event at the museum in May. He was heard shouting “Free Palestine” as he was led away after his arrest. He told police, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” federal authorities have said.

Rodriguez had previously been charged with murder of foreign officials and other crimes, and the hate crimes charges were added after prosecutors brought the case to a grand jury. It means prosecutors will be tasked with proving Rodriguez was motivated by antisemitism when he opened fire on Lischinsky and Milgrim, a young couple who were about to become engaged.

Prosecutors have described the killing as calculated and planned, saying Rodriguez flew to the Washington region from Chicago ahead of the Capital Jewish Museum event with a handgun in his checked luggage. He purchased a ticket for the event about three hours before it started, authorities have said in court papers.

An attorney for Rodriguez didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday.

Witnesses described him pacing outside before approaching a group of four people and opening fire. Surveillance video showed Rodriguez advancing closer to Lischinsky and Milgrim as they fell to the ground, leaning over them and firing additional shots. He appeared to reload before jogging off, officials have said.

After the shooting, authorities say Rodriguez went inside the museum and stated that he “did it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747923211105.png" alt="Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The man accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-jewish-museum-shooting-9e77d16a88d634b0dde5b2455c96dddf">fatally shooting two staff members</a>&nbsp;of the Israeli Embassy in Washington outside a Jewish museum has been indicted on federal hate crime and murder charges, according to court documents unsealed Wednesday.The indictment, filed in federal court in Washington, charges Elias Rodriguez with nine counts, including a hate crime resulting in death. The indictment also includes notice of special findings, which would allow the Justice Department to potentially pursue the death penalty.Elias Rodriguez is accused of gunning down Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim as they left an event at the museum in May. He was heard shouting “Free Palestine” as he was led away after his arrest. He told police, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” federal authorities have said.Rodriguez had previously been charged with murder of foreign officials and other crimes, and the hate crimes charges were added after prosecutors brought the case to a grand jury. It means prosecutors will be tasked with proving Rodriguez was motivated by antisemitism when he opened fire on Lischinsky and Milgrim, a young couple who were about to become engaged.Prosecutors have described the killing as calculated and planned, saying Rodriguez flew to the Washington region from Chicago ahead of the Capital Jewish Museum event with a handgun in his checked luggage. He purchased a ticket for the event about three hours before it started, authorities have said in court papers.An attorney for Rodriguez didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday.Witnesses described him pacing outside before approaching a group of four people and opening fire. Surveillance video showed Rodriguez advancing closer to Lischinsky and Milgrim as they fell to the ground, leaning over them and firing additional shots. He appeared to reload before jogging off, officials have said.After the shooting, authorities say Rodriguez went inside the museum and stated that he “did it.”

Suspect in shooting of Israel embassy couple faces hate crime charges

RENO COUNTY — A former USD 309 Nickerson school district employee is in custody for alleged child sex crimes.

Authorities arrested Ryan Stoecklein, 29, on Wednesday and just before 11a.m., booked him into the Reno County jail on requested charges of sexual exploitation of a child under 18 and attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the county arrest report.

According to the complaint, "Between January 1 and March 24, 2025, in Reno County, Kansas, Ryan James Stoecklein did unlawfully and feloniously attempt to engage in consensual sexual intercourse and lewd fondling or touching with a person who was a student enrolled at the school where the offender was employed, to wit: Nickerson High School, who was 16 or more years of age, to-wit: JMFG (DOB: xx/xx/2007), and who was not married to the offender, while the offender was a teacher or other person in a position of authority, by completing an overt act towards the perpetration of the crime, done by a person who intended to commit such crime but failed in the perpetration thereof or was prevented or intercepted in executing such crime, a severity level 7 person felony."

<a href="https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/kake.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b8/4b85d371-d587-4e69-ba84-ad3cc6e6dfa4/6893e1163ec77.pdf.pdf">Click here to read the full complaint.</a>

Stoecklein is being held on a $120,000 bond and will make a court appearance on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754530743944.png" alt="Stoecklein photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Stoecklein photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — A former USD 309 Nickerson school district employee is in custody for alleged child sex crimes.Authorities arrested Ryan Stoecklein, 29, on Wednesday and just before 11a.m., booked him into the Reno County jail on requested charges of sexual exploitation of a child under 18 and attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the county arrest report.According to the complaint, "Between January 1 and March 24, 2025, in Reno County, Kansas, Ryan James Stoecklein did unlawfully and feloniously attempt to engage in consensual sexual intercourse and lewd fondling or touching with a person who was a student enrolled at the school where the offender was employed, to wit: Nickerson High School, who was 16 or more years of age, to-wit: JMFG (DOB: xx/xx/2007), and who was not married to the offender, while the offender was a teacher or other person in a position of authority, by completing an overt act towards the perpetration of the crime, done by a person who intended to commit such crime but failed in the perpetration thereof or was prevented or intercepted in executing such crime, a severity level 7 person felony."<a href="https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/kake.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/b8/4b85d371-d587-4e69-ba84-ad3cc6e6dfa4/6893e1163ec77.pdf.pdf">Click here to read the full complaint.</a>Stoecklein is being held on a $120,000 bond and will make a court appearance on Thursday.

Former Kan. school employee accused of sex crimes with student 

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;—Law enforcement investigating a man's murder have a suspect in custody.

On Wednesday, the Wichita Police Department the arrest of&nbsp; a 41-year-old Wichita man identified according to booking records as Ricardo S. Talavera, in connection with the shooting death of 49-year-old Ruben Parga-Quintanar.

Just before 9a.m. Friday, officers and Wichita Fire Department crews responded to a report of a man down near the entrance to an alley in the 2400 block of North Jeanette. When fire personnel arrived, they found Parga-Quintanar with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:53 a.m.

Early findings in the investigation suggested Parga-Quintanar was shot elsewhere and collapsed after fleeing on a bicycle. As the case progressed, detectives determined he was shot in the alley and then collapsed nearby.

Investigators identified Talavera as a suspect and served a search warrant at his home on Saturday. On Tuesday night, police arrested him and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail on a requested charge of second-degree murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754486168417.png" alt="Talavera-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Talavera-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;—Law enforcement investigating a man's murder have a suspect in custody.On Wednesday, the Wichita Police Department the arrest of&nbsp; a 41-year-old Wichita man identified according to booking records as Ricardo S. Talavera, in connection with the shooting death of 49-year-old Ruben Parga-Quintanar.Just before 9a.m. Friday, officers and Wichita Fire Department crews responded to a report of a man down near the entrance to an alley in the 2400 block of North Jeanette. When fire personnel arrived, they found Parga-Quintanar with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:53 a.m.Early findings in the investigation suggested Parga-Quintanar was shot elsewhere and collapsed after fleeing on a bicycle. As the case progressed, detectives determined he was shot in the alley and then collapsed nearby.Investigators identified Talavera as a suspect and served a search warrant at his home on Saturday. On Tuesday night, police arrested him and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail on a requested charge of second-degree murder.

Suspect accused of killing SW Kan. man who escaped on bicycle

FORT STEWART, Ga. (AP) — An Army sergeant opened fire at Fort Stewart on Wednesday, shooting five soldiers and prompting a brief lockdown at one the country’s largest Army bases, officials said.

Few details were immediately available about what led to the gunfire, but the suspect is an Army sergeant, according to a U.S. official. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The injured soldiers are stable and recovering, said Brig Gen. John Lubas. The Army won’t release names pending notification of family members and they won’t speculate on motive, Lt. Col. Angel Tomko said at a news conference.

Officials identified the shooter as logistics Sgt. Quornelius Radford. A telephone number listed for Radford in public records rang unanswered on Wednesday.

The shooter opened fire at his workplace, officials said. Soldiers in the area who witnessed the shooting “immediately and without hesitation” tackled the shooter, Lubas said.

This latest act of violence on a U.S. military installation — sites that are supposed to be among the most secure in the country — again raised concerns about safety and security within the armed forces’ own walls.

The Army said it's investigating the shooting. There were still many unanswered questions, including the condition of the soldiers, the scope of their injuries, the name of the shooter as well as any possible motive.

The injured were treated and then moved to Winn Army Community Hospital, base officials said in a Facebook post, adding there's no threat to the community.

Some of the wounded were also taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, said spokesperson Bryna Gordon. The hospital is the top-level trauma center for coastal Georgia. Gordon said she didn’t know how many people were being taken to the hospital or what their conditions are.

Law enforcement was sent to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday. The shooter was arrested at 11:35 a.m., officials said.

The lockdown lasted about an hour. After it was lifted, cars began to move through the normal security checkpoint at the fort’s main gate.

The Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team was created in 2016 when the service added more than 200 vehicles to an infantry unit of roughly 4,200 soldiers. Also known as the “Spartan Brigade,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.army.mil/article/259944/us_armys_most_modern_brigade_hosts_the_great_engagement">the Army has called the unit</a>&nbsp;its “most modern land fighting force.”

Located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Savannah, Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River. It’s home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and family members.

White House and Defense Department officials said President Donald Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth had been briefed on the shooting.

The FBI was at the fort to help investigate, said Deputy Director Dan Bongino.

Among the deadliest acts of violence on U.S. military bases was a 2009 attack.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-2872311eb6694d219f7fa5aeb0c233fc">A U.S. Army psychiatrist killed 13 people</a>&nbsp;in a shooting that left more than 30 wounded at Fort Hood, a military installation in Texas.

<a href="https://apnews.com/046ace2b312e41c4beb9fb2cf9fd0728">In 2013</a>, a defense contract worker and former Navy reservist killed 12 people at Washington Navy Yard. He was then killed in a gun battle with police.

<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b090b70067c84749abc9a3e26205bc49">In 2014</a>, a soldier opened fire on his fellow service members at Fort Hood, killing three people and wounding more than a dozen others before the gunman killed himself.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-shootings-terrorism-us-news-ap-top-news-3206b3f41ae2ccf4b1c6ad0ba9b3185e">In 2019</a>, an aviation student opened fire in a classroom at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, killing three people and injuring another dozen people including two sheriff’s deputies. Just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2dec5ee8ce885061fe25c699a43eb71b">days earlier, a U.S. Navy sailor shot</a>&nbsp;two people to death before killing himself at Pearl Harbor, the Naval station in Hawaii.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Five soldiers were shot on Wednesday at the Army’s Fort Stewart in Georgia before a shooter was arrested.

Parts of Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia were locked down after a shooter was reported on the sprawling Army post, a spokesperson said. The army said the shooter has been arrested and there’s no threat to the community.

A post on Fort Stewart’s Facebook page told all personnel in the locked down area to “stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors.”

The shooter was in the area of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, the fort said online.

The fort’s three elementary schools were also on lockdown, Community Superintendent Brian Perry told WTOC-TV. The schools have nearly 1,400 students, according to the Department of Defense.

Three schools just outside the base took steps similar to a lockdown “out of an abundance of caution,” the Liberty County School System said online.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is in contact with responding law enforcement, he said in a statement. U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, whose district includes Fort Stewart, said in an online post that he's monitoring the developments.

FORT STEWART, Georgia– Five Soldiers were shot Wednesday in an active shooter incident in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, according to a media release from the base. All Soldiers were treated on-site and moved to Winn Army Community Hospital for further treatment. There was no active threat to the community. 

Law enforcement was dispatched for a possible shooting in the 2nd ABCT complex at 10:56 a.m. The shooter was apprehended at 11:35 a.m.

The installation was locked down at 11:04 a.m. and Fort Stewart lifted the lockdown of the main cantonment area at 12:10 p.m. 2nd ABCT complex is still locked down.

 Emergency medical personnel were dispatched to treat the wounded Soldiers at 11:09 a.m.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754497102931.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT STEWART, Ga. (AP) — An Army sergeant opened fire at Fort Stewart on Wednesday, shooting five soldiers and prompting a brief lockdown at one the country’s largest Army bases, officials said.Few details were immediately available about what led to the gunfire, but the suspect is an Army sergeant, according to a U.S. official. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.The injured soldiers are stable and recovering, said Brig Gen. John Lubas. The Army won’t release names pending notification of family members and they won’t speculate on motive, Lt. Col. Angel Tomko said at a news conference.Officials identified the shooter as logistics Sgt. Quornelius Radford. A telephone number listed for Radford in public records rang unanswered on Wednesday.The shooter opened fire at his workplace, officials said. Soldiers in the area who witnessed the shooting “immediately and without hesitation” tackled the shooter, Lubas said.This latest act of violence on a U.S. military installation — sites that are supposed to be among the most secure in the country — again raised concerns about safety and security within the armed forces’ own walls.The Army said it's investigating the shooting. There were still many unanswered questions, including the condition of the soldiers, the scope of their injuries, the name of the shooter as well as any possible motive.The injured were treated and then moved to Winn Army Community Hospital, base officials said in a Facebook post, adding there's no threat to the community.Some of the wounded were also taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, said spokesperson Bryna Gordon. The hospital is the top-level trauma center for coastal Georgia. Gordon said she didn’t know how many people were being taken to the hospital or what their conditions are.Law enforcement was sent to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday. The shooter was arrested at 11:35 a.m., officials said.The lockdown lasted about an hour. After it was lifted, cars began to move through the normal security checkpoint at the fort’s main gate.The Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team was created in 2016 when the service added more than 200 vehicles to an infantry unit of roughly 4,200 soldiers. Also known as the “Spartan Brigade,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.army.mil/article/259944/us_armys_most_modern_brigade_hosts_the_great_engagement">the Army has called the unit</a>&nbsp;its “most modern land fighting force.”Located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Savannah, Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River. It’s home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and family members.White House and Defense Department officials said President Donald Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth had been briefed on the shooting.The FBI was at the fort to help investigate, said Deputy Director Dan Bongino.Among the deadliest acts of violence on U.S. military bases was a 2009 attack.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-2872311eb6694d219f7fa5aeb0c233fc">A U.S. Army psychiatrist killed 13 people</a>&nbsp;in a shooting that left more than 30 wounded at Fort Hood, a military installation in Texas.<a href="https://apnews.com/046ace2b312e41c4beb9fb2cf9fd0728">In 2013</a>, a defense contract worker and former Navy reservist killed 12 people at Washington Navy Yard. He was then killed in a gun battle with police.<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b090b70067c84749abc9a3e26205bc49">In 2014</a>, a soldier opened fire on his fellow service members at Fort Hood, killing three people and wounding more than a dozen others before the gunman killed himself.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-shootings-terrorism-us-news-ap-top-news-3206b3f41ae2ccf4b1c6ad0ba9b3185e">In 2019</a>, an aviation student opened fire in a classroom at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, killing three people and injuring another dozen people including two sheriff’s deputies. Just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2dec5ee8ce885061fe25c699a43eb71b">days earlier, a U.S. Navy sailor shot</a>&nbsp;two people to death before killing himself at Pearl Harbor, the Naval station in Hawaii.-----------SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Five soldiers were shot on Wednesday at the Army’s Fort Stewart in Georgia before a shooter was arrested.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The President has been briefed on the shooting at Fort Stewart in Georgia. The White House is monitoring the situation.&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1953135134665802048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our federal law enforcement agents in Georgia are coordinating to provide support as the situation at Fort Stewart develops. I am praying for all the victims and for our troops at the base.&mdash; Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/1953137964168405387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Parts of Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia were locked down after a shooter was reported on the sprawling Army post, a spokesperson said. The army said the shooter has been arrested and there’s no threat to the community.A post on Fort Stewart’s Facebook page told all personnel in the locked down area to “stay inside, close and lock all windows and doors.”Located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Savannah, Fort Stewart is the largest Army post east of the Mississippi River. It’s home to thousands of soldiers assigned to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and family members.The shooter was in the area of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, the fort said online.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFortStewartHunterArmyAirfield%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0696cnEND7m9ujYRCsx5nonjp4fmurusZBqGcSzKdntmdhoWDX67gD57gysUrbLCLl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="679" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The fort’s three elementary schools were also on lockdown, Community Superintendent Brian Perry told WTOC-TV. The schools have nearly 1,400 students, according to the Department of Defense.Three schools just outside the base took steps similar to a lockdown “out of an abundance of caution,” the Liberty County School System said online.Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is in contact with responding law enforcement, he said in a statement. U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, whose district includes Fort Stewart, said in an online post that he's monitoring the developments.-----------FORT STEWART, Georgia– Five Soldiers were shot Wednesday in an active shooter incident in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, according to a media release from the base. All Soldiers were treated on-site and moved to Winn Army Community Hospital for further treatment. There was no active threat to the community. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFortStewartHunterArmyAirfield%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0696cnEND7m9ujYRCsx5nonjp4fmurusZBqGcSzKdntmdhoWDX67gD57gysUrbLCLl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="679" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Law enforcement was dispatched for a possible shooting in the 2nd ABCT complex at 10:56 a.m. The shooter was apprehended at 11:35 a.m.The installation was locked down at 11:04 a.m. and Fort Stewart lifted the lockdown of the main cantonment area at 12:10 p.m. 2nd ABCT complex is still locked down. Emergency medical personnel were dispatched to treat the wounded Soldiers at 11:09 a.m.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Army sergeant in custody after 5 soldiers shot at base in Georgia

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/08/state-approved-use-of-pesticide-coated-seed-corn-for-ethanol-plant-a-decade-ago/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Nebraska reportedly is being considered as a home to one of the state-run, federally funded migrant detention centers that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hopes to launch across the country in the likeness of “Alligator Alcatraz.”

Noem, in an interview with CBS News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alligator-alcatraz-model-kristi-noem-homeland-security/" target="_blank">published Monday</a>, said she hopes to establish a handful of similar detention centers near airports and jails in other states in the coming months, using Florida’s so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades as a model. She said she had already appealed to governors and state leaders.&nbsp;

And CBS said potential sites already under consideration include Nebraska, Arizona and Louisiana.

Many states that support President Donald Trump’s mission of securing the border have empty or underused prison-like facilities, Noem noted. She said locations Homeland Security is considering are by airports and runways, which she said would help cut costs through “quick turnarounds.” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates under the umbrella of Homeland Security.

State-owned property that could fit her site preferences could include land near the Omaha Correctional Center by Eppley Airfield and the Nebraska National Guard base near the Lincoln airport.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s office shared a statement Tuesday, saying that his team “continues to be in communication with federal partners on how Nebraska can best assist in these efforts.”

Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the governor is “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/24/pillen-orders-nebraska-agencies-to-fall-in-line-with-trump-immigration-crackdown/">staunchly committed&nbsp;</a>to keeping Americans safe, our nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-visits-nebraska-national-guard-on-texas-mexico-border-with-speaker-arch-sen-tom-brewer/">borders secure”</a>&nbsp;and getting criminals “off our streets.”

She said it was premature to comment on potential detention operations, adding: “Gov. Pillen will make details public at the appropriate time.”

An ICE spokesperson told the Examiner in a statement Tuesday that the agency could not confirm “individual pre-decisional conversations” but said it would “confirm that ICE is exploring all options to meet its current and future detention requirements.”

The agency blamed the Biden administration’s border policies, and added: “ICE is proud to say we have enhanced enforcement and routine daily operations that have resulted in a significant number of arrests” necessitating greater detention capacity.

Noem’s strategy reportedly builds upon the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center that opened last month at a jetport in the South Florida marshlands. It was built in just days and has the capacity to house at least 3,000 migrants.

The effort would be assisted by the $45 billion set aside for ICE in President Donald Trump’s recently adopted “big beautiful bill.”

Nebraska State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha, a legislative watchdog on criminal justice issues, criticized the notion of Nebraska as a host site.&nbsp;

“The idea of Nebraska operating a state-run detention facility is crazy and should not move forward,” he said. “Our focus should be on addressing the current budget deficit and reversing the decline of our state’s economy, both of which will only worsen with proposals like this.”

McKinney said that under the Trump administration, “enforcement efforts have expanded far beyond individuals labeled as criminals.”

“Many law-abiding immigrants are being unjustly detained and torn away from their families,” he said.

Nebraska State Sen. Margo Juarez was terse in her reaction. Her South Omaha area district includes the worksite where a June 10 high-profile immigration raid took place, the largest enforcement operation in Nebraska since Trump took office the second time.

“There is no way we will welcome an Alcatraz,” Juarez said. “Look elsewhere.”

More than 70 undocumented immigrants were apprehended during the ICE-led raid at Glenn Valley Foods. Roughly 25 of the workers are still being detained at a North Platte jail, hours from where their families live. That jail contracts with the federal government to hold ICE detainees who are in removal proceedings.

Douglas County officials had previously opted not to renew a federal contract under which it was paid to hold ICE detainees at its Omaha jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751400984359.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/02/08/state-approved-use-of-pesticide-coated-seed-corn-for-ethanol-plant-a-decade-ago/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Nebraska reportedly is being considered as a home to one of the state-run, federally funded migrant detention centers that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hopes to launch across the country in the likeness of “Alligator Alcatraz.”Noem, in an interview with CBS News&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alligator-alcatraz-model-kristi-noem-homeland-security/" target="_blank">published Monday</a>, said she hopes to establish a handful of similar detention centers near airports and jails in other states in the coming months, using Florida’s so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades as a model. She said she had already appealed to governors and state leaders.&nbsp;And CBS said potential sites already under consideration include Nebraska, Arizona and Louisiana.Many states that support President Donald Trump’s mission of securing the border have empty or underused prison-like facilities, Noem noted. She said locations Homeland Security is considering are by airports and runways, which she said would help cut costs through “quick turnarounds.” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates under the umbrella of Homeland Security.State-owned property that could fit her site preferences could include land near the Omaha Correctional Center by Eppley Airfield and the Nebraska National Guard base near the Lincoln airport.Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s office shared a statement Tuesday, saying that his team “continues to be in communication with federal partners on how Nebraska can best assist in these efforts.”Pillen spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the governor is “<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/01/24/pillen-orders-nebraska-agencies-to-fall-in-line-with-trump-immigration-crackdown/">staunchly committed&nbsp;</a>to keeping Americans safe, our nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-visits-nebraska-national-guard-on-texas-mexico-border-with-speaker-arch-sen-tom-brewer/">borders secure”</a>&nbsp;and getting criminals “off our streets.”She said it was premature to comment on potential detention operations, adding: “Gov. Pillen will make details public at the appropriate time.”An ICE spokesperson told the Examiner in a statement Tuesday that the agency could not confirm “individual pre-decisional conversations” but said it would “confirm that ICE is exploring all options to meet its current and future detention requirements.”The agency blamed the Biden administration’s border policies, and added: “ICE is proud to say we have enhanced enforcement and routine daily operations that have resulted in a significant number of arrests” necessitating greater detention capacity.Noem’s strategy reportedly builds upon the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center that opened last month at a jetport in the South Florida marshlands. It was built in just days and has the capacity to house at least 3,000 migrants.The effort would be assisted by the $45 billion set aside for ICE in President Donald Trump’s recently adopted “big beautiful bill.”Nebraska State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha, a legislative watchdog on criminal justice issues, criticized the notion of Nebraska as a host site.&nbsp;“The idea of Nebraska operating a state-run detention facility is crazy and should not move forward,” he said. “Our focus should be on addressing the current budget deficit and reversing the decline of our state’s economy, both of which will only worsen with proposals like this.”McKinney said that under the Trump administration, “enforcement efforts have expanded far beyond individuals labeled as criminals.”“Many law-abiding immigrants are being unjustly detained and torn away from their families,” he said.Nebraska State Sen. Margo Juarez was terse in her reaction. Her South Omaha area district includes the worksite where a June 10 high-profile immigration raid took place, the largest enforcement operation in Nebraska since Trump took office the second time.“There is no way we will welcome an Alcatraz,” Juarez said. “Look elsewhere.”More than 70 undocumented immigrants were apprehended during the ICE-led raid at Glenn Valley Foods. Roughly 25 of the workers are still being detained at a North Platte jail, hours from where their families live. That jail contracts with the federal government to hold ICE detainees who are in removal proceedings.Douglas County officials had previously opted not to renew a federal contract under which it was paid to hold ICE detainees at its Omaha jail.

Will Nebraska be home to the next ‘Alligator Alcatraz?’

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Thurman Ellison, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked, arrested 08/05

Jai're Taylor, Criminal trespass; Possession of marijuana; Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking (two counts), Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 08/06

Kamyra Faust,&nbsp;Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking (two counts), arrested 08/06

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754506460486.jpeg" alt="Noel Acevedo-Merced, Geary County Booking Photo" />
 <figcaption>Noel Acevedo-Merced, Geary County Booking Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754506497128.jpeg" alt="Gregory Mackey,&nbsp;Geary County Booking Photo" />
 <figcaption>Gregory Mackey,&nbsp;Geary County Booking Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754506520519.jpeg" alt="Alexis Spicer, Failure to appear, arrested 08/04" />
 <figcaption>Alexis Spicer, Failure to appear, arrested 08/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754506548938.jpeg" alt="Marion Robinson, Failure to appear (Three counts), arrested 08/04" />
 <figcaption>Marion Robinson, Failure to appear (Three counts), arrested 08/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754506582908.jpeg" alt="Anastaio Soumas, Arrest by LEO; Probable cause of warrant in state or other jurisdiction, arrested 08/04" />
 <figcaption>Anastaio Soumas, Arrest by LEO; Probable cause of warrant in state or other jurisdiction, arrested 08/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754506656185.jpeg" alt="Zackery Harper, Failure to appear; Probation violation, arrested 08/05" />
 <figcaption>Zackery Harper, Failure to appear; Probation violation, arrested 08/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754506689434.jpeg" alt="Luis Dominguez,&nbsp;Geary County Booking Photo" />
 <figcaption>Luis Dominguez,&nbsp;Geary County Booking Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754506699930.jpeg" alt="Amanda Smith,&nbsp;Geary County Booking Photo" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Smith,&nbsp;Geary County Booking Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754506729093.jpeg" alt="Robin Bond, Failure to appear, arrested 08/05" />
 <figcaption>Robin Bond, Failure to appear, arrested 08/05</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Thurman Ellison, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked, arrested 08/05Jai're Taylor, Criminal trespass; Possession of marijuana; Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking (two counts), Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 08/06Kamyra Faust,&nbsp;Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking (two counts), arrested 08/06Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Aug. 5-6

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of killing his mother-in-law in front of his 8-year-old son made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.

&nbsp;Stephen Jacob Rogers was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated endangering a child, and criminal threat in the death of&nbsp;49-year-old Sharmaine Burke, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late Wednesday night&nbsp;

At 11:32 p.m., July 30, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 49-year-old Sharmaine Marlene Burke, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. Burke reported that her son-in-law, 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers of Wichita, was drunk and had threatened to shoot her. She also stated that her eight-year-old grandson, Rogers’ son, was inside their home at the time, at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park near Derby.

The 911 call-taker stayed on the line as deputies responded. A few minutes into the call, gunshots were heard, and the line went silent.

Deputies arrived at 11:41 p.m. and found Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Deputies and Sedgwick County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Burke succumbed to her injuries at 11:57 p.m.

Rogers and his son were not at the scene when deputies arrived. An immediate search for both the suspect and the child began. Deputies obtained critical information, including a description of Rogers’ vehicle, and shared it with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

At 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, FLOCK camera technology detected Rogers’ vehicle in Augusta. Butler County law enforcement quickly located and stopped the vehicle on U.S. Highway 54 near Haverhill Road. Rogers was arrested and the child was found unharmed inside the vehicle.

Rogers was taken to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigations Division, and was booked into jail.

Deputies and investigators provided immediate resources to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.

The Sheriff’s Office coordinated with multiple agencies during the investigation. Quick action and cooperation allowed law enforcement to safely locate the child and apprehend the suspect.

As part of the investigation, it was determined that an Amber Alert was not necessary because investigators obtained real-time intelligence on the suspect’s vehicle and used FLOCK technology to track it. Issuing an Amber Alert could have alerted the suspect, increasing the risk to the child and complicating the search.

The process for issuing an alert also involves the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the timeline indicates the alert would have been issued only after the suspect and child were located.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754002321266.png" alt="Rogers-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Rogers-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of killing his mother-in-law in front of his 8-year-old son made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.&nbsp;Stephen Jacob Rogers was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated endangering a child, and criminal threat in the death of&nbsp;49-year-old Sharmaine Burke, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754428952134.png" alt="Sharmaine Burke photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Sharmaine Burke photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late Wednesday night&nbsp;At 11:32 p.m., July 30, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 49-year-old Sharmaine Marlene Burke, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. Burke reported that her son-in-law, 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers of Wichita, was drunk and had threatened to shoot her. She also stated that her eight-year-old grandson, Rogers’ son, was inside their home at the time, at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park near Derby.The 911 call-taker stayed on the line as deputies responded. A few minutes into the call, gunshots were heard, and the line went silent.Deputies arrived at 11:41 p.m. and found Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Deputies and Sedgwick County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Burke succumbed to her injuries at 11:57 p.m.Rogers and his son were not at the scene when deputies arrived. An immediate search for both the suspect and the child began. Deputies obtained critical information, including a description of Rogers’ vehicle, and shared it with surrounding law enforcement agencies.At 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, FLOCK camera technology detected Rogers’ vehicle in Augusta. Butler County law enforcement quickly located and stopped the vehicle on U.S. Highway 54 near Haverhill Road. Rogers was arrested and the child was found unharmed inside the vehicle.Rogers was taken to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigations Division, and was booked into jail.Deputies and investigators provided immediate resources to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.The Sheriff’s Office coordinated with multiple agencies during the investigation. Quick action and cooperation allowed law enforcement to safely locate the child and apprehend the suspect.As part of the investigation, it was determined that an Amber Alert was not necessary because investigators obtained real-time intelligence on the suspect’s vehicle and used FLOCK technology to track it. Issuing an Amber Alert could have alerted the suspect, increasing the risk to the child and complicating the search.The process for issuing an alert also involves the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the timeline indicates the alert would have been issued only after the suspect and child were located.

Kan. man accused of killing his mother-in-law faces a judge

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Wichita.

Just before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, police patrolling near the 600 block of N. Poplar in Wichita heard multiple gunshots. At the same time, a Raven gunshot detection alert was activated for the area, followed by several 911 calls reporting the shooting at 1:28 a.m., according to a media release from Wichita Police.

Officers, already en route after the Raven alert, arrived on scene. and found 22-year-old Kashmire Tisdale, of Wichita, behind a residence with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers began life-saving efforts until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and took over. Tisdale was pronounced dead at 1:36 a.m.

Multiple shell casings were located at the scene. Several homes and a vehicle were also struck by gunfire.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754428468367.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Wichita.Just before 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, police patrolling near the 600 block of N. Poplar in Wichita heard multiple gunshots. At the same time, a Raven gunshot detection alert was activated for the area, followed by several 911 calls reporting the shooting at 1:28 a.m., according to a media release from Wichita Police.Officers, already en route after the Raven alert, arrived on scene. and found 22-year-old Kashmire Tisdale, of Wichita, behind a residence with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers began life-saving efforts until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and took over. Tisdale was pronounced dead at 1:36 a.m.Multiple shell casings were located at the scene. Several homes and a vehicle were also struck by gunfire.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect details.

Gunshot detection system alerted police to Kansas homicide

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after&nbsp;

A Kansas K9 is recovering after being stabbed early Tuesday.

Just before 4a.m. Tuesday, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department was dispatched to disturbance at a home in the 900 block of Riverview, according to a media release.

At the home, officers spoke with the caller who said a family member had returned to the. home after an earlier assault involving a knife. When officers approached the home to talk to the man, he barricaded himself inside.

The Shawnee Police Department assisted and brought K9 Dagger, a Belgian Malinois, to the scene. When officers went inside the home to take make an arrest, the suspect stabbed the K9 officer.

Dagger was transported to a local veterinarian and is expected to make a full recovery. Dagger has been with the Shawnee Police Department since 2023.

At 7:30 a.m., the suspect surrendered and was arrested.&nbsp;

In 2024 the Kansas legislature passed&nbsp; “Bane’s Law,” that increases penalties for inflicting harm on law enforcement animals, including horses. The felony crime is now punishable by a minimum of 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $10,000.

Governor Kelly vetoed the bill but on was overridden 105-20 in the House and 29-10 in the Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754443423545.png" alt="Daagger photo Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Daagger photo Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after&nbsp;A Kansas K9 is recovering after being stabbed early Tuesday.Just before 4a.m. Tuesday, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department was dispatched to disturbance at a home in the 900 block of Riverview, according to a media release.At the home, officers spoke with the caller who said a family member had returned to the. home after an earlier assault involving a knife. When officers approached the home to talk to the man, he barricaded himself inside.The Shawnee Police Department assisted and brought K9 Dagger, a Belgian Malinois, to the scene. When officers went inside the home to take make an arrest, the suspect stabbed the K9 officer.Dagger was transported to a local veterinarian and is expected to make a full recovery. Dagger has been with the Shawnee Police Department since 2023.At 7:30 a.m., the suspect surrendered and was arrested.&nbsp;In 2024 the Kansas legislature passed&nbsp; “Bane’s Law,” that increases penalties for inflicting harm on law enforcement animals, including horses. The felony crime is now punishable by a minimum of 90 days in jail and a minimum fine of $10,000.Governor Kelly vetoed the bill but on was overridden 105-20 in the House and 29-10 in the Senate.

Kan. K9 officer stabbed during arrest, suspect surrendered

KANSAS CITY —A repeat offender in Kansas City is going back to prison for a long time.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2693/Brown-Otis-2416-CR04140-01-JT-Def-Sent-Judg-Rdctd">Otis W. Brown</a>, 49, was sentenced to 18.5 years in prison&nbsp; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Dangerous Felon, Property Damage, and Interference with the Legal Process, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

On September 25, 2024,&nbsp; police arrested Brown. He reached into his waistband as he ran from police and officers later found a gun where he had run.

“When officers later attempted to obtain a court-ordered DNA sample to determine whether the firearm was his, Brown refused to comply and flipped chairs and a table inside the interview room, causing damage to the walls,” according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Brown was previously identified as a SAVE KC individual. SAVE KC is a focused deterrence program that focuses on those involved in or at-risk of becoming involved in violent crime and offers resources and support for them to prevent them living a life of crime, while making it clear that continued participation in crime will result in swift and certain consequences.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740759587497.png" alt="Brown photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A repeat offender in Kansas City is going back to prison for a long time.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2693/Brown-Otis-2416-CR04140-01-JT-Def-Sent-Judg-Rdctd">Otis W. Brown</a>, 49, was sentenced to 18.5 years in prison&nbsp; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Dangerous Felon, Property Damage, and Interference with the Legal Process, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.On September 25, 2024,&nbsp; police arrested Brown. He reached into his waistband as he ran from police and officers later found a gun where he had run.“When officers later attempted to obtain a court-ordered DNA sample to determine whether the firearm was his, Brown refused to comply and flipped chairs and a table inside the interview room, causing damage to the walls,” according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.Brown was previously identified as a SAVE KC individual. SAVE KC is a focused deterrence program that focuses on those involved in or at-risk of becoming involved in violent crime and offers resources and support for them to prevent them living a life of crime, while making it clear that continued participation in crime will result in swift and certain consequences.&nbsp;

Kansas City repeat offender refused court ordered DNA sample

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Hays man was sentenced Monday to more than six years in prison on drug-dealing and sex charges after an emotional morning in court where his victim discussed her turmoil and supporters testified the defendant was a changed man after pursuing recovery for drug addiction.

Jordan Bradley Burgess, 32, was sentenced to 78 months in prison on a charge of distribution of cocaine and 40 months in prison on a charge of possession of cocaine, with both sentences to run concurrently.

He also pleaded to three counts misdemeanor sexual battery through an Alford plea, as well as a DUI charge with those sentences to also run concurrently with his prison sentence on the cocaine charges.

He will also be required to register for life as a sex offender.

Burgess has a criminal record, including sex and drug charges going back to 2018. He had 19 convictions, which put his criminal records score for sentencing at an A, which is the highest level on the sentencing grid.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754420697316.png" alt="Burgess -photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Burgess -photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA Hays man was sentenced Monday to more than six years in prison on drug-dealing and sex charges after an emotional morning in court where his victim discussed her turmoil and supporters testified the defendant was a changed man after pursuing recovery for drug addiction.Jordan Bradley Burgess, 32, was sentenced to 78 months in prison on a charge of distribution of cocaine and 40 months in prison on a charge of possession of cocaine, with both sentences to run concurrently.He also pleaded to three counts misdemeanor sexual battery through an Alford plea, as well as a DUI charge with those sentences to also run concurrently with his prison sentence on the cocaine charges.He will also be required to register for life as a sex offender.Burgess has a criminal record, including sex and drug charges going back to 2018. He had 19 convictions, which put his criminal records score for sentencing at an A, which is the highest level on the sentencing grid.Based on the Burgess' criminal record and charges, state sentencing guidelines would require a prison sentence.&nbsp;Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham requested 118 months in prison under the plea agreement.However, Burgess' attorney, Kurt Kerns, filed a motion for a dispositional departure based on Burgess' participation in an intense drug recovery program.&nbsp;Cunningham repeatedly referred to Burgess as a sexual predator as he cross-examined the six witnesses who were called to testify on Burgess' behalf.However, before those witnesses took the stand, a victim of Burgess' alleged sexual abuse gave a statement.She said she was haunted by Burgess' acts against her on May 29, 2021. She said the incident left her a "damaged shell of her former self," and said she was plagued by anxiety attacks and nightmares."That one night will last my lifetime," she told the judge, and urged him to do what was just, right and true.Burgess was originally charged with rape, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated sexual battery, all felonies. Those charges were amended to misdemeanor sexual battery charges per the plea agreement.In an Alford plea, a defendant maintains their innocence but acknowledges the prosecution has enough evidence to convict them.In his address to the court before sentencing, Burgess did not discuss the sex charges or address the victim of his sexual crimes.Those supporting Burgess testified to a dramatic transformation during the last year after he entered rehab in June 2024, which has included passionately trying to help others who are suffering from addiction and seeking a faith-driven life.John Trembley, former Community Corrections director, testified he had never seen a more significant transformation than he has seen in Burgess.Trembley said he regarded Burgess like a son.&nbsp;"It's rare for someone to walk out of rehab and not use again," he said.However, he said he believed Burgess was committed to his recovery and was not a threat to the community.He said he was not attempting to excuse Burgess' behavior. Still, he thought he could be a contributing member of the community, and community corrections was the better alternative for Burgess."If we are here for 100% punishment for his past behavior, then there's nothing I can say," Trembley said.He added, "I know the impact he has had on everybody. I know he is a changed man."Cunningham asked&nbsp;Trembley if treatment for sex offenders was different from the treatment of substance abuse. Trembley said yes.Cunningham also asked Trembley if he thought Burgess should have consequences for his crimes.Trembley said, "Community corrections is not meant to be a cake walk. He is going to have a lot of consequences in his life."I have a daughter and granddaughter, and if I thought he was a risk, I wouldn't be here," he said.Justin MacDonald, who leads a Bible study at the Family Worship Center, testified about Burgess' conversion and baptism."I think our city would be better if we had more men like Jordan," he said.MacDonald said he had only known Burgess for 16 months and was not fully aware of his previous criminal history.Several witnesses, who had participated in recovery programs with Burgess, also testified on his behalf.Cade Gerhard said he had been struggling with alcoholism. He called Burgess out of desperation, and Burgess drove him to treatment.Even after Gerhard relapsed, Burgess continued to call and encourage him in his road to recovery, he said.Gerhard credited Burgess with saving his life."I think sending him to prison would be a disservice to the community," he said.In his allocution to the court before sentencing, Burgess said he was a changed man. He said he wanted to be a father to his 11-year-old daughter.He said he wanted to help people and to live as a "Godly man in service moving forward."In his final statements to the court, Cunningham said Burgess had been given many chances on community corrections and had gone from using alcohol to marijuana to being a cocaine dealer."The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior," he said.He said a prison sentence was not only warranted as punishment and a public deterrent, but also a matter of public safety and again referred to Burgess as a serial sex offender.In 14 years, probation has not been helpful,&nbsp;Cunningham said.Despite Burgess' plea to the sex charges, Burgess' attorney Kerns said the charges were based on false accusations.Kerns said he had never had a client in more than 30 years who had attended recovery meetings every day for more than a year.He asked the judge to give Burgess "a single opportunity to prove who he is."Judge Curtis Brown said he was impressed by Burgess' dedication to his recovery and faith. He said deciding on Burgess' sentence was not easy.However, he denied the defense's motion for a dispositional departure and probation."I think this is just, fair and true in regards to this matter," Brown said.Brown encouraged Burgess to continue his mission to help others during his time incarcerated with the Department of Corrections.Burgess spent two days in jail, for which he will be given credit toward his sentence, but he had been out on bond for the majority of the time since his arrest.&nbsp;Burgess was remanded to begin his sentence with the Kansas Department of Corrections immediately.