WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing bipartisan criticism over its approach to immigration, the Biden administration on announced new rules that require authorities to only pursue migrants who recently crossed into the country without permission or are deemed to pose a threat to public safety.

The new guidelines replace interim rules issued in February that were initially blocked by a federal judge in August as part of a lawsuit brought by Texas and Louisiana. They break from a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement under former President Donald Trump, who early in his presidency directed authorities to apprehend anyone who was illegally in the country.

The release comes as President Joe Biden has come under fire from allies for his reliance on a Trump-era public health authority to rapidly expel migrants encountered on the U.S.-Mexico border while also facing Republican criticism that he hasn’t done enough to counter a sharp increase in migrants seeking to enter the country.

The Biden administration has expelled about 5,000 Haitians who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border at Del Rio, Texas, in recent weeks. A federal appeals court in Washington on Thursday cleared the administration to continue expelling families under the public-health authority known as Title 42. The appeals court put on hold a lower court order barring the expulsions of families hours before the ban was to take effect.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters that the new policy was based on the reality that the U.S. can’t go after all people in the country without legal status and shouldn’t try because many “have been contributing members of our communities for years.”

Authorities will be directed to focus on noncitizens who have crossed recently, defined as after Nov. 1, 2020, or who determined to be a threat because of national security or “serious criminal activity.” Homeland Security includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol.

Unlike the interim rules, the criminal activity is not limited to the category known in legal terms as an aggravated felony but will depend on the “totality of the facts and circumstances,” Mayorkas said. Anyone would be considered a priority if they are engaged or even suspected of terrorism or espionage, according to the memo. The new rules take effect Nov. 29.

Immigration authorities would be prohibited from arresting and seeking to deport someone in retaliation for exercising First Amendment rights, such as joining a protest or taking part in union activities.

“We are requiring and frankly empowering our workforce, critically empowering our workforce, to exercise their judgment, their law enforcement judgment,” the secretary said.

Advocates for strict immigration enforcement have criticized the interim guidelines, which were similar in intent as the newly released rules, because they were seen as a top-down approach and one that precluded low-level arrests that might yield investigative leads into bigger cases or help serve as a deterrent to illegal immigration.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said on Twitter that Biden has “welcomed” the migrants who have crossed and would now promise those already in the country that “they may stay in the U.S. without repercussions” with the new rules.

Immigrant advocates, including some who have in the past called for eliminating ICE and immigrant detention altogether, welcomed limits on enforcement but are wary given the rapid detention and expulsion of thousands of Haitians at Del Rio.

“This policy is only going to be as good as the results,” said Jacinta Gonzalez, senior campaign organizer of Mijente. “If detention numbers continue to rise, as deportations continue to happen, if we still see human rights abuses at the border, this policy won’t mean anything.”

A federal judge in Texas blocked the interim rules in August, ruling that the administration did not have discretion to choose which migrants to detain, but a federal appeals court allowed the guidelines to take effect while the lawsuit proceeds.

Mayorkas said it makes little sense to pursue all of the estimated 11 million people in the country without legal status, even if the U.S. had the law enforcement capacity to do so.

“They contribute to the well-being of our country and justice requires that we exercise our discretion accordingly,” he said. “The fact that an individual is a removeable non-citizen should not alone be the basis of an enforcement action against them.”

Trump’s administration took hundreds of measures to restrict both legal and illegal immigration, including a zero-tolerance policy on border crossings that resulted in the forcible separation of thousands of families and requiring asylum seekers to await the processing of their cases in Mexico.

In the end, total deportations were higher under the first term of President Barack Obama, who enacted enforcement priorities similar to Biden’s, than under Trump. That was due in part to a lack of cooperation from many cities and states whose leaders opposed Trump’s immigration policies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317817548.png" alt="Migrants at the U.S. border in September- photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Migrants at the U.S. border in September- photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing bipartisan criticism over its approach to immigration, the Biden administration on announced new rules that require authorities to only pursue migrants who recently crossed into the country without permission or are deemed to pose a threat to public safety.The new guidelines replace interim rules issued in February that were initially blocked by a federal judge in August as part of a lawsuit brought by Texas and Louisiana. They break from a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement under former President Donald Trump, who early in his presidency directed authorities to apprehend anyone who was illegally in the country.The release comes as President Joe Biden has come under fire from allies for his reliance on a Trump-era public health authority to rapidly expel migrants encountered on the U.S.-Mexico border while also facing Republican criticism that he hasn’t done enough to counter a sharp increase in migrants seeking to enter the country.The Biden administration has expelled about 5,000 Haitians who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border at Del Rio, Texas, in recent weeks. A federal appeals court in Washington on Thursday cleared the administration to continue expelling families under the public-health authority known as Title 42. The appeals court put on hold a lower court order barring the expulsions of families hours before the ban was to take effect.Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters that the new policy was based on the reality that the U.S. can’t go after all people in the country without legal status and shouldn’t try because many “have been contributing members of our communities for years.”Authorities will be directed to focus on noncitizens who have crossed recently, defined as after Nov. 1, 2020, or who determined to be a threat because of national security or “serious criminal activity.” Homeland Security includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol.Unlike the interim rules, the criminal activity is not limited to the category known in legal terms as an aggravated felony but will depend on the “totality of the facts and circumstances,” Mayorkas said. Anyone would be considered a priority if they are engaged or even suspected of terrorism or espionage, according to the memo. The new rules take effect Nov. 29.Immigration authorities would be prohibited from arresting and seeking to deport someone in retaliation for exercising First Amendment rights, such as joining a protest or taking part in union activities.“We are requiring and frankly empowering our workforce, critically empowering our workforce, to exercise their judgment, their law enforcement judgment,” the secretary said.Advocates for strict immigration enforcement have criticized the interim guidelines, which were similar in intent as the newly released rules, because they were seen as a top-down approach and one that precluded low-level arrests that might yield investigative leads into bigger cases or help serve as a deterrent to illegal immigration.Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said on Twitter that Biden has “welcomed” the migrants who have crossed and would now promise those already in the country that “they may stay in the U.S. without repercussions” with the new rules.Immigrant advocates, including some who have in the past called for eliminating ICE and immigrant detention altogether, welcomed limits on enforcement but are wary given the rapid detention and expulsion of thousands of Haitians at Del Rio.“This policy is only going to be as good as the results,” said Jacinta Gonzalez, senior campaign organizer of Mijente. “If detention numbers continue to rise, as deportations continue to happen, if we still see human rights abuses at the border, this policy won’t mean anything.”A federal judge in Texas blocked the interim rules in August, ruling that the administration did not have discretion to choose which migrants to detain, but a federal appeals court allowed the guidelines to take effect while the lawsuit proceeds.Mayorkas said it makes little sense to pursue all of the estimated 11 million people in the country without legal status, even if the U.S. had the law enforcement capacity to do so.“They contribute to the well-being of our country and justice requires that we exercise our discretion accordingly,” he said. “The fact that an individual is a removeable non-citizen should not alone be the basis of an enforcement action against them.”Trump’s administration took hundreds of measures to restrict both legal and illegal immigration, including a zero-tolerance policy on border crossings that resulted in the forcible separation of thousands of families and requiring asylum seekers to await the processing of their cases in Mexico.In the end, total deportations were higher under the first term of President Barack Obama, who enacted enforcement priorities similar to Biden’s, than under Trump. That was due in part to a lack of cooperation from many cities and states whose leaders opposed Trump’s immigration policies.__

New Biden rules limit arrest, deportation of migrants

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges following a traffic.

Just before 1a.m. Friday, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Mercedes passenger car with a stolen license plate in the 3200 block of SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The driver later identified as 27-year-old Keegiaen R.W. Hamilton of Colorado fled on foot and was quickly taken into custody nearby without incident. During the investigation, a K9 Unit located two stolen firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, and illegal narcotics.

Deputies booked Hamilton into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for three felony arrest warrants and addition requested charges of felony interference with a law enforcement officer, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, distribute certain hallucinogens, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful vehicle registration violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633120464595.png" alt="Hamilton photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hamilton photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges following a traffic.Just before 1a.m. Friday, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2005 Mercedes passenger car with a stolen license plate in the 3200 block of SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The driver later identified as 27-year-old Keegiaen R.W. Hamilton of Colorado fled on foot and was quickly taken into custody nearby without incident. During the investigation, a K9 Unit located two stolen firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, and illegal narcotics.Deputies booked Hamilton into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for three felony arrest warrants and addition requested charges of felony interference with a law enforcement officer, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, distribute certain hallucinogens, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful vehicle registration violations.

Kan. deputy finds felon traveling with sawed off shotgun, drugs

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man jailed for a fatal shooting made his first court appearance This week.&nbsp; Teviaun Sebastian, 19, is charged with&nbsp;1st degree murder, attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 24, police responded to a shooting in the 900 block of South Mission in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers found a 37-year-old man with gunshot wounds and a 5-year-old boy who was grazed by a bullet on his back shoulder.&nbsp;

EMS transported another 66-year-old victim to a hospital where he died.

EMS transported the 37-year-old to a Wichita hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and the 5-year-old boy was treated on the scene.&nbsp;

An investigation determined 19-year-old Teviaun Sebastian, of Wichita, went to a home on South Mission and asked for the 37-year-old man. 

When the man came to the door, Sebastian reportedly fired multiple rounds at the man and grazed the boy on the front porch as well. Sebastian then ran on foot to the south and shot the victim who was standing outside.&nbsp;

Several shots struck a neighboring house and although witnesses were outside at the time of the shooting, they were not injured.&nbsp;

Officers located Sebastian on foot in the 1000 block of South Woodlawn armed with two handguns. Police say Sebastian put down both guns and was arrested without further incident.&nbsp;

He is scheduled to return to court on October 7. He remains jailed on a bond of $1,000,000, according to the district attorney office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632949043363.png" alt="Teviaun Sebastian-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Teviaun Sebastian-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man jailed for a fatal shooting made his first court appearance This week.&nbsp; Teviaun Sebastian, 19, is charged with&nbsp;1st degree murder, attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 6:30p.m. Sept. 24, police responded to a shooting in the 900 block of South Mission in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers found a 37-year-old man with gunshot wounds and a 5-year-old boy who was grazed by a bullet on his back shoulder.&nbsp;EMS transported another 66-year-old victim to a hospital where he died.EMS transported the 37-year-old to a Wichita hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and the 5-year-old boy was treated on the scene.&nbsp;An investigation determined 19-year-old Teviaun Sebastian, of Wichita, went to a home on South Mission and asked for the 37-year-old man. When the man came to the door, Sebastian reportedly fired multiple rounds at the man and grazed the boy on the front porch as well. Sebastian then ran on foot to the south and shot the victim who was standing outside.&nbsp;Several shots struck a neighboring house and although witnesses were outside at the time of the shooting, they were not injured.&nbsp;Officers located Sebastian on foot in the 1000 block of South Woodlawn armed with two handguns. Police say Sebastian put down both guns and was arrested without further incident.&nbsp;He is scheduled to return to court on October 7. He remains jailed on a bond of $1,000,000, according to the district attorney office.

Teen held on $1 million bond after charged in Kansas killing 

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A group representing school board members around the country asked President Joe Biden on Thursday for federal assistance to investigate and stop threats made over policies including mask mandates, likening the vitriol to a form of domestic terrorism.

<a href="https://www.nsba.org/News/2021/federal-assistance-letter">Click here to read the</a> statement from the National School Board Assn.

Parents and community members have been disrupting meetings and threatening board members in person, online and through the mail in a trend that merits attention from federal law enforcement agencies, the National School Boards Association said in a letter to Biden.

“Whatever you feel about masks, it should not reach this level of rhetoric,” NSBA Interim Executive Director Chip Slaven told The Associated Press by phone.

School boards around the country have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-e41350b7d9e3662d279c2dad287f7009">disrupted by unruly attendees&nbsp;</a>out to interfere with business and silence other viewpoints.

Typically, threats toward school board members are handled by local law enforcement. But the association asked for the federal government to get involved to investigate cases where threats or violence could be handled as violations of federal laws protecting civil rights. It also asked for the Justice Department, FBI, Homeland Security and Secret Service to help monitor threat levels and assess risks to students, educators, board members and school buildings.

“As these acts of malice, violence, and threats against public school officials have increased, the classification of these heinous actions could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes,” the association wrote.

<a href="https://nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/nsba-letter-to-president-biden-concerning-threats-to-public-schools-and-school-board-members-92921.pdf" target="_blank">The letter documents more than 20 instances&nbsp;</a>of threats, harassment, disruption, and acts of intimidation in California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio and other states. It cites the September arrest of an Illinois man for aggravated battery and disorderly conduct for allegedly striking a school official at a meeting. In Michigan, a meeting was disrupted when a man performed a Nazi salute to protest masking.

“We are coming after you,” a letter mailed to an Ohio school board member said, according to the group. “You are forcing them to wear mask—for no reason in this world other than control. And for that you will pay dearly.”

It called the member “a filthy traitor.”

The association represents more than 90,000 school board members in 14,000 public school districts.

The threats have gone beyond board meetings.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-arrests-coronavirus-pandemic-e3cf6646939d98e069e90575158a0a25">The father of an Arizona elementary school student was arrested&nbsp;</a>after he and two other men brought zip ties to the campus, threatening to make a “citizen’s arrest” on the school principal over a COVID-19 quarantine.

School board members are largely unpaid volunteers, traditionally former educators and parents who step forward to shape school policy, choose a superintendent and review the budget.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-35db5c9eec87b85ca8eb95a64c2f6dd7">The current climate has led a growing number to resign&nbsp;</a>or decide against seeking reelection.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633090424533.png" alt="The first of the of the six page letter to President Biden" />
 <figcaption>The first of the of the six page letter to President Biden</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —A group representing school board members around the country asked President Joe Biden on Thursday for federal assistance to investigate and stop threats made over policies including mask mandates, likening the vitriol to a form of domestic terrorism.<a href="https://www.nsba.org/News/2021/federal-assistance-letter">Click here to read the</a> statement from the National School Board Assn.Parents and community members have been disrupting meetings and threatening board members in person, online and through the mail in a trend that merits attention from federal law enforcement agencies, the National School Boards Association said in a letter to Biden.“Whatever you feel about masks, it should not reach this level of rhetoric,” NSBA Interim Executive Director Chip Slaven told The Associated Press by phone.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629038602416.png" alt="From the July 26 Shawnee Mission Kansas School Board meeting&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>From the July 26 Shawnee Mission Kansas School Board meeting&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>School boards around the country have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-e41350b7d9e3662d279c2dad287f7009">disrupted by unruly attendees&nbsp;</a>out to interfere with business and silence other viewpoints.Typically, threats toward school board members are handled by local law enforcement. But the association asked for the federal government to get involved to investigate cases where threats or violence could be handled as violations of federal laws protecting civil rights. It also asked for the Justice Department, FBI, Homeland Security and Secret Service to help monitor threat levels and assess risks to students, educators, board members and school buildings.“As these acts of malice, violence, and threats against public school officials have increased, the classification of these heinous actions could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes,” the association wrote.<a href="https://nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/nsba-letter-to-president-biden-concerning-threats-to-public-schools-and-school-board-members-92921.pdf" target="_blank">The letter documents more than 20 instances&nbsp;</a>of threats, harassment, disruption, and acts of intimidation in California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio and other states. It cites the September arrest of an Illinois man for aggravated battery and disorderly conduct for allegedly striking a school official at a meeting. In Michigan, a meeting was disrupted when a man performed a Nazi salute to protest masking.“We are coming after you,” a letter mailed to an Ohio school board member said, according to the group. “You are forcing them to wear mask—for no reason in this world other than control. And for that you will pay dearly.”It called the member “a filthy traitor.”The association represents more than 90,000 school board members in 14,000 public school districts.The threats have gone beyond board meetings.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-arrests-coronavirus-pandemic-e3cf6646939d98e069e90575158a0a25">The father of an Arizona elementary school student was arrested&nbsp;</a>after he and two other men brought zip ties to the campus, threatening to make a “citizen’s arrest” on the school principal over a COVID-19 quarantine.School board members are largely unpaid volunteers, traditionally former educators and parents who step forward to shape school policy, choose a superintendent and review the budget.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-school-boards-35db5c9eec87b85ca8eb95a64c2f6dd7">The current climate has led a growing number to resign&nbsp;</a>or decide against seeking reelection.

School board group asks Pres. Biden for help policing threats

KANSAS CITY —Advocates for a man scheduled to be put to death next week are urging Gov. Mike Parson to grant clemency, citing his intellectual disability.

A rally was taking place Wednesday at the Capitol rotunda in Jefferson City in support of Ernest Johnson, 61, who was convicted of killing three people during a robbery at a Columbia convenience store in 1994. Advocates planned to deliver a petition with around 23,000 signatures, asking the Republican governor to halt the execution by lethal injection, scheduled for Tuesday evening at the prison in Bonne Terre.

A message seeking comment from Parson's spokeswoman was not immediately returned.

Johnson's advocates cite the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits executing intellectually disabled people.

“Killing him would be unconstitutional, and morally and ethically wrong,” said Lauren Sobchak, organizer for Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Nimrod Chapel Jr., president of the Missouri NAACP, said Johnson “deserves to be treated as a human being.”

Johnson’s attorney, Jeremy Weis, said Johnson’s IQ has been tested nine times with an average score of 67. Weis said the IQ exams and other tests have shown that Johnson “has significant deficits” in intellectual functioning.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-courts-executions-missouri-a992909b76406c9153cb890eb8401b42">The Missouri Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;in August refused to halt the execution on the basis of Johnson's intellectual disability, but Weis requested a rehearing. The court hasn't decided whether to reconsider the case.

If carried out, the execution would be the first in Missouri since convicted killer Walter Barton was put to death in May 2020.

Johnson was convicted of killing 46-year-old Mary Bratcher, 57-year-old Mable Scruggs and 58-year-old Fred Jones during a closing-time robbery of a Casey’s General Store in Columbia in February 1994. Johnson wanted money to buy drugs, authorities said.

All three workers were beaten to death with a claw hammer. Bratcher also was stabbed at least 10 times with a screwdriver and Jones was shot in the face. He hid the bodies in a cooler.

Johnson was arrested after police found a bank bag, stolen money and store receipts at his home.

Johnson had previously asked that his execution be carried out by firing squad. His lawyers argued that Missouri’s lethal injection drug, pentobarbital, could trigger seizures. In 2008, Johnson had most, but not all, of a benign brain tumor removed, and a later MRI revealed that up to 20% of his brain tissue was also removed.

Missouri law does not authorize execution by firing squad.

Johnson has been sentenced to death three times.

He was already on death row in 2001 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that executing the mentally ill was unconstitutionally cruel and a new sentencing hearing was ordered. Johnson was again sentenced to death in 2003. The Missouri Supreme Court tossed that sentence, too. In 2006, Johnson was sentenced to death a third time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621882682950.png" alt="Johnson photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Advocates for a man scheduled to be put to death next week are urging Gov. Mike Parson to grant clemency, citing his intellectual disability.A rally was taking place Wednesday at the Capitol rotunda in Jefferson City in support of Ernest Johnson, 61, who was convicted of killing three people during a robbery at a Columbia convenience store in 1994. Advocates planned to deliver a petition with around 23,000 signatures, asking the Republican governor to halt the execution by lethal injection, scheduled for Tuesday evening at the prison in Bonne Terre.A message seeking comment from Parson's spokeswoman was not immediately returned.Johnson's advocates cite the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits executing intellectually disabled people.“Killing him would be unconstitutional, and morally and ethically wrong,” said Lauren Sobchak, organizer for Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.Nimrod Chapel Jr., president of the Missouri NAACP, said Johnson “deserves to be treated as a human being.”Johnson’s attorney, Jeremy Weis, said Johnson’s IQ has been tested nine times with an average score of 67. Weis said the IQ exams and other tests have shown that Johnson “has significant deficits” in intellectual functioning.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-courts-executions-missouri-a992909b76406c9153cb890eb8401b42">The Missouri Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;in August refused to halt the execution on the basis of Johnson's intellectual disability, but Weis requested a rehearing. The court hasn't decided whether to reconsider the case.If carried out, the execution would be the first in Missouri since convicted killer Walter Barton was put to death in May 2020.Johnson was convicted of killing 46-year-old Mary Bratcher, 57-year-old Mable Scruggs and 58-year-old Fred Jones during a closing-time robbery of a Casey’s General Store in Columbia in February 1994. Johnson wanted money to buy drugs, authorities said.All three workers were beaten to death with a claw hammer. Bratcher also was stabbed at least 10 times with a screwdriver and Jones was shot in the face. He hid the bodies in a cooler.Johnson was arrested after police found a bank bag, stolen money and store receipts at his home.Johnson had previously asked that his execution be carried out by firing squad. His lawyers argued that Missouri’s lethal injection drug, pentobarbital, could trigger seizures. In 2008, Johnson had most, but not all, of a benign brain tumor removed, and a later MRI revealed that up to 20% of his brain tissue was also removed.Missouri law does not authorize execution by firing squad.Johnson has been sentenced to death three times.He was already on death row in 2001 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that executing the mentally ill was unconstitutionally cruel and a new sentencing hearing was ordered. Johnson was again sentenced to death in 2003. The Missouri Supreme Court tossed that sentence, too. In 2006, Johnson was sentenced to death a third time.

Advocates: Intellectually disabled killer should not be put to death next week

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Federal authorities say two former prison guards at Leavenworth Detention Center have been indicted by a federal grand jury on counts accusing them of smuggling drugs and other contraband into the prison. A news release Thursday from the U.S. Department of Justice says 25-year-old Jacqueline Sifuentes, of Laredo, Texas, and 29-year-old Cheyonte Harris, of Raytown, Missouri, were both indicted Sept. 22. 

Sifuentes was arrested Tuesday and is charged with bribery, conspiring to commit bribery and provide contraband, and providing contraband to an inmate. 

She faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. Harris was arrested Monday and is charged with conspiring to commit bribery and provide contraband and making false statements to federal agents. She faces up to 10 years in prison.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Federal authorities say two former prison guards at Leavenworth Detention Center have been indicted by a federal grand jury on counts accusing them of smuggling drugs and other contraband into the prison. A news release Thursday from the U.S. Department of Justice says 25-year-old Jacqueline Sifuentes, of Laredo, Texas, and 29-year-old Cheyonte Harris, of Raytown, Missouri, were both indicted Sept. 22. Sifuentes was arrested Tuesday and is charged with bribery, conspiring to commit bribery and provide contraband, and providing contraband to an inmate. She faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. Harris was arrested Monday and is charged with conspiring to commit bribery and provide contraband and making false statements to federal agents. She faces up to 10 years in prison.

2 ex-Kan. prison guards indicted for smuggling drugs

WILSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Neodesha Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men after they discovered over 82 pounds of methamphetamine in their vehicle, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday, officer from the Neodesha Police Department conducted a traffic stop for speeding on a 2006 Chevy Silverado, at 400 Main St. in Neodesha. 

Probable cause to search the vehicle was established, and the search uncovered an excess of 82 pounds of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine has an approximate street value of $3.7 million.&nbsp;

Officers arrested the driver, Alejandro Salazar, 19, of Dallas, Texas, was on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, possession of drug sale paraphernalia, and driving without a valid license.

Roger Mercado, 19, from Garland, Texas, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, and possession of drug sale paraphernalia. He was a passenger in the pickup truck.

Following their arrests, Salazar and Mercado were booked into the Wilson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633027045852.png" alt="Salazar photo Wilson County" />
 <figcaption>Salazar photo Wilson County</figcaption>
 </figure>WILSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Neodesha Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men after they discovered over 82 pounds of methamphetamine in their vehicle, according to a media release from the KBI.Just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday, officer from the Neodesha Police Department conducted a traffic stop for speeding on a 2006 Chevy Silverado, at 400 Main St. in Neodesha. Probable cause to search the vehicle was established, and the search uncovered an excess of 82 pounds of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine has an approximate street value of $3.7 million.&nbsp;Officers arrested the driver, Alejandro Salazar, 19, of Dallas, Texas, was on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, possession of drug sale paraphernalia, and driving without a valid license.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633027020664.png" alt="Mercado photo Wilson County" />
 <figcaption>Mercado photo Wilson County</figcaption>
 </figure>Roger Mercado, 19, from Garland, Texas, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, and possession of drug sale paraphernalia. He was a passenger in the pickup truck.Following their arrests, Salazar and Mercado were booked into the Wilson County Jail.Official charges are pending.

KBI: Traffic stop uncovers 82 pounds of meth worth $3.7M

MORRIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspect after three arrests in a single day following two searches and a warrant.

Just after 12:15 a.m., Wednesday officers executed a search warrant at #43 Pioneer Village in Council Grove, according to a media release.

As a result of the warrant, officers said Allison Blankley, of Council Grove, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Blankley was booked into the Morris Co. Jail.

Just after4:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of N. Union St. and following a positive K9 alert, a probable cause search was conducted on the vehicle.

This time, officers said 43-year-old Eric Swarts, of Enterprise, was arrested on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license.

With the assistance of the Morris Co. Sheriff’s Office, he too was booked into the Morris Co. Jail.

Just after midnight Thursday, police officers conducted a traffic stop at Mission and Hockaday and arrested 39-year-old Lindsay Pallesi, of Council Grove, for an out-of-county warrant. The charge listed was a protection from abuse order violation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633033387235.png" alt="Eric Swarts&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Eric Swarts&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspect after three arrests in a single day following two searches and a warrant.Just after 12:15 a.m., Wednesday officers executed a search warrant at #43 Pioneer Village in Council Grove, according to a media release.As a result of the warrant, officers said Allison Blankley, of Council Grove, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.Blankley was booked into the Morris Co. Jail.Just after4:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of N. Union St. and following a positive K9 alert, a probable cause search was conducted on the vehicle.This time, officers said 43-year-old Eric Swarts, of Enterprise, was arrested on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license.With the assistance of the Morris Co. Sheriff’s Office, he too was booked into the Morris Co. Jail.Just after midnight Thursday, police officers conducted a traffic stop at Mission and Hockaday and arrested 39-year-old Lindsay Pallesi, of Council Grove, for an out-of-county warrant. The charge listed was a protection from abuse order violation.

Council Grove Police arrest three in 24-hours following searches, warrants

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter and District Attorney Marc Bennett held a press conference Thursday morning to discuss the tragic events leading to the death and subsequent KBI and Sheriff’s Office investigation of 17-year-old Cedric “CJ” Lofton, of Wichita. 

Lofton was briefly in the custody of the Sedgwick County Corrections Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC) after being booked on September 24, 2021 for four counts of battery on a law enforcement officer by the Wichita Police Department. 

While in custody, Lofton assaulted JIAC staff and was restrained. After restraining the juvenile, he became unresponsive and EMS was summoned. Lofton was transported to a local hospital and died on September 26, 2021.

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Multiple staff members at a Kansas juvenile facility engaged in a physical struggle with a 17-year-old youth who was restrained and died two days later at a hospital, authorities said.

Details of the events leading up to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-c46e524dc4dd062827c83c96c2ee3a3d">the in-custody death</a>&nbsp;of Cedric “CJ’ Lofton emerged late Tuesday in a news release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that also identified the Wichita teen for the first time.

An autopsy has been conducted and a cause of death is pending further investigation and toxicology results, the agency said.

The Black teenager’s encounter with law enforcement authorities began at about 1 a.m. Friday when officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to a disturbance call and found Lofton outside a house. The teen appeared paranoid and was behaving erratically, the KBI said. Officers tried to convince him to voluntarily seek mental health treatment before trying to take him into custody. He resisted by assaulting the officers, according to the release.

After a physical struggle, he was arrested on suspicion of battery of a law enforcement officer. A police report from that incident indicates all three police officers involved were white men.

Lofton was taken to the Sedgwick County juvenile intake and assessment center in a WRAP restraint system, a device described by the sheriff’s office as a way to restrain a person who’s “out of control” so they don’t hurt themselves or others. The device is comprised of a locking shoulder harness, leg restraints and ankle straps.

Once he was at the facility, that device and handcuffs were removed and he was placed in a single holding cell, authorities said.

“When we left the facility, the individual was upright and communicating,” said police spokesman Charley Davidson.

Lofton was later allowed out of the holding cell to use the restroom. When a staff member at the juvenile center tried to escort him back to the holding cell, Lofton assaulted the staff member, according to the KBI news release.

The KBI said multiple corrections staff engaged in “a lengthy physical struggle” to get him into the holding cell and place him in handcuffs. A police report shows there were Black, white and Hispanic staff at the facility.

Once Lofton was under control, corrections staff monitoring him noticed he was unresponsive.

Life-saving measures were initiated, the KBI said. Emergency medical responders transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 1:55 a.m. Sunday.

A youth justice organization, Progeny, has called for “a transparent and thorough investigation.”

“This is a tragic example of the immense harm caused when young people are placed behind bars, and much worse, restrained like animals under the supervision of adults who are supposed to keep them safe,” the group said in a written statement. “These facilities are devastating our community. They need to be stopped.”

Wichita pastor Maurice “Moe” Evans, a director at the Community Empowerment and Resilience Coalition, called the WRAP restraint “a torture device” that restricts a person’s comfort, breathing and circulation. He said authorities don’t know if Lofton’s injuries came from the police officers’ use of the WRAP or from the later altercation at the intake center.

“Something was clearly done incorrectly because the claim that he was just suddenly fine and then all of a sudden went unresponsive and then passed away two days later — that just doesn’t happen,” he said. “There are some extenuating circumstances here that they are not yet sharing. We will get to the bottom of it.”

The WRAP is used in more than 1,400 hospitals, youth detention facilities, sheriff’s offices and police departments where people have to deal with combative subjects, said Charles Hammond, president and chief executive officer of Safe Restraints Inc., the company that makes it.

Its purpose is to quickly stop conflict to prevent injury and death, allowing a person to be seated upright so that medical care can be provided, he said, adding the restraint is not a pain tool. It reduces mobility with no breathing restriction, he said.

Evans has also set up a GoFundMe account for the teen’s mother, Sarah Harrison.

“The community is preparing to organize around this so this is not something that is just going to go away,” Evans said. “We are going to find justice for the mom.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633019917195.png" alt="Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter and&nbsp;District Attorney Marc Bennett answered questions during a Thursday morning news conference" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter and&nbsp;District Attorney Marc Bennett answered questions during a Thursday morning news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter and District Attorney Marc Bennett held a press conference Thursday morning to discuss the tragic events leading to the death and subsequent KBI and Sheriff’s Office investigation of 17-year-old Cedric “CJ” Lofton, of Wichita. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSedgwickCountySheriff%2Fvideos%2F400841661443170%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Lofton was briefly in the custody of the Sedgwick County Corrections Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC) after being booked on September 24, 2021 for four counts of battery on a law enforcement officer by the Wichita Police Department. While in custody, Lofton assaulted JIAC staff and was restrained. After restraining the juvenile, he became unresponsive and EMS was summoned. Lofton was transported to a local hospital and died on September 26, 2021.-----------BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — Multiple staff members at a Kansas juvenile facility engaged in a physical struggle with a 17-year-old youth who was restrained and died two days later at a hospital, authorities said.Details of the events leading up to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-c46e524dc4dd062827c83c96c2ee3a3d">the in-custody death</a>&nbsp;of Cedric “CJ’ Lofton emerged late Tuesday in a news release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that also identified the Wichita teen for the first time.An autopsy has been conducted and a cause of death is pending further investigation and toxicology results, the agency said.The Black teenager’s encounter with law enforcement authorities began at about 1 a.m. Friday when officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to a disturbance call and found Lofton outside a house. The teen appeared paranoid and was behaving erratically, the KBI said. Officers tried to convince him to voluntarily seek mental health treatment before trying to take him into custody. He resisted by assaulting the officers, according to the release.After a physical struggle, he was arrested on suspicion of battery of a law enforcement officer. A police report from that incident indicates all three police officers involved were white men.Lofton was taken to the Sedgwick County juvenile intake and assessment center in a WRAP restraint system, a device described by the sheriff’s office as a way to restrain a person who’s “out of control” so they don’t hurt themselves or others. The device is comprised of a locking shoulder harness, leg restraints and ankle straps.Once he was at the facility, that device and handcuffs were removed and he was placed in a single holding cell, authorities said.“When we left the facility, the individual was upright and communicating,” said police spokesman Charley Davidson.Lofton was later allowed out of the holding cell to use the restroom. When a staff member at the juvenile center tried to escort him back to the holding cell, Lofton assaulted the staff member, according to the KBI news release.The KBI said multiple corrections staff engaged in “a lengthy physical struggle” to get him into the holding cell and place him in handcuffs. A police report shows there were Black, white and Hispanic staff at the facility.Once Lofton was under control, corrections staff monitoring him noticed he was unresponsive.Life-saving measures were initiated, the KBI said. Emergency medical responders transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 1:55 a.m. Sunday.A youth justice organization, Progeny, has called for “a transparent and thorough investigation.”“This is a tragic example of the immense harm caused when young people are placed behind bars, and much worse, restrained like animals under the supervision of adults who are supposed to keep them safe,” the group said in a written statement. “These facilities are devastating our community. They need to be stopped.”Wichita pastor Maurice “Moe” Evans, a director at the Community Empowerment and Resilience Coalition, called the WRAP restraint “a torture device” that restricts a person’s comfort, breathing and circulation. He said authorities don’t know if Lofton’s injuries came from the police officers’ use of the WRAP or from the later altercation at the intake center.“Something was clearly done incorrectly because the claim that he was just suddenly fine and then all of a sudden went unresponsive and then passed away two days later — that just doesn’t happen,” he said. “There are some extenuating circumstances here that they are not yet sharing. We will get to the bottom of it.”The WRAP is used in more than 1,400 hospitals, youth detention facilities, sheriff’s offices and police departments where people have to deal with combative subjects, said Charles Hammond, president and chief executive officer of Safe Restraints Inc., the company that makes it.Its purpose is to quickly stop conflict to prevent injury and death, allowing a person to be seated upright so that medical care can be provided, he said, adding the restraint is not a pain tool. It reduces mobility with no breathing restriction, he said.Evans has also set up a GoFundMe account for the teen’s mother, Sarah Harrison.“The community is preparing to organize around this so this is not something that is just going to go away,” Evans said. “We are going to find justice for the mom.”___

🎥  Sheriff, DA update investigation of Kan. teen's death after restrained 

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas felon accused in a fatal stabbing made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.

James Shaw, 60 of Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder.&nbsp;

Just after 10 p.m. Sept. 21, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 100 block of North Glenn in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 67-year-old Kurt Petersen and determined he had been stabbed multiple times.&nbsp; Petersen was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed, Petersen’s caretaker came to the home to check on him and found him lying on the kitchen floor with injuries and called 911.&nbsp; James Shaw was also inside of the residence when the caretaker arrived.&nbsp; Examination of evidence and interviews led to Shaw’s arrest, according to Davidson. Shaw was hospitalized for his injuries in the altercation and booked into jail two days later.

Shaw and Petersen were known to each other, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Shaw has had previous felony arrests and convictions and was currently on parole through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC).&nbsp; He was paroled to Wichita from Wyandotte County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

His remains jailed on bond of $300,000. His next court appearance is October 7, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632486359786.png" alt="Shaw-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Shaw-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas felon accused in a fatal stabbing made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.James Shaw, 60 of Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder.&nbsp;Just after 10 p.m. Sept. 21, police responded to a shooting call at a home in the 100 block of North Glenn in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 67-year-old Kurt Petersen and determined he had been stabbed multiple times.&nbsp; Petersen was pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed, Petersen’s caretaker came to the home to check on him and found him lying on the kitchen floor with injuries and called 911.&nbsp; James Shaw was also inside of the residence when the caretaker arrived.&nbsp; Examination of evidence and interviews led to Shaw’s arrest, according to Davidson. Shaw was hospitalized for his injuries in the altercation and booked into jail two days later.Shaw and Petersen were known to each other, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Shaw has had previous felony arrests and convictions and was currently on parole through the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC).&nbsp; He was paroled to Wichita from Wyandotte County.&nbsp;&nbsp;His remains jailed on bond of $300,000. His next court appearance is October 7, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas felon on parole charged in knife attack killing

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

On Tuesday, police arrested 19-year-old Jack W. Campbell of Atchison on a District Court warrant for possession of fentanyl and speeding, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

&nbsp;Campbell remains in the Atchison County Jail, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632942342729.png" alt="Campbell photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Campbell photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on drug allegations after a traffic stop.On Tuesday, police arrested 19-year-old Jack W. Campbell of Atchison on a District Court warrant for possession of fentanyl and speeding, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp;Campbell remains in the Atchison County Jail, according to online records.

Police: Kansas teen  accused of fentanyl  possession 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Sedalia man pleaded guilty Tuesday to trying to hire someone to kill a victim in a statutory sodomy case.

Jon Mark Wilson, 57, pleaded guilty in federal court to use of interstate facilities — using a cellphone and crossing state lines — in the commission of murder for hire.

He admitted that he paid $2,000 to an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to murder the victim. Wilson was charged in Pettis County with two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy.

Prosecutors said Wilson contacted a person in January 2019 to help him arrange the killing. That person contacted law enforcement, which helped set up a meeting between Wilson and the undercover agent.

On Jan. 22, 2019, Wilson drove from Sedalia to Kansas City, Kansas, to meet the undercover agent. He paid the agent $2,000 and agreed to pay $3,000 more after the killing. He also bought shotgun shells for use in the murder, prosecutors said.

Wilson was arrested after he left the area and was stopped by a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper.

The original statutory sodomy case against Wilson is still pending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632909705438.png" alt="Wilson is being held in Cole County" />
 <figcaption>Wilson is being held in Cole County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Sedalia man pleaded guilty Tuesday to trying to hire someone to kill a victim in a statutory sodomy case.Jon Mark Wilson, 57, pleaded guilty in federal court to use of interstate facilities — using a cellphone and crossing state lines — in the commission of murder for hire.He admitted that he paid $2,000 to an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to murder the victim. Wilson was charged in Pettis County with two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy.Prosecutors said Wilson contacted a person in January 2019 to help him arrange the killing. That person contacted law enforcement, which helped set up a meeting between Wilson and the undercover agent.On Jan. 22, 2019, Wilson drove from Sedalia to Kansas City, Kansas, to meet the undercover agent. He paid the agent $2,000 and agreed to pay $3,000 more after the killing. He also bought shotgun shells for use in the murder, prosecutors said.Wilson was arrested after he left the area and was stopped by a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper.The original statutory sodomy case against Wilson is still pending.

Man paid undercover agent in Kansas in murder for hire plot

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a drug bust at a Kansas home.

On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 200 Block NE Grattan Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

Through the search warrant, the officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm.

As a result, police arrested 52-year-old John Santos and 52-year-old Jason Castle both of Topeka.

Officers transported them to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Santos is being held on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

Jason Castle is jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine with the intent of distribution within 1000 feet of a school, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution within 1000 feet of a school, Possession of marijuana and Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632912839012.png" alt="John Santos-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>John Santos-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a drug bust at a Kansas home.On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 200 Block NE Grattan Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.Through the search warrant, the officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm.As a result, police arrested 52-year-old John Santos and 52-year-old Jason Castle both of Topeka.Officers transported them to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Santos is being held on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632913120221.png" alt="Castle photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Castle photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jason Castle is jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine with the intent of distribution within 1000 feet of a school, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution within 1000 feet of a school, Possession of marijuana and Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

Investigation leads to drug arrest at Kansas home

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating five suspects on multiple charges after an incident in Great Bend.

Early Tuesday,&nbsp; police began investigating a reported robbery and kidnapping in the 4700 block of 8th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.

During the course of this investigation, detectives and patrol officers&nbsp; obtained and executed search warrants at 1212 Warner Road and 4701 8th Street.

During the search of the residence at 1212 Warner, items of evidence were located and seized related to the investigation. 

During the search of the property located at 4701 8th, detectives and patrol officers processed the scene of the crime and located additional items of evidence. In addition, items of illegal drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine were seized as evidence.

Police arrested Braylin Bretz, 25; Gunner Mayhugh, 19; Tyler Tomlinson, 38; Brennan Behnke, 21 and Blake Stegman, 20 on requested charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, criminal threat, felony obstruction - aiding and abetting, intimidation of a witness, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.

Bretz, Mayhugh and Tomlinson were arrested by the Great Bend Police Department.

Later that evening, information was communicated between Great Bend Police detectives and the Larned Police Department that resulted in locating Behnke and Stegman at a residence in Larned. 

Both Behnke and Stegman were arrested by the Larned Police Department, and they were transported to the Barton County Detention Center where they were booked in lieu of bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632944331052.png" alt="Braylin Bretz-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Braylin Bretz-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating five suspects on multiple charges after an incident in Great Bend.Early Tuesday,&nbsp; police began investigating a reported robbery and kidnapping in the 4700 block of 8th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.During the course of this investigation, detectives and patrol officers&nbsp; obtained and executed search warrants at 1212 Warner Road and 4701 8th Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632944355611.png" alt="Gunner Mayhugh photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Gunner Mayhugh photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the search of the residence at 1212 Warner, items of evidence were located and seized related to the investigation. During the search of the property located at 4701 8th, detectives and patrol officers processed the scene of the crime and located additional items of evidence. In addition, items of illegal drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine were seized as evidence.Police arrested Braylin Bretz, 25; Gunner Mayhugh, 19; Tyler Tomlinson, 38; Brennan Behnke, 21 and Blake Stegman, 20 on requested charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery, criminal threat, felony obstruction - aiding and abetting, intimidation of a witness, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632944377668.png" alt="Tyler Tomlinson-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Tyler Tomlinson-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Bretz, Mayhugh and Tomlinson were arrested by the Great Bend Police Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632944397595.png" alt="Brennan Behnke-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Brennan Behnke-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Later that evening, information was communicated between Great Bend Police detectives and the Larned Police Department that resulted in locating Behnke and Stegman at a residence in Larned. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632944418235.png" alt="Blake Stegman-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Blake Stegman-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both Behnke and Stegman were arrested by the Larned Police Department, and they were transported to the Barton County Detention Center where they were booked in lieu of bond.

Police: 5 jailed after Kansas robbery, kidnapping investigation

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities made over 1000 arrests during a 60-day operation to reduce violent crime in the Wichita area, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

The Wichita Police Department partnered with the Marshals Service for "Operation Triple Beam" a&nbsp;program in July and August that focused on bringing in people with warrants for violent crimes, like aggravated assault, homicide or drugs.&nbsp;

The effort resulted in 1,072 arrests, the seizure of 221 firearms, about 165 kilograms of narcotics (including marijuana, cocaine, meth, heroin and fentanyl) and over $200,000, according to the Marshals Service. Among those arrested included 808 for felonies, 264 misdemeanors and 141 gang members.

The program is a national initiative developed by the Marshals Service to reduce gang violence by targeting and arresting&nbsp;violent fugitives, gang members and criminal offenders who have committed violent crimes such as&nbsp;homicide, shooting into dwellings, felony assault and sexual assault, illegal possession of firearms,&nbsp;illegal drug distribution, and robbery.

“In an attempt to meet the Department of Justice goals to reduce violent crime, Operation Triple Beam is&nbsp;designed to focus limited resources on violent, repeat offenders, and bring immediate relief to the&nbsp;citizens of Wichita,” said Ron Miller, U.S. Marshal for the District of Kansas. 

Partners in&nbsp;the operation&nbsp;also included the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol,&nbsp;Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, Kansas Department of Corrections, Kansas Bureau of&nbsp;Investigation, DEA, ATF, FBI, HSI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632923471782.png" alt="The U .S. Marshals service displayed some of the guns seized during Operation Triple Beam in July and August. The program ended Sept. 5." />
 <figcaption>The U .S. Marshals service displayed some of the guns seized during Operation Triple Beam in July and August. The program ended Sept. 5.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities made over 1000 arrests during a 60-day operation to reduce violent crime in the Wichita area, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.The Wichita Police Department partnered with the Marshals Service for "Operation Triple Beam" a&nbsp;program in July and August that focused on bringing in people with warrants for violent crimes, like aggravated assault, homicide or drugs.&nbsp;The effort resulted in 1,072 arrests, the seizure of 221 firearms, about 165 kilograms of narcotics (including marijuana, cocaine, meth, heroin and fentanyl) and over $200,000, according to the Marshals Service. Among those arrested included 808 for felonies, 264 misdemeanors and 141 gang members.The program is a national initiative developed by the Marshals Service to reduce gang violence by targeting and arresting&nbsp;violent fugitives, gang members and criminal offenders who have committed violent crimes such as&nbsp;homicide, shooting into dwellings, felony assault and sexual assault, illegal possession of firearms,&nbsp;illegal drug distribution, and robbery.“In an attempt to meet the Department of Justice goals to reduce violent crime, Operation Triple Beam is&nbsp;designed to focus limited resources on violent, repeat offenders, and bring immediate relief to the&nbsp;citizens of Wichita,” said Ron Miller, U.S. Marshal for the District of Kansas. Partners in&nbsp;the operation&nbsp;also included the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol,&nbsp;Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, Kansas Department of Corrections, Kansas Bureau of&nbsp;Investigation, DEA, ATF, FBI, HSI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Police make 1,072 Kan. arrests, seize 221 guns and $200K in cash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the Sept. 7, nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women.

During a Sept. 16 news conference, members of the community including Wichita Vice Mayor Brandon Johnson asked the suspect 22-year-old Keshawn Dawson to turn himself in. Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens said authorities do not know where Dawson is in hiding. Police have received information that suggests he may be in south Wichita, according to Stephens.&nbsp; 

There is a reward of up to $2500 through Crime Stoppers for information in the case that leads to an arrest.&nbsp;

Police say Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Sept. 7, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. Friends and family held his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kendra-and-the-spencer-family?fbclid=IwAR1CeDwwCQIfSCoQNv5hK0sgu10mWuhu3Tv8iapl8Qnv-1Q6hJWoNgFeDag">memorial service</a>&nbsp;on Monday.

The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.

The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631032156553.png" alt="Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; He is described as 5-foot-11, and 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes." />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; He is described as 5-foot-11, and 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the Sept. 7, nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F415078036812791%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=51" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>During a Sept. 16 news conference, members of the community including Wichita Vice Mayor Brandon Johnson asked the suspect 22-year-old Keshawn Dawson to turn himself in. Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens said authorities do not know where Dawson is in hiding. Police have received information that suggests he may be in south Wichita, according to Stephens.&nbsp; There is a reward of up to $2500 through Crime Stoppers for information in the case that leads to an arrest.&nbsp;Police say Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.Just after 12:30 a.m. Sept. 7, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. Friends and family held his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kendra-and-the-spencer-family?fbclid=IwAR1CeDwwCQIfSCoQNv5hK0sgu10mWuhu3Tv8iapl8Qnv-1Q6hJWoNgFeDag">memorial service</a>&nbsp;on Monday.The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.---------------

For third week police search for Kan. club shooting suspect 

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating the death of a 17-year-old who died after being in law enforcement custody. By statute, the KBI investigates all in-custody deaths which occur in Kansas jails and prisons, unless the inmate who dies is being regularly attended by a physician, or the death is ruled natural by autopsy.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office asked the KBI to investigate on Friday, Sept. 24, at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 1 a.m. on Sept. 24, officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to a disturbance call from a resident at 1221 S. Fox Run in Wichita. Upon arrival they discovered 17-year-old Cedric “CJ” Lofton, of Wichita, outside the house. Lofton appeared paranoid and was behaving erratically. After officers spent an extended period of time trying to convince him to voluntarily seek mental health treatment, they attempted to take Lofton into custody. Lofton resisted by assaulting the officers. After a physical struggle, he was arrested for four counts of battery of a law enforcement officer.

Lofton was transported to the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC) in a Wrap restraint system, a device used to prevent subjects from hurting themselves or others. Once at the facility the Wrap device and handcuffs were removed from Lofton, and he was placed in a single holding cell.

Lofton was later allowed out of the holding cell to use the restroom. When a JIAC staff member attempted to escort him back to the holding cell, Lofton assaulted the staff member. Multiple corrections staff engaged in a lengthy physical struggle to get him into the holding cell and place him into handcuffs. Once Lofton was under control, corrections staff were monitoring him and noticed he became unresponsive.

Life-saving measures were initiated. EMS responded and transported him to Wesley Medical Center where additional medical interventions were attempted. On Sept. 26, at approximately 1:55 a.m. Lofton was pronounced dead.

An autopsy was conducted on Sept. 27. Lofton’s cause of death is pending further investigation and toxicology results.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a juvenile in custody in Sedgwick County.

On Sept. 24, police booked a 17-year-old boy into the Juvenile Intake Assessment Center,&nbsp;700 South Hydraulic in Sedgwick, Kansas&nbsp; on requested charges of that included three counts of battery of a law enforcement officer,&nbsp;according to Col. Brian White with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office.

While in custody, the teen also assaulted juvenile assessment center staff and was restrained with handcuffs and more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wichita.gov/WPD/WPDPolicyAndProcedureManual/Policy%20915%20-%20WRAP%20Restraint%20Systems.pdf">including the WRAP process,</a> according to White. After he was restrained, the teen became unresponsive and officials contacted emergency medical services. EMS transported the teen to a local hospital. He died on Sunday, according to White.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's office is assisting. The Sheriff's office does not oversee the Juvenile Intake Assessment Center, according to White. The county runs that facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632777405725.png" alt="Colonel Brian White during Monday's media conference on the death of the teen." />
 <figcaption>Colonel Brian White during Monday's media conference on the death of the teen.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating the death of a 17-year-old who died after being in law enforcement custody. By statute, the KBI investigates all in-custody deaths which occur in Kansas jails and prisons, unless the inmate who dies is being regularly attended by a physician, or the death is ruled natural by autopsy.The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office asked the KBI to investigate on Friday, Sept. 24, at approximately 10:30 a.m.Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 1 a.m. on Sept. 24, officers from the Wichita Police Department responded to a disturbance call from a resident at 1221 S. Fox Run in Wichita. Upon arrival they discovered 17-year-old Cedric “CJ” Lofton, of Wichita, outside the house. Lofton appeared paranoid and was behaving erratically. After officers spent an extended period of time trying to convince him to voluntarily seek mental health treatment, they attempted to take Lofton into custody. Lofton resisted by assaulting the officers. After a physical struggle, he was arrested for four counts of battery of a law enforcement officer.Lofton was transported to the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC) in a Wrap restraint system, a device used to prevent subjects from hurting themselves or others. Once at the facility the Wrap device and handcuffs were removed from Lofton, and he was placed in a single holding cell.Lofton was later allowed out of the holding cell to use the restroom. When a JIAC staff member attempted to escort him back to the holding cell, Lofton assaulted the staff member. Multiple corrections staff engaged in a lengthy physical struggle to get him into the holding cell and place him into handcuffs. Once Lofton was under control, corrections staff were monitoring him and noticed he became unresponsive.Life-saving measures were initiated. EMS responded and transported him to Wesley Medical Center where additional medical interventions were attempted. On Sept. 26, at approximately 1:55 a.m. Lofton was pronounced dead.An autopsy was conducted on Sept. 27. Lofton’s cause of death is pending further investigation and toxicology results.--------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a juvenile in custody in Sedgwick County.On Sept. 24, police booked a 17-year-old boy into the Juvenile Intake Assessment Center,&nbsp;700 South Hydraulic in Sedgwick, Kansas&nbsp; on requested charges of that included three counts of battery of a law enforcement officer,&nbsp;according to Col. Brian White with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office.While in custody, the teen also assaulted juvenile assessment center staff and was restrained with handcuffs and more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wichita.gov/WPD/WPDPolicyAndProcedureManual/Policy%20915%20-%20WRAP%20Restraint%20Systems.pdf">including the WRAP process,</a> according to White. After he was restrained, the teen became unresponsive and officials contacted emergency medical services. EMS transported the teen to a local hospital. He died on Sunday, according to White.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's office is assisting. The Sheriff's office does not oversee the Juvenile Intake Assessment Center, according to White. The county runs that facility.

KBI IDs teen who died  after restrained at Kan. juvenile intake center

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former Wichita police officer has been sentenced to a year of probation after he admitted he helped a woman avoid arrest. Matthew Powell would serve a year in jail if he violates probation. He also cannot be certified again to work as a law enforcement officer. 

A probable cause statement says that on May 3, 2019, Powell told a woman who was wanted on a warrant that officers were coming to arrest her. The woman was taken into custody about two weeks later. KAKE-TV reports the woman told detectives that Powell had helped her avoid arrest for months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632847775609.png" alt="Powell as shown in his Sedgwick&nbsp; booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Powell as shown in his Sedgwick&nbsp; booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former Wichita police officer has been sentenced to a year of probation after he admitted he helped a woman avoid arrest. Matthew Powell would serve a year in jail if he violates probation. He also cannot be certified again to work as a law enforcement officer. A probable cause statement says that on May 3, 2019, Powell told a woman who was wanted on a warrant that officers were coming to arrest her. The woman was taken into custody about two weeks later. KAKE-TV reports the woman told detectives that Powell had helped her avoid arrest for months.

Former Kan. police officer sentenced for helping woman avoid arrest

WAYNE COUNTY, Utah —U.S. Marshals investigators say viewers in Wayne County saw Colt’s wanted poster on the news Monday evening and recognized Colt, calling in tips to the U.S. Marshals Service and the WayneCounty Sheriff’s Office. 

As sheriff’s deputies were staging in a parking lot near the target house, they saw Colt roll by on his blue motorcycle and gave chase. Colt eventually decided to give up. He confirmed his identity, and the sheriff confirmed the motorcycle VIN in NCIC.

He is being held in the Sevier County jail pending his return to Kansas.

“Effective law enforcement in the United States today is enhanced by citizens willing to report what they see,” said U.S. marshal for the District of Kansas Ronald Miller. “That occurred in this case and resulted in a violent predator being recaptured.”

The U.S. Marshals elevated Colt’s escape to major case status Sept. 20 and had offered up to $10,000 as reward for information leading to Colt’s arrest. The USMS will continue to collect information and work with Utah USMS to start a failure to register case on him. As the lead federal agency for sex offender violations following passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, the

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632850718422.png" alt="Colt photo Sevier. County" />
 <figcaption>Colt photo Sevier. County</figcaption>
 </figure>WAYNE COUNTY, Utah —U.S. Marshals investigators say viewers in Wayne County saw Colt’s wanted poster on the news Monday evening and recognized Colt, calling in tips to the U.S. Marshals Service and the WayneCounty Sheriff’s Office. As sheriff’s deputies were staging in a parking lot near the target house, they saw Colt roll by on his blue motorcycle and gave chase. Colt eventually decided to give up. He confirmed his identity, and the sheriff confirmed the motorcycle VIN in NCIC.He is being held in the Sevier County jail pending his return to Kansas.“Effective law enforcement in the United States today is enhanced by citizens willing to report what they see,” said U.S. marshal for the District of Kansas Ronald Miller. “That occurred in this case and resulted in a violent predator being recaptured.”The U.S. Marshals elevated Colt’s escape to major case status Sept. 20 and had offered up to $10,000 as reward for information leading to Colt’s arrest. The USMS will continue to collect information and work with Utah USMS to start a failure to register case on him. As the lead federal agency for sex offender violations following passage of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, theColt was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2001, to five years in state prison for aggravated sexual battery, attempted rape, aggravated burglary, and four counts of aggravated battery against law enforcement. He was required to register as a sexual offender for the remainder of his life.After his criminal sentence was completed, the State of Kansas courts deemed him a Sexually Violent Predator at high risk to commit a future sex offense and too dangerous to be released. He was indefinitely civilly committed and sent to the Larned State Hospital’s Sexual Predator Treatment Program in 2007, where he has resided until the escape. Investigators believe Colt planned his escape several months in advance, obtaining a replica of a staff ID badge and dress clothes. The morning of his escape he shaved off his long hair and beard. He put blankets under his bed covers making it appear he was still in bed sleeping. He was then able to convince a new staff worker (that he targeted) that he was in fact a new doctor and needed help finding his way out. Posing as a doctor, Colt was able to make his way past five secured doors and ultimately outside the gates.Several hours passed before staff noticed he was missing and alerted the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office. After escaping, Colt received a ride from a local farmer to the town of Larned. From there he rode to Scott City on a motorcycle he’d purchased prior to his escape with the help of an accomplice. --------WAYNE COUNTY, Utah—Thanks to tips from the public, authorities&nbsp; arrested 42-year-old John Colt near Torrey, Utah late Monday without incident, according Sevier County Sheriff Nathan Curtis.&nbsp;Colt escaped from the Sexual Predator Treatment program at the Larned State hospital on June 30 and traveled over 850 miles before his arrest.Just after midnight Tuesday, Colt was booked into the Sevier County jail in Richfield, Utah, according to online jail records.He is being help until until officials can arrange for his extradition back to Kansas.&nbsp;Colt has previous convictions for aggravated sexual battery, theft, forgery, aggravated burglary, interference with parental custody and criminal damage, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.------------PAWNEE COUNTY — The search for a man who escaped from the Sexual Predator Treatment program at the Larned State hospital in June is over.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632842492522.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Pawnee County Attorney reported he received messages Tuesday morning confirming the arrest of 42-year-old John Freeman Colt. He is being held in a jail in Utah, according to Sheriff Nathan Curtis.Few details are available. Check the Post for more information as it is released.--------------PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue to search for 42-year-old John Freeman Colt according to the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office.Just after 7a.m. June 30, he walked out of the Sexual Predator Treatment Program at the Larned State Hospital, according to the Pawnee County Sheriff.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625086515798.png" alt="Colt has previous convictions for aggravated sexual battery, theft, forgery, aggravated burglary, interference with parental custody and criminal damage, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections photos Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Colt has previous convictions for aggravated sexual battery, theft, forgery, aggravated burglary, interference with parental custody and criminal damage, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections photos Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>He was last seen at 11:10a.m. Wednesday June 30 walking north bound from Kwik Shop on Broadway.Barton County Sheriff Bellendir explained how Colt made it&nbsp;that far.&nbsp; “He caught a ride into town and gave a story he had a broken-down vehicle,” Bellendir said. “He was dressed in dress clothes. He didn’t look like what you’d expect an inmate to be. He looked more like a social worker, and that’s probably how he managed to escape, which the state investigators for DOC (the Department of Corrections) are over there trying to figure all of that out&nbsp;right now.”&nbsp;Bellendir said&nbsp;Colt had altered his appearance by cutting his hair and shaving off a beard.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Colt is described as a white male, medium skin tone, 5-foot-7 200 pounds, blue eyes, and&nbsp; short brown hair. He also has a tattoo on his left arm of a heart with the letters BH. He was last seen wearing a gray long sleeve shirt, black pants ( possibly dress pants ) and a dark face mask. Subject possibly has an ID badge "C JONES", and may have a cell phone.&nbsp;Colt should be considered dangerous.&nbsp;If seen, or you know his whereabouts, please call 911.