KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities made 102 arrests and rescued 47 victims as part of a 12-state effort to combat human trafficking, Missouri's top law enforcement official said Friday.

Most of the arrests occurred Thursday night into Friday morning and came after a months-long investigation, state Attorney General Eric Schmitt said.

“Operation United Front” was conducted in Kansas City,&nbsp; Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and South Dakota, where authorities conducted their operation during this month's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Undercover law enforcement officers from federal, state and local agencies arranged meetings with potential victims or posed as victims to identify buyers or traffickers, Schmitt said.

Two of the 47 victims were minors and they were rescued in Kentucky, which had the most arrests — 46 — and where 21 victims were rescued.

The Missouri investigation was conducted at a Kansas City business and led to two arrests and the rescue of four victims.

KANSAS CITY —A 12-state human trafficking operation led by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, numerous Kansas City-area law enforcement and law enforcement in 11 other states&nbsp; has led to 102 arrests and the rescue of 47 victims and sex workers including 2 minor victims, according to a media release from AG Eric Schmitt's office.

Operation United Front entailed simultaneous state-level human trafficking operations throughout the night on Thursday and into the early morning, and is believed to be the first Attorney General-led multi-state operation of its kind. State and federal law enforcement agencies from 12 states participated in Operation United Front.&nbsp;

Using both buyer-centric and victim-centric “sting” human trafficking operations, Missouri and participating states were able to rescue 47&nbsp;victims and sex workers and provide needed medical services to 41, and arrested 102&nbsp;across the country in connection with human trafficking. 

Other states conducted “minor recovery” operations, which rescued 2 minor victims, who are more vulnerable and easily manipulated in regards to human trafficking. Each state conducted its own operation simultaneously, while sharing information and data with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Prior to the operation, Missouri offered training and information about how to best conduct these operations to participating states. These operations typically use undercover officers who arrange “dates” or meetups with potential human trafficking victims and rescue that victim or sex worker and provide needed services, or pose as a victim themselves and arrest buyers or traffickers. “The Missouri Attorney General’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force has been recognized as a national leader for our efforts to investigate and eradicate human trafficking in Missouri.

Through that task force, we were able to engage law enforcement agencies and attorneys general from across the country to organize and lead Operation United Front, which was a massive success.&nbsp;My Office will not stop in our quest to investigate and eradicate human trafficking in Missouri.” Across the country, the following agencies participated or conducted separate state level operations: Missouri Attorney General’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, Kentucky State Police, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force, North Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Oklahoma City Police Department, Tulsa Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Texas Attorney General's Office, Texas Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance Task Force, Round Rock Police Department, Austin Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations,&nbsp;the Federal Bureau of Investigation, numerous Kansas City-area law enforcement, and non-profit DeliverFund.&nbsp; Missouri’s operation, which was a victim-centric operation, took place at a local commercial business in Kansas City, and resulted in 2 arrests and the rescue of 4 victims. 11 victims were provided needed services. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office served as the main communications hub to coordinate other states’ operations. Agency-Level Statistics Missouri: 2 arrests made, 4 victims rescued Illinois: 3 arrests made, 1 victim rescued Iowa: 11 arrests made, large amount of currency seized Kentucky: 46 arrests made, 21 victims rescued, 2 minor victims rescued Minnesota: 3 arrests made, 8 victims rescued Nebraska: 7 arrests made North Dakota: 3 arrests made, 6 victims rescued Oklahoma: 7 arrests made, 1 victim rescued Tennessee: 4&nbsp;arrests made Texas: 2 arrests made, 4 victims rescued Wisconsin: 5 arrests made Services offered to 41. South Dakota’s operation at Sturgis led to 9 arrests. Total: 102&nbsp;total arrests, 47&nbsp;total victims rescued including 2 minor victims rescued.&nbsp; South Dakota previously conducted a week-long operation during the Sturgis Biker Rally, and arrested 9 individuals - 8 of those arrested were for Enticement of a Minor using the internet. 1 arrest was for Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a minor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630083112026.png" alt="Photo courtesy office of AG Eric Schmitt" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy office of AG Eric Schmitt</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities made 102 arrests and rescued 47 victims as part of a 12-state effort to combat human trafficking, Missouri's top law enforcement official said Friday.Most of the arrests occurred Thursday night into Friday morning and came after a months-long investigation, state Attorney General Eric Schmitt said.“Operation United Front” was conducted in Kansas City,&nbsp; Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and South Dakota, where authorities conducted their operation during this month's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.Undercover law enforcement officers from federal, state and local agencies arranged meetings with potential victims or posed as victims to identify buyers or traffickers, Schmitt said.Two of the 47 victims were minors and they were rescued in Kentucky, which had the most arrests — 46 — and where 21 victims were rescued.The Missouri investigation was conducted at a Kansas City business and led to two arrests and the rescue of four victims.---------------KANSAS CITY —A 12-state human trafficking operation led by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, numerous Kansas City-area law enforcement and law enforcement in 11 other states&nbsp; has led to 102 arrests and the rescue of 47 victims and sex workers including 2 minor victims, according to a media release from AG Eric Schmitt's office.Operation United Front entailed simultaneous state-level human trafficking operations throughout the night on Thursday and into the early morning, and is believed to be the first Attorney General-led multi-state operation of its kind. State and federal law enforcement agencies from 12 states participated in Operation United Front.&nbsp;Using both buyer-centric and victim-centric “sting” human trafficking operations, Missouri and participating states were able to rescue 47&nbsp;victims and sex workers and provide needed medical services to 41, and arrested 102&nbsp;across the country in connection with human trafficking. Other states conducted “minor recovery” operations, which rescued 2 minor victims, who are more vulnerable and easily manipulated in regards to human trafficking. Each state conducted its own operation simultaneously, while sharing information and data with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Prior to the operation, Missouri offered training and information about how to best conduct these operations to participating states. These operations typically use undercover officers who arrange “dates” or meetups with potential human trafficking victims and rescue that victim or sex worker and provide needed services, or pose as a victim themselves and arrest buyers or traffickers. “The Missouri Attorney General’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force has been recognized as a national leader for our efforts to investigate and eradicate human trafficking in Missouri. Through that task force, we were able to engage law enforcement agencies and attorneys general from across the country to organize and lead Operation United Front, which was a massive success.&nbsp;My Office will not stop in our quest to investigate and eradicate human trafficking in Missouri.” Across the country, the following agencies participated or conducted separate state level operations: Missouri Attorney General’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, Kentucky State Police, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force, North Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Oklahoma City Police Department, Tulsa Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Texas Attorney General's Office, Texas Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance Task Force, Round Rock Police Department, Austin Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations,&nbsp;the Federal Bureau of Investigation, numerous Kansas City-area law enforcement, and non-profit DeliverFund.&nbsp; Missouri’s operation, which was a victim-centric operation, took place at a local commercial business in Kansas City, and resulted in 2 arrests and the rescue of 4 victims. 11 victims were provided needed services. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office served as the main communications hub to coordinate other states’ operations. Agency-Level Statistics Missouri: 2 arrests made, 4 victims rescued Illinois: 3 arrests made, 1 victim rescued Iowa: 11 arrests made, large amount of currency seized Kentucky: 46 arrests made, 21 victims rescued, 2 minor victims rescued Minnesota: 3 arrests made, 8 victims rescued Nebraska: 7 arrests made North Dakota: 3 arrests made, 6 victims rescued Oklahoma: 7 arrests made, 1 victim rescued Tennessee: 4&nbsp;arrests made Texas: 2 arrests made, 4 victims rescued Wisconsin: 5 arrests made Services offered to 41. South Dakota’s operation at Sturgis led to 9 arrests. Total: 102&nbsp;total arrests, 47&nbsp;total victims rescued including 2 minor victims rescued.&nbsp; South Dakota previously conducted a week-long operation during the Sturgis Biker Rally, and arrested 9 individuals - 8 of those arrested were for Enticement of a Minor using the internet. 1 arrest was for Attempted Commercial Sex Trafficking of a minor.

102 arrested in multi-state human trafficking operation

ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a reported accidental shooting have made an arrest.

Just before 10:30 p.m. August 20, the Hays Police Department received a report of a shooting in the 4500 block of Larned Circle.

Police responded to the scene and found a victim later identified as&nbsp;Christian Leonel Cortes-Alfaro, 22, of Hays. &nbsp;suffering from a gunshot wound.

EMS transported him to Hays Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.&nbsp;

The coroner’s office, detectives from the Hays Police Department, and agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigations were called to investigate the incident.

The ensuing investigation determined the victim was at home with two other roommates. One of the victim’s roommates was in the front room reportedly preparing to make repairs to a firearm. While the victim’s roommate was handling the firearm, the firearm discharged, striking the Cortes-Alfaro in the head.&nbsp;

On Friday, detectives with the Hays Police Department arrested Brian Spencer Finger, 22, of Hays on a requested charge of murder in the second degree.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630154615614.png" alt="Finger photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption>Finger photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a reported accidental shooting have made an arrest.Just before 10:30 p.m. August 20, the Hays Police Department received a report of a shooting in the 4500 block of Larned Circle.Police responded to the scene and found a victim later identified as&nbsp;Christian Leonel Cortes-Alfaro, 22, of Hays. &nbsp;suffering from a gunshot wound.EMS transported him to Hays Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.&nbsp;The coroner’s office, detectives from the Hays Police Department, and agents from the Kansas Bureau of Investigations were called to investigate the incident.The ensuing investigation determined the victim was at home with two other roommates. One of the victim’s roommates was in the front room reportedly preparing to make repairs to a firearm. While the victim’s roommate was handling the firearm, the firearm discharged, striking the Cortes-Alfaro in the head.&nbsp;On Friday, detectives with the Hays Police Department arrested Brian Spencer Finger, 22, of Hays on a requested charge of murder in the second degree.&nbsp;

Kan. man arrested after roommate accidentally shot, killed

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Intensive care units are nearly full across the Kansas City area, creating challenges for hospitals battling to keep up with the high number of COVID-19 patients.

215 ICU beds in the region were in use last week — the most since the onset of the pandemic — and that number has grown almost every day since. As of Wednesday, 224 people were hospitalized in ICUs, according to hospital data tracked by the Mid-America Regional Council, a regional planning agency.

The data includes hospitals in Jackson and Clay counties in Missouri and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas.

Kansas City isn't unique in Missouri. Data posted Friday on the state's COVID-19 dashboard showed 690 ICU patients across the state among 2,395 people hospitalized with COVID-19.

In addition to the rising number of cases, health care workers blame the severity of the illnesses, staffing shortages and the refusal of so many to get vaccinated for the challenges hospitals are now facing. Kansas City-area hospitals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-0ba6aa292483a89d52ab44b5f5434815">have had to transfer patients,</a>&nbsp;both with and without COVID-19, as far away as Chicago and Oklahoma City.

“It just breaks my heart that we’re at this point,” said Allison Edwards, a doctor and the owner of a small direct primary care clinic in Midtown Kansas City. “I don’t even know how to begin to ration care. How do you start to make these decisions of where to put your priorities when business as usual can’t happen?”

The state dashboard on Friday cited 2,158 newly confirmed cases and 26 additional deaths. Missouri has reported 624,239 cases and 10,435 deaths since the pandemic began.

With vaccination rates still lagging in St. Louis, the city is offering an event Friday and Saturday with two purposes: Forgiveness for outstanding warrants, and a chance to get vaccinated. Even more incentive: Those who show proof of full vaccination can get $100 off their fines and court fees.

City leaders say the warrant forgiveness program allows anyone with outstanding warrants to resolve the charges without fear of arrest on city charges, and without the expense of posting cash bond. A vaccination clinic will also be on-site.

Only 46.2% of St. Louisans have initiated vaccination, about 5 percentage points lower than the state as a whole. Nationally, 61.1% of Americans have initiated vaccination, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The original conception of the event was to make vaccination clinics available at the same time as the amnesty to give people the opportunity to get vaccinated,” Municipal Judge Newton McCoy told&nbsp;<a href="https://news.stlpublicradio.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2021-08-19/friday-st-louis-court-offers-100-vaccine-incentive-as-part-of-warrant-forgiveness">St. Louis Public Radio</a>. That idea was later expanded to give an incentive to those who have already been vaccinated.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Intensive care units are nearly full across the Kansas City area, creating challenges for hospitals battling to keep up with the high number of COVID-19 patients.215 ICU beds in the region were in use last week — the most since the onset of the pandemic — and that number has grown almost every day since. As of Wednesday, 224 people were hospitalized in ICUs, according to hospital data tracked by the Mid-America Regional Council, a regional planning agency.The data includes hospitals in Jackson and Clay counties in Missouri and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas.Kansas City isn't unique in Missouri. Data posted Friday on the state's COVID-19 dashboard showed 690 ICU patients across the state among 2,395 people hospitalized with COVID-19.In addition to the rising number of cases, health care workers blame the severity of the illnesses, staffing shortages and the refusal of so many to get vaccinated for the challenges hospitals are now facing. Kansas City-area hospitals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-0ba6aa292483a89d52ab44b5f5434815">have had to transfer patients,</a>&nbsp;both with and without COVID-19, as far away as Chicago and Oklahoma City.“It just breaks my heart that we’re at this point,” said Allison Edwards, a doctor and the owner of a small direct primary care clinic in Midtown Kansas City. “I don’t even know how to begin to ration care. How do you start to make these decisions of where to put your priorities when business as usual can’t happen?”The state dashboard on Friday cited 2,158 newly confirmed cases and 26 additional deaths. Missouri has reported 624,239 cases and 10,435 deaths since the pandemic began.With vaccination rates still lagging in St. Louis, the city is offering an event Friday and Saturday with two purposes: Forgiveness for outstanding warrants, and a chance to get vaccinated. Even more incentive: Those who show proof of full vaccination can get $100 off their fines and court fees.City leaders say the warrant forgiveness program allows anyone with outstanding warrants to resolve the charges without fear of arrest on city charges, and without the expense of posting cash bond. A vaccination clinic will also be on-site.Only 46.2% of St. Louisans have initiated vaccination, about 5 percentage points lower than the state as a whole. Nationally, 61.1% of Americans have initiated vaccination, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“The original conception of the event was to make vaccination clinics available at the same time as the amnesty to give people the opportunity to get vaccinated,” Municipal Judge Newton McCoy told&nbsp;<a href="https://news.stlpublicradio.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2021-08-19/friday-st-louis-court-offers-100-vaccine-incentive-as-part-of-warrant-forgiveness">St. Louis Public Radio</a>. That idea was later expanded to give an incentive to those who have already been vaccinated.

ICU beds almost full at hospitals in Kansas City area

FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a student for an alleged threat in Dodge City.

Late Thursday, USD 443/Dodge City public school officials and the Dodge City Police School Resource Officer Unit received information regarding a threat to Dodge City High School, according to a media release from police.

The police school resource officer and school officials worked as a team very late into the night on this situation and on Friday morning determined who made the alleged threat.

Officers arrested the juvenile boy. He is a current student of Dodge City High School, according to police. There were no injured.&nbsp;

Police do not believe there is any additional threat to the high school. However, police do have an additional officer at the high school Friday.

Police will present the case to the Ford County Attorney's Office on a requested charge of felony Criminal Threat. 

FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a student for an alleged threat in Dodge City.Late Thursday, USD 443/Dodge City public school officials and the Dodge City Police School Resource Officer Unit received information regarding a threat to Dodge City High School, according to a media release from police.The police school resource officer and school officials worked as a team very late into the night on this situation and on Friday morning determined who made the alleged threat.Officers arrested the juvenile boy. He is a current student of Dodge City High School, according to police. There were no injured.&nbsp;Police do not believe there is any additional threat to the high school. However, police do have an additional officer at the high school Friday.Police will present the case to the Ford County Attorney's Office on a requested charge of felony Criminal Threat.

Student accused of criminal threat at Kan. high school

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

The victim in Monday's shooting in Salina has died and three people now face charges in connection to his death.

Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, 25-year-old Camilo Renaldo Ramirez died at a hospital in Wichita, according to Salina police.

 The police department delayed reporting Ramirez's death at the request of his family, who chose to donate his organs, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus.

While continuing to investigate the homicide case, police arrested a third suspect identified as Kiera Stewart, 22, of Salina, on requested charges of Felony murder and Attempted aggravated robbery

Just after 4p.m. Monday, a suspect shot Ramirez near the intersection of Front Street and E. Iron Avenue in Salina.

 Police, who were dispatched to the area for the report of gunshots, found Ramirez in the street with critical injuries. Police also found his dog dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot.

Additionally, a front window at Fresh Market, 511 E. Iron Avenue, and a nearby CityGo bus stop sign sustained damage from bullets during the shooting.

According to information from police, surveillance videos near the shooting scene showed a vehicle circling the area. It then stopped and two people got out and began shooting.

Through the course of the investigation on Monday, detectives developed the names of two persons of interest: Jamie Leos, Jr., 24, and Juan Doroteo Morales, 34. After questioning, both were arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail.

According to Saline County Jail booking information from Wednesday, requested charges for both Leos and Morales were upgraded to first degree murder.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostThe victim in Monday's shooting in Salina has died and three people now face charges in connection to his death.Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, 25-year-old Camilo Renaldo Ramirez died at a hospital in Wichita, according to Salina police. The police department delayed reporting Ramirez's death at the request of his family, who chose to donate his organs, according to Salina Police Captain Gary Hanus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629993076591.jpeg" alt="Stewart photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Stewart photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>While continuing to investigate the homicide case, police arrested a third suspect identified as Kiera Stewart, 22, of Salina, on requested charges of Felony murder and Attempted aggravated robberyJust after 4p.m. Monday, a suspect shot Ramirez near the intersection of Front Street and E. Iron Avenue in Salina. Police, who were dispatched to the area for the report of gunshots, found Ramirez in the street with critical injuries. Police also found his dog dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot.Additionally, a front window at Fresh Market, 511 E. Iron Avenue, and a nearby CityGo bus stop sign sustained damage from bullets during the shooting.According to information from police, surveillance videos near the shooting scene showed a vehicle circling the area. It then stopped and two people got out and began shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629899250822.jpeg" alt="Leos is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Attempted First Degree Murder, Felony animal cruelty, Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and Other narcotics related charges" />
 <figcaption>Leos is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Attempted First Degree Murder, Felony animal cruelty, Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and Other narcotics related charges</figcaption>
 </figure>Through the course of the investigation on Monday, detectives developed the names of two persons of interest: Jamie Leos, Jr., 24, and Juan Doroteo Morales, 34. After questioning, both were arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629899389024.jpeg" alt="Morales is being held on requested charges that include Attempted first degree murder, Felony animal cruelty and Felon in possession of a firearm" />
 <figcaption>Morales is being held on requested charges that include Attempted first degree murder, Felony animal cruelty and Felon in possession of a firearm</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Saline County Jail booking information from Wednesday, requested charges for both Leos and Morales were upgraded to first degree murder.

Police: Victim in Salina shooting dies, 3rd suspect jailed

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged violent attack on a woman have made an arrest.

After asking the public for help to locate 29-year-old Jordan Ray Biccum, Dodge City police reported Thursday afternoon the Kansas Highway Patrol located him in&nbsp;&nbsp;Kiowa County&nbsp;

He is a suspect in an alleged Aggravated Battery Domestic Violence case Wednesday in the 2500 block of East Wyatt Earp Boulevard in Dodge City, according to a media release from police. According to police a 35-year-old Dodge City woman was injured during the incident.

Biccum is being held on requested charges in connection with the alleged assault, according to police.

FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged violent assault&nbsp;and asking for the public's help in locating 29-year-old Jordan Ray Biccum.

He is a suspect in an alleged Aggravated Battery Domestic Violence case Wednesday in the 2500 block of East Wyatt Earp Boulevard in Dodge City, according to a media release from police.

According to police a 35-year-old Dodge City woman was injured during this incident.

Biccum is described as 5-foot-10, 240 pounds and was last seen driving a 2020 white Dodge Ram with unknown Kansas plates.

He may be working in the area for a custom cutter. Biccum has an active warrant out of Amarillo, Texas for assault, and is also a registered sex offender, according to police. If you see Biccum, do not approach him and call 911 immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629996604392.png" alt="Biccum-photo Dodge City Police" />
 <figcaption>Biccum-photo Dodge City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged violent attack on a woman have made an arrest.After asking the public for help to locate 29-year-old Jordan Ray Biccum, Dodge City police reported Thursday afternoon the Kansas Highway Patrol located him in&nbsp;&nbsp;Kiowa County&nbsp;He is a suspect in an alleged Aggravated Battery Domestic Violence case Wednesday in the 2500 block of East Wyatt Earp Boulevard in Dodge City, according to a media release from police. According to police a 35-year-old Dodge City woman was injured during the incident.Biccum is being held on requested charges in connection with the alleged assault, according to police.---------FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged violent assault&nbsp;and asking for the public's help in locating 29-year-old Jordan Ray Biccum.He is a suspect in an alleged Aggravated Battery Domestic Violence case Wednesday in the 2500 block of East Wyatt Earp Boulevard in Dodge City, according to a media release from police.According to police a 35-year-old Dodge City woman was injured during this incident.Biccum is described as 5-foot-10, 240 pounds and was last seen driving a 2020 white Dodge Ram with unknown Kansas plates.He may be working in the area for a custom cutter. Biccum has an active warrant out of Amarillo, Texas for assault, and is also a registered sex offender, according to police. If you see Biccum, do not approach him and call 911 immediately.

KHP arrests sex offender wanted for attack on SW Kan. woman

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.

Just after 10:30 p.m., Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to a local hospital reference a shooting victim who arrived by private vehicle, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

 The male victim was suffering from non-life threating injuries.

Investigation revealed that the incident took place in the 3200 block of SW 31st Terrace in Topeka. Further investigation and follow up determined that the suspect identified as Jason Duane Bulger, 40, of Topeka had gone to 2115 SW Mission Avenue in Topeka. Police located and took him into custody.

Officers booked him on requested&nbsp; charges of Aggravated Battery. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630026560521.png" alt="Bulger photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Bulger photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.Just after 10:30 p.m., Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to a local hospital reference a shooting victim who arrived by private vehicle, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz. The male victim was suffering from non-life threating injuries.Investigation revealed that the incident took place in the 3200 block of SW 31st Terrace in Topeka. Further investigation and follow up determined that the suspect identified as Jason Duane Bulger, 40, of Topeka had gone to 2115 SW Mission Avenue in Topeka. Police located and took him into custody.Officers booked him on requested&nbsp; charges of Aggravated Battery.

Police arrest suspect after Kan. shooting investigation

BARTON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Great Bend man Thursday for killing another man while he was serving a sentence at the Barton County Jail, according to a media release from the agency.

Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, the KBI arrested Jose Guadalupe Villegas, 27, for second-degree murder connected to the death of 46-year-old Scott E. Deines, of Great Bend. Villegas was arrested at the Barton County Jail while he was already in custody.

The investigation revealed that Villegas injured Deines during a physical altercation at the Jail on July 22.

 On Sunday, July 25, just before 11 a.m., detention officers found Deines unresponsive in his cell. EMS pronounced him deceased at the scene. The autopsy report indicated that Deines died of blunt force trauma to his head.

Deines was booked into the Jail on July 16, for failure to appear and possession of opiates. Villegas had been ordered to serve out his remaining community corrections sentence at the Jail. He has been at the facility since June 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630020218147.png" alt="Villegas -photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Villegas -photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Great Bend man Thursday for killing another man while he was serving a sentence at the Barton County Jail, according to a media release from the agency.Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, the KBI arrested Jose Guadalupe Villegas, 27, for second-degree murder connected to the death of 46-year-old Scott E. Deines, of Great Bend. Villegas was arrested at the Barton County Jail while he was already in custody.The investigation revealed that Villegas injured Deines during a physical altercation at the Jail on July 22. On Sunday, July 25, just before 11 a.m., detention officers found Deines unresponsive in his cell. EMS pronounced him deceased at the scene. The autopsy report indicated that Deines died of blunt force trauma to his head.Deines was booked into the Jail on July 16, for failure to appear and possession of opiates. Villegas had been ordered to serve out his remaining community corrections sentence at the Jail. He has been at the facility since June 30.

KBI: Arrest made in homicide at Barton County Jail

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers and gunmen have targeted crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. 

An Afghan official says at least 60 Afghans were killed and 143 wounded. U.S. officials said 12 U.S. service members were killed, including 11 Marines and a Navy medic. A U.S. official said the complex attack was believed to have been carried out by the Islamic State group. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the two blasts were near an airport entrance and a short distance away by a hotel.

The U.S. general overseeing the Afghanistan evacuation says the U.S. will “go after” the perpetrators of the Kabul airport attacks if they can be found. Gen. Frank McKenzie said Thursday's attacks were believed to have been carried out by fighters associated with the Islamic State group’s Afghanistan affiliate. He said the attacks, which killed 12 U.S. service members, would not stop the United States from continuing its evacuation of Americans and others. 

Defense Secretary LLoyd Austin expressed his “deepest condolences to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and wounded in Kabul today.” He pledged teh U.S. “will not be dissuaded from the task at hand.”

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers and gunmen have targeted crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Russian officials said at least 13 people were killed. U.S. officials said 12 U.S. service members were killed, including 11 Marines and a Navy medic. A number of other American military were among dozens wounded. 

A U.S. official said the complex attack was believed to have been carried out by the Islamic State group. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed the blasts, saying one was near an airport entrance and another was a short distance away by a hotel.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers and gunmen have targeted crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Russian officials said at least 13 people were killed and 15 wounded.

A U.S. official said several Marines were killed and a number of other American military were wounded. It was not clear if those deaths were included in the Russian toll. A U.S. official said the complex attack was believed to have been carried out by the Islamic State group.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed the blasts, saying one was near an airport entrance and another was a short distance away by a hotel.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers and gunmen have targeted crowds massing near the Kabul airport, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Russian officials said at least 13 people were killed and 15 wounded.

A U.S. official said the complex attack was “definitely believed” to have been carried out by the Islamic State group, whose affiliate in Afghanistan grew out of disaffected Taliban members who hold an even more extreme view of Islam. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed the blasts, saying one was near an airport entrance and another was a short distance away by a hotel.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers and gunmen targeted crowds massing near the Kabul airport Thursday, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. At least 13 people were killed and 15 wounded, Russian officials said.

A U.S. official said the complex attack was “definitely believed” to have been carried out by the Islamic State group, whose affiliate in Afghanistan grew out of disaffected Taliban members who hold an even more extreme view of Islam.

At least 13 people died and 15 were wounded, according to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, which gave the first official casualty count. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby also confirmed the blasts, saying one was near an airport entrance and another was a short distance away by a hotel.

The U.S. official said members of the U.S. military were among the wounded. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing operations.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Russia’s Foreign Ministry says a second explosion has gone off outside Kabul airport. The twin suicide attacks killed at least 13 people and wounded another 15. U.S. officials said that American personnel were wounded in the blast, without elaborating. 

They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing operations. The blasts happened outside the airport, where thousands of Afghans have gathered hoping to join a U.S.-led airlift after the Taliban takeover.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Russian officials say a suicide attack outside Kabul’s airport has killed at least 2 people and wounded 15, Russian officials said. Large crowds of people have massed outside the airport as they try to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. 

Western nations had warned earlier in the day of a possible attack at the airport in the waning days of a massive airlift. Suspicion for any attack targeting the crowds would likely fall on the Islamic State group and not the Taliban, who have been deployed at the airport’s gates trying to control the mass of people. The Pentagon confirmed the blast, and Russian Foreign Ministry gave the official casualty count.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — An explosion has gone off outside Kabul’s airport, where thousands of people have flocked as they try to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Officials offered no casualty count, but a witness said several people appeared to have been killed or wounded Thursday. 

Western nations had warned earlier in the day of a possible attack at the airport in the waning days of a massive airlift. Suspicion for any attack targeting the crowds would likely fall on the Islamic State group and not the Taliban, who have been deployed at the airport’s gates trying to control the mass of people. The Pentagon confirmed the blast, with no immediate word on casualties.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Western nations warned Thursday of a possible attack on Kabul’s airport in the waning days of a massive airlift, as thousands of Afghans desperate to flee Taliban rule continued to flock to the gates.

Several countries urged people to avoid the airport, where an official said there was a threat of a suicide bombing. But just days — or even hours for some nations — before the evacuation effort ends, few appeared to heed the call.

Over the last week, the airport has been the scene of some of the most searing images of the chaotic end of America’s longest war and the Taliban’s takeover, as flight after flight took off carrying those who fear a return to the militants’ brutal rule.

Already, some countries have ended their evacuations and begun to withdraw their soldiers and diplomats, signaling the beginning of the end of one of history’s largest airlifts. The Taliban have so far honored a pledge not to attack Western forces during the evacuation, but insist the foreign troops must be out by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-evacuations-kabul-f9321f143fd8749c1cc8c460b647fdd5">America’s self-imposed deadline of Aug. 31</a>.

Overnight, warnings emerged from Western capitals about a threat from Afghanistan’s Islamic State group affiliate, which likely has seen its ranks boosted by the Taliban’s freeing of prisoners during their blitz across the country.

British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey told the BBC on Thursday there was ”very, very credible reporting of an imminent attack” at the airport, possibly within “hours.” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said his country had received information from the U.S. and other countries about the “threat of suicide attacks on the mass of people.”

The acting U.S. ambassador to Kabul, Ross Wilson, said the security threat at the Kabul airport overnight was “clearly regarded as credible, as imminent, as compelling.” But in an interview with ABC News, he would not give details and did not say whether the threat remained.

Wilson also said there remain “safe ways” for Americans to reach the airport, but “there undoubtedly will be” Afghans who had worked with or for the U.S. in Afghanistan who will not be able to get out before the evacuation ends.

Late Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy warned citizens at three airport gates to leave immediately due to an unspecified security threat. Australia, Britain and New Zealand also advised their citizens Thursday not to go to the airport, with Australia’s foreign minister saying there was a “very high threat of a terrorist attack.”

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied that any attack was imminent. “It’s not correct,” he wrote in a text message after being asked about the warnings. He did not elaborate.

On Thursday, the Taliban sprayed a water cannon at those gathered at one airport gate to try to drive the crowd away, as someone launched tear gas canisters elsewhere. While some fled, others just sat on the ground, covered their faces and waited in the noxious fumes.

Nadia Sadat, a 27-year-old Afghan, carried her 2-year-old daughter with her outside the airport. She and her husband, who had worked with coalition forces, missed a call from a number they believed was the State Department and were trying to get into the airport without any luck. Her husband had pressed ahead in the crowd to try to get them inside.

“We have to find a way to evacuate because our lives are in danger,” Sadat said. “My husband received several threatening messages from unknown sources. We have no chance except escaping.”

Gunshots later echoed in the area as Sadat waited. “There is anarchy because of immense crowds,” she said, blaming the U.S. for the chaos.

Aman Karimi, 50, escorted his daughter and her family to the airport, fearful the Taliban would target her because of her husband’s work with NATO.

“The Taliban have already begun seeking those who have worked with NATO,” he said. “They are looking for them house-by-house at night.”

Many Afghans share those fears. The hard-line Islamic group wrested back control of the country nearly 20 years after being ousted in a U.S.-led invasion following the 9/11 attacks, which al-Qaida orchestrated while being sheltered by the group.

Senior U.S. officials said Wednesday’s warning from the embassy was related to specific threats involving the Islamic State group and potential vehicle bombs. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss ongoing military operations.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-syria-ap-top-news-international-news-iraq-0a4f38c0ead84ecba2e0102c8b3b0b40">The Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan grew out of disaffected Taliban members&nbsp;</a>who hold an even more extreme view of Islam. The Sunni extremists have carried out a series of brutal attacks, mainly targeting Afghanistan’s Shiite Muslim minority, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-religion-islamic-state-group-eebcd4af6c821e5530f3795352542f9f">2020 assault on a maternity hospital</a>&nbsp;in Kabul in which they killed women and infants.

The Taliban have fought against Islamic State militants in Afghanistan. But IS fighters were likely freed from prisons along with other inmates during the Taliban’s rapid advance. Extremists may have seized heavy weapons and equipment abandoned by Afghan troops.

Amid the warnings and the pending American withdrawal, Canada ended its evacuations, and European nations halted or prepared to stop their own operations.

“The reality on the ground is the perimeter of the airport is closed. The Taliban have tightened the noose. It’s very, very difficult for anybody to get through at this point,” said Canadian General Wayne Eyre, the country’s acting Chief of Defense Staff.

Lt. Col. Georges Eiden, Luxembourg’s army representative in neighboring Pakistan, said that Friday would mark the official end for U.S. allies. But two Biden administration officials denied that was the case.

A third official said that the U.S. worked with its allies to coordinate each country’s departure, and some nations asked for more time and were granted it.

“Most depart later in the week,” he said, while adding that some were stopping operations Thursday. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the information publicly.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex told RTL radio his country’s efforts would stop Friday evening. Danish Defense Minister Trine Bramsen bluntly warned: “It is no longer safe to fly in or out of Kabul.”

Denmark’s last flight has already departed, and Poland and Belgium have also announced the end of their evacuations. The Dutch government said it had been told by the U.S. to leave Thursday.

But Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said some planes would continue to fly.

“Evacuation operations in Kabul will not be wrapping up in 36 hours. We will continue to evacuate as many people as we can until the end of the mission,” he said in a tweet.

The Taliban have said they’ll allow Afghans to leave via commercial flights after the deadline next week, but it remains unclear which airlines would return to an airport controlled by the militants. Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said talks were underway between his country and the Taliban about allowing Turkish civilian experts to help run the facility.

The Taliban have promised to return Afghanistan to security and pledged they won’t seek revenge on those who opposed them or roll back progress on human rights. But many Afghans are skeptical.

An Afghan journalist from private broadcaster Tolo News described being beaten by Taliban. Ziar Yad said the fighters also beat his colleague and confiscated their cameras, technical equipment and a mobile phone as they tried to report on poverty in Kabul.

“The issue has been shared with Taliban leaders; however, the perpetrators have not yet been arrested, which is a serious threat to freedom of expression,” Yad wrote on Twitter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629986351340.png" alt="Evacuees board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Evacuees board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers and gunmen have targeted crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. An Afghan official says at least 60 Afghans were killed and 143 wounded. U.S. officials said 12 U.S. service members were killed, including 11 Marines and a Navy medic. A U.S. official said the complex attack was believed to have been carried out by the Islamic State group. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the two blasts were near an airport entrance and a short distance away by a hotel.The U.S. general overseeing the Afghanistan evacuation says the U.S. will “go after” the perpetrators of the Kabul airport attacks if they can be found. Gen. Frank McKenzie said Thursday's attacks were believed to have been carried out by fighters associated with the Islamic State group’s Afghanistan affiliate. He said the attacks, which killed 12 U.S. service members, would not stop the United States from continuing its evacuation of Americans and others. Defense Secretary LLoyd Austin expressed his “deepest condolences to the loved ones and teammates of all those killed and wounded in Kabul today.” He pledged teh U.S. “will not be dissuaded from the task at hand.”-------------KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers and gunmen have targeted crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Russian officials said at least 13 people were killed. U.S. officials said 12 U.S. service members were killed, including 11 Marines and a Navy medic. A number of other American military were among dozens wounded. A U.S. official said the complex attack was believed to have been carried out by the Islamic State group. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed the blasts, saying one was near an airport entrance and another was a short distance away by a hotel.--------------KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers and gunmen have targeted crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Russian officials said at least 13 people were killed and 15 wounded.A U.S. official said several Marines were killed and a number of other American military were wounded. It was not clear if those deaths were included in the Russian toll. A U.S. official said the complex attack was believed to have been carried out by the Islamic State group.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Statement on this morning&#39;s attack at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HKIA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HKIA</a>: <a href="https://t.co/Qb1DIAJQJU">pic.twitter.com/Qb1DIAJQJU</a>&mdash; John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentagonPresSec/status/1430941547541979141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed the blasts, saying one was near an airport entrance and another was a short distance away by a hotel.---------KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers and gunmen have targeted crowds massing near the Kabul airport, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Russian officials said at least 13 people were killed and 15 wounded.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US &amp; civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update.&mdash; John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentagonPresSec/status/1430907314043719683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A U.S. official said the complex attack was “definitely believed” to have been carried out by the Islamic State group, whose affiliate in Afghanistan grew out of disaffected Taliban members who hold an even more extreme view of Islam. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed the blasts, saying one was near an airport entrance and another was a short distance away by a hotel.---------KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Two suicide bombers and gunmen targeted crowds massing near the Kabul airport Thursday, in the waning days of a massive airlift that has drawn thousands of people seeking to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. At least 13 people were killed and 15 wounded, Russian officials said.A U.S. official said the complex attack was “definitely believed” to have been carried out by the Islamic State group, whose affiliate in Afghanistan grew out of disaffected Taliban members who hold an even more extreme view of Islam.At least 13 people died and 15 were wounded, according to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, which gave the first official casualty count. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby also confirmed the blasts, saying one was near an airport entrance and another was a short distance away by a hotel.The U.S. official said members of the U.S. military were among the wounded. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing operations.---------KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Russia’s Foreign Ministry says a second explosion has gone off outside Kabul airport. The twin suicide attacks killed at least 13 people and wounded another 15. U.S. officials said that American personnel were wounded in the blast, without elaborating. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing operations. The blasts happened outside the airport, where thousands of Afghans have gathered hoping to join a U.S.-led airlift after the Taliban takeover.---------KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Russian officials say a suicide attack outside Kabul’s airport has killed at least 2 people and wounded 15, Russian officials said. Large crowds of people have massed outside the airport as they try to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Western nations had warned earlier in the day of a possible attack at the airport in the waning days of a massive airlift. Suspicion for any attack targeting the crowds would likely fall on the Islamic State group and not the Taliban, who have been deployed at the airport’s gates trying to control the mass of people. The Pentagon confirmed the blast, and Russian Foreign Ministry gave the official casualty count.----------KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — An explosion has gone off outside Kabul’s airport, where thousands of people have flocked as they try to flee the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Officials offered no casualty count, but a witness said several people appeared to have been killed or wounded Thursday. Western nations had warned earlier in the day of a possible attack at the airport in the waning days of a massive airlift. Suspicion for any attack targeting the crowds would likely fall on the Islamic State group and not the Taliban, who have been deployed at the airport’s gates trying to control the mass of people. The Pentagon confirmed the blast, with no immediate word on casualties.--------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629986318422.png" alt="Evacuees board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Evacuees board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Western nations warned Thursday of a possible attack on Kabul’s airport in the waning days of a massive airlift, as thousands of Afghans desperate to flee Taliban rule continued to flock to the gates.Several countries urged people to avoid the airport, where an official said there was a threat of a suicide bombing. But just days — or even hours for some nations — before the evacuation effort ends, few appeared to heed the call.Over the last week, the airport has been the scene of some of the most searing images of the chaotic end of America’s longest war and the Taliban’s takeover, as flight after flight took off carrying those who fear a return to the militants’ brutal rule.Already, some countries have ended their evacuations and begun to withdraw their soldiers and diplomats, signaling the beginning of the end of one of history’s largest airlifts. The Taliban have so far honored a pledge not to attack Western forces during the evacuation, but insist the foreign troops must be out by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-evacuations-kabul-f9321f143fd8749c1cc8c460b647fdd5">America’s self-imposed deadline of Aug. 31</a>.Overnight, warnings emerged from Western capitals about a threat from Afghanistan’s Islamic State group affiliate, which likely has seen its ranks boosted by the Taliban’s freeing of prisoners during their blitz across the country.British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey told the BBC on Thursday there was ”very, very credible reporting of an imminent attack” at the airport, possibly within “hours.” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said his country had received information from the U.S. and other countries about the “threat of suicide attacks on the mass of people.”The acting U.S. ambassador to Kabul, Ross Wilson, said the security threat at the Kabul airport overnight was “clearly regarded as credible, as imminent, as compelling.” But in an interview with ABC News, he would not give details and did not say whether the threat remained.Wilson also said there remain “safe ways” for Americans to reach the airport, but “there undoubtedly will be” Afghans who had worked with or for the U.S. in Afghanistan who will not be able to get out before the evacuation ends.Late Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy warned citizens at three airport gates to leave immediately due to an unspecified security threat. Australia, Britain and New Zealand also advised their citizens Thursday not to go to the airport, with Australia’s foreign minister saying there was a “very high threat of a terrorist attack.”Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied that any attack was imminent. “It’s not correct,” he wrote in a text message after being asked about the warnings. He did not elaborate.On Thursday, the Taliban sprayed a water cannon at those gathered at one airport gate to try to drive the crowd away, as someone launched tear gas canisters elsewhere. While some fled, others just sat on the ground, covered their faces and waited in the noxious fumes.Nadia Sadat, a 27-year-old Afghan, carried her 2-year-old daughter with her outside the airport. She and her husband, who had worked with coalition forces, missed a call from a number they believed was the State Department and were trying to get into the airport without any luck. Her husband had pressed ahead in the crowd to try to get them inside.“We have to find a way to evacuate because our lives are in danger,” Sadat said. “My husband received several threatening messages from unknown sources. We have no chance except escaping.”Gunshots later echoed in the area as Sadat waited. “There is anarchy because of immense crowds,” she said, blaming the U.S. for the chaos.Aman Karimi, 50, escorted his daughter and her family to the airport, fearful the Taliban would target her because of her husband’s work with NATO.“The Taliban have already begun seeking those who have worked with NATO,” he said. “They are looking for them house-by-house at night.”Many Afghans share those fears. The hard-line Islamic group wrested back control of the country nearly 20 years after being ousted in a U.S.-led invasion following the 9/11 attacks, which al-Qaida orchestrated while being sheltered by the group.Senior U.S. officials said Wednesday’s warning from the embassy was related to specific threats involving the Islamic State group and potential vehicle bombs. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss ongoing military operations.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-syria-ap-top-news-international-news-iraq-0a4f38c0ead84ecba2e0102c8b3b0b40">The Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan grew out of disaffected Taliban members&nbsp;</a>who hold an even more extreme view of Islam. The Sunni extremists have carried out a series of brutal attacks, mainly targeting Afghanistan’s Shiite Muslim minority, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-religion-islamic-state-group-eebcd4af6c821e5530f3795352542f9f">2020 assault on a maternity hospital</a>&nbsp;in Kabul in which they killed women and infants.The Taliban have fought against Islamic State militants in Afghanistan. But IS fighters were likely freed from prisons along with other inmates during the Taliban’s rapid advance. Extremists may have seized heavy weapons and equipment abandoned by Afghan troops.Amid the warnings and the pending American withdrawal, Canada ended its evacuations, and European nations halted or prepared to stop their own operations.“The reality on the ground is the perimeter of the airport is closed. The Taliban have tightened the noose. It’s very, very difficult for anybody to get through at this point,” said Canadian General Wayne Eyre, the country’s acting Chief of Defense Staff.Lt. Col. Georges Eiden, Luxembourg’s army representative in neighboring Pakistan, said that Friday would mark the official end for U.S. allies. But two Biden administration officials denied that was the case.A third official said that the U.S. worked with its allies to coordinate each country’s departure, and some nations asked for more time and were granted it.“Most depart later in the week,” he said, while adding that some were stopping operations Thursday. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the information publicly.French Prime Minister Jean Castex told RTL radio his country’s efforts would stop Friday evening. Danish Defense Minister Trine Bramsen bluntly warned: “It is no longer safe to fly in or out of Kabul.”Denmark’s last flight has already departed, and Poland and Belgium have also announced the end of their evacuations. The Dutch government said it had been told by the U.S. to leave Thursday.But Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said some planes would continue to fly.“Evacuation operations in Kabul will not be wrapping up in 36 hours. We will continue to evacuate as many people as we can until the end of the mission,” he said in a tweet.The Taliban have said they’ll allow Afghans to leave via commercial flights after the deadline next week, but it remains unclear which airlines would return to an airport controlled by the militants. Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said talks were underway between his country and the Taliban about allowing Turkish civilian experts to help run the facility.The Taliban have promised to return Afghanistan to security and pledged they won’t seek revenge on those who opposed them or roll back progress on human rights. But many Afghans are skeptical.An Afghan journalist from private broadcaster Tolo News described being beaten by Taliban. Ziar Yad said the fighters also beat his colleague and confiscated their cameras, technical equipment and a mobile phone as they tried to report on poverty in Kabul.“The issue has been shared with Taliban leaders; however, the perpetrators have not yet been arrested, which is a serious threat to freedom of expression,” Yad wrote on Twitter.___

 Multiple U.S. Marine fatalities after explosions near Kabul airport

BOONE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman and her 11-year-old daughter and searching for a central Missouri man who is charged in the deaths.

Just before 11p.m. August 22, a concerned citizen contacted Boone County officials reporting they had been unable to contact Allison Abitz and her daughter Jozee Abitz, who lived&nbsp; in the 7500 block of Lavender Drive south of Columbia, according to a media release.

Deputies responded to the residence and once inside located Allison, age 43, and her daughter Jozee, age 11, deceased.  

Investigators soon learned that 45-year-old JT McLean was Allison's long-term boyfriend and the investigation revealed he was the last person known to be in contact with them at the residence.

During the investigation, probable cause was developed to believe that McLean murdered Allison and Jozee.  Currently, the motive for the murder of these victims is unknown.

On Wednesday the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney charged McLean with two counts of Murder in the 1st Degree.  A warrant for the arrest of McLean was then issued in the 13th Judicial Circuit Boone County, Missouri.  McLean’s bond for these charges was set at $1,000,000.00 cash only. 

JT McLean previously changed his name and has been known to go by the names of John McLean, Steven Nagy, and Steven McLean. 

He is described as a white male with a fair complexion, is approximately 5-foot 9 and weighs approximately 210 pounds with&nbsp; green eyes and brown hair.  McLean was last known to have grown his hair out; however, he has been known to shave his head bald in the past.

He was last known to reside on County Road 355, Fulton, Missouri.  McLean, who is an over the road truck driver by trade, has ties to Las Vegas, Nevada; Chicago, Illinois; St. Peter, Minnesota; Columbia, Missouri and Fulton, Missouri

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of McLean or this investigation is asked to contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office or call 911

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629988465629.png" alt="McLean-photo Boone Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>McLean-photo Boone Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BOONE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman and her 11-year-old daughter and searching for a central Missouri man who is charged in the deaths.Just before 11p.m. August 22, a concerned citizen contacted Boone County officials reporting they had been unable to contact Allison Abitz and her daughter Jozee Abitz, who lived&nbsp; in the 7500 block of Lavender Drive south of Columbia, according to a media release.Deputies responded to the residence and once inside located Allison, age 43, and her daughter Jozee, age 11, deceased. Investigators soon learned that 45-year-old JT McLean was Allison's long-term boyfriend and the investigation revealed he was the last person known to be in contact with them at the residence.During the investigation, probable cause was developed to believe that McLean murdered Allison and Jozee. Currently, the motive for the murder of these victims is unknown.On Wednesday the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney charged McLean with two counts of Murder in the 1st Degree. A warrant for the arrest of McLean was then issued in the 13th Judicial Circuit Boone County, Missouri. McLean’s bond for these charges was set at $1,000,000.00 cash only. JT McLean previously changed his name and has been known to go by the names of John McLean, Steven Nagy, and Steven McLean. He is described as a white male with a fair complexion, is approximately 5-foot 9 and weighs approximately 210 pounds with&nbsp; green eyes and brown hair. McLean was last known to have grown his hair out; however, he has been known to shave his head bald in the past.He was last known to reside on County Road 355, Fulton, Missouri. McLean, who is an over the road truck driver by trade, has ties to Las Vegas, Nevada; Chicago, Illinois; St. Peter, Minnesota; Columbia, Missouri and Fulton, MissouriAnyone with information regarding the whereabouts of McLean or this investigation is asked to contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office or call 911

Search continues for man in death of girlfriend, daughter

KANSAS CITY – The owner of dozens of Mexican restaurants in several states, along with the company’s president, CFO, controller and sales manager are among 19 defendants charged in a federal racketeering conspiracy to hire undocumented workers. Also among those charged are eight current or former managers of restaurants located in Butler, Springfield, Lebanon, West Plains, Willow Springs and St. Robert in Missouri; and in Overland Park, Great Bend and Augusta in Kansas, according to the United State's Attorney.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, with the assistance of numerous local, states, and federal agencies, executed a series of search warrants Wednesday at 10 locations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Federal agents have so far arrested 14 of the 19 defendants.

Jose Luis Bravo, 51, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Claremore, Oklahoma; Jose Guadalupe Razo, 51, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Carl Junction, Mo.; Anthony Edward Doll, 43, a citizen of Guatemala, and Miguel Tarin-Martinez, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen, both of Joplin, Mo.; Antonio Martinez-Munoz, 44, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Broken Arrow, Okla.; Eusebio Ramirez-Ceja, 50, a citizen of Mexico residing in Mountain Home, Arkansas; Oscar Adrian Molina-Angulo, 38, a citizen of Mexico residing in Butler, Mo.;&nbsp; Rodrigo Manrique Razo, 38, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Great Bend, Kan.; Alejandro Castillo-Ramirez, 39, a citizen of Mexico residing in Augusta, Kan.; Juan Carlos Palma-Cedeno, 36, a citizen of Mexico residing in Claremore, Okla.; Ramon Moreno-Hernandez, 39, a citizen of Mexico residing in Nevada, Mo.; Jose Luis Lopez-Valadez, 41, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of West Plains, Mo.; Lorenzo Castro-Manzanarez, 39, a citizen of Mexico residing in St. Robert, Mo.; Jaime Ramirez-Ceja, 42, a citizen of Mexico residing in Lebanon, Mo.; Jose Luis Rodriguez-Valerio, 57, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Tulsa, Okla.;&nbsp; Veronica Razo De Lara, 46, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Great Bend, Kan.; Edgar Perez-Perez, a citizen of Guatemala residing in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Bernardo Rivas-Gomez, 48, a citizen of Guatemala residing in Elizabeth City, North Carolina; and Daniel Rivas-Carrillo, 23, a citizen of Guatemala residing in Elizabeth City, N.C.; were charged in a 64-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 10, 2021. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of the defendants.

The federal indictment alleges that 17 of the 19 co-defendants were part of an organized criminal enterprise from July 2003 to Aug. 10, 2021, that smuggled Mexican, Guatemalan, and El Salvadoran nationals who were not authorized to live or work in the United States. Conspirators allegedly harbored them in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Bravo, Doll, Tarin-Martinez and Jose Razo created a network of restaurants operating as LLCs in states throughout the Midwest. Bravo and his co-conspirators allegedly supplied these restaurants with undocumented workers to staff positions at the restaurants. According to the indictment, conspirators did not pay the appropriate state and federal payroll taxes, overtime wages, and worker's compensation for the unauthorized employees.

In addition to smuggling and harboring undocumented workers, the indictment alleges the racketeering activity included fraud (in connection with identification documents), fraud and misuse of visas and other documents, and money laundering. Members and associates of the criminal enterprise shielded unauthorized employees from detection by immigration authorities by eliminating records of their employment, paying them by personal check and in cash, failing to maintain complete and accurate Forms I-9 and required wage and hour reports for these employees, assisting them with the acquisition of false identification documents (such as Social Security numbers and alien resident documents), and making false statements to immigration authorities and law enforcement officials.

Bravo, identified in the indictment as the leader of the enterprise, is the owner of Specialty Food Distribution in Joplin. Bravo is also the owner of a group of restaurants registered as Bravos Group, LLC, including El Charro, El Charrito, Playa Azul, Itza, LLC, Cantina Bravo, and El Chango.

Specialty Food Distribution is a wholesale distributor of food, supplies, and equipment to restaurants throughout the Midwest. Specialty Food Distribution also provides administrative and accounting support to restaurants in the areas of payroll. insurance, licensing, taxes, and legal services. Several restaurants serviced by Specialty Food Distribution allegedly employed aliens who were unauthorized to work in the United States.

According to the indictment, 31 limited liability companies (LLCs) operated 45 Mexican restaurants in multiple states and at least an additional 11 companies were involved in restaurant supply and logistics, real estate and construction. These 45 restaurants received goods and services from Specialty Food Distribution and another company, Intel Solutions, LLC. After federal inspections occurred at restaurants affiliated with conspirators, the indictment says, they formed Intel Solutions to assume those administrative duties, in name only, as a way to conceal and minimize the level of involvement in the inspected restaurants by members and associates of the criminal enterprise. Intel Solutions later changed its name to Entel Solutions, LLC.

According to the indictment, Bravo supplied unauthorized alien workers to managers at restaurants in which he had a financial interest. Bravo arranged to have undocumented workers smuggled into the United States to work at these restaurants and other businesses, the indictment says. Bravo allegedly assisted these aliens with obtaining fraudulent documents that would allow them to work in the United States. He allegedly helped secure transportation and lodging for them en route to restaurants where they were to work.

Jose Razo is the president of Specialty Food Distribution. Razo allegedly employed unauthorized workers at Specialty Foods Distribution as salesmen and warehouse workers, and directed other employees to limit these workers’ exposure to potential immigration inspections. Jose Razo also allegedly counseled restaurant managers on how to manage, document, and compensate unauthorized workers in ways that would minimize their detection by immigration officials.

Doll is the chief financial officer of Specialty Food Distribution. Tarin-Martinez is employed as controller of Specialty Food Distribution. Martinez-Munoz is employed as a sales manager of Specialty Food Distribution.

Ramirez-Ceja is a manager of several El Charro Restaurants in Arkansas and Missouri, as well as some Playa Azul restaurants in Kansas. Molina-Angulo is the manager of the El Charro Restaurant in Butler. Castillo-Ramirez is the manager of El Charro Restaurant in Augustus. Lopez-Valadez is the manager of Cantina Bravo in St. Robert and the El Charro Restaurants in West Plains. Castro-Manzanarez is the manager at Cantina Bravo in St. Robert. Ramirez-Ceja is the manager of the El Charro Restaurant in Springfield and in Lebanon. Rodriguez-Valerio was until recently manager of Bravos Mexican Grill in Overland Park. Razo De Lara is the manager of Maria’s Mexican Grill in Great Bend.

According to the federal indictment, the investigation began when the Kansas Department of Labor contacted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) regarding allegations that unauthorized aliens were employed at the Bravos Mexican Grill in Overland Park. When HSI announced a Form I-9 inspection on July 16, 2018, agents discovered that 14 of the 17 Bravos employees whose I-9 forms had been inspected were ineligible to work. During another inspection of Bravos on Feb. 28, 2019, agents identified eight unauthorized aliens working there. Five of those employees had been identified previously as ineligible to work.

On June 7, 2019, HSI inspected 10 restaurants in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Those restaurants operated under LLCs, doing business as El Charro (Claremore, Butler and Springfield), Playa Azul (Great Bend, Pratt, Kan., and Wichita, Kan.), Iguana Azul (Nevada, Mo.), Los Sauces (Nevada, Mo.), and La Paloma (Springfield). All of them were found to have employed unauthorized workers. Approximately 68 percent of the employees audited at the restaurants were not authorized to work in the United States.

On Sept. 13, 2019, HSI agents inspected restaurants in Missouri and Kansas that were affiliated with the defendants. Those restaurants operated under LLCs doing business as Cantina Bravo (St. Robert), Cantina Bravo Grille (Webb City, Mo.), El Charro (Neosho, Mo., Marshfield, Mo., West Plains, Joplin, and Pittsburg, Kansas), Maria's Mexican Grill (Great Bend), and Playa Azul (Augusta). All of the restaurants were found to have employed unauthorized employees.

All of the defendants, with the exception of Rivas-Gomez and Rivas-Carrillo, are charged with participating in the racketeering conspiracy. Rivas-Gomez and Rivas-Carrillo are each charged with one count of the use of an unlawfully obtained document and one count of the false representation of a Social Security number.

In addition to the RICO conspiracy, defendants are charged in various counts of transporting illegal aliens, hiring illegal aliens, continuing employment of an unauthorized alien, use of unlawfully obtained documents, false attestations, false representations of Social Security numbers, and the unlawful production and transfer of identification documents.

Bravo, Molina-Angulo and Palma-Cedeno are also charged with participating in a conspiracy to commit identification document fraud.

Bravo, Moreno-Hernandez, Castro-Manzanarez, and Perez-Perez are also charged with participating in a conspiracy to transport aliens.

Bravo, Doll, Razo, Tarin-Martinez, and Lopez-Valadez are also charged with participating in a money-laundering conspiracy and in various counts of money laundering.

The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations against several defendants, which would require them to forfeit to the government the funds contained in several bank accounts as well as real estate located in Great Bend, Pittsburg, and Augusta in Kansas; Butler, Joplin, and West Plains in Missouri; and Claremore, Okmulgee, Muskogee, Enid, and Tahlequah in Oklahoma.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629938684101.png" alt="Veronica De Lara" />
 <figcaption>Veronica De Lara</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – The owner of dozens of Mexican restaurants in several states, along with the company’s president, CFO, controller and sales manager are among 19 defendants charged in a federal racketeering conspiracy to hire undocumented workers. Also among those charged are eight current or former managers of restaurants located in Butler, Springfield, Lebanon, West Plains, Willow Springs and St. Robert in Missouri; and in Overland Park, Great Bend and Augusta in Kansas, according to the United State's Attorney.Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, with the assistance of numerous local, states, and federal agencies, executed a series of search warrants Wednesday at 10 locations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Federal agents have so far arrested 14 of the 19 defendants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629938750053.png" alt="Razo booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Razo booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Jose Luis Bravo, 51, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Claremore, Oklahoma; Jose Guadalupe Razo, 51, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Carl Junction, Mo.; Anthony Edward Doll, 43, a citizen of Guatemala, and Miguel Tarin-Martinez, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen, both of Joplin, Mo.; Antonio Martinez-Munoz, 44, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Broken Arrow, Okla.; Eusebio Ramirez-Ceja, 50, a citizen of Mexico residing in Mountain Home, Arkansas; Oscar Adrian Molina-Angulo, 38, a citizen of Mexico residing in Butler, Mo.;&nbsp; Rodrigo Manrique Razo, 38, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Great Bend, Kan.; Alejandro Castillo-Ramirez, 39, a citizen of Mexico residing in Augusta, Kan.; Juan Carlos Palma-Cedeno, 36, a citizen of Mexico residing in Claremore, Okla.; Ramon Moreno-Hernandez, 39, a citizen of Mexico residing in Nevada, Mo.; Jose Luis Lopez-Valadez, 41, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of West Plains, Mo.; Lorenzo Castro-Manzanarez, 39, a citizen of Mexico residing in St. Robert, Mo.; Jaime Ramirez-Ceja, 42, a citizen of Mexico residing in Lebanon, Mo.; Jose Luis Rodriguez-Valerio, 57, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Tulsa, Okla.;&nbsp; Veronica Razo De Lara, 46, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of Great Bend, Kan.; Edgar Perez-Perez, a citizen of Guatemala residing in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Bernardo Rivas-Gomez, 48, a citizen of Guatemala residing in Elizabeth City, North Carolina; and Daniel Rivas-Carrillo, 23, a citizen of Guatemala residing in Elizabeth City, N.C.; were charged in a 64-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 10, 2021. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of the defendants.The federal indictment alleges that 17 of the 19 co-defendants were part of an organized criminal enterprise from July 2003 to Aug. 10, 2021, that smuggled Mexican, Guatemalan, and El Salvadoran nationals who were not authorized to live or work in the United States. Conspirators allegedly harbored them in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Bravo, Doll, Tarin-Martinez and Jose Razo created a network of restaurants operating as LLCs in states throughout the Midwest. Bravo and his co-conspirators allegedly supplied these restaurants with undocumented workers to staff positions at the restaurants. According to the indictment, conspirators did not pay the appropriate state and federal payroll taxes, overtime wages, and worker's compensation for the unauthorized employees.In addition to smuggling and harboring undocumented workers, the indictment alleges the racketeering activity included fraud (in connection with identification documents), fraud and misuse of visas and other documents, and money laundering. Members and associates of the criminal enterprise shielded unauthorized employees from detection by immigration authorities by eliminating records of their employment, paying them by personal check and in cash, failing to maintain complete and accurate Forms I-9 and required wage and hour reports for these employees, assisting them with the acquisition of false identification documents (such as Social Security numbers and alien resident documents), and making false statements to immigration authorities and law enforcement officials.Bravo, identified in the indictment as the leader of the enterprise, is the owner of Specialty Food Distribution in Joplin. Bravo is also the owner of a group of restaurants registered as Bravos Group, LLC, including El Charro, El Charrito, Playa Azul, Itza, LLC, Cantina Bravo, and El Chango.Specialty Food Distribution is a wholesale distributor of food, supplies, and equipment to restaurants throughout the Midwest. Specialty Food Distribution also provides administrative and accounting support to restaurants in the areas of payroll. insurance, licensing, taxes, and legal services. Several restaurants serviced by Specialty Food Distribution allegedly employed aliens who were unauthorized to work in the United States.According to the indictment, 31 limited liability companies (LLCs) operated 45 Mexican restaurants in multiple states and at least an additional 11 companies were involved in restaurant supply and logistics, real estate and construction. These 45 restaurants received goods and services from Specialty Food Distribution and another company, Intel Solutions, LLC. After federal inspections occurred at restaurants affiliated with conspirators, the indictment says, they formed Intel Solutions to assume those administrative duties, in name only, as a way to conceal and minimize the level of involvement in the inspected restaurants by members and associates of the criminal enterprise. Intel Solutions later changed its name to Entel Solutions, LLC.According to the indictment, Bravo supplied unauthorized alien workers to managers at restaurants in which he had a financial interest. Bravo arranged to have undocumented workers smuggled into the United States to work at these restaurants and other businesses, the indictment says. Bravo allegedly assisted these aliens with obtaining fraudulent documents that would allow them to work in the United States. He allegedly helped secure transportation and lodging for them en route to restaurants where they were to work.Jose Razo is the president of Specialty Food Distribution. Razo allegedly employed unauthorized workers at Specialty Foods Distribution as salesmen and warehouse workers, and directed other employees to limit these workers’ exposure to potential immigration inspections. Jose Razo also allegedly counseled restaurant managers on how to manage, document, and compensate unauthorized workers in ways that would minimize their detection by immigration officials.Doll is the chief financial officer of Specialty Food Distribution. Tarin-Martinez is employed as controller of Specialty Food Distribution. Martinez-Munoz is employed as a sales manager of Specialty Food Distribution.Ramirez-Ceja is a manager of several El Charro Restaurants in Arkansas and Missouri, as well as some Playa Azul restaurants in Kansas. Molina-Angulo is the manager of the El Charro Restaurant in Butler. Castillo-Ramirez is the manager of El Charro Restaurant in Augustus. Lopez-Valadez is the manager of Cantina Bravo in St. Robert and the El Charro Restaurants in West Plains. Castro-Manzanarez is the manager at Cantina Bravo in St. Robert. Ramirez-Ceja is the manager of the El Charro Restaurant in Springfield and in Lebanon. Rodriguez-Valerio was until recently manager of Bravos Mexican Grill in Overland Park. Razo De Lara is the manager of Maria’s Mexican Grill in Great Bend.According to the federal indictment, the investigation began when the Kansas Department of Labor contacted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) regarding allegations that unauthorized aliens were employed at the Bravos Mexican Grill in Overland Park. When HSI announced a Form I-9 inspection on July 16, 2018, agents discovered that 14 of the 17 Bravos employees whose I-9 forms had been inspected were ineligible to work. During another inspection of Bravos on Feb. 28, 2019, agents identified eight unauthorized aliens working there. Five of those employees had been identified previously as ineligible to work.On June 7, 2019, HSI inspected 10 restaurants in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Those restaurants operated under LLCs, doing business as El Charro (Claremore, Butler and Springfield), Playa Azul (Great Bend, Pratt, Kan., and Wichita, Kan.), Iguana Azul (Nevada, Mo.), Los Sauces (Nevada, Mo.), and La Paloma (Springfield). All of them were found to have employed unauthorized workers. Approximately 68 percent of the employees audited at the restaurants were not authorized to work in the United States.On Sept. 13, 2019, HSI agents inspected restaurants in Missouri and Kansas that were affiliated with the defendants. Those restaurants operated under LLCs doing business as Cantina Bravo (St. Robert), Cantina Bravo Grille (Webb City, Mo.), El Charro (Neosho, Mo., Marshfield, Mo., West Plains, Joplin, and Pittsburg, Kansas), Maria's Mexican Grill (Great Bend), and Playa Azul (Augusta). All of the restaurants were found to have employed unauthorized employees.All of the defendants, with the exception of Rivas-Gomez and Rivas-Carrillo, are charged with participating in the racketeering conspiracy. Rivas-Gomez and Rivas-Carrillo are each charged with one count of the use of an unlawfully obtained document and one count of the false representation of a Social Security number.In addition to the RICO conspiracy, defendants are charged in various counts of transporting illegal aliens, hiring illegal aliens, continuing employment of an unauthorized alien, use of unlawfully obtained documents, false attestations, false representations of Social Security numbers, and the unlawful production and transfer of identification documents.Bravo, Molina-Angulo and Palma-Cedeno are also charged with participating in a conspiracy to commit identification document fraud.Bravo, Moreno-Hernandez, Castro-Manzanarez, and Perez-Perez are also charged with participating in a conspiracy to transport aliens.Bravo, Doll, Razo, Tarin-Martinez, and Lopez-Valadez are also charged with participating in a money-laundering conspiracy and in various counts of money laundering.The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations against several defendants, which would require them to forfeit to the government the funds contained in several bank accounts as well as real estate located in Great Bend, Pittsburg, and Augusta in Kansas; Butler, Joplin, and West Plains in Missouri; and Claremore, Okmulgee, Muskogee, Enid, and Tahlequah in Oklahoma.

Kan. restaurants linked to probe involving undocumented workers

DAWSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after finding 11 pounds of fentanyl during a traffic stop in Dawson County, Nebraska.

Just after 11:00 p.m. Monday, a trooper observed an eastbound BMW sedan with defective lighting traveling on Interstate 80 near Lexington, according to a media release. 

The trooper performed a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the trooper and a Dawson County Sheriff’s Deputy observed marijuana in plain view inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle revealed 11 pounds of fentanyl and a small amount of marijuana.

Troopers arrested the driver, Alexis Murillo Godoy, 27, of Long Beach, California, on requested charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and other charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629846259874.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>DAWSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after finding 11 pounds of fentanyl during a traffic stop in Dawson County, Nebraska.Just after 11:00 p.m. Monday, a trooper observed an eastbound BMW sedan with defective lighting traveling on Interstate 80 near Lexington, according to a media release. The trooper performed a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, the trooper and a Dawson County Sheriff’s Deputy observed marijuana in plain view inside the vehicle.A search of the vehicle revealed 11 pounds of fentanyl and a small amount of marijuana.Troopers arrested the driver, Alexis Murillo Godoy, 27, of Long Beach, California, on requested charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and other charges.

State troopers find 11 pounds of fentanyl during traffic stop

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker is asking that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-kansas-police-shootings-07c9ee2bca9013d73d8751a263932aa5">fatal police shooting of a Kansas City man that has been criticized by some area clergy and civil rights activists.</a>

Peters Baker asked in a court filing that an assistant prosecutor from St. Louis County determine if the police shooting of Malcolm Johnson, 31, was justified, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article253681523.html">reported.</a>

Peters Baker said her office's prosecutions of Johnson in prior criminal cases could be seen as a conflict of interest during the shooting investigation. Baker's office charged Johnson in 2014 in a fatal shooting, and he later pleaded to reduced charges of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.

Johnson was shot and killed by police on March 25 inside a Kansas City convenience store.

Police had identified him as a suspect in a non-fatal shooting when they approached him in the store. Police said Johnson shot an officer during an altercation while he was being arrested.

But videos of the shooting raised questions about the police version, and the leader of a group of clergy who questioned the circumstances called Johnson's death “an execution.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629842376168.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker is asking that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-kansas-police-shootings-07c9ee2bca9013d73d8751a263932aa5">fatal police shooting of a Kansas City man that has been criticized by some area clergy and civil rights activists.</a>Peters Baker asked in a court filing that an assistant prosecutor from St. Louis County determine if the police shooting of Malcolm Johnson, 31, was justified, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article253681523.html">reported.</a>Peters Baker said her office's prosecutions of Johnson in prior criminal cases could be seen as a conflict of interest during the shooting investigation. Baker's office charged Johnson in 2014 in a fatal shooting, and he later pleaded to reduced charges of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.Johnson was shot and killed by police on March 25 inside a Kansas City convenience store.Police had identified him as a suspect in a non-fatal shooting when they approached him in the store. Police said Johnson shot an officer during an altercation while he was being arrested.But videos of the shooting raised questions about the police version, and the leader of a group of clergy who questioned the circumstances called Johnson's death “an execution.”

Special prosecutor sought for Kansas City police shooting

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A pickup reported stolen Monday afternoon in Salina was later found across town with two 13-year-old occupants.

A 62-year-old Salina man told police that sometime between 2-2:15 p.m. Monday, someone stole his 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 from where it was parked in front of his residence in the 700 block of State Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The pickup was valued at $1,500.

While officers were at the call, a citizen reported the same pickup driving recklessly in the 2600 block of S. Ohio Street in Salina.

A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper who was in the area located and stopped the pickup in the 1300 block of Meyer Drive. The pickup had struck a mailbox, Forrester said.

A 13-year-old boy had been driving, he said. The passenger in the pickup was a 13-year-old girl.

Police arrested the boy was arrested on requested charges&nbsp; of Felony possession of stolen property, no driver's license, Possession of tobacco, Duty upon striking other property and Reckless driving. He is being held at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA pickup reported stolen Monday afternoon in Salina was later found across town with two 13-year-old occupants.A 62-year-old Salina man told police that sometime between 2-2:15 p.m. Monday, someone stole his 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 from where it was parked in front of his residence in the 700 block of State Street, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The pickup was valued at $1,500.While officers were at the call, a citizen reported the same pickup driving recklessly in the 2600 block of S. Ohio Street in Salina.A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper who was in the area located and stopped the pickup in the 1300 block of Meyer Drive. The pickup had struck a mailbox, Forrester said.A 13-year-old boy had been driving, he said. The passenger in the pickup was a 13-year-old girl.Police arrested the boy was arrested on requested charges&nbsp; of Felony possession of stolen property, no driver's license, Possession of tobacco, Duty upon striking other property and Reckless driving. He is being held at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.

13-year-old caught driving stolen pickup

PAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man was sentenced to prison Thursday for a December shooting that injured two men in Burdett.

District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced&nbsp;Thomas R. Jones, III, aka Tre Jones, 22 of Larned, to just over three years in prison, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

He was also ordered to pay restitution and be subject to registration as a Violent Offender for a period of 15 years upon his release from prison

In June, Jones plead guilty to two counts of intentional aggravated battery with a firearm resulting in great bodily harm.

On Dec. 11, Pawnee County Communications received a 911 call after a man was shot at a house at&nbsp;701 Elm in&nbsp;Burdett. Deputies from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office and EMS from both Burdett and Larned responded to the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608771834329.png" alt="Thomas Jones photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas Jones photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man was sentenced to prison Thursday for a December shooting that injured two men in Burdett.District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced&nbsp;Thomas R. Jones, III, aka Tre Jones, 22 of Larned, to just over three years in prison, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.He was also ordered to pay restitution and be subject to registration as a Violent Offender for a period of 15 years upon his release from prisonIn June, Jones plead guilty to two counts of intentional aggravated battery with a firearm resulting in great bodily harm.On Dec. 11, Pawnee County Communications received a 911 call after a man was shot at a house at&nbsp;701 Elm in&nbsp;Burdett. Deputies from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office and EMS from both Burdett and Larned responded to the scene.Before deputies arrived, dispatch was advised through another emergency call, that a second male shooting victim was identified at a house a block away from the first call.&nbsp;Investigators believe both victims were together when they were shot outside the house at 701 Elm. The second man was able to run to a house northwest of the area to get help.The first victim was a 51-year-old man from Burdett, who was treated for several gunshot wounds and was transported by EMS to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp;The second victim, a 30-year-old man from Burdett, was taken to Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Larned.&nbsp;Both victims made full recoveries.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608771797890.png" alt="Tristin Scott photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Tristin Scott photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In support of the plea,&nbsp; McNett advised the Court the evidence would show that during the earlier morning hours of Dec. 11, Jones, along with Tristian Scott, 18, and two juveniles, travelled to Burdett with the intention of robbing an individual the group perceived had wronged them. Once they encountered the intended victim, Jones without warning opened fire with a shotgun striking both the intended target and another individual outside the residence.The four suspects were arrested on Dec. 23 by Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents without incident.On June 30, 2021, co-defendant Tristan Scott plead No Contest to Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Robbery. His Sentencing is scheduled for August 23, according to McNett.The two juveniles have already entered pleas for their involvement.