KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Kansas City, Mo., men were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a conspiracy to illegally traffic firearms and for illegally possessing firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.

Ernest L. Hall, 61, and Rodney O. Ellison, 57, were charged in a 12-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.

The indictment replaces federal criminal complaints that charged Hall and Ellison separately on Nov. 27, 2024. Both Hall and Ellison remain in federal custody without bond.

The indictment alleges that Hall and Ellison participated in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from June 15 to Nov. 26, 2024. The indictment also charges Hall and Ellison together with one count of engaging in firearm sales without a license, and charges Hall and Ellison separately with five counts each of trafficking firearms. Hall and Ellison each also are charged with being a felon in possession of firearms.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives purchased firearms from both Ellison and Hall on several occasions at their residences. Between June 18, 2024, and Nov. 25, 2024, the confidential informant allegedly purchased six firearms from Ellison and five firearms from Hall.

On Nov. 26, 2024, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at the residences of both Hall and Ellison. Ellison was arrested at his residence but Hall left his residence carrying a large bag and drove away as officers were approaching. When law enforcement began to follow him, Hall turned off his headlights and drove into oncoming traffic to elude them. Investigators then executed the search warrant for Hall’s residence and seized one firearm. Officers seized seven firearms from Ellison’s residence, including two firearms with obliterated or missing serial numbers.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Hall has three prior felony convictions for armed criminal action, two prior felony convictions for robbery, and prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, voluntary manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. Ellison has prior felony convictions for murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with service utility.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Kansas City, Mo., men were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a conspiracy to illegally traffic firearms and for illegally possessing firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.Ernest L. Hall, 61, and Rodney O. Ellison, 57, were charged in a 12-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City.The indictment replaces federal criminal complaints that charged Hall and Ellison separately on Nov. 27, 2024. Both Hall and Ellison remain in federal custody without bond.The indictment alleges that Hall and Ellison participated in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from June 15 to Nov. 26, 2024. The indictment also charges Hall and Ellison together with one count of engaging in firearm sales without a license, and charges Hall and Ellison separately with five counts each of trafficking firearms. Hall and Ellison each also are charged with being a felon in possession of firearms.According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives purchased firearms from both Ellison and Hall on several occasions at their residences. Between June 18, 2024, and Nov. 25, 2024, the confidential informant allegedly purchased six firearms from Ellison and five firearms from Hall.On Nov. 26, 2024, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at the residences of both Hall and Ellison. Ellison was arrested at his residence but Hall left his residence carrying a large bag and drove away as officers were approaching. When law enforcement began to follow him, Hall turned off his headlights and drove into oncoming traffic to elude them. Investigators then executed the search warrant for Hall’s residence and seized one firearm. Officers seized seven firearms from Ellison’s residence, including two firearms with obliterated or missing serial numbers.Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Hall has three prior felony convictions for armed criminal action, two prior felony convictions for robbery, and prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, voluntary manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. Ellison has prior felony convictions for murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with service utility.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

2 KC men sold illegally trafficked firearms to ATF informant

ATCHISON COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a suspect who was jailed in Johnson County on drug and financial crime allegations.

On Thursday, police arrested 39-year-old Charles E. Carpenter III of Atchison on a Johnson County Kansas warrant for failure to comply with lawful order of the court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734705243116.png" alt="Carpenter photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Carpenter photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a suspect who was jailed in Johnson County on drug and financial crime allegations.On Thursday, police arrested 39-year-old Charles E. Carpenter III of Atchison on a Johnson County Kansas warrant for failure to comply with lawful order of the court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Carpenter remains jailed in Atchison.

Kansas man jailed for failure to comply with court order

DAYTON, Ohio – A former Kansas doctor was arrested by federal agents this week and charged with making false statements related to a 1989 rape, according to the United State's Attorney.

 Officials ask anyone with information regarding this or any other similar rape to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

It is alleged that Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, knowingly made a false statement to FBI agents. His current home on Kenwood Road in&nbsp;Sycamore Township, Ohio and vehicles were searched and Tanzer appeared in federal court in Dayton following his arrest.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tanzer was recently identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. In recent months, agents collected DNA evidence from a Starbucks cup that Tanzer discarded at a local BMV. The DNA extracted from Tanzer’s coffee cup was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene.

It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached today, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.

Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Kansas, Colorado and Ohio.

The affidavit details that on Aug. 1, 1989, the victim was violently raped in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.

Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider these circumstances of the rape and to contact the FBI with any similar information:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734724913138.png" alt="Tanzer photo Shelby County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Tanzer photo Shelby County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>DAYTON, Ohio – A former Kansas doctor was arrested by federal agents this week and charged with making false statements related to a 1989 rape, according to the United State's Attorney. Officials ask anyone with information regarding this or any other similar rape to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.It is alleged that Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, knowingly made a false statement to FBI agents. His current home on Kenwood Road in&nbsp;Sycamore Township, Ohio and vehicles were searched and Tanzer appeared in federal court in Dayton following his arrest.According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tanzer was recently identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. In recent months, agents collected DNA evidence from a Starbucks cup that Tanzer discarded at a local BMV. The DNA extracted from Tanzer’s coffee cup was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene.It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached today, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Kansas, Colorado and Ohio.The affidavit details that on Aug. 1, 1989, the victim was violently raped in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider these circumstances of the rape and to contact the FBI with any similar information:<ul>
 <li>When the victim arrived home, she noticed an odor that smelled to her like brewed tea or burnt marijuana.</li><li>The rapist was dressed from head to toe in black Lycra, including black gloves and a face mask. He had a black gym bag with him.</li><li>The assailant held a knife to the victim’s throat.</li><li>The rapist used white surgical tape from the gym bag to wrap around the victim’s eyes and head. He used stockings and panty hose from the victim’s dresser to bind her hands and feet to the headboard and footboard of her bed.</li><li>The rapist cut or tore the victim’s clothing and used Vaseline.</li><li>The rapist assaulted the victim vaginally, orally and anally. In between bouts of sexual conduct, the assailant used a cloth to wipe the victim’s mouth and genital areas.</li><li>The rapist said nothing during the entire encounter. He occasionally took breaks from sexually assaulting the victim while the victim remained tied to her bed.</li><li>The rapist listened to and erased answering machine messages. He looked through papers in the victim’s living room and rummaged through her purse. He unplugged and/or disconnected telephones.</li><li>On the handset of the telephone in the bedroom, the rapist taped a piece of newspaper that had been cut from the paper on the couch in the victim’s living room and wrote, “No police or I’ll be back Mis [sic] [name of victim’s employer]”</li><li>The victim described the rapist as white, with dark brown hair, approximately six feet tall with a thin or athletic build.</li><li>The assault took place over the course of more than five and a half hours.</li>
 </ul>

FBI seeks victims of former Kan. doctor accused of rape

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a registered Kansas offender on new allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 9:30p.m. Dec. 16, a sheriff's deputy stopped a Toyota Corolla for a traffic violation on U.S. Hwy 75 near 118th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The driver of the vehicle, Robert Thomas Johnson, 66, of Topeka, was arrested for 5 offender registry violations and driving while suspended.

As part of his drug conviction sentence, Johnson has been required to register as an offender for 15 years. He was convicted in 2009 for selling meth, according to the Kansas offender registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734574862116.png" alt="Johnson photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a registered Kansas offender on new allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 9:30p.m. Dec. 16, a sheriff's deputy stopped a Toyota Corolla for a traffic violation on U.S. Hwy 75 near 118th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The driver of the vehicle, Robert Thomas Johnson, 66, of Topeka, was arrested for 5 offender registry violations and driving while suspended.As part of his drug conviction sentence, Johnson has been required to register as an offender for 15 years. He was convicted in 2009 for selling meth, according to the Kansas offender registry.

Kan. offender accused of multiple registry violations

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s governor commuted the sentence of a white Kansas City police officer who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a Black man whose death fueled racial justice protests.

Gov. Mike Parson commuted Eric DeValkenaere's sentence to time served on Friday, weeks before he will leave office. The Missouri Department of Corrections confirmed DeValkenaere has been released from prison.

DeValkenaere was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-5168b9935ec869fa74453228a87c166d">serving a six-year prison sentence.</a>&nbsp;He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-933d3aba9b37c83145fba5818d557c02">convicted in 2021</a>&nbsp;of killing 26-year-old Cameron Lamb as he backed into his garage. Lamb’s name was invoked frequently during racial injustice protests in Kansas City in 2020 following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Lamb’s family even met with then-President Donald Trump that year.

At trial, DeValkenaere testified that he fired his weapon on Dec. 3, 2019, after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective, Troy Schwalm, and that he believed his actions saved his partner’s life.

Prosecutors, however, argued that police shouldn’t have been on the property and staged the shooting scene to support their claims that Lamb was armed.

Evidence presented during the trial, which was held without a jury at DeValkenaere’s request, showed that DeValkenaere kicked over a barricade to get into Lamb's backyard.

The trial judge, Dale Youngs, said the officers had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property. He called it a tragic case with troubling facts and said DeValkenaere and the officer with him escalated a situation that had been calmed. He didn’t address allegations that evidence had been planted.

DeValkenaere&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-2af535a9a637024a23b3530c1c20cc2e">left the police force after his conviction</a>&nbsp;but remained free on bond until he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">lost his appeal</a>&nbsp;in October 2023. The Missouri Supreme Court subsequently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/exkansas-city-detective-conviction-appeal-507be4b6eb77e19a71f5fbacc081088e">declined</a>&nbsp;to hear an appeal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698332674249.png" alt="DeValkenaere-photo MODOX" />
 <figcaption>DeValkenaere-photo MODOX</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s governor commuted the sentence of a white Kansas City police officer who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a Black man whose death fueled racial justice protests.Gov. Mike Parson commuted Eric DeValkenaere's sentence to time served on Friday, weeks before he will leave office. The Missouri Department of Corrections confirmed DeValkenaere has been released from prison.DeValkenaere was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-5168b9935ec869fa74453228a87c166d">serving a six-year prison sentence.</a>&nbsp;He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-933d3aba9b37c83145fba5818d557c02">convicted in 2021</a>&nbsp;of killing 26-year-old Cameron Lamb as he backed into his garage. Lamb’s name was invoked frequently during racial injustice protests in Kansas City in 2020 following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Lamb’s family even met with then-President Donald Trump that year.At trial, DeValkenaere testified that he fired his weapon on Dec. 3, 2019, after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective, Troy Schwalm, and that he believed his actions saved his partner’s life.Prosecutors, however, argued that police shouldn’t have been on the property and staged the shooting scene to support their claims that Lamb was armed.Evidence presented during the trial, which was held without a jury at DeValkenaere’s request, showed that DeValkenaere kicked over a barricade to get into Lamb's backyard.The trial judge, Dale Youngs, said the officers had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property. He called it a tragic case with troubling facts and said DeValkenaere and the officer with him escalated a situation that had been calmed. He didn’t address allegations that evidence had been planted.DeValkenaere&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-2af535a9a637024a23b3530c1c20cc2e">left the police force after his conviction</a>&nbsp;but remained free on bond until he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">lost his appeal</a>&nbsp;in October 2023. The Missouri Supreme Court subsequently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/exkansas-city-detective-conviction-appeal-507be4b6eb77e19a71f5fbacc081088e">declined</a>&nbsp;to hear an appeal.

Gov. commutes sentence of KC officer convicted of killing Black man

SEDGWICK COUNTY —On Friday, Judge David Dahl sentenced 25-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita to 82 months in prison with 36 months post release, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.  The judge also ordered restitution to a City Nightz victim of $8,499.89, and $1,000 to City Nightz.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man who admitted his role in a July 2023 nightclub shooting will be sentenced in Judge David Dahl's courtroom Friday afternoon.

In September, 24-year-old Jaylen Thomas Wichita&nbsp; pled guilty to two counts of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 1a.m. July 2, 2023, police responded to a mass shooting at the City Nightz club in the 200 Block of North Washington in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.

The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.

The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later that day.

In June, co-defendant in the crime, 21-year-old Ameir King-Ingram was sentenced to just more than 4-years in prison.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689162087966.png" alt="Thomas photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Thomas photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —On Friday, Judge David Dahl sentenced 25-year-old Jaylen Thomas of Wichita to 82 months in prison with 36 months post release, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. The judge also ordered restitution to a City Nightz victim of $8,499.89, and $1,000 to City Nightz.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man who admitted his role in a July 2023 nightclub shooting will be sentenced in Judge David Dahl's courtroom Friday afternoon.In September, 24-year-old Jaylen Thomas Wichita&nbsp; pled guilty to two counts of aggravated battery and one count of aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688300318332.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation in July of 2023-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation in July of 2023-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 1a.m. July 2, 2023, police responded to a mass shooting at the City Nightz club in the 200 Block of North Washington in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.There were nine people with gunshot wounds and two people were trampled during the mass exodus out of the club.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was killed but one person was critically injured.&nbsp; Police originally arrested a Missouri man as a suspect.&nbsp;He was released from jail after the Sedgwick County District Attorney determined he was acting in self defense.The investigation indicates there were at least four firearms discharged inside the club. Police&nbsp; also seized an additional four firearms as part of the investigation.The shooting victims included a 21-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 24-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 24-year-old man. The traumatic injury victims were a 31-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, according to Moses. Two additional gunshot victims checked into the hospital later that day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688816302231.png" alt="King-Ingram photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>King-Ingram photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In June, co-defendant in the crime, 21-year-old Ameir King-Ingram was sentenced to just more than 4-years in prison.&nbsp;

Sentencing Day for Kansas night club mass shooting 

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

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734705982768.jpeg" alt="Christopher Dunaway, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, arrested 12/19" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Dunaway, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, arrested 12/19</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734706041281.jpeg" alt="Azucena Jimenez Duran, Probation violation, arrested 12/19" />
 <figcaption>Azucena Jimenez Duran, Probation violation, arrested 12/19</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734706086837.jpeg" alt="Jeffrey Walters, Criminal use of a financial card without consent of owner, less than $1,000, Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking, Identity theft, arrested 12/19" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Walters, Criminal use of a financial card without consent of owner, less than $1,000, Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking, Identity theft, arrested 12/19</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734706260270.jpeg" alt="Regina Rossi, Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 12/19" />
 <figcaption>Regina Rossi, Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 12/19</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Dec. 20

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 4p.m. December 16, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Saturn S series passenger car for the registered owner’s driver’s license being allegedly suspended on U.S. Hwy 75 near 158th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Throughout the investigation of the traffic stop, a probable cause search was conducted and deputies located methamphetamine, marijuana, an open alcohol container, and drug paraphernalia.

The driver, Jessica Lee Indermuehle, 32, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while a habitual violator.

The passenger, Amie Elizabeth Mcinroy, 38, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734575015824.png" alt="Mcinroy-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Mcinroy-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on drug allegations.Just after 4p.m. December 16, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Saturn S series passenger car for the registered owner’s driver’s license being allegedly suspended on U.S. Hwy 75 near 158th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Throughout the investigation of the traffic stop, a probable cause search was conducted and deputies located methamphetamine, marijuana, an open alcohol container, and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734574949729.png" alt="Indermuehle-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Indermuehle-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, Jessica Lee Indermuehle, 32, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while a habitual violator.The passenger, Amie Elizabeth Mcinroy, 38, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and interference with law enforcement.

Two Kan. women caught transporting meth, marijuana

NEW YORK (AP) — The suspect in the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">UnitedHealthcare’s CEO</a>&nbsp;was whisked back to New York on a plane and by helicopter Thursday to face new federal charges of stalking and murder, which could bring the death penalty if he's convicted.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-luigi-mangione-10ee2f70cd843a27940a9cf1a06edf55">Luigi Mangione</a>&nbsp;agreed to return to New York after a morning court appearance in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested last week five days after the shooting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">Brian Thompson</a>. Mangione appeared in a Manhattan federal court for an afternoon hearing where a magistrate ordered he be detained.

After his Pennsylvania court hearing, Mangione was immediately turned over to at least a dozen New York Police Department officers who were in the courtroom and led him to a plane bound for Long Island. He then was flown to a Manhattan heliport, where he was walked slowly up a pier by a throng of officers with assault rifles.

The federal complaint unsealed Thursday charges him with two counts of stalking and one count each of murder through use of a firearm and a firearms offense. Murder by firearm carries the possibility of the death penalty, though federal prosecutors have not said whether they will pursue that punishment.

In a New York state indictment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-terrorism-law-7fcb28dcc0106c980b6ecf4aa9cf682f">filed earlier this week</a>, Mangione was charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-fccc9e875e976b9901a122bc15669425">murder as an act of terrorism</a>, which carries a possible sentence of life in prison without parole. New York does not have the death penalty.

In federal court Thursday, Mangione shifted his head but otherwise did not react when the magistrate read the part of the complaint accusing him of killing Thompson.

His attorney said dealing with both the state and federal cases puts the defense in a highly unusual situation. “Frankly I’ve never seen anything like what is happening here,” said Karen Friedman Agnifilo.

The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate is accused of ambushing and shooting Thompson on Dec. 4 outside a Manhattan hotel where the head of the United States’ largest medical insurance company was walking to an investor conference.

Authorities have said Mangione was carrying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghost-guns-unitedhealthcare-ceo-1e3b449dd9ed5fabeb2ad592fde91575">the gun</a>&nbsp;used to kill Thompson, a passport, fake IDs and about $10,000 when he was arrested while eating breakfast on Dec. 9 at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Mangione, who initially fought attempts to extradite him, made two brief court appearances Thursday, first waiving a preliminary hearing on forgery and firearms charges before agreeing to be sent back to New York.

Investigators believe Mangione was motivated by anger toward the U.S. health care system and corporate greed. But he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-united-healthcare-ceo-d148fbdde498c3ea4cf768945889d7e7">never a UnitedHealthcare client</a>, according to the insurer.

According to the federal complaint, a notebook Mangione was carrying when he was arrested included several handwritten pages expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.

An August entry said that “the target is insurance” because “it checks every box,” according to the filing. An entry in October “describes an intent to ‘wack’ the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference,” the document said.

The killing ignited an outpouring of stories about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-delay-deny-depose-insurance-online-criticism-2d9c9a1a2a551876e72a11a93fc7624c">resentment toward U.S. health insurance companies</a>&nbsp;while also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-security-threats-wanted-posters-9a6687d14e667e5b48a1581923830e3f">shaking corporate America</a>&nbsp;after some social media users called the shooting payback.

Video showed a masked gunman shooting Thompson, 50, from behind and then firing several more shots. The suspect eluded police despite authorities widely circulating photos of his unmasked face until Mangione was captured in Altoona, about 277 miles (446 kilometers) west of New York.

Mangione, a computer science graduate from a prominent Maryland family, was carrying a handwritten letter that called health insurance companies “parasitic” and complained about corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press last week.

One of his lawyers cautioned the public against prejudging the case.

Mangione repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-back-surgery-mental-health-35086d2e01089f53db7b95e7b6c683e4">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;about how spinal surgery last year had eased his chronic back pain, encouraging people with similar conditions to speak up for themselves if told they just had to live with it.

In a Reddit post in late April, he advised someone with a back problem to seek additional opinions from surgeons and, if necessary, say the pain made it impossible to work.

“We live in a capitalist society,” Mangione wrote. “I’ve found that the medical industry responds to these key words far more urgently than you describing unbearable pain and how it’s impacting your quality of life.”

He apparently cut himself off from his family and close friends in recent months. His family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-unitedhealthcare-ceo-743e8b3ffb6a03a177c0e6d56f119581">reported him missing</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco in November. His relatives have said in a statement that they were “shocked and devastated” by his arrest.

Thompson, who grew up on a farm in Iowa, was trained as an accountant. A married father of two high-schoolers, he had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm in 2021.

Scolforo reported from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Associated Press writers Mike Rubinkam in Allentown, Pennsylvania; and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734643890089.png" alt="Mangione photo NYPD" />
 <figcaption>Mangione photo NYPD</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The suspect in the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">UnitedHealthcare’s CEO</a>&nbsp;was whisked back to New York on a plane and by helicopter Thursday to face new federal charges of stalking and murder, which could bring the death penalty if he's convicted.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-luigi-mangione-10ee2f70cd843a27940a9cf1a06edf55">Luigi Mangione</a>&nbsp;agreed to return to New York after a morning court appearance in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested last week five days after the shooting of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">Brian Thompson</a>. Mangione appeared in a Manhattan federal court for an afternoon hearing where a magistrate ordered he be detained.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734643943338.png" alt="photo NYPD" />
 <figcaption>photo NYPD</figcaption>
 </figure>After his Pennsylvania court hearing, Mangione was immediately turned over to at least a dozen New York Police Department officers who were in the courtroom and led him to a plane bound for Long Island. He then was flown to a Manhattan heliport, where he was walked slowly up a pier by a throng of officers with assault rifles.The federal complaint unsealed Thursday charges him with two counts of stalking and one count each of murder through use of a firearm and a firearms offense. Murder by firearm carries the possibility of the death penalty, though federal prosecutors have not said whether they will pursue that punishment.In a New York state indictment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-terrorism-law-7fcb28dcc0106c980b6ecf4aa9cf682f">filed earlier this week</a>, Mangione was charged with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-killing-luigi-mangione-fccc9e875e976b9901a122bc15669425">murder as an act of terrorism</a>, which carries a possible sentence of life in prison without parole. New York does not have the death penalty.In federal court Thursday, Mangione shifted his head but otherwise did not react when the magistrate read the part of the complaint accusing him of killing Thompson.His attorney said dealing with both the state and federal cases puts the defense in a highly unusual situation. “Frankly I’ve never seen anything like what is happening here,” said Karen Friedman Agnifilo.The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate is accused of ambushing and shooting Thompson on Dec. 4 outside a Manhattan hotel where the head of the United States’ largest medical insurance company was walking to an investor conference.Authorities have said Mangione was carrying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghost-guns-unitedhealthcare-ceo-1e3b449dd9ed5fabeb2ad592fde91575">the gun</a>&nbsp;used to kill Thompson, a passport, fake IDs and about $10,000 when he was arrested while eating breakfast on Dec. 9 at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.Mangione, who initially fought attempts to extradite him, made two brief court appearances Thursday, first waiving a preliminary hearing on forgery and firearms charges before agreeing to be sent back to New York.Investigators believe Mangione was motivated by anger toward the U.S. health care system and corporate greed. But he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-united-healthcare-ceo-d148fbdde498c3ea4cf768945889d7e7">never a UnitedHealthcare client</a>, according to the insurer.According to the federal complaint, a notebook Mangione was carrying when he was arrested included several handwritten pages expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.An August entry said that “the target is insurance” because “it checks every box,” according to the filing. An entry in October “describes an intent to ‘wack’ the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference,” the document said.The killing ignited an outpouring of stories about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-delay-deny-depose-insurance-online-criticism-2d9c9a1a2a551876e72a11a93fc7624c">resentment toward U.S. health insurance companies</a>&nbsp;while also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-security-threats-wanted-posters-9a6687d14e667e5b48a1581923830e3f">shaking corporate America</a>&nbsp;after some social media users called the shooting payback.Video showed a masked gunman shooting Thompson, 50, from behind and then firing several more shots. The suspect eluded police despite authorities widely circulating photos of his unmasked face until Mangione was captured in Altoona, about 277 miles (446 kilometers) west of New York.Mangione, a computer science graduate from a prominent Maryland family, was carrying a handwritten letter that called health insurance companies “parasitic” and complained about corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press last week.One of his lawyers cautioned the public against prejudging the case.Mangione repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-back-surgery-mental-health-35086d2e01089f53db7b95e7b6c683e4">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;about how spinal surgery last year had eased his chronic back pain, encouraging people with similar conditions to speak up for themselves if told they just had to live with it.In a Reddit post in late April, he advised someone with a back problem to seek additional opinions from surgeons and, if necessary, say the pain made it impossible to work.“We live in a capitalist society,” Mangione wrote. “I’ve found that the medical industry responds to these key words far more urgently than you describing unbearable pain and how it’s impacting your quality of life.”He apparently cut himself off from his family and close friends in recent months. His family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-unitedhealthcare-ceo-743e8b3ffb6a03a177c0e6d56f119581">reported him missing</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco in November. His relatives have said in a statement that they were “shocked and devastated” by his arrest.Thompson, who grew up on a farm in Iowa, was trained as an accountant. A married father of two high-schoolers, he had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm in 2021.___Scolforo reported from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Associated Press writers Mike Rubinkam in Allentown, Pennsylvania; and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; contributed.

Suspect in killing insurance CEO hit with federal charges

TOPEKA— The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City is asking for help to locate two wanted fugitives known for alleged sleight-of-hand thefts at jewelry stores, according to a statement from the ageney.

Authorities are searching for 53-year-old&nbsp;Vasile Sava&nbsp;and 54-year-old&nbsp;Onita Rostas.&nbsp;Authorities believe Sava and Rostas are married, and may be using a variety of aliases.

In January, Sava and Rostas were the subjects of arrest warrants, issued by United States District Court, District of Kansas, after being charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sava and Rostas, along with other suspects, targeted multiple jewelry businesses, according to a statement from the FBI. The suspects would enter the stores in groups of two or more. One of the suspects would distract or separate the employees while another would remove, conceal, and ultimately make off with items of jewelry that had been on display. The FBI calls this practice a sleight-of-hand distraction theft.

The thieves would then take the stolen jewelry elsewhere in the U.S. to be sold, prosecutors said.

The jewelry stores in Kansas Marks Jewelers in Lawrence; Calhoun's in Topeka, Venable Jewlers in McPherson and G. Thomas in Manhattan.

The pair may be living in or operating across multiple states including California, Texas, Florida, Maryland, and Virginia.

It is unknown if the pair has ties to the Kansas City area.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact any law enforcement agency, or reach out to the FBI directly through&nbsp;<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this tip website</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734634248605.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA— The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City is asking for help to locate two wanted fugitives known for alleged sleight-of-hand thefts at jewelry stores, according to a statement from the ageney.Authorities are searching for 53-year-old&nbsp;Vasile Sava&nbsp;and 54-year-old&nbsp;Onita Rostas.&nbsp;Authorities believe Sava and Rostas are married, and may be using a variety of aliases.In January, Sava and Rostas were the subjects of arrest warrants, issued by United States District Court, District of Kansas, after being charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734634218307.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Sava and Rostas, along with other suspects, targeted multiple jewelry businesses, according to a statement from the FBI. The suspects would enter the stores in groups of two or more. One of the suspects would distract or separate the employees while another would remove, conceal, and ultimately make off with items of jewelry that had been on display. The FBI calls this practice a sleight-of-hand distraction theft.The thieves would then take the stolen jewelry elsewhere in the U.S. to be sold, prosecutors said.The jewelry stores in Kansas Marks Jewelers in Lawrence; Calhoun's in Topeka, Venable Jewlers in McPherson and G. Thomas in Manhattan.The pair may be living in or operating across multiple states including California, Texas, Florida, Maryland, and Virginia.It is unknown if the pair has ties to the Kansas City area.Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact any law enforcement agency, or reach out to the FBI directly through&nbsp;<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this tip website</a>

FBI: Couple wanted for jewelry store thefts in Kansas

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HALELUYA%20HADERO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HALELUYA HADERO AP Business Writer</a>

Workers at seven Amazon facilities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/amazon-com-inc-new-york-queens-new-york-city-labor-c88e88d9e91f4a89821499355204265c">went on strike</a>&nbsp;Thursday, an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the e-commerce company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-teamsters-delivery-union-ups-0b9a9e2fc06dbb18cb23c476e0c19230">for a labor agreement</a>&nbsp;during a key shopping period.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/teamsters-endorse-presidential-election-2d29668ace1ce239b7b6b209409bb6f5">The Teamsters</a>&nbsp;said the workers, who voted to authorize strikes in recent days, joined picket lines after Amazon ignored a Sunday deadline the union set for contract negotiations. The union called it the largest strike yet against the company in the U.S., although Amazon said it did not expect the labor action to impact its operations.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters claims it represents nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, a small portion of the 800,000 workers employed in the company's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-warehouse-worker-injuries-senate-committee-eb5b72dd501be0bcce9d919c34731290">U.S. warehouses</a>. The union hasn't said how many workers would participate in the strike or how long the walkout would last.

“Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a statement.

The strikes happening Thursday are taking place at seven delivery stations, where packages are prepared for delivery vehicles and then given to contractors who drop off them off to customers every day. They include three locations in Southern California, and one each in San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta, Georgia, and Skokie, Illinois, according to the union’s announcement.

Two people were taken into custody at the demonstration in the New York City borough of Queens, according to the New York Police Department. Police did not say why the arrests were made. They said the individuals were given criminal court summons and then released.

The biggest warehouse affiliated with the Teamsters is located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. In 2022, thousands of workers at the warehouse, known as JFK8, voted to be represented by the nascent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-labor-union-election-35b63f38aa1c7f82bc86c21936e02a78">Amazon Labor Union</a>. Workers then choose to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-labor-union-teamsters-265a207af185c14a96d3910c6efd4382">affiliate with the Teamsters</a>&nbsp;this past summer.

The National Labor Relations Board certified that election to unionize, but Amazon has refused to bargain on a contract. In the process, the company has filed a lawsuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-nlrb-unconstitutional-spacex-elon-musk-ab42977117d883e97110a7bf8e8b257f">challenging the constitutionality</a>&nbsp;of the labor board.

At the facilities striking Thursday, workers unionized with the Teamsters by demonstrating majority support but without holding government-administered elections. They include Amazon-employed warehouse workers in San Francisco, and subcontracted delivery drivers elsewhere.

Under labor law, companies can recognize unions without elections being held, but the practice is rare, said John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University.

Amazon workers in more locations are “prepared to join” the fight, the Teamsters said, noting that employees at the Staten Island warehouse and at a company air hub in California also have authorized strikes.

When asked about the strike Thursday, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said: “What you see here are almost entirely outsiders, not Amazon employees or partners, and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters.”

“The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous,” Nantel said.

Seattle-based Amazon has said it does not consider delivery drivers like the ones on strike to be its employees. Under the company's business model, the drivers work for third-party businesses, called Delivery Service Partners, who deliver millions of packages daily. Amazon has accused the union, which says it represents some of the drivers, of “intentionally” misleading the public.

“This is another attempt to push a false narrative,” Nantel said.

But the Teamsters have argued Amazon essentially controls everything the drivers do and should be classified as their employer. U.S. labor regulators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-nlrb-delivery-drivers-3214680ef8c8b060184964412f378128">have sided with the union</a>&nbsp;in filings made before the NLRB. In September, Amazon boosted pay for the drivers amid the growing pressure.

Though Amazon says it does not expect the strike to impact its operations, a walkout — especially one that lasts many days — could delay shipments in some metro areas.

Shares of Amazon.com Inc. rose about 1.3% Thursday but were slightly down in after-hours trading.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HALELUYA%20HADERO%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HALELUYA HADERO AP Business Writer</a>Workers at seven Amazon facilities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/amazon-com-inc-new-york-queens-new-york-city-labor-c88e88d9e91f4a89821499355204265c">went on strike</a>&nbsp;Thursday, an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the e-commerce company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-teamsters-delivery-union-ups-0b9a9e2fc06dbb18cb23c476e0c19230">for a labor agreement</a>&nbsp;during a key shopping period.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fteamsters%2Fvideos%2F1371318457574724%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=1" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fteamsters%2Fvideos%2F1321080029048017%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><a href="https://apnews.com/article/teamsters-endorse-presidential-election-2d29668ace1ce239b7b6b209409bb6f5">The Teamsters</a>&nbsp;said the workers, who voted to authorize strikes in recent days, joined picket lines after Amazon ignored a Sunday deadline the union set for contract negotiations. The union called it the largest strike yet against the company in the U.S., although Amazon said it did not expect the labor action to impact its operations.The International Brotherhood of Teamsters claims it represents nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, a small portion of the 800,000 workers employed in the company's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-warehouse-worker-injuries-senate-committee-eb5b72dd501be0bcce9d919c34731290">U.S. warehouses</a>. The union hasn't said how many workers would participate in the strike or how long the walkout would last.“Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a statement.The strikes happening Thursday are taking place at seven delivery stations, where packages are prepared for delivery vehicles and then given to contractors who drop off them off to customers every day. They include three locations in Southern California, and one each in San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta, Georgia, and Skokie, Illinois, according to the union’s announcement.Two people were taken into custody at the demonstration in the New York City borough of Queens, according to the New York Police Department. Police did not say why the arrests were made. They said the individuals were given criminal court summons and then released.The biggest warehouse affiliated with the Teamsters is located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. In 2022, thousands of workers at the warehouse, known as JFK8, voted to be represented by the nascent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-labor-union-election-35b63f38aa1c7f82bc86c21936e02a78">Amazon Labor Union</a>. Workers then choose to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-labor-union-teamsters-265a207af185c14a96d3910c6efd4382">affiliate with the Teamsters</a>&nbsp;this past summer.The National Labor Relations Board certified that election to unionize, but Amazon has refused to bargain on a contract. In the process, the company has filed a lawsuit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-nlrb-unconstitutional-spacex-elon-musk-ab42977117d883e97110a7bf8e8b257f">challenging the constitutionality</a>&nbsp;of the labor board.At the facilities striking Thursday, workers unionized with the Teamsters by demonstrating majority support but without holding government-administered elections. They include Amazon-employed warehouse workers in San Francisco, and subcontracted delivery drivers elsewhere.Under labor law, companies can recognize unions without elections being held, but the practice is rare, said John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University.Amazon workers in more locations are “prepared to join” the fight, the Teamsters said, noting that employees at the Staten Island warehouse and at a company air hub in California also have authorized strikes.When asked about the strike Thursday, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said: “What you see here are almost entirely outsiders, not Amazon employees or partners, and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters.”“The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous,” Nantel said.Seattle-based Amazon has said it does not consider delivery drivers like the ones on strike to be its employees. Under the company's business model, the drivers work for third-party businesses, called Delivery Service Partners, who deliver millions of packages daily. Amazon has accused the union, which says it represents some of the drivers, of “intentionally” misleading the public.“This is another attempt to push a false narrative,” Nantel said.But the Teamsters have argued Amazon essentially controls everything the drivers do and should be classified as their employer. U.S. labor regulators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-nlrb-delivery-drivers-3214680ef8c8b060184964412f378128">have sided with the union</a>&nbsp;in filings made before the NLRB. In September, Amazon boosted pay for the drivers amid the growing pressure.Though Amazon says it does not expect the strike to impact its operations, a walkout — especially one that lasts many days — could delay shipments in some metro areas.Shares of Amazon.com Inc. rose about 1.3% Thursday but were slightly down in after-hours trading.-------

Delivery drivers join Amazon worker strike in the middle of Christmas rush

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/2024/12/1734625683107.jpeg" alt="Kaitlyn Stevens, Outside warrant, arrested 12/18" />
 <figcaption>Kaitlyn Stevens, Outside warrant, arrested 12/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734625712018.jpeg" alt="Jordan Cisco, Possession of controlled substance, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Driving while license cancelled, suspended, or revoked, arrested 12/18" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Cisco, Possession of controlled substance, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Driving while license cancelled, suspended, or revoked, arrested 12/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734625780526.jpeg" alt="Craig Pierce, Disorderly conduct, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, arrested 12/18" />
 <figcaption>Craig Pierce, Disorderly conduct, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, arrested 12/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734625829897.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Harper, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 12/18" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Harper, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 12/18</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Dec. 19

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City area man was sentenced in federal court last week for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and for illegally possessing firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.

Tony Diaz, 41, Raymore, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to nine years in federal prison without parole.

His brother and co-defendant, Serjio Diaz, 40, of Belton, Mo., was sentenced on Oct. 9, 2024, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

On April 9, 2024, Serjio and Tony Diaz each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Tony Diaz also pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Serjio Diaz also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering.

Serjio Diaz admitted that he was the primary organizer of the drug-trafficking organization during the conspiracy that lasted from Jan. 1, 2019, to June 22, 2021.

The investigation began on March 18, 2019, when federal agents interdicted and seized a package from California that contained more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, which was addressed to Serjio Diaz’s residence. On the same day, federal agents also interdicted and seized a package from California that contained more than three kilograms of methamphetamine, which was addressed to the residence of Tony Diaz.

During the course of the investigation, investigators conducted 23 controlled transactions from Serjio and Tony Diaz, utilizing an FBI confidential source. Over the course of these controlled purchases, law enforcement purchased more than seven kilograms of methamphetamine, more than six kilograms of heroin, and 468.6 grams of cocaine from Serjio and Tony Diaz for a total of $243,900.

In one transaction, for example, the confidential source purchased a kilogram of methamphetamine for $9,000 from Tony Diaz. In another instance, the confidential source purchased 222.4 grams (7.5 ounces) of cocaine from Serjio Diaz for $7,000.

On June 22, 2021, law enforcement officers arrested Serjio and Tony Diaz and searched Serjio Diaz’s residences and vehicles. Officers found almost nine kilograms of heroin, 166 grams of cocaine, six bags of pills that contained fentanyl and weighed a total of 78 grams, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and $82,250 in cash.

Officers searched Tony Diaz’s residence and found 1,128 grams of suspected heroin, 28 grams of suspected cocaine, a Zastava Arms 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, a Romarm Cugir 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, and $5,461 in cash in Tony Diaz’s bedroom. Officers also found a Remington Arms .22-caliber rifle in a shed, one pound of suspected marijuana in his Lincoln Navigator SUV, and a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol and 3.4 grams of suspected marijuana in his BMW X5.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Tony Diaz has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.

From May 1, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2020, Serjio Diaz deposited 93 money orders, totaling $82,145, into either his personal bank account or the bank account of his business, Imperial Window &amp; Gutter Cleaning, LLC. Serjio Diaz went to multiple post offices on the same date to purchase money orders; 21 of those purchases occurred soon after a controlled drug purchase was made by law enforcement in this investigation. Serjio Diaz limited his purchase to a maximum of $2,000 at each post office in order to avoid federal reporting requirements.

Co-defendant Maria Jasmin Lopez, 24, of Phoenix, Arizona, also pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 11 years and two months in federal prison without parole.

Co-defendant Vicente Aguilera pleaded guilty to using a cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Nov. 1, 2024, to 16 months in federal prison without parole.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and the Jackson County Drug Task Force.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City area man was sentenced in federal court last week for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and for illegally possessing firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.Tony Diaz, 41, Raymore, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to nine years in federal prison without parole.His brother and co-defendant, Serjio Diaz, 40, of Belton, Mo., was sentenced on Oct. 9, 2024, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.On April 9, 2024, Serjio and Tony Diaz each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Tony Diaz also pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Serjio Diaz also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering.Serjio Diaz admitted that he was the primary organizer of the drug-trafficking organization during the conspiracy that lasted from Jan. 1, 2019, to June 22, 2021.The investigation began on March 18, 2019, when federal agents interdicted and seized a package from California that contained more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, which was addressed to Serjio Diaz’s residence. On the same day, federal agents also interdicted and seized a package from California that contained more than three kilograms of methamphetamine, which was addressed to the residence of Tony Diaz.During the course of the investigation, investigators conducted 23 controlled transactions from Serjio and Tony Diaz, utilizing an FBI confidential source. Over the course of these controlled purchases, law enforcement purchased more than seven kilograms of methamphetamine, more than six kilograms of heroin, and 468.6 grams of cocaine from Serjio and Tony Diaz for a total of $243,900.In one transaction, for example, the confidential source purchased a kilogram of methamphetamine for $9,000 from Tony Diaz. In another instance, the confidential source purchased 222.4 grams (7.5 ounces) of cocaine from Serjio Diaz for $7,000.On June 22, 2021, law enforcement officers arrested Serjio and Tony Diaz and searched Serjio Diaz’s residences and vehicles. Officers found almost nine kilograms of heroin, 166 grams of cocaine, six bags of pills that contained fentanyl and weighed a total of 78 grams, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and $82,250 in cash.Officers searched Tony Diaz’s residence and found 1,128 grams of suspected heroin, 28 grams of suspected cocaine, a Zastava Arms 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, a Romarm Cugir 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, and $5,461 in cash in Tony Diaz’s bedroom. Officers also found a Remington Arms .22-caliber rifle in a shed, one pound of suspected marijuana in his Lincoln Navigator SUV, and a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol and 3.4 grams of suspected marijuana in his BMW X5.Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Tony Diaz has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.From May 1, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2020, Serjio Diaz deposited 93 money orders, totaling $82,145, into either his personal bank account or the bank account of his business, Imperial Window &amp; Gutter Cleaning, LLC. Serjio Diaz went to multiple post offices on the same date to purchase money orders; 21 of those purchases occurred soon after a controlled drug purchase was made by law enforcement in this investigation. Serjio Diaz limited his purchase to a maximum of $2,000 at each post office in order to avoid federal reporting requirements.Co-defendant Maria Jasmin Lopez, 24, of Phoenix, Arizona, also pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 11 years and two months in federal prison without parole.Co-defendant Vicente Aguilera pleaded guilty to using a cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Nov. 1, 2024, to 16 months in federal prison without parole.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and the Jackson County Drug Task Force.

KC brothers sold heroin, cocaine to confidential FBI source

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

David Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 12/17

Khassie Morris, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 12/17

Michael Kelsay, Failure to appear, arrested 12/17

Cory Seubert, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked, arrested 12/17

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/2024/12/1734556047741.jpeg" alt="Domanick Miller, Theft-All other, arrested 12/17" />
 <figcaption>Domanick Miller, Theft-All other, arrested 12/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734556080308.jpeg" alt="Chasity Blocker, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Possession of controlled substance, Probation violation, arrested 12/17" />
 <figcaption>Chasity Blocker, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Possession of controlled substance, Probation violation, arrested 12/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734556149176.jpeg" alt="Taylor Cleveland, Failure to appear, arrested&nbsp; 12/17" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Cleveland, Failure to appear, arrested&nbsp; 12/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734556188507.jpeg" alt="Robert Searles, Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking, Forgery, Making or altering a written instrument, arrested 12/17" />
 <figcaption>Robert Searles, Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking, Forgery, Making or altering a written instrument, arrested 12/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734557401569.jpeg" alt="Angel Melendez, Failure to appear, arrested 12/17" />
 <figcaption>Angel Melendez, Failure to appear, arrested 12/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734557436858.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Scott, Littering, Domestic battery, arrested 12/18" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Scott, Littering, Domestic battery, arrested 12/18</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.David Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 12/17Khassie Morris, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 12/17Michael Kelsay, Failure to appear, arrested 12/17Cory Seubert, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked, arrested 12/17Recent 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 Dec. 18

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two teens in connection with a fight.

Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of aggravated battery on&nbsp; in the 400 block of Clydesdale Drive in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Nicholas Pounds, 17, of Ogden, threw a metal chair at another resident. Legend Brown, 16, stepped in the middle of the altercation pushing Pounds to the ground and  assaulting him. Police arrested both Pounds and Brown.&nbsp; Both were booked on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated battery; Recklessly can cause bodily&nbsp;harm/disfig/death w/ deadly weapon, according to the county arrest report.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two teens in connection with a fight.Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of aggravated battery on&nbsp; in the 400 block of Clydesdale Drive in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Nicholas Pounds, 17, of Ogden, threw a metal chair at another resident. Legend Brown, 16, stepped in the middle of the altercation pushing Pounds to the ground and assaulting him. Police arrested both Pounds and Brown.&nbsp; Both were booked on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated battery; Recklessly can cause bodily&nbsp;harm/disfig/death w/ deadly weapon, according to the county arrest report.

RCPD: Two teens arrested after fight involving thrown chair

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just after 1a.m. Tuesday, police in Kechi&nbsp;assisted by Park City police executed a search warrant at Junk in the Trunk Emporium,&nbsp;4535 E 61st Street in Kechi, according to a media release.

 Kechi police department received information leading to a search warrant on the business and surrounding buildings. Officers seized distribution quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana.&nbsp;

They also found a loaded 9mm firearm and numerous other “Realistic” BB pistols. Three arrests were made, charges are pending.&nbsp; Police did not release names of the suspects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734457775695.png" alt="Photo Kechi Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kechi Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just after 1a.m. Tuesday, police in Kechi&nbsp;assisted by Park City police executed a search warrant at Junk in the Trunk Emporium,&nbsp;4535 E 61st Street in Kechi, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734457747812.png" alt="Photo Kechi Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kechi Police</figcaption>
 </figure> Kechi police department received information leading to a search warrant on the business and surrounding buildings. Officers seized distribution quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana.&nbsp;They also found a loaded 9mm firearm and numerous other “Realistic” BB pistols. Three arrests were made, charges are pending.&nbsp; Police did not release names of the suspects.

Police seize fentanyl, guns during search of Kansas antique store

BUTLER COUNTY —An employee of a Kansas school district is under investigation for an alleged sex crime involving a child aboard a school bus.

Just before 9a.m. Tuesday, administrators with USD 402 Augusta contacted police about an alleged sexual assault of a child by school district staff member, according to a media release from the Augusta Department of Public Safety.

The school district gave officers video they had just discovered which showed the assault that occurred on Monday aboard a school bus.

Police and school district officials identified the suspect as 73-year-old William A. Wetzel of Augusta. Police arrested him at a remote school facility where children were not present.&nbsp; Police booked Wetzel into the Butler County Jail on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties of a child.

The circumstances and evidence gathered indicate this was an isolated incident, according to police. No other children were present at the time of the incident and police are not aware of any other victims.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734467161407.png" alt="Wetzel photo Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Wetzel photo Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —An employee of a Kansas school district is under investigation for an alleged sex crime involving a child aboard a school bus.Just before 9a.m. Tuesday, administrators with USD 402 Augusta contacted police about an alleged sexual assault of a child by school district staff member, according to a media release from the Augusta Department of Public Safety.The school district gave officers video they had just discovered which showed the assault that occurred on Monday aboard a school bus.Police and school district officials identified the suspect as 73-year-old William A. Wetzel of Augusta. Police arrested him at a remote school facility where children were not present.&nbsp; Police booked Wetzel into the Butler County Jail on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties of a child.The circumstances and evidence gathered indicate this was an isolated incident, according to police. No other children were present at the time of the incident and police are not aware of any other victims.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. school district discovers video of sex assault of student on bus

NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">UnitedHealthcare's CEO</a>&nbsp;has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism, prosecutors said Tuesday as they worked to bring him to a New York court from from a Pennsylvania jail.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-luigi-mangione-10ee2f70cd843a27940a9cf1a06edf55">Luigi Mangione</a>&nbsp;already was charged with murder in the Dec. 4 killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">Brian Thompson</a>, but the terror allegation is new.

Under New York law, such a charge can be brought when an alleged crime is “intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policies of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion and affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination or kidnapping.”

Mangione’s New York lawyer has not commented on the case.

Thompson, 50, was shot dead as he walked to a Manhattan hotel where Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare — the United States' biggest medical insurer — was holding an investor conference.

“This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at a news conference Tuesday. “It occurred in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatened the safety of local residents and tourists alike, commuters and businesspeople just starting out on their day.”

After days of intense police searches and publicity, Mangione was spotted at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and arrested. New York police officials have said Mangione was carrying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghost-guns-unitedhealthcare-ceo-1e3b449dd9ed5fabeb2ad592fde91575">the gun</a>&nbsp;used to kill Thompson, a passport and various fake IDs, including one that the suspected shooter presented to check into a New York hostel.

The 26-year-old was charged with Pennsylvania gun and forgery offenses and locked up there without bail. His Pennsylvania lawyer has questioned the evidence for the forgery charge and the legal grounding for the gun charge. The attorney also has said Mangione would fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-suspect-extradition-04e0ca9b04804e3731f6619f04400994">extradition</a>&nbsp;to New York.

Mangione has two court hearings scheduled for Thursday in Pennsylvania, including an extradition hearing, Bragg noted.

Hours after his arrest, the Manhattan district attorney’s office filed paperwork charging him with murder and other offenses. The indictment builds on that paperwork.

Investigators’ working theory is that Mangione, an Ivy League computer science grad from a prominent Maryland family, was propelled by anger at the U.S. health care system. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press week said that when arrested, he was carrying a handwritten letter that called health insurance companies “parasitic” and complained about corporate greed.

He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-united-healthcare-ceo-d148fbdde498c3ea4cf768945889d7e7">never a UnitedHealthcare client</a>, according to the insurer.

Mangione apparently cut himself off from his family and close friends in recent months. His family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-unitedhealthcare-ceo-743e8b3ffb6a03a177c0e6d56f119581">reported him missing</a>&nbsp;to San Francisco authorities in November.

Thompson, who grew up on a farm in small-town Iowa, was trained as an accountant. A married father of two high-schoolers, he had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm in 2021.

His killing kindled a fiery outpouring of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-delay-deny-depose-insurance-online-criticism-2d9c9a1a2a551876e72a11a93fc7624c">resentment toward U.S. health insurance companies</a>, as Americans swapped stories online and elsewhere of being denied coverage, left in limbo as doctors and insurers disagreed, and stuck with sizeable bills.

The shooting also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-security-threats-wanted-posters-9a6687d14e667e5b48a1581923830e3f">rattled C-suites</a>, as “wanted” posters with other health care executives’ names and faces appeared on New York streets and an outpouring of online vitriol prompted police to warn that there could be an “elevated threat.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733850051113.png" alt="Mangione in a&nbsp; Blair County, PA., holding cell" />
 <figcaption>Mangione in a&nbsp; Blair County, PA., holding cell</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of killing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">UnitedHealthcare's CEO</a>&nbsp;has been charged with murder as an act of terrorism, prosecutors said Tuesday as they worked to bring him to a New York court from from a Pennsylvania jail.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-luigi-mangione-10ee2f70cd843a27940a9cf1a06edf55">Luigi Mangione</a>&nbsp;already was charged with murder in the Dec. 4 killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-healthcare-ceo-new-york-shooting-brian-thompson-8a130e64bcab749d1a085f5a34ab8254">Brian Thompson</a>, but the terror allegation is new.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733331393274.png" alt="Security camera image of the crime- New York Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of the crime- New York Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Under New York law, such a charge can be brought when an alleged crime is “intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policies of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion and affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination or kidnapping.”Mangione’s New York lawyer has not commented on the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733324311684.png" alt="Brian Thompson courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Brian Thompson courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Thompson, 50, was shot dead as he walked to a Manhattan hotel where Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare — the United States' biggest medical insurer — was holding an investor conference.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733849447711.png" alt="Mangione -photo Pennsylvania Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Mangione -photo Pennsylvania Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>“This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at a news conference Tuesday. “It occurred in one of the most bustling parts of our city, threatened the safety of local residents and tourists alike, commuters and businesspeople just starting out on their day.”After days of intense police searches and publicity, Mangione was spotted at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and arrested. New York police officials have said Mangione was carrying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghost-guns-unitedhealthcare-ceo-1e3b449dd9ed5fabeb2ad592fde91575">the gun</a>&nbsp;used to kill Thompson, a passport and various fake IDs, including one that the suspected shooter presented to check into a New York hostel.The 26-year-old was charged with Pennsylvania gun and forgery offenses and locked up there without bail. His Pennsylvania lawyer has questioned the evidence for the forgery charge and the legal grounding for the gun charge. The attorney also has said Mangione would fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-suspect-extradition-04e0ca9b04804e3731f6619f04400994">extradition</a>&nbsp;to New York.Mangione has two court hearings scheduled for Thursday in Pennsylvania, including an extradition hearing, Bragg noted.Hours after his arrest, the Manhattan district attorney’s office filed paperwork charging him with murder and other offenses. The indictment builds on that paperwork.Investigators’ working theory is that Mangione, an Ivy League computer science grad from a prominent Maryland family, was propelled by anger at the U.S. health care system. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press week said that when arrested, he was carrying a handwritten letter that called health insurance companies “parasitic” and complained about corporate greed.Mangione repeatedly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-back-surgery-mental-health-35086d2e01089f53db7b95e7b6c683e4">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;about how spinal surgery last year had eased his chronic back pain, encouraging people with similar conditions to speak up for themselves if told they just had to live with it.In a Reddit post in late April, he advised someone with a back problem to seek additional opinions from surgeons and, if necessary, say the pain made it impossible to work.“We live in a capitalist society,” Mangione wrote. “I’ve found that the medical industry responds to these key words far more urgently than you describing unbearable pain and how it’s impacting your quality of life.”He was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-united-healthcare-ceo-d148fbdde498c3ea4cf768945889d7e7">never a UnitedHealthcare client</a>, according to the insurer.Mangione apparently cut himself off from his family and close friends in recent months. His family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/luigi-mangione-unitedhealthcare-ceo-743e8b3ffb6a03a177c0e6d56f119581">reported him missing</a>&nbsp;to San Francisco authorities in November.Thompson, who grew up on a farm in small-town Iowa, was trained as an accountant. A married father of two high-schoolers, he had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance arm in 2021.His killing kindled a fiery outpouring of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-delay-deny-depose-insurance-online-criticism-2d9c9a1a2a551876e72a11a93fc7624c">resentment toward U.S. health insurance companies</a>, as Americans swapped stories online and elsewhere of being denied coverage, left in limbo as doctors and insurers disagreed, and stuck with sizeable bills.The shooting also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-security-threats-wanted-posters-9a6687d14e667e5b48a1581923830e3f">rattled C-suites</a>, as “wanted” posters with other health care executives’ names and faces appeared on New York streets and an outpouring of online vitriol prompted police to warn that there could be an “elevated threat.”

Act of terrorism: Suspect charged in killing insurance CEO 

Matthew Merrill, Failure to appear, arrested 12/13

Jeffrey Buggs, Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest, arrested 12/13

Cindy Walker, Failure to appear, arrested 12/13

Gabriel Luthi, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 12/14

Trevaughn Lee, DUI-Liquor or drugs, arrested 12/14

Justin Quarles, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 12/14

Damion Thomas,&nbsp;DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 12/14

Aniela Taylor,&nbsp;DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 12/14

Timothy Tichenor,&nbsp;DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 12/14

Eric Hathey, Unlawful damage to property, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution, arrested 12/16

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/2024/12/1734468103900.jpeg" alt="David ONeal, Sexual exploitation of a child, Possess media of child &lt;18, arrested 12/13" />
 <figcaption>David ONeal, Sexual exploitation of a child, Possess media of child &lt;18, arrested 12/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734468184025.jpeg" alt="Andrew Fuqua, Probation violation, Failure to appear, arrested 12/14" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Fuqua, Probation violation, Failure to appear, arrested 12/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734468237468.jpeg" alt="Noel Nji Jehan, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 12/14" />
 <figcaption>Noel Nji Jehan, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 12/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734468285886.jpeg" alt="Acadia Waterman, Contribute to a child misconduct, Shelter/conceal a runway, arrested 12/14" />
 <figcaption>Acadia Waterman, Contribute to a child misconduct, Shelter/conceal a runway, arrested 12/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734468357881.jpeg" alt="Noel Acevedo -Merced,&nbsp;Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 12/15" />
 <figcaption>Noel Acevedo -Merced,&nbsp;Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 12/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734468399571.jpeg" alt="Levi Nevin, Contribute to a child misconduct, Shelter/conceal a runaway, arrested 12/15" />
 <figcaption>Levi Nevin, Contribute to a child misconduct, Shelter/conceal a runaway, arrested 12/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734468451935.jpeg" alt="Jose Bonilla, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving, Fleeing or attempting to elude a Law enforcement officer, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt; $25,000, pocket picking, arrested 12/15" />
 <figcaption>Jose Bonilla, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving, Fleeing or attempting to elude a Law enforcement officer, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt; $25,000, pocket picking, arrested 12/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734468536212.jpeg" alt="Frederick Swinson, Theft, Motor vehicle theft, Ignition interlock device, Operate a car without a required license, arrested 12/16" />
 <figcaption>Frederick Swinson, Theft, Motor vehicle theft, Ignition interlock device, Operate a car without a required license, arrested 12/16</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734468595535.jpeg" alt="Ksos Moses, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 12/16" />
 <figcaption>Ksos Moses, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 12/16</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734468621912.jpeg" alt="Soses Moses, Failure to appear, arrested 12/16" />
 <figcaption>Soses Moses, Failure to appear, arrested 12/16</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734468642107.jpeg" alt="Andrew Hodson, Unlawful damage to property, Domestic battery, arrested 12/16" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Hodson, Unlawful damage to property, Domestic battery, arrested 12/16</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Matthew Merrill, Failure to appear, arrested 12/13Jeffrey Buggs, Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest, arrested 12/13Cindy Walker, Failure to appear, arrested 12/13Gabriel Luthi, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 12/14Trevaughn Lee, DUI-Liquor or drugs, arrested 12/14Justin Quarles, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 12/14Damion Thomas,&nbsp;DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 12/14Aniela Taylor,&nbsp;DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 12/14Timothy Tichenor,&nbsp;DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 12/14Eric Hathey, Unlawful damage to property, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution, arrested 12/16Recent 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 Dec. 14-17

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are making an impact on shoplifting and theft during the holidays.

From December 9-13,&nbsp;Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies partnered with Liberty, Missouri Police Department officers and retailers to identify and arrest shoplifters as soon as they’d committed their crimes&nbsp; in the retail area along Missouri Route 152 in Liberty, according to a media release.

"Operation Full Cart Press" resulted in the arrests of four people, three of whom have been charged. Charges were expected on the fourth suspect. 

Combined, the suspects stole nearly $900 worth of items, and one tried to flee from arrest. Deputies and Liberty officers staged around the area last week and swooped in as soon as stores reported thefts. They also were able to recover a stolen car during the course of the operation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734458065761.png" alt="Photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are making an impact on shoplifting and theft during the holidays.From December 9-13,&nbsp;Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies partnered with Liberty, Missouri Police Department officers and retailers to identify and arrest shoplifters as soon as they’d committed their crimes&nbsp; in the retail area along Missouri Route 152 in Liberty, according to a media release."Operation Full Cart Press" resulted in the arrests of four people, three of whom have been charged. Charges were expected on the fourth suspect. Combined, the suspects stole nearly $900 worth of items, and one tried to flee from arrest. Deputies and Liberty officers staged around the area last week and swooped in as soon as stores reported thefts. They also were able to recover a stolen car during the course of the operation.

Deputies catch KC area shoplifters who took $900 in merchandise

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A large number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6ef6cfdd5dd6508da22b3c3a1d2f6718">mysterious drones</a>&nbsp;have been reported flying over New Jersey and across the eastern U.S., sparking speculation and concern over where they came from and why.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim have both gone out on drone hunts, hoping for answers. The FBI, Homeland Security, state police and other agencies are investigating.

Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-new-jersey-1bf2b36e8617d46da711dae602708be2">don’t appear to be a threat to public safety</a>, but many state and municipal lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly the unmanned aircraft — and to be allowed to shoot them out of the sky.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734228753383.png" alt="Image courtesy Senator Andy Kim" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Senator Andy Kim</figcaption>
 </figure>TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A large number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6ef6cfdd5dd6508da22b3c3a1d2f6718">mysterious drones</a>&nbsp;have been reported flying over New Jersey and across the eastern U.S., sparking speculation and concern over where they came from and why.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">DHS, <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBI</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FAANews</a>, and the <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofDefense</a> released the following joint statement on the ongoing response to reported drone sightings. ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/ihGcGbjOEy">pic.twitter.com/ihGcGbjOEy</a>&mdash; Homeland Security (@DHSgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/1868853164151120317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim have both gone out on drone hunts, hoping for answers. The FBI, Homeland Security, state police and other agencies are investigating.Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-new-jersey-1bf2b36e8617d46da711dae602708be2">don’t appear to be a threat to public safety</a>, but many state and municipal lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly the unmanned aircraft — and to be allowed to shoot them out of the sky.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-elect Trump on drones: &quot;They happen to be over Bedminster. They&#39;re very close to Bedminster. I think maybe I won&#39;t spend the weekend in Bedminster. I&#39;ve decided to cancel my trip.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/twHoUM2lLw">pic.twitter.com/twHoUM2lLw</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1868835001409667172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>What's the deal with the drones in New Jersey?</h2>Dozens of witnesses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-sightings-central-new-jersey-cd8866c9c2568216759007716990decf">have reported seeing drones</a>&nbsp;statewide since mid-November, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.Murphy, a Democrat, said Monday that equipment supplied by the federal government has yielded little new information. He declined to describe the equipment except to say it was powerful and could even “mitigate” the drones, though he added that’s not currently legal on U.S. soil.The state tallied 12 sightings Saturday and just one on Sunday.Murphy urged Congress to give states more authority to deal with the drones.<h2>Do the drones pose a threat?</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-drones-new-jersey-8bfe84cf2678400181292b75f9193395">growing anxiety</a>&nbsp;among some residents is not lost on the Biden administration, which has faced criticism from Trump for not dealing with the matter more aggressively.White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Monday said the federal government has yet to identify any public safety or national security risks from reported drone sightings in the northeast, saying officials believe they were lawfully flown drones, planes or even stars.“There are more than 1 million drones that are lawfully registered with the Federal Aviation Administration here in the United States,” Kirby said. “And there are thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones that are lawfully in the sky on any given day. That is the ecosystem that we are dealing with.”The federal government has deployed personnel and advanced technology to investigate the reports in New Jersey and other states, and is evaluating each tip reported by citizens, he said. The FBI received more than 5000 tips in recent weeks, he added, with only “about 100” deemed credible enough to require additional investigation.<h2>Who is operating the drones?</h2>Authorities say they do not know.The Department of Homeland Security and FBI said they have no evidence that the aircraft pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.”Speculation has nevertheless raged online, with some expressing concerns that the drones could be part of a nefarious plot by foreign agents.Officials stress that ongoing investigations have found no evidence to support such concerns, but U.S. Rep Chris Smith, a Republican, on Saturday echoed such speculation.“The elusive maneuvering of these drones suggests a major military power sophistication that begs the question whether they have been deployed to test our defense capabilities — or worse — by violent dictatorships, perhaps maybe Russia, or China, or Iran, or North Korea,” he said.On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder cast doubt on the idea that the drones are engaged in intelligence gathering, given how loud and bright they are. He said about 1 million drones are registered drones in the U.S. and about 8,000 flying on any given day.Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh has said the aircraft are not U.S. military drones.<h2>Drone operators arrested</h2>In Boston, city police arrested two men accused of operating a drone “dangerously close” to Logan Airport on Saturday night.Authorities said an officer using drone monitoring technology detected the aircraft and the location of the operators. A third man fled police and remains at large.Authorities said the two men face trespassing charges and could face more charges and fines.<h2>Ohio Air Force base closes airspace</h2>Drones flying around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drones-mystery-new-jersey-york-b37fda04755803392178b1f39b76ccd8">Wright-Patterson Air Force Base</a>&nbsp;near Dayton, Ohio, forced base officials to close its airspace for about four hours late Friday into early Saturday, said Robert Purtiman, a base spokesperson.It was the first time drones had been spotted at the base, one of the largest in the world, and no sightings have been reported since, Purtiman said Monday. He said the drones had no impact on any facilities on the base.<h2>Officials urge action against the drones</h2>Trump has said he believes the government knows more than it’s saying.“Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” he posted on Truth Social. Kim said he’s heard no support for the notion the government is hiding anything. He said a lack of faith in institutions is playing a key part in the saga.“Nothing that I’m seeing, nothing that I’ve engaged in gives me any impression of that nature. But like, I get it, some people won’t believe me, right? Because that’s the level of distrust that we face," Kim said Monday.Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut last week called for the drones to be “shot down."Rep. Smith urged the Pentagon to authorize the use of force to bring down one or more drones to try to figure out who deployed them.The objects could be downed over the ocean or in an unpopulated area on land, Smith said Saturday.“Why can't we bag at least one of these drones and get to the bottom of it?” Smith said.Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said members of the public must not try to shoot down drones, as that would violate state and federal laws.<h2>Drones spotted over New York City</h2>Drone sightings were also reported in New York, where a permit is required. Mayor Eric Adams said the city was investigating and collaborating with New Jersey and federal officials.The runways at Stewart International Airport — about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of the city — were shut down for about an hour Friday night because of drone activity, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.“This has gone too far,” she said in a statement.The governor called on Congress to strengthen the FAA’s oversight of drones and give more investigative authority to state and local law enforcement.___Associated Press writers John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Bruce Schreiner in Shelbyville, Kentucky; and Aamer Madhani in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed.