EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Lyon County authorities say a person is in custody after deputies found a dead woman inside a vehicle near Emporia. 

The sheriff's office says deputies were alerted Wednesday night to check on the welfare of two adults and two children inside a vehicle. Deputies stopped the car on U.S. 50 west of Emporia. Sgt. Doug Stump says when the driver got out, a deceased woman was found inside. 

He says the driver was arrested for charges not related to the woman's death. The two children inside the vehicle were not harmed and are in protective custody.

EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Lyon County authorities say a person is in custody after deputies found a dead woman inside a vehicle near Emporia. The sheriff's office says deputies were alerted Wednesday night to check on the welfare of two adults and two children inside a vehicle. Deputies stopped the car on U.S. 50 west of Emporia. Sgt. Doug Stump says when the driver got out, a deceased woman was found inside. He says the driver was arrested for charges not related to the woman's death. The two children inside the vehicle were not harmed and are in protective custody.

Deputies find dead woman in car on Kansas highway

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —A teen with an active warrant was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase through parts of central and southeast Salina on Thursday.&nbsp;

Just before 12: 30 a.m., an officer attempted to stop a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire in the 700 block of S. Fourth Street after the vehicle made an improper turn in the 1000 block of E. Crawford Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The vehicle accelerated southbound on S. Fourth Street and the pursuit moved into the southeast portion of Salina with speeds reaching up to 80 mph. The pursuit ended when the vehicle was abandoned in the backyard of 2210 Michael Circle.

The driver, a 17-year-old Salina boy, fled on foot, but was later found hiding in an egress window at 2215 River Trail Road and was taken into custody.

The boy had an outstanding felony probation violation warrant out of Saline County and a suspended driver’s license. A 14-year-old girl from Salina also was in the car.

Police arrested the boy on requested charges of Felony flee and elude, Interference with law enforcement, Driving while suspended and Endangering a child.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —A teen with an active warrant was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase through parts of central and southeast Salina on Thursday.&nbsp;Just before 12: 30 a.m., an officer attempted to stop a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire in the 700 block of S. Fourth Street after the vehicle made an improper turn in the 1000 block of E. Crawford Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The vehicle accelerated southbound on S. Fourth Street and the pursuit moved into the southeast portion of Salina with speeds reaching up to 80 mph. The pursuit ended when the vehicle was abandoned in the backyard of 2210 Michael Circle.The driver, a 17-year-old Salina boy, fled on foot, but was later found hiding in an egress window at 2215 River Trail Road and was taken into custody.The boy had an outstanding felony probation violation warrant out of Saline County and a suspended driver’s license. A 14-year-old girl from Salina also was in the car.Police arrested the boy on requested charges of Felony flee and elude, Interference with law enforcement, Driving while suspended and Endangering a child.

Police find wanted Kan. teen hiding in window after high-speed chase

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A former Kan. teacher accused of an inappropriate relationship with a student made her first court appearance in the case Wednesday.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Christin Covel, 31, was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to the daily booking report. On Wednesday, she made her first court appearance and was charged with 3 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of unlawful sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

On Jan. 4, police arrested Covel, a teacher at Edison Preparatory Schools in Tulsa, on complaints out of Sedgewick County, according to Tulsa Police Department. She is accused of having inappropriate relations with a boy while working at Mead Middle School&nbsp;2601 E Skinner Street in Wichita.

The incidents involving the boy happened between 2018 and 2019, according to police. Covel worked in the district from 2015 to 2020, according to USD 259.

The Tulsa school district sent a letter to parents Jan. 4 to inform them of her arrest, according to the district web site.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641428925404.png" alt="Covel from the Tulsa County jail booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Covel from the Tulsa County jail booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A former Kan. teacher accused of an inappropriate relationship with a student made her first court appearance in the case Wednesday.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Christin Covel, 31, was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to the daily booking report. On Wednesday, she made her first court appearance and was charged with 3 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of unlawful sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.On Jan. 4, police arrested Covel, a teacher at Edison Preparatory Schools in Tulsa, on complaints out of Sedgewick County, according to Tulsa Police Department. She is accused of having inappropriate relations with a boy while working at Mead Middle School&nbsp;2601 E Skinner Street in Wichita.The incidents involving the boy happened between 2018 and 2019, according to police. Covel worked in the district from 2015 to 2020, according to USD 259.The Tulsa school district sent a letter to parents Jan. 4 to inform them of her arrest, according to the district web site.

Teacher arrested in Okla. charged with child sex crimes in Kansas

GEARY COUNTY—The United State's Army is asking the public for help and offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of&nbsp;Enfinnity Hayes.

According to the Geary County Sheriff,&nbsp; On October 3, a man described as 6-foot-1 or taller and dressed in all black approached 22-year-old Enfinnity Hayes and her husband at the&nbsp; Milford State Park Group Shelter. The suspect&nbsp; attempted to rob the couple at gun point and shot&nbsp;Enfinnity. Her husband drove her to Geary Community Hospital where she died.

Anyone with any information on a suspect is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 785-238-2261, or after hours at 785-762-5912.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637156736481.png" alt="Enfinnity Hayes- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Enfinnity Hayes- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—The United State's Army is asking the public for help and offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of&nbsp;Enfinnity Hayes.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGearyCountySheriffsDepartment%2Fposts%2F237576788555786&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="497" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>According to the Geary County Sheriff,&nbsp; On October 3, a man described as 6-foot-1 or taller and dressed in all black approached 22-year-old Enfinnity Hayes and her husband at the&nbsp; Milford State Park Group Shelter. The suspect&nbsp; attempted to rob the couple at gun point and shot&nbsp;Enfinnity. Her husband drove her to Geary Community Hospital where she died.Anyone with any information on a suspect is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 785-238-2261, or after hours at 785-762-5912.

Army offers $25,000 reward for info in murder of Ft. Riley woman

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the Christmas morning theft of a U-Haul truck that held most of the belongings of a family traveling through Kansas have made arrests.

Just after 4a.m. on Dec. 25, police reported a U-Haul truck was stolen from 1351 SW Arvonia Place in Topeka,&nbsp;according to Lt. Aaron Jones. The truck&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2022/01/07/tpd-officers-chip-help-family-recover-christmas-day-theft/" target="_blank">contained most of the belongings&nbsp;</a>of a family traveling through the area.

Later that day, Police Lt. Ron Ekis reported the truck was seen in Wabaunsee County.

As a result of the investigation, a series of search warrants were served and on Monday police arrested four Topeka men including 25-year-old Jayden Flowers on requested charges of Burglary to Vehicle to Commit Felony, Theft $25,000&lt;$100,000 from Motor Vehicle (2 counts) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon; 26-year-old Joshua Long on requested charges of&nbsp;Theft of $25,000&lt;$100,000 from a Motor Vehicle; 27-year-old Jacob Slusser&nbsp;on requested charges of Theft of $25,000&lt;$100,000 from a Motor Vehicle and 

Police also arrested 28-year-old Nicholas Mora on requested charge of Theft $25,000&lt;$100,000 from Motor Vehicle. He is&nbsp; Fugitive from Justice in another state.

According to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz,&nbsp; some of the items seized from the warrants were stolen from the U-Haul, among other places. The investigation continues to identify those items and other potential victims.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of a U-Haul truck early Christmas morning.

Just after 4a.m. Saturday,&nbsp;a U-haul truck was stolen from 1351 SW Arvonia Place in Topeka, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.

The victim is a family traveling with most of their belongings. Those belongings were in the truck at the time of the theft. The truck is a 2021 Ford F650 with Arizona tag:&nbsp;AK25435.

Image of the actual vehicle -photo Topeka Police

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368- 9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641929519733.png" alt="Flowers-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Flowers-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the Christmas morning theft of a U-Haul truck that held most of the belongings of a family traveling through Kansas have made arrests.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641930122174.png" alt="Long photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Long photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 4a.m. on Dec. 25, police reported a U-Haul truck was stolen from 1351 SW Arvonia Place in Topeka,&nbsp;according to Lt. Aaron Jones. The truck&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2022/01/07/tpd-officers-chip-help-family-recover-christmas-day-theft/" target="_blank">contained most of the belongings&nbsp;</a>of a family traveling through the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641930188091.png" alt="Slusser-photo Shawnee Co" />
 <figcaption>Slusser-photo Shawnee Co</figcaption>
 </figure>Later that day, Police Lt. Ron Ekis reported the truck was seen in Wabaunsee County.As a result of the investigation, a series of search warrants were served and on Monday police arrested four Topeka men including 25-year-old Jayden Flowers on requested charges of Burglary to Vehicle to Commit Felony, Theft $25,000&lt;$100,000 from Motor Vehicle (2 counts) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon; 26-year-old Joshua Long on requested charges of&nbsp;Theft of $25,000&lt;$100,000 from a Motor Vehicle; 27-year-old Jacob Slusser&nbsp;on requested charges of Theft of $25,000&lt;$100,000 from a Motor Vehicle and <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641930280239.png" alt="Mora-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mora-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police also arrested 28-year-old Nicholas Mora on requested charge of Theft $25,000&lt;$100,000 from Motor Vehicle. He is&nbsp; Fugitive from Justice in another state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640443765750.png" alt="Photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz,&nbsp; some of the items seized from the warrants were stolen from the U-Haul, among other places. The investigation continues to identify those items and other potential victims.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of a U-Haul truck early Christmas morning.Just after 4a.m. Saturday,&nbsp;a U-haul truck was stolen from 1351 SW Arvonia Place in Topeka, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.The victim is a family traveling with most of their belongings. Those belongings were in the truck at the time of the theft. The truck is a 2021 Ford F650 with Arizona tag:&nbsp;AK25435.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640443741162.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image of the actual vehicle -photo Topeka PoliceAnyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368- 9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785

Grinch: 4 jailed in Kan. for Christmas theft of family's loaded U-Haul 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is establishing a specialized unit focused on domestic terrorism, the department’s top national security official told lawmakers Tuesday as he described an “elevated” threat from violent extremists in the United States.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, testifying just days after the nation observed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">one-year anniversary of the insurrection</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol, said the number of FBI investigations into suspected domestic violent extremists has more than doubled since the spring of 2020.

“We have seen a growing threat from those who are motivated by racial animus, as well as those who ascribe to extremist anti-government and anti-authority ideologies,” Olsen said.

The formulation of a new unit underscores the extent to which domestic violent extremism, which for years after the Sept. 11 attacks was overshadowed by the threat of international terrorism, has attracted urgent attention inside the federal government and at the White House.

But the issue remains politically freighted and divisive, in part because the absence of a federal domestic terrorism statute has created ambiguities as to precisely what sort of violence meets that definition. The U.S. criminal code defines domestic terrorism as violence intended to coerce or intimidate a civilian population and to influence government policy, but there is no standalone domestic terrorism charge, meaning prosecutors have to rely on other statutes.

Olsen’s assessment about growing domestic threats tracked with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-chris-wray-testify-capitol-riot-9a5539af34b15338bb5c4923907eeb67">a warning last March from FBI Director Christopher Wray</a>, who testified that the threat was “metastasizing.” Jill Sanborn, the executive assistant director in charge of the FBI’s national security branch who testified alongside Olsen, said Tuesday the greatest threat comes from lone extremists or small cells who radicalize online and look to carry out violence at so-called “soft targets.”

“This includes both homegrown violent extremists inspired primarily by foreign terrorist organizations as well as domestic violent extremism,” Sanborn said.

The department’s National Security Division, which Olsen leads, has a counterterrorism section. But Olsen told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he has decided to create a specialized domestic terrorism unit “to augment our existing approach” and to “ensure that these cases are properly handled and effectively coordinated” across the country.

The partisan divisions around the domestic terrorism terminology were evident during Tuesday’s hearing.

Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, the Democratic chairman of the committee, played video of the Jan. 6 riot at the outset of the hearing and urged everyone on the committee to “use this hearing to explicitly condemn the use or threat of violence to advance political goals.”

“It’s a simple request, but sadly a necessary one,” Durbin added. “This committee should speak with a unified voice in saying violence is unacceptable.”

Several Republican senators sought to shift focus away from Jan. 6 and asserted that the insurrection had taken away attention from the 2020 rioting that erupted in American cities and grew out of racial justice protests. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, castigated the law enforcement witnesses for what he said were “wildly disparate standards” in the department’s pursuit of suspects in the 2020 rioting and in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the panel’s top Republican, showed video of the 2020 violence as a counter to the Jan. 6 footage that Durbin showed.

“Those anti-police riots rocked our nation for seven full months,” Grassley said.

The FBI and Justice Department say they treat domestic extremist violence the same regardless of ideology. Sanborn said the FBI has opened more than 800 investigations tied to the 2020 rioting and arrested more than 250 people. Attorney General Merrick Garland&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/merrick-garland-7556f195cde8dbf04aee94c80a41ec35">said last week</a>&nbsp;that the Justice Department had arrested and charged more than 725 people for their alleged roles in the Jan. 6 attack.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641943438855.png" alt="Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen photo CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen photo CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is establishing a specialized unit focused on domestic terrorism, the department’s top national security official told lawmakers Tuesday as he described an “elevated” threat from violent extremists in the United States.Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, testifying just days after the nation observed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">one-year anniversary of the insurrection</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol, said the number of FBI investigations into suspected domestic violent extremists has more than doubled since the spring of 2020.“We have seen a growing threat from those who are motivated by racial animus, as well as those who ascribe to extremist anti-government and anti-authority ideologies,” Olsen said.The formulation of a new unit underscores the extent to which domestic violent extremism, which for years after the Sept. 11 attacks was overshadowed by the threat of international terrorism, has attracted urgent attention inside the federal government and at the White House.But the issue remains politically freighted and divisive, in part because the absence of a federal domestic terrorism statute has created ambiguities as to precisely what sort of violence meets that definition. The U.S. criminal code defines domestic terrorism as violence intended to coerce or intimidate a civilian population and to influence government policy, but there is no standalone domestic terrorism charge, meaning prosecutors have to rely on other statutes.Olsen’s assessment about growing domestic threats tracked with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-chris-wray-testify-capitol-riot-9a5539af34b15338bb5c4923907eeb67">a warning last March from FBI Director Christopher Wray</a>, who testified that the threat was “metastasizing.” Jill Sanborn, the executive assistant director in charge of the FBI’s national security branch who testified alongside Olsen, said Tuesday the greatest threat comes from lone extremists or small cells who radicalize online and look to carry out violence at so-called “soft targets.”“This includes both homegrown violent extremists inspired primarily by foreign terrorist organizations as well as domestic violent extremism,” Sanborn said.The department’s National Security Division, which Olsen leads, has a counterterrorism section. But Olsen told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he has decided to create a specialized domestic terrorism unit “to augment our existing approach” and to “ensure that these cases are properly handled and effectively coordinated” across the country.The partisan divisions around the domestic terrorism terminology were evident during Tuesday’s hearing.Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, the Democratic chairman of the committee, played video of the Jan. 6 riot at the outset of the hearing and urged everyone on the committee to “use this hearing to explicitly condemn the use or threat of violence to advance political goals.”“It’s a simple request, but sadly a necessary one,” Durbin added. “This committee should speak with a unified voice in saying violence is unacceptable.”Several Republican senators sought to shift focus away from Jan. 6 and asserted that the insurrection had taken away attention from the 2020 rioting that erupted in American cities and grew out of racial justice protests. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, castigated the law enforcement witnesses for what he said were “wildly disparate standards” in the department’s pursuit of suspects in the 2020 rioting and in the Jan. 6 insurrection.Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the panel’s top Republican, showed video of the 2020 violence as a counter to the Jan. 6 footage that Durbin showed.“Those anti-police riots rocked our nation for seven full months,” Grassley said.The FBI and Justice Department say they treat domestic extremist violence the same regardless of ideology. Sanborn said the FBI has opened more than 800 investigations tied to the 2020 rioting and arrested more than 250 people. Attorney General Merrick Garland&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/merrick-garland-7556f195cde8dbf04aee94c80a41ec35">said last week</a>&nbsp;that the Justice Department had arrested and charged more than 725 people for their alleged roles in the Jan. 6 attack.____

Justice Department's new unit to focus on domestic terrorism

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, angrily accused a senator Tuesday of making false accusations that are leading to threats against him -- all to raise political cash.

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has repeatedly said Fauci lies about the pandemic and in a hearing Tuesday also claimed that he tried to “take down” some scientists who disagreed with him.

Paul and other conservative critics have focused their ire at how the pandemic is being handled on Fauci, the National Institutes of Health infectious disease chief who also is President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser. Fauci has needed increased security since 2020 because of threats and harassment against him and his family.

Tuesday, Fauci expressed frustration that this far into the pandemic the senator still “accuses me of things that are completely untrue” and “kindles the crazies out there.”

He pointed to the arrest last month of a California man who was stopped for speeding in Iowa and told a sheriff’s deputy he was on the way to the nation’s capital to kill a list of people in power -- including Fauci. Court documents show the man, Kuachua Brillion Xiong of Sacramento, had an AR-15 style rifle, ammunition and body armor in the car.

Fauci said the Paul’s website has a “fire Dr. Fauci” page that includes a call for political contributions ranging from $5 to $100.

“You are making a catastrophic epidemic for your political gain,” he said.

The feud overshadowed a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee designed to examine if policy changes are needed while the U.S. is battling the hugely contagious omicron variant.

Among the chief complaints of Republicans and Democrats alike is a continuing lack of tests to make it easier for people to tell if they have COVID-19 so they can stay home and not spread it.

“I just say to all of you right now, testing’s broken,” said an exasperated Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, the committee’s ranking member.

Still, Burr and several other lawmakers on both sides of the aisle also thanked Fauci for his work to fight the pandemic.

But later in Tuesday’s hearing, Fauci lost his temper when Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, accused him of hiding financial disclosure forms required of public officials.

“You’re so misinformed that it’s extraordinary,” Fauci responded, saying those documents are publicly available upon request. As the exchange ended, Fauci could be heard muttering off-camera, “What a moron.”

Following the line of questioning, Dr. Fauci proceeded to call Senator Marshall a “moron” and said, “Jesus Christ.” Click&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1480977059874848769?s=20" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp; to hear Dr. Fauci on hot mic.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, angrily accused a senator Tuesday of making false accusations that are leading to threats against him -- all to raise political cash.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gB4Q4tCBsh4?start=7" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has repeatedly said Fauci lies about the pandemic and in a hearing Tuesday also claimed that he tried to “take down” some scientists who disagreed with him.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Calling me a moron during a Senate hearing may have alleviated the stress of the least trusted bureaucrat in America, but it didn’t take away from the facts. We need the truth Dr. Fauci! <a href="https://t.co/GyfdppfNgn">pic.twitter.com/GyfdppfNgn</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1481029428754984968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Paul and other conservative critics have focused their ire at how the pandemic is being handled on Fauci, the National Institutes of Health infectious disease chief who also is President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser. Fauci has needed increased security since 2020 because of threats and harassment against him and his family.Tuesday, Fauci expressed frustration that this far into the pandemic the senator still “accuses me of things that are completely untrue” and “kindles the crazies out there.”He pointed to the arrest last month of a California man who was stopped for speeding in Iowa and told a sheriff’s deputy he was on the way to the nation’s capital to kill a list of people in power -- including Fauci. Court documents show the man, Kuachua Brillion Xiong of Sacramento, had an AR-15 style rifle, ammunition and body armor in the car.Fauci said the Paul’s website has a “fire Dr. Fauci” page that includes a call for political contributions ranging from $5 to $100.“You are making a catastrophic epidemic for your political gain,” he said.The feud overshadowed a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee designed to examine if policy changes are needed while the U.S. is battling the hugely contagious omicron variant.Among the chief complaints of Republicans and Democrats alike is a continuing lack of tests to make it easier for people to tell if they have COVID-19 so they can stay home and not spread it.“I just say to all of you right now, testing’s broken,” said an exasperated Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, the committee’s ranking member.Still, Burr and several other lawmakers on both sides of the aisle also thanked Fauci for his work to fight the pandemic.But later in Tuesday’s hearing, Fauci lost his temper when Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, accused him of hiding financial disclosure forms required of public officials.“You’re so misinformed that it’s extraordinary,” Fauci responded, saying those documents are publicly available upon request. As the exchange ended, Fauci could be heard muttering off-camera, “What a moron.”Following the line of questioning, Dr. Fauci proceeded to call Senator Marshall a “moron” and said, “Jesus Christ.” Click&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/therecount/status/1480977059874848769?s=20" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp; to hear Dr. Fauci on hot mic.

🎥 'Dr. Fauci gets testy with Senator Marshall: 'What a moron'

SUMNER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the August shooting death of a 12-year-old girl at a Kansas home have made an arrest.

On Thursday police arrested 42-year-old Jarod Bruey and 41- year-old&nbsp; Sarah Bruey on requested charges of aggravated endangerment of a child and first-degree murder in commission of a felony, according to online Sumner County jail records. They are scheduled to make a virtual first appearance on the charges January 27, according to the Sumner County&nbsp; District Court.

Just after 11a.m. August 6, Sumner County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to report a shooting the 1500 Block of South Blackstone Road in Caldwell, according to&nbsp;Undersheriff Mike Westmoreland.

Deputies were told a 12-year-old girl accidentally shot her 12-year-old sister in the face. 

After administering life saving measures for over forty minutes she was declared deceased, according to&nbsp;Westmoreland.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641905049958.png" alt="Bruey-photo Sumner County" />
 <figcaption>Bruey-photo Sumner County</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the August shooting death of a 12-year-old girl at a Kansas home have made an arrest.On Thursday police arrested 42-year-old Jarod Bruey and 41- year-old&nbsp; Sarah Bruey on requested charges of aggravated endangerment of a child and first-degree murder in commission of a felony, according to online Sumner County jail records. They are scheduled to make a virtual first appearance on the charges January 27, according to the Sumner County&nbsp; District Court.Just after 11a.m. August 6, Sumner County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to report a shooting the 1500 Block of South Blackstone Road in Caldwell, according to&nbsp;Undersheriff Mike Westmoreland.Deputies were told a 12-year-old girl accidentally shot her 12-year-old sister in the face. After administering life saving measures for over forty minutes she was declared deceased, according to&nbsp;Westmoreland.&nbsp;&nbsp;---------

Kansas couple accused in fatal accidental shooting

SEWARD COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Seward County Sheriff’s Office announced a Liberal man has been arrested connected to the April 2019 murders of 25-year-old Timothy J. Martin, and 31-year-old Erick G. Salas.

Just before 1:30p.m.&nbsp; Monday, 30-year-old Ralph Thomas Salas Jr. of Liberal, was arrested at 415 North Washington Street in Liberal on requested charges that include two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and other charges, according to a media release from the KBI.

Salas is alleged to have participated in the robbery, kidnapping and shooting deaths of Timothy Martin and Erick Salas. The victims’ bodies were found in separate locations on April 2, 2019. Martin was discovered by a farmer on his property near U.S. Highway 54 and the Kansas/Oklahoma state line in Texas County, Oklahoma. Salas was discovered deceased in a trailer at the Seven Winds RV Park in Liberal. Ralph Salas and Erick Salas were not related.

The Seward County Attorney is expected to prosecute the case

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), the Liberal Police Department, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office, and the District 1 District Attorney’s Task Force also assisted with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641921437561.png" alt="Salas is being held in Seward County, according to the KBI" />
 <figcaption>Salas is being held in Seward County, according to the KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Seward County Sheriff’s Office announced a Liberal man has been arrested connected to the April 2019 murders of 25-year-old Timothy J. Martin, and 31-year-old Erick G. Salas.Just before 1:30p.m.&nbsp; Monday, 30-year-old Ralph Thomas Salas Jr. of Liberal, was arrested at 415 North Washington Street in Liberal on requested charges that include two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and other charges, according to a media release from the KBI.Salas is alleged to have participated in the robbery, kidnapping and shooting deaths of Timothy Martin and Erick Salas. The victims’ bodies were found in separate locations on April 2, 2019. Martin was discovered by a farmer on his property near U.S. Highway 54 and the Kansas/Oklahoma state line in Texas County, Oklahoma. Salas was discovered deceased in a trailer at the Seven Winds RV Park in Liberal. Ralph Salas and Erick Salas were not related.The Seward County Attorney is expected to prosecute the caseThe Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), the Liberal Police Department, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office, and the District 1 District Attorney’s Task Force also assisted with the investigation.

KBI: Southwest Kan. man accused in 2019 double-murder

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas woman has been sentenced to two years of probation for her role in the January 6 riot at the Capitol. 

Esther Schwemmer of Leavenworth also must perform community service and pay $500 in restitution for damage to the Capitol building. The sentence was handed down Monday. Schwemmer said that she hopes in time, she can forgive herself. 

Schwemmer and her friend Jennifer Ruth Parks attended then-President Donald Trump’s rally before following the crowd to the Capitol. Parks, of Leavenworth, received a similar sentence in December. Eight Kansas residents have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two Kansas women arrested in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol told the FBI they expected to participate in a peaceful protest supporting former President Donald Trump that day.

Court records show that Jennifer Ruth Parks and Esther Schwemmer were both arrested Friday. An affidavit filed in Parks’ case describes how the two women entered the U.S. Capitol after protesters broke into the building and remained inside for 30 minutes to an hour.

Parks is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority, but the charges against Schwemmer had not been released as of Sunday.

“Parks believed she was attending a peaceful rally in support of President Donald Trump,” an FBI agent wrote.

The two friends who travelled to Washington together are among at least seven people from Kansas and dozens nationwide who have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol while Congress was meeting to certify Democrat Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential race.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619432644832.png" alt="Jennifer Parks and Esther Schwemmer of Kansas were arrested in April -Photo U.S. Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Parks and Esther Schwemmer of Kansas were arrested in April -Photo U.S. Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas woman has been sentenced to two years of probation for her role in the January 6 riot at the Capitol. Esther Schwemmer of Leavenworth also must perform community service and pay $500 in restitution for damage to the Capitol building. The sentence was handed down Monday. Schwemmer said that she hopes in time, she can forgive herself. Schwemmer and her friend Jennifer Ruth Parks attended then-President Donald Trump’s rally before following the crowd to the Capitol. Parks, of Leavenworth, received a similar sentence in December. Eight Kansas residents have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot.----------KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two Kansas women arrested in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol told the FBI they expected to participate in a peaceful protest supporting former President Donald Trump that day.Court records show that Jennifer Ruth Parks and Esther Schwemmer were both arrested Friday. An affidavit filed in Parks’ case describes how the two women entered the U.S. Capitol after protesters broke into the building and remained inside for 30 minutes to an hour.Parks is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building without lawful authority, but the charges against Schwemmer had not been released as of Sunday.“Parks believed she was attending a peaceful rally in support of President Donald Trump,” an FBI agent wrote.The two friends who travelled to Washington together are among at least seven people from Kansas and dozens nationwide who have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol while Congress was meeting to certify Democrat Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential race.

Kansas woman sentenced for role in Capitol riot

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a officer-involved shooting and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 5:35p.m. Sunday, an off-duty Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputy was alerted to a theft from a business at Harry and Webb in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The deputy contacted the suspects of the theft outside of the business. During the contact, one of the suspects drove a vehicle towards the deputy. The deputy fired one round into the vehicle which didn’t strike any of the vehicle occupants. After the shot, the suspects fled in the same vehicle.

A short time later, the Wichita Police Department located the suspects and the vehicle near Oliver and Morris. They arrested 55-year-old Lisa Young and and 31-year-old Able Molina both of Wichita.

The KBI, Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, and the Professional Standards Unit of the sheriff’s office were notified.

The deputy involved is 34 years old and has been a patrol deputy with the sheriff’s office for 7 years. He was not injured, according to Lt. Blick.

Lisa Young i<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=51609">s being held </a>on requested charges of Aggravated Assault and drug charges. Able Molina was booked on requested charges of Theft and drug charges.

Upon the completion of the criminal investigation, the case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641845570693.png" alt="Molina-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Molina-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a officer-involved shooting and have two suspects in custody.Just after 5:35p.m. Sunday, an off-duty Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputy was alerted to a theft from a business at Harry and Webb in Wichita, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.The deputy contacted the suspects of the theft outside of the business. During the contact, one of the suspects drove a vehicle towards the deputy. The deputy fired one round into the vehicle which didn’t strike any of the vehicle occupants. After the shot, the suspects fled in the same vehicle.A short time later, the Wichita Police Department located the suspects and the vehicle near Oliver and Morris. They arrested 55-year-old Lisa Young and and 31-year-old Able Molina both of Wichita.The KBI, Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, and the Professional Standards Unit of the sheriff’s office were notified.The deputy involved is 34 years old and has been a patrol deputy with the sheriff’s office for 7 years. He was not injured, according to Lt. Blick.Lisa Young i<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=51609">s being held </a>on requested charges of Aggravated Assault and drug charges. Able Molina was booked on requested charges of Theft and drug charges.Upon the completion of the criminal investigation, the case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

Off duty Kan. deputy fired gun at suspects who drove car at him

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 2p.m. Sunday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck near SW 37th Street and South Kansas Avenue for an expired license plate, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A K9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located.

The driver, Alice L. Ackors-King (35) of Topeka, was placed into custody and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with an expired license plate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641853056375.png" alt="Ackors-King-photo Shawnee Co" />
 <figcaption>Ackors-King-photo Shawnee Co</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just before 2p.m. Sunday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck near SW 37th Street and South Kansas Avenue for an expired license plate, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A K9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located.The driver, Alice L. Ackors-King (35) of Topeka, was placed into custody and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with an expired license plate.

Sheriff's K-9 helps arrest Kansas woman after traffic stop 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; shooting outside a weekend&nbsp; party have identified the victim as 39-year-old Justine Bell of Wichita.&nbsp;

Shortly after 2:00 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 2200 block of E. 12th street N. in Wichita, according to officer Trevor Macy.

At the scene, police located a Bell with a single gunshot wound. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment of critical injuries.

Investigators learned that a party took place at the location on 12th street when an argument broke out in the parking lot. This led to multiple shots being fired. One of the shots struck Bell. 

It is believed that multiple people then began to flee the location, and at least one vehicle struck Bell causing additional injuries.

Police have not reported an arrest or updated Bell's condition.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; shooting outside a weekend&nbsp; party have identified the victim as 39-year-old Justine Bell of Wichita.&nbsp;Shortly after 2:00 a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 2200 block of E. 12th street N. in Wichita, according to officer Trevor Macy.At the scene, police located a Bell with a single gunshot wound. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment of critical injuries.Investigators learned that a party took place at the location on 12th street when an argument broke out in the parking lot. This led to multiple shots being fired. One of the shots struck Bell. It is believed that multiple people then began to flee the location, and at least one vehicle struck Bell causing additional injuries.Police have not reported an arrest or updated Bell's condition.

Police ID Kansas woman shot, struck by car outside party

BUTLER COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal house fire in Butler County have made an arrest.

Late Friday, the El Dorado Police and Fire Departments responded to the fire at a home in the 300 block of N Taylor in El Dorado, according to a media release.

First responders learned there was an individual inside of the home. Emergency personnel were able to retrieve this individual from the home and administered life saving measures. 

Unfortunately, the individual did succumb to their injuries and was pronounced deceased. On Monday, 46-year-old David J. Poulter from El Dorado,&nbsp; was charged with 1st degree murder, aggravated arson and assault on a law enforcement officer in connection with the fire.

&nbsp;Authorities have not released the victim's name or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641844111037.png" alt="Poulter is being held in the Butler Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Poulter is being held in the Butler Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal house fire in Butler County have made an arrest.Late Friday, the El Dorado Police and Fire Departments responded to the fire at a home in the 300 block of N Taylor in El Dorado, according to a media release.First responders learned there was an individual inside of the home. Emergency personnel were able to retrieve this individual from the home and administered life saving measures. Unfortunately, the individual did succumb to their injuries and was pronounced deceased. On Monday, 46-year-old David J. Poulter from El Dorado,&nbsp; was charged with 1st degree murder, aggravated arson and assault on a law enforcement officer in connection with the fire.&nbsp;Authorities have not released the victim's name or additional details.

Police: Kan. man accused of murder for fatal house fire

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Salina man for allegedly driving in reverse across Salina on Saturday evening.

Just after 7:30p.m., patrol officers were alerted to the report of a Chevrolet Camaro driving in reverse westbound on E. Crawford Street near Marymount Road, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.&nbsp;

An officer located the Camaro headed north on Ninth Street and attempted to stop it in the 100 block of N. Ninth Street. The Camaro, however, continued and eventually turned west on Park Street before pulling over in the 700 block of Park Street, facing the wrong way on the street, according to Forrester.

The driver, identified as Anthony Sustaita, 24, of Salina, was arrested on the following requested charges of misdemeanor flee and elude, reckless driving, and driving while suspended or revoked. Sustaita told police that the Camaro was having mechanical issues and he had to drive it in reverse

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641743153558.jpeg" alt="Sustaita-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Sustaita-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Salina man for allegedly driving in reverse across Salina on Saturday evening.Just after 7:30p.m., patrol officers were alerted to the report of a Chevrolet Camaro driving in reverse westbound on E. Crawford Street near Marymount Road, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.&nbsp;An officer located the Camaro headed north on Ninth Street and attempted to stop it in the 100 block of N. Ninth Street. The Camaro, however, continued and eventually turned west on Park Street before pulling over in the 700 block of Park Street, facing the wrong way on the street, according to Forrester.The driver, identified as Anthony Sustaita, 24, of Salina, was arrested on the following requested charges of misdemeanor flee and elude, reckless driving, and driving while suspended or revoked. Sustaita told police that the Camaro was having mechanical issues and he had to drive it in reverse

Police: Man arrested for driving Camaro in reverse across Salina

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man who injured two United States deputy marshals by crashing into them while attempting to flee in a stolen truck pleaded guilty in federal court today to forcibly resisting federal law enforcement officers, according to the United State's Attorney.

Ray E. Clevenger, 46, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to two counts of forcibly resisting a federal law enforcement officer.

Law enforcement officers located Clevenger, who was being sought on a state felony arrest warrant, at a Quality Inn in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 30, 2020. Clevenger left his hotel room shortly after noon with a woman and got into a Ford Explorer, which was later identified as stolen. Officers activated their flashing multi-colored police emergency lights and sirens as they approached Clevenger.

Clevenger quickly accelerated the Explorer from the parking space it had been backed into, and struck the front of a police vehicle. Clevenger continued to attempt to escape while recklessly driving the Explorer at a high rate of speed. Clevenger drove across the hotel’s parking lot with his tires squealing and drove near the exit on the west side of the property. A federal deputy marshal attempted to prevent Clevenger from leaving the parking lot by positioning his police vehicle in front of the exit and striking the Ford Explorer, causing Clevenger to lose control of his vehicle. Clevenger regained control of the vehicle, then fled across the hotel’s lawn and sidewalk toward the east side of the property. Another deputy marshal struck Clevenger’s vehicle on the passenger rear wheel well in an attempt to prevent his escape. Clevenger continued to flee and returned to the west side of the property, where he rammed one of the police vehicles for the second time with enough force to push the SUV into a fence that surrounded the parking lot. Clevenger pushed the police vehicle with enough force that it also struck another police vehicle, which in turn struck a deputy marshal who was on foot.

Clevenger’s vehicle then stopped and he was arrested. Officers searched Clevenger’s stolen vehicle and found a Springfield .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun that had been reported stolen, loaded with an extended magazine, a makeup case that contained approximately 69 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

The two deputy marshals suffered physical injuries as a result of Clevenger’s reckless driving while attempting to avoid arrest. Those injuries required one of the deputy marshals to be treated by emergency medical officials at the scene. The other deputy marshal was provided medical care and instructed to seek follow-up medical care.

Under federal statutes, Clevenger is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the two counts. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641484652823.png" alt="Clevenger-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Clevenger-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man who injured two United States deputy marshals by crashing into them while attempting to flee in a stolen truck pleaded guilty in federal court today to forcibly resisting federal law enforcement officers, according to the United State's Attorney.Ray E. Clevenger, 46, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to two counts of forcibly resisting a federal law enforcement officer.Law enforcement officers located Clevenger, who was being sought on a state felony arrest warrant, at a Quality Inn in Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 30, 2020. Clevenger left his hotel room shortly after noon with a woman and got into a Ford Explorer, which was later identified as stolen. Officers activated their flashing multi-colored police emergency lights and sirens as they approached Clevenger.Clevenger quickly accelerated the Explorer from the parking space it had been backed into, and struck the front of a police vehicle. Clevenger continued to attempt to escape while recklessly driving the Explorer at a high rate of speed. Clevenger drove across the hotel’s parking lot with his tires squealing and drove near the exit on the west side of the property. A federal deputy marshal attempted to prevent Clevenger from leaving the parking lot by positioning his police vehicle in front of the exit and striking the Ford Explorer, causing Clevenger to lose control of his vehicle. Clevenger regained control of the vehicle, then fled across the hotel’s lawn and sidewalk toward the east side of the property. Another deputy marshal struck Clevenger’s vehicle on the passenger rear wheel well in an attempt to prevent his escape. Clevenger continued to flee and returned to the west side of the property, where he rammed one of the police vehicles for the second time with enough force to push the SUV into a fence that surrounded the parking lot. Clevenger pushed the police vehicle with enough force that it also struck another police vehicle, which in turn struck a deputy marshal who was on foot.Clevenger’s vehicle then stopped and he was arrested. Officers searched Clevenger’s stolen vehicle and found a Springfield .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun that had been reported stolen, loaded with an extended magazine, a makeup case that contained approximately 69 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.The two deputy marshals suffered physical injuries as a result of Clevenger’s reckless driving while attempting to avoid arrest. Those injuries required one of the deputy marshals to be treated by emergency medical officials at the scene. The other deputy marshal was provided medical care and instructed to seek follow-up medical care.Under federal statutes, Clevenger is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the two counts. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

KC man enters plea for crash in stolen SUV into U.S Marshals 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Throughout this week, law enforcement authorities received information concerning a Sedgwick County detention deputy bringing contraband into the jail, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The detectives assigned to the case discovered the 21-year-old detention deputy Andrew Gilbert was involved in trafficking contraband. 

Due to the allegations and evidence ascertained, it was determined enough probable cause existed to arrest him for trafficking contraband. Additional charges could be applied, depending on the results of the ongoing investigation.

Gilbert began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in June of 2019. On Friday he was placed on suspension without pay and was no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641604738375.png" alt="Gilbert photo Sedgwick Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Gilbert photo Sedgwick Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Throughout this week, law enforcement authorities received information concerning a Sedgwick County detention deputy bringing contraband into the jail, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.The detectives assigned to the case discovered the 21-year-old detention deputy Andrew Gilbert was involved in trafficking contraband. Due to the allegations and evidence ascertained, it was determined enough probable cause existed to arrest him for trafficking contraband. Additional charges could be applied, depending on the results of the ongoing investigation.Gilbert began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in June of 2019. On Friday he was placed on suspension without pay and was no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kan. jail deputy allegedly brought contraband into the jail

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a traffic stop where a Kansas deputy was injured have the driver who fled the scene in custody.

&nbsp;Just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 5300 block of SW Topeka Boulevard on a blue Mercedes C300 passenger car, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the investigation, the driver and front passenger attempted to exit the vehicle multiple times. The front male passenger, later identified as Tony M. Gant Jr, 39, of Topeka, exited the vehicle, refused to follow any commands and initiated a physical altercation with the deputy. 

During the physical altercation that led to Gant being taken into custody, the driver identified as&nbsp;39-year-old Patrick C. Morere &nbsp;exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.

Gant was arrested, booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony battery against a law enforcement officer and interference with law enforcement.

The deputy was taken to a local hospital for treatment and released following this incident.

Late Friday Morere turned himself in at the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, according to Christian. Morere was interviewed by the Criminal Investigations Division, arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of driving under the influence, interference with law enforcement, improper driving on laned roadway and failure to signal turn.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspects involved in a traffic stop that injured a sheriff's deputy and are looking for the driver of the vehicle who fled the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the physical altercation that led to Gant being taken into custody, the male driver exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.

Authorities identified the driver as 39-year-old Patrick C. Morere of Topeka. Anyone with information on Morere’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. A 32-year-old female passenger was interviewed and released from the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641660613847.png" alt="Morere photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Morere photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a traffic stop where a Kansas deputy was injured have the driver who fled the scene in custody.&nbsp;Just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 5300 block of SW Topeka Boulevard on a blue Mercedes C300 passenger car, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the driver and front passenger attempted to exit the vehicle multiple times. The front male passenger, later identified as Tony M. Gant Jr, 39, of Topeka, exited the vehicle, refused to follow any commands and initiated a physical altercation with the deputy. During the physical altercation that led to Gant being taken into custody, the driver identified as&nbsp;39-year-old Patrick C. Morere &nbsp;exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.Gant was arrested, booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony battery against a law enforcement officer and interference with law enforcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641505804589.png" alt="Gant-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Gant-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The deputy was taken to a local hospital for treatment and released following this incident.Late Friday Morere turned himself in at the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, according to Christian. Morere was interviewed by the Criminal Investigations Division, arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of driving under the influence, interference with law enforcement, improper driving on laned roadway and failure to signal turn.-----SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspects involved in a traffic stop that injured a sheriff's deputy and are looking for the driver of the vehicle who fled the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641505836289.png" alt="Law enforcement continues to search for Patrick Morere -photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff." />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement continues to search for Patrick Morere -photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Just before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 5300 block of SW Topeka Boulevard on a blue Mercedes C300 passenger car, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the driver and front passenger attempted to exit the vehicle multiple times. The front male passenger, later identified as Tony M. Gant Jr, 39, of Topeka, exited the vehicle, refused to follow any commands and initiated a physical altercation with the deputy. During the physical altercation that led to Gant being taken into custody, the male driver exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.Gant was arrested, booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony battery against a law enforcement officer and interference with law enforcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641505804589.png" alt="Gant-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Gant-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The deputy was taken to a local hospital for treatment and released following this incident.Authorities identified the driver as 39-year-old Patrick C. Morere of Topeka. Anyone with information on Morere’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. A 32-year-old female passenger was interviewed and released from the scene.

Driver turns himself in after Kan. deputy injured in traffic stop

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2022-01-03/transgender-inmates-say-the-way-theyre-treated-in-kansas-prisons-puts-them-in-danger">Kansas News Service</a>

Rayne Bennett hadn’t begun her gender transition the first time she 
was sent to a state prison. She was held in a men’s prison and that felt
 like the right choice.

Upon reflection and meditation, she decided while in that men’s facility to begin her transition to female.

“Obviously,” Bennett said, “this is who I am.”

After
 her release from prison, she began taking hormone therapy, got a gender
 doctor and a gender therapist. She began dressing as a woman. 
Eventually, she became more comfortable with herself.

“Not only 
are the looks different, the personality is dramatically different. Not 
just confidence, not just self-esteem, not just an actual smile. But, in
 reality, it’s that sense of peace,” Bennett said. “I feel better than I
 felt in my entire life.”

Prisons and jails can be difficult 
places for transgender people. Staff and other inmates treat them 
poorly, they struggle for basic necessities and even fear for their 
safety. Trans inmates say Kansas prisons fail to recognize their gender 
identity or protect them from violence and staff harassment.

Bennett
 would end up back in Kansas prisons. She said her first sentence in 
state prison “was a breeze.” In her second stint, that gender transition
 was well underway, she struggled immensely. The only difference was how
 she looked.

The second time Bennett was arrested, she was placed 
in a men's prison despite identifying as female. That’s common practice.
 Prison officials have the authority to decide where to place 
transgender inmates.

She met with a behavioral health professional
 at the prison expecting a diagnosis for gender dysphoria. Gender 
dysphoria isn’t the same as being transgender, but it is when someone is
 distressed because they don’t identify with the gender they were 
assigned at birth. The diagnosis also helps transgender inmates get the 
services they need to live in their gender identity while they’re in 
prison.

But prison medical staff rejected the idea that Bennett 
was transgender at all. She wanted to seek a second opinion but wasn’t 
able to get one.

Bennett struggled to get diagnosed because 
Corizon Health, which used to hold the state’s prison medical care 
contract, told its staff not to diagnose inmates with gender dysphoria, 
former staff members say. Those former Corizon workers told the Kansas 
News Service that another medical professional was called in to make the
 diagnosis even if the first specialist was qualified.

Corizon 
denied the allegations and said it knows of 145 inmates with gender 
dysphoria in Michigan. Charles Seigel, spokesperson for Corizon, said 
the company has a process for people to seek another opinion if they 
believe they were misdiagnosed.

“If we found out someone was doing
 the opposite of our policy,” he said, “we would certainly take some 
kinds of actions depending on what that was.”

Corizon is no longer the medical services contractor for Kansas 
prisons. Centurion of Kansas currently works with KDOC and it deferred 
any questions to the department. Bennett said both providers treated her
 poorly, but Centurion eventually recognized her transition. 

Multiple
 transgender inmates in state prisons also said they were told they 
weren’t transgender or had to prove they were trans by going through 
what they called a “disturbing” interview process.

Emily Feingold,
 who used to work as a behavioral health professional for Corizon, said 
there were at least five times she would have diagnosed someone with 
gender dysphoria but couldn't. 

“I'm literally not allowed to 
click on that diagnosis and have that appear in your chart,” she said. 
“I have the degree, I have the license. I have the power (to make that 
diagnosis). That power was taken away from me.”

Problems for 
transgender inmates didn’t stop there. Five current and former 
transgender inmates said Kansas prisons discriminated against them 
because they were trans. They said their hormone therapy was not at the 
proper dosage or difficult to get, they feared for their safety and were
 constantly misgendered or called the wrong name.

Transgender inmates said it it is harder to be transgender in a Kansas prison than on the outside.

“Every
 day is the day where I have to worry about: Is this person going to 
hurt me? Are they gonna kill me?” Bennett said. “(Prison) broke me. It 
destroyed a part of me. A good part of me.”

Multiple transgender 
inmates contacted by the Kansas News Service said the treatment inside 
Kansas prisons made them consider or attempt suicide.

“It’s not easy living in a body that doesn’t belong to you,” Bennett said.

The Kansas Department of Corrections said it has no documented complaints from Bennett and declined any interview requests.

Bennett
 provided the Kansas News Service with unofficial complaints she filed 
and said if the department was tracking and investigating the complaints
 as they happened, it would have enough information on the allegations.

'They punish us worse. They treat us worse'

KDOC
 spokesperson Carol Pitts said in an email the department will use the 
complaints to inform policy decisions and training in the future.

Transgender inmates’ complaints range from struggling to get underwear that fit their gender identity to harrassment by staff.

Tredessa
 Donnell, an inmate at Topeka’s Women's Facility, said staff will call 
him “ma’am” or “miss” because he is a women's facility, but those aren’t
 his pronouns.

“I can’t say nothing because I'm going to get 
(disciplined),” he said. “I’m going to get consequences if I say 
something or try to stand up for myself.”

Donnell, and multiple 
other current and former inmates, told the Kansas News Service they have
 filed complaints against staff for a variety of alleged transgender 
discrimination. But as they write more reports, the inmates said, they 
become more of a target.

“They punish us worse. They treat us 
worse,” he said. “They use terms to classify us as aggressive, 
victimizers, manipulators and that’s how they treat us. So you don’t 
even have a fair shake.”

Donnell, who is Black, said treatment can be worse for Black transgender people.

Rodrigo
 Heng-Lehtinen, executive director of the National Center for 
Transgender Equality/NCTE Action Fund, said transgender discrimination 
is common in correctional facilities. Transgender inmates in Georgia, 
New Jersey and Virgina sued correctional facilities for being denied 
access to gender-affirming surgery, alleged assualts or for alleged 
sexual assault.

“No one should be discriminated against just 
because of who they are,” Heng-Lehtinen said. “When someone is behind 
bars, they shouldn't be singled out for harassment, or denied their 
humanity just because they happen to be transgender.”

Heng-Lehitnen
 said creating an inclusive environment for all inmates shouldn’t be 
hard. He said allegations of mistreatment would be clearly seen as 
discriminatory if they weren’t about transgender people.

Simple policies, like using the right name or allowing people to get a wig, can make a difference, Heng-Lehtinen said.

“These
 things that might sound small … (but) are actually really about 
authenticity and being seen as who you are,” he said. “In the most 
extreme cases, they can make a difference on your safety.”

Bennett
 said she was raped multiple times in Kansas prisons due in part to what
 she said is KDOC’s lack of interest in keeping her safe. She said she 
was raped by other inmates because she was transgender, and she raised 
her safety concerns to KDOC but not enough was done.

“As a male, I
 would have been left alone because it’s well known that 
feminine-looking inmates are pretty prized,” Bennett said. “Why in the 
hell would you put a trans inmate that is identifying as female, dresses
 as female in the prison with a bunch of sex-starved males?”

Bennett
 said her rape claims also weren’t investigated properly. She said that 
in one instance, she had both DNA inside of her and on her clothing but 
no rape kit was done and KDOC didn’t ask for her clothes for a week.

Nathaniel
 Callaway spent decades in Kansas prisons and served time before Bennett
 or Donnell were incarcerated. He had similar issues to inmates today, 
like misgendering.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641306078578.png" alt="Bennett kept journal entries, complaint forms and medical services request during her time in state prisons. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Bennett kept journal entries, complaint forms and medical services request during her time in state prisons. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2022-01-03/transgender-inmates-say-the-way-theyre-treated-in-kansas-prisons-puts-them-in-danger">Kansas News Service</a>Rayne Bennett hadn’t begun her gender transition the first time she 
was sent to a state prison. She was held in a men’s prison and that felt
 like the right choice.Upon reflection and meditation, she decided while in that men’s facility to begin her transition to female.“Obviously,” Bennett said, “this is who I am.”After
 her release from prison, she began taking hormone therapy, got a gender
 doctor and a gender therapist. She began dressing as a woman. 
Eventually, she became more comfortable with herself.“Not only 
are the looks different, the personality is dramatically different. Not 
just confidence, not just self-esteem, not just an actual smile. But, in
 reality, it’s that sense of peace,” Bennett said. “I feel better than I
 felt in my entire life.”Prisons and jails can be difficult 
places for transgender people. Staff and other inmates treat them 
poorly, they struggle for basic necessities and even fear for their 
safety. Trans inmates say Kansas prisons fail to recognize their gender 
identity or protect them from violence and staff harassment.Bennett
 would end up back in Kansas prisons. She said her first sentence in 
state prison “was a breeze.” In her second stint, that gender transition
 was well underway, she struggled immensely. The only difference was how
 she looked.The second time Bennett was arrested, she was placed 
in a men's prison despite identifying as female. That’s common practice.
 Prison officials have the authority to decide where to place 
transgender inmates.She met with a behavioral health professional
 at the prison expecting a diagnosis for gender dysphoria. Gender 
dysphoria isn’t the same as being transgender, but it is when someone is
 distressed because they don’t identify with the gender they were 
assigned at birth. The diagnosis also helps transgender inmates get the 
services they need to live in their gender identity while they’re in 
prison.But prison medical staff rejected the idea that Bennett 
was transgender at all. She wanted to seek a second opinion but wasn’t 
able to get one.Bennett struggled to get diagnosed because 
Corizon Health, which used to hold the state’s prison medical care 
contract, told its staff not to diagnose inmates with gender dysphoria, 
former staff members say. Those former Corizon workers told the Kansas 
News Service that another medical professional was called in to make the
 diagnosis even if the first specialist was qualified.Corizon 
denied the allegations and said it knows of 145 inmates with gender 
dysphoria in Michigan. Charles Seigel, spokesperson for Corizon, said 
the company has a process for people to seek another opinion if they 
believe they were misdiagnosed.“If we found out someone was doing
 the opposite of our policy,” he said, “we would certainly take some 
kinds of actions depending on what that was.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641306156082.png" alt="Bennett filed an informal inmate complaint alleging her consitutional rights were violated, but she said her treatment in state prisons didn't improve. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Bennett filed an informal inmate complaint alleging her consitutional rights were violated, but she said her treatment in state prisons didn't improve. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>Corizon is no longer the medical services contractor for Kansas 
prisons. Centurion of Kansas currently works with KDOC and it deferred 
any questions to the department. Bennett said both providers treated her
 poorly, but Centurion eventually recognized her transition. Multiple
 transgender inmates in state prisons also said they were told they 
weren’t transgender or had to prove they were trans by going through 
what they called a “disturbing” interview process.Emily Feingold,
 who used to work as a behavioral health professional for Corizon, said 
there were at least five times she would have diagnosed someone with 
gender dysphoria but couldn't. “I'm literally not allowed to 
click on that diagnosis and have that appear in your chart,” she said. 
“I have the degree, I have the license. I have the power (to make that 
diagnosis). That power was taken away from me.”Problems for 
transgender inmates didn’t stop there. Five current and former 
transgender inmates said Kansas prisons discriminated against them 
because they were trans. They said their hormone therapy was not at the 
proper dosage or difficult to get, they feared for their safety and were
 constantly misgendered or called the wrong name.Transgender inmates said it it is harder to be transgender in a Kansas prison than on the outside.“Every
 day is the day where I have to worry about: Is this person going to 
hurt me? Are they gonna kill me?” Bennett said. “(Prison) broke me. It 
destroyed a part of me. A good part of me.”Multiple transgender 
inmates contacted by the Kansas News Service said the treatment inside 
Kansas prisons made them consider or attempt suicide.“It’s not easy living in a body that doesn’t belong to you,” Bennett said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641306195647.png" alt="Rayne Bennett corrected staff on her pronouns, but it didn't stop them from misgendering her. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service " />
 <figcaption>Rayne Bennett corrected staff on her pronouns, but it didn't stop them from misgendering her. Blaise Mesa / Kansas News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Corrections said it has no documented complaints from Bennett and declined any interview requests.Bennett
 provided the Kansas News Service with unofficial complaints she filed 
and said if the department was tracking and investigating the complaints
 as they happened, it would have enough information on the allegations.<h2>'They punish us worse. They treat us worse'</h2> KDOC
 spokesperson Carol Pitts said in an email the department will use the 
complaints to inform policy decisions and training in the future.Transgender inmates’ complaints range from struggling to get underwear that fit their gender identity to harrassment by staff.Tredessa
 Donnell, an inmate at Topeka’s Women's Facility, said staff will call 
him “ma’am” or “miss” because he is a women's facility, but those aren’t
 his pronouns.“I can’t say nothing because I'm going to get 
(disciplined),” he said. “I’m going to get consequences if I say 
something or try to stand up for myself.”Donnell, and multiple 
other current and former inmates, told the Kansas News Service they have
 filed complaints against staff for a variety of alleged transgender 
discrimination. But as they write more reports, the inmates said, they 
become more of a target.“They punish us worse. They treat us 
worse,” he said. “They use terms to classify us as aggressive, 
victimizers, manipulators and that’s how they treat us. So you don’t 
even have a fair shake.”Donnell, who is Black, said treatment can be worse for Black transgender people.Rodrigo
 Heng-Lehtinen, executive director of the National Center for 
Transgender Equality/NCTE Action Fund, said transgender discrimination 
is common in correctional facilities. Transgender inmates in Georgia, 
New Jersey and Virgina sued correctional facilities for being denied 
access to gender-affirming surgery, alleged assualts or for alleged 
sexual assault.“No one should be discriminated against just 
because of who they are,” Heng-Lehtinen said. “When someone is behind 
bars, they shouldn't be singled out for harassment, or denied their 
humanity just because they happen to be transgender.”Heng-Lehitnen
 said creating an inclusive environment for all inmates shouldn’t be 
hard. He said allegations of mistreatment would be clearly seen as 
discriminatory if they weren’t about transgender people.Simple policies, like using the right name or allowing people to get a wig, can make a difference, Heng-Lehtinen said.“These
 things that might sound small … (but) are actually really about 
authenticity and being seen as who you are,” he said. “In the most 
extreme cases, they can make a difference on your safety.”Bennett
 said she was raped multiple times in Kansas prisons due in part to what
 she said is KDOC’s lack of interest in keeping her safe. She said she 
was raped by other inmates because she was transgender, and she raised 
her safety concerns to KDOC but not enough was done.“As a male, I
 would have been left alone because it’s well known that 
feminine-looking inmates are pretty prized,” Bennett said. “Why in the 
hell would you put a trans inmate that is identifying as female, dresses
 as female in the prison with a bunch of sex-starved males?”Bennett
 said her rape claims also weren’t investigated properly. She said that 
in one instance, she had both DNA inside of her and on her clothing but 
no rape kit was done and KDOC didn’t ask for her clothes for a week.<h2>KDOC promised to be better</h2> Nathaniel
 Callaway spent decades in Kansas prisons and served time before Bennett
 or Donnell were incarcerated. He had similar issues to inmates today, 
like misgendering.“For the first 12 or so years of my 
incarceration, I walked around, I say bare a** because I refuse to wear 
women's underwear,” Callaway said. “Everything was a fight for me when 
it wasn't a fight for everyone else. Anything that I got had to be a 
fight.”He said one deputy warden admitted the department made mistakes and tried to make things better.One
 inmate who spoke with the Kansas News Service said they didn’t mind 
their treatment at KDOC. They were allowed to shower at different times 
and given access to products that matched their gender. Staff who used 
to work at the department decades ago said they implemented some 
changes, like housing trans inmates in cells by themselves, and they 
made life easier for transgender people.Callaway did get the 
Department of Corrections to pay for his top surgery, but he suspects 
that was to avoid repercussions from a complaint. He thought the 
department had made meaningful change since he was incarcerated, but he 
was disappointed to hear allegations of discrimination are still 
ongoing.“They (implied) to me that it was gonna make it easier 
for the next people,” Callaway said. “It just lets me know that they 
didn't change their mindset, it didn't change anything.”Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.