&nbsp;Hutchinson—A Kansas man jailed in the July abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County has been bound over for trial on all 12 counts following Thursday's preliminary hearing. 

Judge Joe McCarville found there was sufficient evidence to hold 23-year-old Kamden Campos over for trial. 

He is accused of using a knife against the victim, trying to drown her at the lake, attempting to set her on fire, and shooting at the vehicle she was trying to escape in. He also faces counts of kidnapping and aggravated battery charges.

Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;

The woman drove into Sedgwick County and called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.

The victim took the stand Thursday morning and was reluctant to answer questions from the state, often returning an answer of “I don't remember.” She did talk about the day they left her house to buy a gift for her sister. At that time an argument started and they ended up at Cheney Reservoir. The state then played a recording of the 911 call she made. At that time, she stated she didn’t want to hear it.

In the tape, you can hear her say that she was worried Campos would take his own life. She then screamed hysterically when she discovered her two-year-old child had been shot. She repeatedly asked 911 for her to be able to hang up and make another call, but 911 kept her on the line and tried to help her do first aid on the child. The victim broke down and cried on the stand as the tape played while Campos put his head down on the table and was visibly shaking as the events played out in court.

When asked by the prosecution again about various events including how her clothing was doused in gasoline and how she was injured with a knife, she continued to answer with "I don’t remember."&nbsp;

Campos will now face arraignment on May 2 in front of Judge Trish Rose.

HUTCHINSON — A preliminary hearing originally delayed from February is scheduled for Thursday morning for the man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties on July 19.

Kamden Campos, 23, is facing 12 counts including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.&nbsp;

The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping carry sentences of up to 55 years in prison if Campos is convicted.&nbsp;

The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. in front of Judge Joe McCarville.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649190223017.jpeg" alt="Campos-photo Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Campos-photo Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Hutchinson—A Kansas man jailed in the July abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County has been bound over for trial on all 12 counts following Thursday's preliminary hearing. Judge Joe McCarville found there was sufficient evidence to hold 23-year-old Kamden Campos over for trial. He is accused of using a knife against the victim, trying to drown her at the lake, attempting to set her on fire, and shooting at the vehicle she was trying to escape in. He also faces counts of kidnapping and aggravated battery charges.Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County and called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.The victim took the stand Thursday morning and was reluctant to answer questions from the state, often returning an answer of “I don't remember.” She did talk about the day they left her house to buy a gift for her sister. At that time an argument started and they ended up at Cheney Reservoir. The state then played a recording of the 911 call she made. At that time, she stated she didn’t want to hear it.In the tape, you can hear her say that she was worried Campos would take his own life. She then screamed hysterically when she discovered her two-year-old child had been shot. She repeatedly asked 911 for her to be able to hang up and make another call, but 911 kept her on the line and tried to help her do first aid on the child. The victim broke down and cried on the stand as the tape played while Campos put his head down on the table and was visibly shaking as the events played out in court.When asked by the prosecution again about various events including how her clothing was doused in gasoline and how she was injured with a knife, she continued to answer with "I don’t remember."&nbsp;Campos will now face arraignment on May 2 in front of Judge Trish Rose.--------HUTCHINSON — A preliminary hearing originally delayed from February is scheduled for Thursday morning for the man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties on July 19.Kamden Campos, 23, is facing 12 counts including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.&nbsp;The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping carry sentences of up to 55 years in prison if Campos is convicted.&nbsp;Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County and called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. in front of Judge Joe McCarville.

Update: Man will stand trial for abduction, shooting of Kan. toddler 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has charged a Russian oligarch linked to the Kremlin with violating U.S. government sanctions, and disrupted a cybercrime operation that was launched by a Russian military intelligence agency, officials said Wednesday.

The actions came as the Justice Department said it was accelerating efforts to track down illicit Russian assets and as U.S. prosecutors helped European counterparts gather evidence on potential war crimes committed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia during its war on Ukraine</a>.

FBI and Justice Department officials announced the moves on the same day that the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-business-european-commission-united-kingdom-acb86730120a1230b9eb95c3ebdded77">separately revealed sanctions&nbsp;</a>against the two adult daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin and sanctions that blocked two key Russian banks.

“We have our eyes on every yacht and jet. We have our eyes on every piece of art and real estate purchased with dirty money and on every bitcoin wallet filled with proceeds of theft and other crimes,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said, adding that “our goal is to ensure that sanctioned Russian oligarchs and cyber criminals will not find safe haven.”

The indictment against Konstantin Malofeyev, a Russian media baron and founder of Russian Orthodox news channel Tsargrad TV, is the first of an oligarch since Russia’s war with Ukraine began in February. Malofeyev has trumpeted the invasion as a “holy war” and has supported Russia-aligned separatist groups in Ukraine.

He was sanctioned by the Treasury Department in 2014 for financing Russians promoting separatism in Crimea. Though those sanctions barred him from doing business with U.S. citizens, prosecutors say Malofeyev evaded those restrictions by hiring an American television producer to work for him in television networks in Russia and Greece and enlisted his help in trying to acquire a TV network in Bulgaria. It was all part of an effort to spread pro-Russia propaganda throughout Europe, the Justice Department said.

Jack Hanick, a former CNBC and Fox News employee, was arrested last month for his work as a television producer for Malofeyev. That case is pending.

Malofeyev is not in custody and is believed to be in Russia. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer to speak on his behalf. The two sanctions charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The Justice Department said it is seeking the seizure of a $10 million investment that Malofeyev had illegally transferred to a business associate in Greece.

Federal authorities also announced that they had taken down a botnet — a network of hijacked computers typically used for malicious activity — that was controlled by the Russian military intelligence agency known as the GRU. The botnet, which in this case involved thousands of infected network hardware devices, was dismantled before it could do harm, said FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Wednesday’s announcements came two days after U.S. officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-oligarch-yacht-seized-e8415972392839f818c5505aa93fc8a5">seized a huge yacht in Spain&nbsp;</a>belonging to a Russian oligarch, Viktor Vekselberg, with close ties to Russian President Putin.

After the war began, the Justice Department set up a task force to enforce sanctions against Russian oligarchs and target ill-gotten proceeds.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday that Justice Department prosecutors were also helping international efforts to uncover potential war crimes committed by Russia. U.S. officials have met with European prosecutors to develop a plan for gathering evidence, he said.

“We have seen the dead bodies of civilians, some with bound hands, scattered in the streets. We have seen the mass graves. We have seen the bombed hospital, theater, and residential apartment buildings,” Garland said. “The world sees what is happening in Ukraine. The Justice Department sees what is happening in Ukraine.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has charged a Russian oligarch linked to the Kremlin with violating U.S. government sanctions, and disrupted a cybercrime operation that was launched by a Russian military intelligence agency, officials said Wednesday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lwJpfC2a3qM?start=8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The actions came as the Justice Department said it was accelerating efforts to track down illicit Russian assets and as U.S. prosecutors helped European counterparts gather evidence on potential war crimes committed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia during its war on Ukraine</a>.FBI and Justice Department officials announced the moves on the same day that the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-business-european-commission-united-kingdom-acb86730120a1230b9eb95c3ebdded77">separately revealed sanctions&nbsp;</a>against the two adult daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin and sanctions that blocked two key Russian banks.“We have our eyes on every yacht and jet. We have our eyes on every piece of art and real estate purchased with dirty money and on every bitcoin wallet filled with proceeds of theft and other crimes,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said, adding that “our goal is to ensure that sanctioned Russian oligarchs and cyber criminals will not find safe haven.”The indictment against Konstantin Malofeyev, a Russian media baron and founder of Russian Orthodox news channel Tsargrad TV, is the first of an oligarch since Russia’s war with Ukraine began in February. Malofeyev has trumpeted the invasion as a “holy war” and has supported Russia-aligned separatist groups in Ukraine.He was sanctioned by the Treasury Department in 2014 for financing Russians promoting separatism in Crimea. Though those sanctions barred him from doing business with U.S. citizens, prosecutors say Malofeyev evaded those restrictions by hiring an American television producer to work for him in television networks in Russia and Greece and enlisted his help in trying to acquire a TV network in Bulgaria. It was all part of an effort to spread pro-Russia propaganda throughout Europe, the Justice Department said.Jack Hanick, a former CNBC and Fox News employee, was arrested last month for his work as a television producer for Malofeyev. That case is pending.Malofeyev is not in custody and is believed to be in Russia. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer to speak on his behalf. The two sanctions charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.The Justice Department said it is seeking the seizure of a $10 million investment that Malofeyev had illegally transferred to a business associate in Greece.Federal authorities also announced that they had taken down a botnet — a network of hijacked computers typically used for malicious activity — that was controlled by the Russian military intelligence agency known as the GRU. The botnet, which in this case involved thousands of infected network hardware devices, was dismantled before it could do harm, said FBI Director Christopher Wray.Wednesday’s announcements came two days after U.S. officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-oligarch-yacht-seized-e8415972392839f818c5505aa93fc8a5">seized a huge yacht in Spain&nbsp;</a>belonging to a Russian oligarch, Viktor Vekselberg, with close ties to Russian President Putin.After the war began, the Justice Department set up a task force to enforce sanctions against Russian oligarchs and target ill-gotten proceeds.Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday that Justice Department prosecutors were also helping international efforts to uncover potential war crimes committed by Russia. U.S. officials have met with European prosecutors to develop a plan for gathering evidence, he said.“We have seen the dead bodies of civilians, some with bound hands, scattered in the streets. We have seen the mass graves. We have seen the bombed hospital, theater, and residential apartment buildings,” Garland said. “The world sees what is happening in Ukraine. The Justice Department sees what is happening in Ukraine.

🎥US charges Russian oligarch, dismantles cybercrime operation

Kamden Campos, 22, is facing 12 counts including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649190223017.jpeg" alt="Campos-photo Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Campos-photo Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON — A preliminary hearing originally delayed from February is scheduled for Thursday morning for the man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties on July 19.Kamden Campos, 22, is facing 12 counts including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.&nbsp;The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping carry sentences of up to 55 years in prison if Campos is convicted.&nbsp;Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County and called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. in front of Judge Joe McCarville.

Preliminary hearing in abduction, shooting of Kan. toddler 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors have dropped charges against a man who had been arrested in a double shooting last year outside a dice game in Wichita that killed one man and injured another.

 The charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery were dropped against 40-year-old Jermall Campbell. 

Campbell was arrested 10 days after the June 20 shooting inside a home that killed 47-year-old Deandre Freeman and injured a 53-year-old man. The Sedgwick County Attorney's Office and Campbell's attorney declined to give details on why the charges were dropped, but said Campbell was no longer in custody and the case remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625142361655.png" alt="Campbell-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Campbell-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Prosecutors have dropped charges against a man who had been arrested in a double shooting last year outside a dice game in Wichita that killed one man and injured another. The charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery were dropped against 40-year-old Jermall Campbell. Campbell was arrested 10 days after the June 20 shooting inside a home that killed 47-year-old Deandre Freeman and injured a 53-year-old man. The Sedgwick County Attorney's Office and Campbell's attorney declined to give details on why the charges were dropped, but said Campbell was no longer in custody and the case remains under investigation.

Charges dropped against Kan. man in killing outside dice game

RENO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after intercepting a package sent in the mail.

The postal service in Wichita intercepted the package, according to law enforcement.&nbsp; After that the postal service and drug enforcement unit coordinated the delivery and arrested the recipient identified as 34-year-old Chelsea Pope of Hutchinson the following day. The package contained more than 10 pounds of drugs.&nbsp;

Pope is being held on a $500,000 bond on requested charges of drug possession and drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649187903768.png" alt="Pope photo Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Pope photo Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after intercepting a package sent in the mail.The postal service in Wichita intercepted the package, according to law enforcement.&nbsp; After that the postal service and drug enforcement unit coordinated the delivery and arrested the recipient identified as 34-year-old Chelsea Pope of Hutchinson the following day. The package contained more than 10 pounds of drugs.&nbsp;Pope is being held on a $500,000 bond on requested charges of drug possession and drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute.

Kan. woman held on $500k bond after drugs intercepted in the mail

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after an incident at an elementary school in Garden City.

On Monday, police were dispatched to Florence Wilson Elementary, 1709 Labrador Boulevard in Garden City for criminal damage that just occurred. Officers were notified that a man slashed a tire in front of the school.

The investigation revealed a woman had arrived at school to drop off her child when a man, later identified as 81-year-old Richard Goldy of Garden City approached her vehicle and used a pocketknife to puncture a tire of the woman’s vehicle. 

Goldy then yelled profanities at the woman while punching her windows and left the school before law enforcement arrived. Officers learned that Goldy had been stalking the woman for several months.

Goldy was later located and arrested at his residence. Goldy is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Stalking, Criminal Damage to Property, and Disorderly Conduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649190055822.png" alt="Goldy photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Goldy photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after an incident at an elementary school in Garden City.On Monday, police were dispatched to Florence Wilson Elementary, 1709 Labrador Boulevard in Garden City for criminal damage that just occurred. Officers were notified that a man slashed a tire in front of the school.The investigation revealed a woman had arrived at school to drop off her child when a man, later identified as 81-year-old Richard Goldy of Garden City approached her vehicle and used a pocketknife to puncture a tire of the woman’s vehicle. Goldy then yelled profanities at the woman while punching her windows and left the school before law enforcement arrived. Officers learned that Goldy had been stalking the woman for several months.Goldy was later located and arrested at his residence. Goldy is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Stalking, Criminal Damage to Property, and Disorderly Conduct.

81-year-old Kan. man arrested after violence at middle school

ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects in connection with the theft of an ATM.

In the early morning hours Tuesday, officers from the Ellis Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Golden Belt Bank, located at 901 Washington in the city of Ellis for an attempted theft of an ATM, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, officers located the bank's ATM in the middle of 9th Street, still attached to a pickup truck. This pickup was later discovered to be stolen out of WaKeeney.

Officers were able to develop a suspect vehicle description as well as a description of several suspects that were involved. Three suspects were later located in rural Russell County in the suspect vehicle that was identified as leaving the scene.

All three suspects were arrested and transported to the Ellis County Jail without incident. All three suspects are facing requested charges for felony criminal damage to property, felony theft, and possession of stolen property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649194852855.jpeg" alt="An abandoned pickup with an attached automated teller machine stolen from Golden Belt Bank was found on 9th Street early Tuesday morning by the Ellis Police Department. Three suspects were later arrested in Russell. (Photo courtesy Alisa Grauerholz)" />
 <figcaption>An abandoned pickup with an attached automated teller machine stolen from Golden Belt Bank was found on 9th Street early Tuesday morning by the Ellis Police Department. Three suspects were later arrested in Russell. (Photo courtesy Alisa Grauerholz)</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects in connection with the theft of an ATM.In the early morning hours Tuesday, officers from the Ellis Police Department and Ellis County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Golden Belt Bank, located at 901 Washington in the city of Ellis for an attempted theft of an ATM, according to a media release.Upon arrival, officers located the bank's ATM in the middle of 9th Street, still attached to a pickup truck. This pickup was later discovered to be stolen out of WaKeeney.Officers were able to develop a suspect vehicle description as well as a description of several suspects that were involved. Three suspects were later located in rural Russell County in the suspect vehicle that was identified as leaving the scene.All three suspects were arrested and transported to the Ellis County Jail without incident. All three suspects are facing requested charges for felony criminal damage to property, felony theft, and possession of stolen property.

Police find bank ATM on street, arrest 3 Kansas suspects

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The FBI agent who oversaw the investigation of a researcher accused of illegally keeping secret work he was doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas testified Monday that he didn’t learn until after the professor’s arrest that he was keeping up with his grant work and actually had been honored for his high output.

Defense attorney Peter Zeidenberg called FBI Special Agent Stephen Lampe to the stand as he began trying to cast doubt on the government’s handling of his prosecution of Feng “Franklin” Tao.

He faces charges of wire and program fraud for not disclosing on conflict-of-interest forms the work he was doing for China while employed at the university. Federal prosecutors contend it was a scheme to defraud the university, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.

The indictment alleges the purpose of the scheme was to benefit China by participating in its “talent plan,” which prosecutors say is designed to encourage the transfer of original ideas and intellectual property from U.S. university to Chinese government institutions.

The government accuses Tao of not informing the University of Kansas that he was selected for the Changjiang Professorship or the salary for his appointment to Fuzhou University in Fuzhou, China.

The defense told jurors during last week’s opening statements that Tao was merely&nbsp;“moonlighting.”

The case against Tao was part of what the Justice Department called its China Initiative, an effort created in 2018 to crack down on trade secret theft and economic espionage. The department in February&nbsp;ended the initiative following public criticism and failed prosecutions, though officials say they still intend to pursue the threat from China.

The case also has potential political overtones in Kansas, where former Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi is now running for the Republican nomination in the state’s attorney general race. Mattivi in his campaign has touted his experience as a federal prosecutor handling terrorism cases — listing among them the Tao prosecution just before his retirement in late 2020 from the Justice Department.

In January, the department dropped its case against&nbsp;Gang Chen, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor&nbsp;charged in the final days of the Trump administration. Prosecutors concluded that they could no longer meet their burden of proof after they received information from the Department of Energy suggesting Chen had not been required to disclose certain information on his forms.

Tao’s attorneys have argued in filings that the Chen case has “direct parallels” to their client’s case in Kansas. They contend that the government did not interview anyone at the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation about whether the agencies required disclosure of foreign talent program participation or work before indicting Tao in 2019.

Prosecutors told jurors last week that Tao “concocted an elaborate lie,” telling the University of Kansas that he wanted to do research in Germany and that he would buy out the spring 2019 semester of his teaching portion of his contract. Instead, he effectively moved to China where he worked to set up a laboratory and to recruit staff for Fuzhou University on the country’s coast. The prosecution also alleged he hid that work on U.S. grant applications.

U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson has rejected vigorous defense efforts over the years that sought to dismiss the indictment. Zeidenberg made the request again Monday, arguing that no rational juror would find grounds to convict.

“The government’s case, it fell apart as far as we are concerned,” Zeidenberg said.

He stressed that Tao was so prolific that the University of Kansas announced in April 2019 — just months before his arrest — that he was one of four faculty members that were receiving an award in recognition of their scholarly or research contributions.

He added that Viviane Schwartz, a program manager with the Department of Energy, had testified that she didn’t care that Tao was setting up a lab in China and that his second job wasn’t her concern because she wasn’t his employer.

Robinson asked the attorneys to submit their arguments in writing, with the trial to proceed while she weighs the issue.

Lampe, the first defense witness, said it “simply doesn’t work” to have a full-time position at both universities. Asked whether he knew that Tao was the most productive member of the university’s chemistry department, Lampe said that he “didn’t find it relevant.”

Zeidenberg later presented binder after binder of printed out copies of the emails Tao sent to his graduate students throughout his affiliation with the Chinese university.

“That is a lot of emails,” Lampe said repeatedly.

Zeidenberg noted that graduate students testified that more research was conducted when Tao was gone because he was “constantly on their back.”

Zeidenberg also asked Lampe why Tao was publishing research in which he described himself as affiliated with both Fuzhou University and the University of Kansas if he was trying to hide the relationship.

Tao, who was born in China and moved to the U.S. in 2002, began working in August 2014 at the University of Kansas’ Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis, which conducts research on sustainable technology to conserve natural resources and energy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566425403152.png" alt="Feng “Franklin” Tao photo courtesy University of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Feng “Franklin” Tao photo courtesy University of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The FBI agent who oversaw the investigation of a researcher accused of illegally keeping secret work he was doing for China while employed at the University of Kansas testified Monday that he didn’t learn until after the professor’s arrest that he was keeping up with his grant work and actually had been honored for his high output.Defense attorney Peter Zeidenberg called FBI Special Agent Stephen Lampe to the stand as he began trying to cast doubt on the government’s handling of his prosecution of Feng “Franklin” Tao.He faces charges of wire and program fraud for not disclosing on conflict-of-interest forms the work he was doing for China while employed at the university. Federal prosecutors contend it was a scheme to defraud the university, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.The indictment alleges the purpose of the scheme was to benefit China by participating in its “talent plan,” which prosecutors say is designed to encourage the transfer of original ideas and intellectual property from U.S. university to Chinese government institutions.The government accuses Tao of not informing the University of Kansas that he was selected for the Changjiang Professorship or the salary for his appointment to Fuzhou University in Fuzhou, China.The defense told jurors during last week’s opening statements that Tao was merely&nbsp;“moonlighting.”The case against Tao was part of what the Justice Department called its China Initiative, an effort created in 2018 to crack down on trade secret theft and economic espionage. The department in February&nbsp;ended the initiative following public criticism and failed prosecutions, though officials say they still intend to pursue the threat from China.The case also has potential political overtones in Kansas, where former Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi is now running for the Republican nomination in the state’s attorney general race. Mattivi in his campaign has touted his experience as a federal prosecutor handling terrorism cases — listing among them the Tao prosecution just before his retirement in late 2020 from the Justice Department.In January, the department dropped its case against&nbsp;Gang Chen, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor&nbsp;charged in the final days of the Trump administration. Prosecutors concluded that they could no longer meet their burden of proof after they received information from the Department of Energy suggesting Chen had not been required to disclose certain information on his forms.Tao’s attorneys have argued in filings that the Chen case has “direct parallels” to their client’s case in Kansas. They contend that the government did not interview anyone at the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation about whether the agencies required disclosure of foreign talent program participation or work before indicting Tao in 2019.Prosecutors told jurors last week that Tao “concocted an elaborate lie,” telling the University of Kansas that he wanted to do research in Germany and that he would buy out the spring 2019 semester of his teaching portion of his contract. Instead, he effectively moved to China where he worked to set up a laboratory and to recruit staff for Fuzhou University on the country’s coast. The prosecution also alleged he hid that work on U.S. grant applications.U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson has rejected vigorous defense efforts over the years that sought to dismiss the indictment. Zeidenberg made the request again Monday, arguing that no rational juror would find grounds to convict.“The government’s case, it fell apart as far as we are concerned,” Zeidenberg said.He stressed that Tao was so prolific that the University of Kansas announced in April 2019 — just months before his arrest — that he was one of four faculty members that were receiving an award in recognition of their scholarly or research contributions.He added that Viviane Schwartz, a program manager with the Department of Energy, had testified that she didn’t care that Tao was setting up a lab in China and that his second job wasn’t her concern because she wasn’t his employer.Robinson asked the attorneys to submit their arguments in writing, with the trial to proceed while she weighs the issue.Lampe, the first defense witness, said it “simply doesn’t work” to have a full-time position at both universities. Asked whether he knew that Tao was the most productive member of the university’s chemistry department, Lampe said that he “didn’t find it relevant.”Zeidenberg later presented binder after binder of printed out copies of the emails Tao sent to his graduate students throughout his affiliation with the Chinese university.“That is a lot of emails,” Lampe said repeatedly.Zeidenberg noted that graduate students testified that more research was conducted when Tao was gone because he was “constantly on their back.”Zeidenberg also asked Lampe why Tao was publishing research in which he described himself as affiliated with both Fuzhou University and the University of Kansas if he was trying to hide the relationship.Tao, who was born in China and moved to the U.S. in 2002, began working in August 2014 at the University of Kansas’ Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis, which conducts research on sustainable technology to conserve natural resources and energy.

KU researcher to mount defense over China ties at trial

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Someone fired a gun at Kansas City officers who were conducting a traffic stop, but no one was injured in the shooting, police said.

The shooting happened around 11 a.m. Monday along Denver Avenue as officers were checking a car,&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/kcpd-reports-drive-by-shooting-during-traffic-stop/">television station WDAF reported</a>. Police spokesman, Sgt. Jake Becchina, said a gray car pulled up at an intersection near the traffic stop, and someone in the car fired a shot toward officers. The car then fled.

Police said the officers did not return fire. Police have not reported an arrest in the shooting, and officers were searching for suspects.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Someone fired a gun at Kansas City officers who were conducting a traffic stop, but no one was injured in the shooting, police said.The shooting happened around 11 a.m. Monday along Denver Avenue as officers were checking a car,&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/kcpd-reports-drive-by-shooting-during-traffic-stop/">television station WDAF reported</a>. Police spokesman, Sgt. Jake Becchina, said a gray car pulled up at an intersection near the traffic stop, and someone in the car fired a shot toward officers. The car then fled.Police said the officers did not return fire. Police have not reported an arrest in the shooting, and officers were searching for suspects.

 KCPD: Drive-by shooting at officers during traffic stop

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured and another arrested after an accident just after 5:30p.m. Monday near Manhattan,

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage driven by Philip Clark, 64, Clay Center, was northbound on Tuttle Creek Blvd. at S. Dam Road.

The Mitsubishi struck a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Eli Smith, 19, St. George when as the the Ford&nbsp; entered the intersection.

EMS transported Clark to Via Christi for treatment of a laceration to the head and chest pain. Smith was arrested on a requested charge of driving under the influence. Smith was issued a total bond of $750 and is no longer confined, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured and another arrested after an accident just after 5:30p.m. Monday near Manhattan,According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage driven by Philip Clark, 64, Clay Center, was northbound on Tuttle Creek Blvd. at S. Dam Road.The Mitsubishi struck a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria driven by Eli Smith, 19, St. George when as the the Ford&nbsp; entered the intersection.EMS transported Clark to Via Christi for treatment of a laceration to the head and chest pain. Smith was arrested on a requested charge of driving under the influence. Smith was issued a total bond of $750 and is no longer confined, according to the RCPD.

Man injured, teen accused of DUI after Riley Co. crash

LAWRENCE —An estimated 70,000 fans celebrated the University of Kansas National championship in downtown Lawrence on Monday night, according to Lawrence Police.

Lawrence's main downtown strip, Massachusetts Street, was crammed sidewalk to sidewalk as fans watched the game on an enormous flat-screen TV suspended high over the street from a construction lift.&nbsp;

According to a social media report, the police ended the party with minimal incidents. Preliminary reports show 3 arrests and one person issued a notice to appear without a physical arrest.  None included serious injuries.

The celebration will continue Tuesday with a welcome home event scheduled for Memorial Stadium at approximately 4:15 p.m. Gates to the stadium will open at 3p.m., according to the University of Kansas.

A shuttle will be available from the Vermont Street garage and Riverfront Plaza.

A parade is also being planned for the weekend. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649164529657.png" alt="Police in Lawrence celebrate the Jayhawk national championship with fans early Tuesday-image courtesy Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Police in Lawrence celebrate the Jayhawk national championship with fans early Tuesday-image courtesy Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE —An estimated 70,000 fans celebrated the University of Kansas National championship in downtown Lawrence on Monday night, according to Lawrence Police.Lawrence's main downtown strip, Massachusetts Street, was crammed sidewalk to sidewalk as fans watched the game on an enormous flat-screen TV suspended high over the street from a construction lift.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CAN YOU SAY NATIONAL CHAMPS?!?! Enjoy this one, Lawrence, and make sure you celebrate responsibly. GO JAYHAWKS!! 🥳💙❤️🏀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RockChalk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RockChalk</a> <a href="https://t.co/ekgdQzpXpR">pic.twitter.com/ekgdQzpXpR</a>&mdash; City of Lawrence KS (@lawrenceks) <a href="https://twitter.com/lawrenceks/status/1511219201582804995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Can I get a Rock Chalk <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefLockhart?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChiefLockhart</a> ? <a href="https://t.co/Ho8ZsKITrp">pic.twitter.com/Ho8ZsKITrp</a>&mdash; Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1511197390308622337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>According to a social media report, the police ended the party with minimal incidents. Preliminary reports show 3 arrests and one person issued a notice to appear without a physical arrest. None included serious injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649155572347.png" alt="Post game celebration at Allen Fieldhouse on Monday night" />
 <figcaption>Post game celebration at Allen Fieldhouse on Monday night</figcaption>
 </figure>The celebration will continue Tuesday with a welcome home event scheduled for Memorial Stadium at approximately 4:15 p.m. Gates to the stadium will open at 3p.m., according to the University of Kansas.A shuttle will be available from the Vermont Street garage and Riverfront Plaza.A parade is also being planned for the weekend. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Thousands pour into Lawrence streets to celebrate KU national title

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an off duty officer in connection with an alleged domestic incident.

Just after 2:00 a.m. Monday, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 1900 block of SE 37th St. at the request of Topeka Police Department personnel, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz.

Upon arrival, two adult males were detained, while deputies investigated a possible physical altercation.

As a result of the investigation, off-duty Topeka Police Officer, Jordan D. Sterbenz, 32 of Topeka, was arrested for domestic battery.

Justin D. Sterbenz, 35 of Topeka, was arrested for an outstanding failure to appear warrant.&nbsp; Both were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and later released on bond.

Jordan Sterbenz has been placed on administrative leave pending the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office review of all reports. The Topeka Police Department is conducting its internal administrative review of the incident.&nbsp; The police department released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649107097730.png" alt="Officer Jordan Sterbenz" />
 <figcaption>Officer Jordan Sterbenz</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an off duty officer in connection with an alleged domestic incident.Just after 2:00 a.m. Monday, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 1900 block of SE 37th St. at the request of Topeka Police Department personnel, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz.Upon arrival, two adult males were detained, while deputies investigated a possible physical altercation.As a result of the investigation, off-duty Topeka Police Officer, Jordan D. Sterbenz, 32 of Topeka, was arrested for domestic battery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649107426447.png" alt="Justin Sterbenz" />
 <figcaption>Justin Sterbenz</figcaption>
 </figure>Justin D. Sterbenz, 35 of Topeka, was arrested for an outstanding failure to appear warrant.&nbsp; Both were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and later released on bond.Jordan Sterbenz has been placed on administrative leave pending the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office review of all reports. The Topeka Police Department is conducting its internal administrative review of the incident.&nbsp; The police department released no additional details.

2 jailed including Kan. police officer for alleged domestic incident

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a drug bust at a home in Great Bend.

Just after 2p.m. April 1, members of the Great Bend Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence located at 2107 30th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.

During a search of the residence, investigators located methamphetamine, marijuana and items of illegal drug paraphernalia.

Jennifer Wilson, age 44, was located at the residence and placed under arrest without incident on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649106605623.jpeg" alt="photo Great Bend Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Great Bend Police</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a drug bust at a home in Great Bend.Just after 2p.m. April 1, members of the Great Bend Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence located at 2107 30th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.During a search of the residence, investigators located methamphetamine, marijuana and items of illegal drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649106639351.jpeg" alt="Jennifer Wilson photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Wilson photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer Wilson, age 44, was located at the residence and placed under arrest without incident on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.

Police: Kan. woman was selling meth, marijuana from home

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an arrest.

Just before 1a.m. Friday, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp; conducted a traffic stop on a white 2009 Pontiac G6 in the 1400 block of SE Lott Street with an expired license plate, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The driver 27-year-old Ronnie E. Taylor Jr. had a suspended driver’s license. During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

Taylor was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charged that included possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, expired vehicle registration, no vehicle liability insurance and driving with a suspended driver’s license, according to Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1648831696154.png" alt="Taylor-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Taylor-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after an arrest.Just before 1a.m. Friday, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp; conducted a traffic stop on a white 2009 Pontiac G6 in the 1400 block of SE Lott Street with an expired license plate, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The driver 27-year-old Ronnie E. Taylor Jr. had a suspended driver’s license. During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.Taylor was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charged that included possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, expired vehicle registration, no vehicle liability insurance and driving with a suspended driver’s license, according to Christian.

Sheriff: Kansas deputy found cocaine during traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — Marijuana would be decriminalized at the federal level under legislation the House approved Friday as Democrats made the case for allowing states to set their own policies on pot.

The bill is unlikely to become law since it is expected to die in the Senate. That would mirror what happened when a similar House-passed measure removing marijuana from the list of federally-controlled substances went nowhere in the Senate two years ago.

The Republicans who voted for the measure included&nbsp;Matt Gaetz and Brian Mast of Florida and Rep. Tom McClintock of California.

Still, Friday's vote gave lawmakers the chance to state their view on a decriminalization push that appears to have broad support with voters across the country.

The 2020 election showed how broadly accepted marijuana has become, with measures to legalize recreational pot breezing to victory in progressive New Jersey, moderate Arizona and conservative Montana and South Dakota.

The House approved the bill Friday with a mostly party-line vote of 220-204. All but two voting Democrats backed the measure, while only three Republicans did.

The measure would require federal courts to expunge prior marijuana convictions and conduct resentencing hearings for those completing their sentences. It also authorizes a 5% sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products that would be used for grant programs focused on job training, substance abuse treatment and loans to help disadvantaged small businesses get into the marijuana industry.

Democrats said the nation's federal prohibition on marijuana has had particularly devastating consequences for minority communities. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., cited statistics that showed Black Americans were four times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession, even though they use it at similar rates.

“Those criminal records can haunt people of color and impact the trajectory of their lives indefinitely," Hoyer said. “I regret that there are some members of our Congress who apparently think that's not worthy of attention."

“Make no mistake, yes, it is a racial justice bill," said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.

Republicans who opposed the measure said marijuana is a gateway drug that would lead to greater use of opioids and other dangerous substances. They also said the pot sold today is far more potent than what was sold decades ago, leading to greater impairment for those who use it. They said decriminalization is not the priority that lawmakers should be focused on now, with the war in Ukraine and inflation driving up the cost of gas, food and other essential items.

“Yet the priority of this Congress now turns to expanding access to addictive, behavior-altering recreational drugs at a time when our country is also experiencing increased addiction, depression and suicide," said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va.

Thirty-seven states and District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products while 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

“If states are the laboratories of democracy, it is long past time for the federal government to recognize that legalization has been a resounding success and that the conflict with federal law has become untenable," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

In the Senate, Democrats including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York asked colleagues in early February for their input on a marijuana decriminalization bill that they would be introducing later this year.

“This is an issue of individual freedom and basic fairness that clearly transcends party lines," the Democrats said in their letter to colleagues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1648839519961.png" alt="Friday's vote gave lawmakers the chance to state their view on a decriminalization push that appears to have broad support with voters across the country-photo courtesy House Speaker Nancy Pelosi" />
 <figcaption>Friday's vote gave lawmakers the chance to state their view on a decriminalization push that appears to have broad support with voters across the country-photo courtesy House Speaker Nancy Pelosi</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Marijuana would be decriminalized at the federal level under legislation the House approved Friday as Democrats made the case for allowing states to set their own policies on pot.The bill is unlikely to become law since it is expected to die in the Senate. That would mirror what happened when a similar House-passed measure removing marijuana from the list of federally-controlled substances went nowhere in the Senate two years ago.The Republicans who voted for the measure included&nbsp;Matt Gaetz and Brian Mast of Florida and Rep. Tom McClintock of California.Still, Friday's vote gave lawmakers the chance to state their view on a decriminalization push that appears to have broad support with voters across the country.The 2020 election showed how broadly accepted marijuana has become, with measures to legalize recreational pot breezing to victory in progressive New Jersey, moderate Arizona and conservative Montana and South Dakota.The House approved the bill Friday with a mostly party-line vote of 220-204. All but two voting Democrats backed the measure, while only three Republicans did.The measure would require federal courts to expunge prior marijuana convictions and conduct resentencing hearings for those completing their sentences. It also authorizes a 5% sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products that would be used for grant programs focused on job training, substance abuse treatment and loans to help disadvantaged small businesses get into the marijuana industry.Democrats said the nation's federal prohibition on marijuana has had particularly devastating consequences for minority communities. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., cited statistics that showed Black Americans were four times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession, even though they use it at similar rates.“Those criminal records can haunt people of color and impact the trajectory of their lives indefinitely," Hoyer said. “I regret that there are some members of our Congress who apparently think that's not worthy of attention."“Make no mistake, yes, it is a racial justice bill," said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.Republicans who opposed the measure said marijuana is a gateway drug that would lead to greater use of opioids and other dangerous substances. They also said the pot sold today is far more potent than what was sold decades ago, leading to greater impairment for those who use it. They said decriminalization is not the priority that lawmakers should be focused on now, with the war in Ukraine and inflation driving up the cost of gas, food and other essential items.“Yet the priority of this Congress now turns to expanding access to addictive, behavior-altering recreational drugs at a time when our country is also experiencing increased addiction, depression and suicide," said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va.Thirty-seven states and District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products while 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.“If states are the laboratories of democracy, it is long past time for the federal government to recognize that legalization has been a resounding success and that the conflict with federal law has become untenable," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.In the Senate, Democrats including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York asked colleagues in early February for their input on a marijuana decriminalization bill that they would be introducing later this year.“This is an issue of individual freedom and basic fairness that clearly transcends party lines," the Democrats said in their letter to colleagues.

3 in GOP vote with Dems in House to legalize marijuana

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 11:30a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop at K-31 Highway and South Fairlawn Road for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, a K9 was deployed, and illegal narcotics were located.

The driver of the vehicle, Kevin L. Talbot, 57, of Burlingame, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges that included possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1648819423610.png" alt="Talbot-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Talbot-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just before 11:30a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop at K-31 Highway and South Fairlawn Road for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, a K9 was deployed, and illegal narcotics were located.The driver of the vehicle, Kevin L. Talbot, 57, of Burlingame, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges that included possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff's K9 helps in arrest of 57-year-old Kansas drug suspect

Authorities make arrest after search in central Kansas

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

After a multi-month investigation, police arrested a Kansas man&nbsp; Monday in connection with the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl.

In January, it was alleged that Raymond L. Isom, 41, of Salina, sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Upon completion of the investigation, the Salina Police Department sought an arrest warrant for Isom on a requested charge of rape. Police arrested him at a residence in the 100 block of W. Republic Avenue in Salina. 

Isom was booked into the Saline County Jail Monday afternoon, according to the jail booking report. He has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648564287119.png" alt="&nbsp;Isom has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp;-Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Isom has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp;-Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostAfter a multi-month investigation, police arrested a Kansas man&nbsp; Monday in connection with the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl.In January, it was alleged that Raymond L. Isom, 41, of Salina, sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Upon completion of the investigation, the Salina Police Department sought an arrest warrant for Isom on a requested charge of rape. Police arrested him at a residence in the 100 block of W. Republic Avenue in Salina. Isom was booked into the Saline County Jail Monday afternoon, according to the jail booking report. He has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

Police: 41-year-old Kan. felon accused of sex with 14-year-old

EL PASO, Texas&nbsp;– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect wanted for murder in Kansas.

On March 28, U.S. Border Patrol Agents&nbsp;in the El Paso&nbsp;Sector&nbsp;arrested a U.S.&nbsp;citizen wanted for&nbsp;murder in Wichita.

The El Paso Station&nbsp;Border Patrol Agent encountered an individual walking along&nbsp;the south side of the Border Barrier&nbsp;near Fonseca Drive&nbsp;and Cesar E. Chavez/Border Highway, according to a media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

When agents questioned the individual as to his citizenship, the man stated that he was a U.S.&nbsp;citizen and that he had&nbsp;just&nbsp;entered the United States&nbsp;from Mexico, illegally,&nbsp;by attempting to drive his truck across the Rio Grande.&nbsp;

The individual, later identified as 25-year-old Patricio Gomez, was taken into custody, for the illegal entry,&nbsp;and transported to the station for further investigation.&nbsp;Record checks revealed that he had an extensive criminal history&nbsp;and an&nbsp;active&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wichita,&nbsp;Kansas,&nbsp;for&nbsp;murder.

Gomez was&nbsp;remanded to the&nbsp;custody of the&nbsp;El Paso County Sheriff’s&nbsp;Office&nbsp;waiting&nbsp;to be extradited to Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On October 1, Wichita police issued an alert in an attempt to locate Gomez.

Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2021. officers responded to a shooting call at a hotel in the 9400 block of East Corporate Hills.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Michael Martinez who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed&nbsp;Patricio&nbsp;along with a woman arrived at the hotel regarding an illegal drug transaction.&nbsp; During the transaction, a disturbance ensued and&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;fired multiple shots at Martinez, striking him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;and the woman fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.

Police located the Cadillac outside of a hotel in Park City.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648742338695.png" alt="Gomez from a Sept. 2021 arrest in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gomez from a Sept. 2021 arrest in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>EL PASO, Texas&nbsp;– Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect wanted for murder in Kansas.On March 28, U.S. Border Patrol Agents&nbsp;in the El Paso&nbsp;Sector&nbsp;arrested a U.S.&nbsp;citizen wanted for&nbsp;murder in Wichita.The El Paso Station&nbsp;Border Patrol Agent encountered an individual walking along&nbsp;the south side of the Border Barrier&nbsp;near Fonseca Drive&nbsp;and Cesar E. Chavez/Border Highway, according to a media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.When agents questioned the individual as to his citizenship, the man stated that he was a U.S.&nbsp;citizen and that he had&nbsp;just&nbsp;entered the United States&nbsp;from Mexico, illegally,&nbsp;by attempting to drive his truck across the Rio Grande.&nbsp;The individual, later identified as 25-year-old Patricio Gomez, was taken into custody, for the illegal entry,&nbsp;and transported to the station for further investigation.&nbsp;Record checks revealed that he had an extensive criminal history&nbsp;and an&nbsp;active&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wichita,&nbsp;Kansas,&nbsp;for&nbsp;murder.Gomez was&nbsp;remanded to the&nbsp;custody of the&nbsp;El Paso County Sheriff’s&nbsp;Office&nbsp;waiting&nbsp;to be extradited to Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633117408445.png" alt="Gomez-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Gomez-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 1, Wichita police issued an alert in an attempt to locate Gomez.Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 30, 2021. officers responded to a shooting call at a hotel in the 9400 block of East Corporate Hills.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 42-year-old Michael Martinez who had been shot.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed&nbsp;Patricio&nbsp;along with a woman arrived at the hotel regarding an illegal drug transaction.&nbsp; During the transaction, a disturbance ensued and&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;fired multiple shots at Martinez, striking him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gomez&nbsp;and the woman fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade.Police located the Cadillac outside of a hotel in Park City.&nbsp;

Wanted Kan. murder suspect captured by U.S. Border agents

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a child sex crime and have made an arrest.

Just after 7:p.m. Tuesday., police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City, where a man was reported to be exposing himself to small children, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, Officers spoke with the reporting party, who told Officers that an 11-year-old child said a man was showing them his&nbsp;genitalia.

The investigation revealed the child was walking in a parking lot when a man sitting in a vehicle revved the engine to get the child’s attention. As the child approached the vehicle, the man was allegedly exposing himself and tried soliciting the child. The child ran from the area looking for help before finding the reporting party. 

Through further investigation, police identified 19-year-old Robert Lozano of Garden City, as the suspect and took him into custody. 

Lozano was booked on requested charges of Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Lewd and Lascivious Behavior. He is no longer in custody, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648687471138.png" alt="Lozano photo Finney Col" />
 <figcaption>Lozano photo Finney Col</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a child sex crime and have made an arrest.Just after 7:p.m. Tuesday., police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City, where a man was reported to be exposing himself to small children, according to a media release.Upon arrival, Officers spoke with the reporting party, who told Officers that an 11-year-old child said a man was showing them his&nbsp;genitalia.The investigation revealed the child was walking in a parking lot when a man sitting in a vehicle revved the engine to get the child’s attention. As the child approached the vehicle, the man was allegedly exposing himself and tried soliciting the child. The child ran from the area looking for help before finding the reporting party. Through further investigation, police identified 19-year-old Robert Lozano of Garden City, as the suspect and took him into custody. Lozano was booked on requested charges of Aggravated Indecent Solicitation of a Child and Lewd and Lascivious Behavior. He is no longer in custody, according to online records.

Man accused of exposing himself to child in SW Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a baby and have made an arrest.

Just after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 1400 block of SW Byron on a report of an assault, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz. 

&nbsp;Officers located an infant suffering from life threatening injuries and also found the child's mother suffering from non-life threating injuries. Both the were transported to a local hospital where the baby later died, according to Munoz. 

Officers and Detectives transported several individuals to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning.&nbsp; As a result of the investigation, police transported 21-year-old&nbsp; Trayvonne Damont Jones, of Topeka to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree, Abuse of a Child, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Aggravated Battery. Both the victims and suspect are known to each other, according to Munoz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648722249337.png" alt="Trayvonne Jones-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Trayvonne Jones-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a baby and have made an arrest.Just after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 1400 block of SW Byron on a report of an assault, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz. &nbsp;Officers located an infant suffering from life threatening injuries and also found the child's mother suffering from non-life threating injuries. Both the were transported to a local hospital where the baby later died, according to Munoz. The mother was treated and released.Officers and Detectives transported several individuals to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning.&nbsp; As a result of the investigation, police transported 21-year-old&nbsp; Trayvonne Damont Jones, of Topeka to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the First Degree, Abuse of a Child, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Aggravated Battery. Both the victims and suspect are known to each other, according to Munoz.

Kan. man accused of battering woman, killing her baby

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Black Kansas City teenager will receive a $325,000 settlement after three white police officers hit him more than 10 times and used a stun gun on him, according to an excessive force lawsuit.

It is the third settlement this year against Kansas City police in cases involving Black teenagers, with a total payout of $1.3 million, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article259897090.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.

The lawsuit alleged the 17-year-old was sitting in his car in a parking lot waiting for friends after homecoming at Hogan Preparatory Academy on Oct. 12, 2019.

Two officers approached the car and ordered him to get out. When the teen got out of the car, he was thrown to the ground, punched, knelt on by two officers and hit with a stun gun by a third, according to the lawsuit.

Video filed with the lawsuit includes the teenager calling for help and saying he was not resisting, The Star reported.

The teenager had not committed any traffic violations. He was arrested but never charged with a crime.

The Kansas City Police Department declined to comment on the settlement.

The police department has paid more than $10.8 million in excessive force and wrongful arrest claims since 2014.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Black Kansas City teenager will receive a $325,000 settlement after three white police officers hit him more than 10 times and used a stun gun on him, according to an excessive force lawsuit.It is the third settlement this year against Kansas City police in cases involving Black teenagers, with a total payout of $1.3 million, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article259897090.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>.The lawsuit alleged the 17-year-old was sitting in his car in a parking lot waiting for friends after homecoming at Hogan Preparatory Academy on Oct. 12, 2019.Two officers approached the car and ordered him to get out. When the teen got out of the car, he was thrown to the ground, punched, knelt on by two officers and hit with a stun gun by a third, according to the lawsuit.Video filed with the lawsuit includes the teenager calling for help and saying he was not resisting, The Star reported.The teenager had not committed any traffic violations. He was arrested but never charged with a crime.The Kansas City Police Department declined to comment on the settlement.The police department has paid more than $10.8 million in excessive force and wrongful arrest claims since 2014.

KCPD to pay $325,000 to Black teen after violent arrest

HUTCHINSON — A Hutchinson man has been formally charged with the rape of a woman following his arrest from an incident March 18.

Jacob Rodriguez Jr. is jailed on a bond of $50,000 facing a single count of rape. 

If convicted, Rodriguez faces anywhere from 12 to 54 years in prison depending on his criminal history. 

According to the complaint filed, Rodriguez forced himself upon a known acquaintance despite the victim's repeated requests to stop. 

Rodriguez’s case will now move to the status docket until a date for a preliminary hearing is set or other formal court action is taken.

HUTCHINSON — A Hutchinson man has been formally charged with the rape of a woman following his arrest from an incident March 18.Jacob Rodriguez Jr. is jailed on a bond of $50,000 facing a single count of rape. If convicted, Rodriguez faces anywhere from 12 to 54 years in prison depending on his criminal history. According to the complaint filed, Rodriguez forced himself upon a known acquaintance despite the victim's repeated requests to stop. He was arrested the following day.Rodriguez’s case will now move to the status docket until a date for a preliminary hearing is set or other formal court action is taken.

Formal charges filed in Hutchinson rape case

GYPSUM - A Gypsum man was arrested Sunday in connection to stolen items cases from Ottawa County, Great Bend and Wichita.

Saline County Sheriff's Lieutenant Jeremiah Hayes said this morning that deputies were asked to assist the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office in a burglary case involving a stolen skid steer and other equipment. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, through its investigation, had determined that the missing skid steer was at 419 E. Second Street in Gypsum, in southeastern Saline County.

Once in Gypsum, the Ottawa County deputies could see the skid steer on the property from the street.

Hayes said that when Theodore Meadows, 45, of Gypsum, exited the residence and saw a number of law enforcement personnel outside, he ran, but was apprehended nearby.

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office obtained a search warrant and was able to recover the skid steer, a number of attachments for it, and a cordless drill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648472047355.png" alt="Theodore Meadows - Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Theodore Meadows - Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostGYPSUM - A Gypsum man was arrested Sunday in connection to stolen items cases from Ottawa County, Great Bend and Wichita.Saline County Sheriff's Lieutenant Jeremiah Hayes said this morning that deputies were asked to assist the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office in a burglary case involving a stolen skid steer and other equipment. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, through its investigation, had determined that the missing skid steer was at 419 E. Second Street in Gypsum, in southeastern Saline County.Once in Gypsum, the Ottawa County deputies could see the skid steer on the property from the street.Hayes said that when Theodore Meadows, 45, of Gypsum, exited the residence and saw a number of law enforcement personnel outside, he ran, but was apprehended nearby.The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office obtained a search warrant and was able to recover the skid steer, a number of attachments for it, and a cordless drill.Hayes said that during the search, a 2000 Ford F250 reported stolen out of Great Bend also was located.Additionally, a license plate reported stolen out of Wichita was found.In all, more than $20,000 worth of stolen equipment and items were found on the property, Hayes said.Meadows was arrested on the following requested charges, according to Hayes.●Two counts of felony possession of stolen property●Misdemeanor possession of stolen property