KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for hacking into the computer systems at an area nonprofit and a health club business, according to the United State's Attorney.

Nicholas Michael Kloster, 31, was charged in a two-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. That indictment was unsealed and made public following Kloster’s arrest and initial court appearance.

The federal indictment charges Kloster with one count of accessing a protected computer without authorization and obtaining information.

Kloster allegedly entered the premises of a business, identified in court documents as Company Victim 2, which operates multiple health clubs in Kansas and Missouri, shortly before midnight on April 26, 2024. The following day, Kloster sent an email to one of the owners of Company Victim 2, claiming that he had gained access to the computer system. Kloster also claimed to have “assisted over 30 small to medium-sized industrial businesses in the Kansas City, Missouri area” and attached a copy of his resume.

Following Kloster’s intrusion, the indictment says, employees with Company Victim 2 noted that Kloster’s monthly gym membership fee was reduced to $1, that his photograph was erased from the gym’s network, and determined that Kloster stole a gym staff nametag. A few weeks later, Kloster posted an image to a social media profile which appeared to be a screen capture of his desktop showing control of the security cameras for Company Victim 2, with a chatbox window with the message “how to get a company to use your security service.”

The federal indictment also charges Kloster with one count of causing reckless damage to a protected computer during unauthorized access.

Kloster allegedly entered the premises of a nonprofit corporation, identified in court documents as Company Victim 3, on May 20, 2024. Kloster entered an area that is not available to the public and accessed a computer with access to the company’s network. Kloster utilized a boot disk, the indictment says, which enabled him to access Company Victim 3’s computer through multiple user accounts. By accessing Company Victim 3’s computer in such a manner, the indictment says, the use of this boot disk enabled Kloster to circumvent the password requirements on Company Victim 3’s computer and change the password assigned to one or more of the users of Company Victim 3’s computer. Kloster was able to install a virtual private network on this computer. Since Kloster’s intrusion into its computer and its network, Company Victim 3 has sustained losses in excess of $5,000 in an attempt to remediate the effects from this intrusion.

In addition to these two victims, the indictment refers to a third victim, identified in court documents as Company Victim 1. According to the indictment, Kloster was employed by Company Victim 1 in March and April 2024. Kloster allegedly used a company credit card to make numerous personal purchases, including a thumb drive that was advertised as a means to hack into vulnerable computers.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Daly and Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for hacking into the computer systems at an area nonprofit and a health club business, according to the United State's Attorney.Nicholas Michael Kloster, 31, was charged in a two-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. That indictment was unsealed and made public following Kloster’s arrest and initial court appearance.The federal indictment charges Kloster with one count of accessing a protected computer without authorization and obtaining information.Kloster allegedly entered the premises of a business, identified in court documents as Company Victim 2, which operates multiple health clubs in Kansas and Missouri, shortly before midnight on April 26, 2024. The following day, Kloster sent an email to one of the owners of Company Victim 2, claiming that he had gained access to the computer system. Kloster also claimed to have “assisted over 30 small to medium-sized industrial businesses in the Kansas City, Missouri area” and attached a copy of his resume.Following Kloster’s intrusion, the indictment says, employees with Company Victim 2 noted that Kloster’s monthly gym membership fee was reduced to $1, that his photograph was erased from the gym’s network, and determined that Kloster stole a gym staff nametag. A few weeks later, Kloster posted an image to a social media profile which appeared to be a screen capture of his desktop showing control of the security cameras for Company Victim 2, with a chatbox window with the message “how to get a company to use your security service.”The federal indictment also charges Kloster with one count of causing reckless damage to a protected computer during unauthorized access.Kloster allegedly entered the premises of a nonprofit corporation, identified in court documents as Company Victim 3, on May 20, 2024. Kloster entered an area that is not available to the public and accessed a computer with access to the company’s network. Kloster utilized a boot disk, the indictment says, which enabled him to access Company Victim 3’s computer through multiple user accounts. By accessing Company Victim 3’s computer in such a manner, the indictment says, the use of this boot disk enabled Kloster to circumvent the password requirements on Company Victim 3’s computer and change the password assigned to one or more of the users of Company Victim 3’s computer. Kloster was able to install a virtual private network on this computer. Since Kloster’s intrusion into its computer and its network, Company Victim 3 has sustained losses in excess of $5,000 in an attempt to remediate the effects from this intrusion.In addition to these two victims, the indictment refers to a third victim, identified in court documents as Company Victim 1. According to the indictment, Kloster was employed by Company Victim 1 in March and April 2024. Kloster allegedly used a company credit card to make numerous personal purchases, including a thumb drive that was advertised as a means to hack into vulnerable computers.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Daly and Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

KC man accused of hacking computers of health club business

President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has filled the key posts for his second term in office, prioritizing loyalty to him after he felt bruised and hampered by internal squabbling during his first term.

Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate, even with Republicans in control, and one candidate has already withdrawn from consideration.

Trump would turn a former critic into an ally as the nation's top diplomat.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marco-rubio-trump-latin-america-secretary-of-state-87aff0ce93f638fb69e30b067ecd84fb">Rubio</a>, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate before the slot went to JD Vance. Rubio is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

His selection punctuates the hard pivot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marco-rubio-secretary-of-state-25664371f80dcf3332838352165e4d48">Rubio</a>&nbsp;has made with Trump, whom the senator once called a “con man" during his own unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-defense-secretary-pentagon-2d8030921ecef933778cf92afd40ec72">Hegseth</a>, 44, was a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends Weekend” and had been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-pete-hegseth-trump-defense-secretary-2e2bdd16c8e90f5d037f763cfadbde94">Hegseth</a>&nbsp;served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011 and earning two Bronze Stars. He lacks senior military and national security experience and would oversee global crises ranging from Europe to the Middle East.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-assault-allegations-police-report-trump-e6ebec0a1a5c7fb51cb5e2198f5e12a5">A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted</a>&nbsp;in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report recently made public. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and has denied any wrongdoing.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-election-scott-bessent-trump-e4df1ef61309ee78f2affc2d9eabeff1">Bessent</a>, 62, is a former money manager for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-soros">George Soros</a>, a big Democratic donor, and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/budget-deficit-trump-harris-kamala-debt-1ee3ff65e22ccf19d19b792ee22c46da">advocate for deficit reduction</a>. He founded the hedge fund Key Square Capital Management after having worked on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary.

He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending.

Director of national intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard, 43, is a former Democratic House member from Hawaii who has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tulsi-gabbard-intelligence-director-russia-putin-0f661dd39bd16e248b16c049e6aa26c5">accused of echoing Russian propaganda.</a>&nbsp;She unsuccessfully sought the party’s 2020 presidential nomination and left the party in 2022. Gabbard endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gabbard-director-national-intelligence-466dfdfe2f949ea20bc2f4ef13e21438">Gabbard</a>&nbsp;has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades and deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. If confirmed she would come to the role as an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, spent several years in top national security and intelligence positions.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaetz-trump-fbi-justice-department-248b46ba0c882dd46d661568e8bd3bd7">Bondi</a>, 59, was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020.

Considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/things-to-know-pam-bondi-eec1d16075c7debda62223b475e3977d">a loyalist</a>, Bondi also has served with the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-allied group that has helped lay the groundwork for his future administration.

Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush-money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appeared on Fox News and has been critical of the criminal cases against him.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-labor-secretary-lori-chavezderemer-feaa4672efac644aa60722d3a3215df1">Republican U.S. House member</a>&nbsp;narrowly lost her reelection bid on Nov. 5 but had received strong backing from union members in her district.

As a potential labor secretary, Chavez-DeRemer would oversee the department's workforce and budget and put forth priorities that affect workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities.

Chavez-DeRemer is one of a few House Republicans to endorse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3c776a12a97468341bcfe8178638f127">the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act</a>&nbsp;that would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and penalize companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws in more than half the states.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/howard-lutnick-trump-crypto-economy-elon-musk-a03d95e323f7d2d4b722184d83e7b388">Lutnick</a>&nbsp;heads the brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and is a cryptocurrency enthusiast. He is co-chair of Trump's transition operation, charged along with Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration, with helping the president-elect fill key jobs in his second administration.

As secretary, Lutnick would play a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. He would oversee a sprawling Cabinet department whose oversight ranges from funding new computer chip factories and imposing trade restrictions to releasing economic data and monitoring the weather.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transition-white-house-staff-huckabee-f51121db5b18814bbab014e872c2a736">Noem</a>&nbsp;is a well-known conservative who used her two terms as South Dakota's governor to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions like other states, instead declaring South Dakota “open for business.” More recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-immigration-trump-homeland-security-border-60d998d6c973411c020fd5824456c860">Noem</a>&nbsp;faced sharp criticism for writing in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog.

She is set to lead a department crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda as well as other missions. Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ratcliffe-cia-e5fe61f5e79206357085932f1252a852">Ratcliffe</a>, a former U.S. House member from Texas, was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term. He led U.S. government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. If confirmed, Ratcliffe will have held the highest intelligence positions in the U.S.

Health and human services secretary: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rfk-hhs-health-kennedy-f40ee2398e3a280c1586eecdd80bdf7c">Kennedy</a>, 70, ran for president as a Democrat, then as an independent before he dropped out and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-trump-speech-arizona-a2638f89ddcb5de03edbe4574ca17d45">then endorsed Trump</a>. He's the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-things-to-know-explained-who-is-hhs-5288a4a7277d1a0b4a7ede8f57a971ce">son of Democratic icon</a>&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 during his own presidential campaign.

Kennedy's nomination alarmed people who are concerned about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-vaccines-trump-rfkjr-7f8dcb25de76a5a70710d22bbc63f6fa">his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines</a>. For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-transition-cabinet-agriculture-75911e79188c48e27d6c3c12f1a58e80">Rollins</a>, 52, is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for Trump's second administration.

She is a Texas attorney who was Trump's domestic policy adviser and director of his office of American innovation during his first term.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooke-rollins-trump-agriculture-179e8163568c723afe6d27848ce04c22">Rollins</a>&nbsp;previously was an aide to former Texas Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/rick-perry">Rick Perry</a>, who also served in Trump's first term. Rollins also ran the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-duffy-cabinet-transportation-secretary-c465bbc516b5f898233f86bee31a7a45">Duffy</a>&nbsp;is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-duffy-cabinet-transportation-b673a7ef72b5633f731b088ce26e4832">served in the House for nearly nine years</a>, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business.

Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doug-collins-veterans-affairs-va-georgia-f9a14a486cb12fd5ac3f07b3068eb20a">Collins</a>&nbsp;is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential campaign, but was acquitted by the Senate.

Collins also served in the armed forces himself. He is a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-doug-burgum-interior-cabinet-2af5f4c0b891a2705c6132fbff16f278">North Dakota governor</a>, 68, is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump after he dropped out of the running. Burgum then became a serious contender to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vice-president-rubio-vance-burgum-scott-8b6a3a22eecdfff668a5002ddfd3af18">be Trump’s vice presidential choice</a>&nbsp;in part because of his executive experience and business savvy. He also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs.

Trump said Burgum would chair a new National Energy Council and have a seat on the National Security Council, which would be a first for the Interior secretary.

A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-2024-election-energy-secretary-d546f5f81d7b2347b49905be924dfcd7">Wright</a>&nbsp;is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market.

He also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-chris-wright-energy-cabinet-4161f363d59013339d5b444ddf123d45">Wright</a>&nbsp;said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States.

McMahon,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/linda-mcmahon-trump-education-secretary-wwe-613016d0c164b89765af761404cbb123">a billionaire professional wrestling mogul</a>, would make a return appearance in a second Trump administration. She led the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 in Trump’s first term and twice ran unsuccessfully in Connecticut as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University. She has expressed support for charter schools and school choice.

Environmental Protection Agency administrator: Lee Zeldin

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stephen-miller-policy-immigration-9cc6ad3118779b23bff88022ca5e2260">Zeldin</a>&nbsp;does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LeeMZeldin/status/1856068555865026956">X</a>, “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI" and "we will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.”

Trump often attacked the Biden administration’s promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referred to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often said his administration would “drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration.

Housing and Urban Development: Scott Turner

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-secretary-trump-scott-turner-nfl-727417b56d0e1f85a40eaf5f7d13d42f">Turner</a>&nbsp;is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.”

U.S. Trade Representative: Jamieson Greer

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trade-nec-economics-trump-elections-7a0be4a246256bc468fb7c0e8bff8639">Greer</a>&nbsp;is a partner at King &amp; Spalding, a Washington law firm. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be responsible for negotiating directly with foreign governments on trade deals and disputes, as well as memberships in international trade bodies such as the World Trade Organization. He previously was chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, who was the trade representative in Trump's first term.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-susie-wiles-32df8958bedde5f3f2d55fd071979692">Wiles</a>, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager.

She has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-susie-wiles-32df8958bedde5f3f2d55fd071979692">background in Florida politics</a>, helping Ron DeSantis win his first race for Florida governor. Six years later, she was key to Trump’s defeat of him in the 2024 Republican primary.

Wiles’ hire was Trump’s first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration considering her close relationship with him. Wiles is said to have earned Trump’s trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trump’s three presidential campaigns.

Waltz is a three-term Republican congressman from east-central Florida.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-security-adviser-mike-wlatz-0c81d044c9ffe18dfd745202e8351b9c">A former Army Green Beret</a>, he served multiple tours in Afghanistan and worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs.

He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population.

Hassett, 62, is a major advocate of tax cuts who was chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers in the first Trump term. In the new role as chairman of the National Economic Council, Trump said Hassett will play an important role in helping American families recover from inflation as well as in renewing and improving tax cuts Trump enacted in 2017, many of which are set to expire after 2025.

Homan, 62,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-homan-ice-border-czar-7dea915b5ea43896390b8020d254f887">has been tasked</a>&nbsp;with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history.

He led the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Trump's first administration. Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings in the first term, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border.

Office of Management and Budget: Russell Vought

Vought, 48, held the position during Trump’s first presidency. He the founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought also was closely involved with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/project-2025-trump-american-revolution-6e02a297fb91b55de01ba7e86615bb08">Project 2025</a>, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that Trump tried to distance himself from during the campaign.

Deputy chief of staff for policy: Stephen Miller

Miller, an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-stephen-miller-policy-immigration-9cc6ad3118779b23bff88022ca5e2260">immigration hardliner</a>, was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump’s priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump’s first term.

Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump’s policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation’s economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people living illegally in the U.S.

Scavino was an adviser in all three of the president-elect's campaigns and was described by the transition team as one of “Trump’s longest serving and most trusted aides." He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino previously ran Trump’s social media profile in the White House.

Blair was political director for Trump’s 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and an assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump’s economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign.

Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump’s 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president.

White House press secretary: Karoline Leavitt

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-administration-press-secretary-4c550e04334e87d2075dc6bbe2e244bd">Leavitt</a>, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-inflation-donald-trump-51418003338eb89abfbfc6aac6909abd">she ran for Congress in New Hampshire,</a>&nbsp;winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas.

McGinley was Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign.

Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe.

Patel has called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who have sought additional resources for the bureau. And though the Justice Department in 2021&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-business-government-and-politics-67ac2f4f96b2dfd7f47446662e59ec6e">halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records</a>&nbsp;during leak investigations, Patel has said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters.

Special envoy to the Middle East: Steven Witkoff

FBI Director selected: Trump's picks for key positions in his 2nd administration 

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City area man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to committing two armed robberies and illegally possessing a firearm after fleeing from police officers in a pick-up truck.

Duke A. Yates, 36, Independence pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to two counts of robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Yates robbed a Quik Trip and a Walgreen’s, both in Independence, at gunpoint within 10 minutes of each other at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2023. Yates stole a total of between $500 and $700 in cash and a dozen packs of cigarettes from the stores.

A police officer spotted Yates driving a white Ford F350 pickup truck with a missing headlight, matching the description of the vehicle used in the robberies, traveling eastbound on U.S. 40 Highway near Blue Ridge Cutoff. Yates fled at the presence of the officer, with the lights now blacked out on the vehicle. The officer turned on his lights and sirens and initiated a pursuit that reached speeds over 100 miles per hour.

During the pursuit, the truck failed to stop for posted stop signs and drove over medians. The truck slid onto 23rd&nbsp;Street facing eastbound in the westbound lanes, causing another motorist to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. Yates drove into oncoming traffic and veered at a marked police vehicle that was attempting to deploy stop sticks.

Yates failed to negotiate a turn at 24911 E. Truman Road and went off-road, colliding with a power pole and breaking it at the base. Yates fled on foot and resisted arrest while being taken into custody.

Officers searched the stolen truck and found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s side floorboard.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas City area man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to committing two armed robberies and illegally possessing a firearm after fleeing from police officers in a pick-up truck.Duke A. Yates, 36, Independence pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to two counts of robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.Yates robbed a Quik Trip and a Walgreen’s, both in Independence, at gunpoint within 10 minutes of each other at about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2023. Yates stole a total of between $500 and $700 in cash and a dozen packs of cigarettes from the stores.A police officer spotted Yates driving a white Ford F350 pickup truck with a missing headlight, matching the description of the vehicle used in the robberies, traveling eastbound on U.S. 40 Highway near Blue Ridge Cutoff. Yates fled at the presence of the officer, with the lights now blacked out on the vehicle. The officer turned on his lights and sirens and initiated a pursuit that reached speeds over 100 miles per hour.During the pursuit, the truck failed to stop for posted stop signs and drove over medians. The truck slid onto 23rd&nbsp;Street facing eastbound in the westbound lanes, causing another motorist to drive onto the shoulder to avoid a collision. Yates drove into oncoming traffic and veered at a marked police vehicle that was attempting to deploy stop sticks.Yates failed to negotiate a turn at 24911 E. Truman Road and went off-road, colliding with a power pole and breaking it at the base. Yates fled on foot and resisted arrest while being taken into custody.Officers searched the stolen truck and found a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s side floorboard.Under federal statutes, Yates is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gibson. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.

 Kansas City man admits to Christmas Day armed robberies

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with a violent attack on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, has been convicted of attempted first-degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.

During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled.

Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600793705943.png" alt="Thomas photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with a violent attack on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, has been convicted of attempted first-degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley DavidsonUpon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled.Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.

Jury: Kansas man guilty of trying to drown pregnant girlfriend

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 17-year-old&nbsp; from Topeka was arrested early Friday following a high speed pursuit with a stolen pickup truck. 

Just after 3 a.m., officers on patrol observed a stolen Ford F-150 near 6th Street and Congressional Drive in Lawrence, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.

 When officers tried to stop the vehicle, the truck fled, leading officers north on Folks Road, circling around a couple of county roads north of the city, then back south to 6th Street on Folks.

 The stolen truck then went westbound on 6th Street at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Due to the excessive speeds involved, officers chose to discontinue the pursuit as the vehicle continued out of the city on 40 Highway. 

Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies located the vehicle parked near E 700 Rd and N 1750 Road a short time later, but the suspect wasn't in the vehicle. 

A little before 6 a.m., a resident in the area called to report a young man on his property. A deputy found the 17-year-old suspect a short time later, and he was arrested on multiple charges and taken to the juvenile detention facility.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 17-year-old&nbsp; from Topeka was arrested early Friday following a high speed pursuit with a stolen pickup truck. Just after 3 a.m., officers on patrol observed a stolen Ford F-150 near 6th Street and Congressional Drive in Lawrence, according to a media release from Lawrence Police. When officers tried to stop the vehicle, the truck fled, leading officers north on Folks Road, circling around a couple of county roads north of the city, then back south to 6th Street on Folks. The stolen truck then went westbound on 6th Street at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Due to the excessive speeds involved, officers chose to discontinue the pursuit as the vehicle continued out of the city on 40 Highway. Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies located the vehicle parked near E 700 Rd and N 1750 Road a short time later, but the suspect wasn't in the vehicle. A little before 6 a.m., a resident in the area called to report a young man on his property. A deputy found the 17-year-old suspect a short time later, and he was arrested on multiple charges and taken to the juvenile detention facility.

17-year-old captured after 100-mph Kansas chase

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Topeka identified the victim as&nbsp;Jessie L. Grahnert, 32, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Just after 8:30 p.m. Nov. 24, police responded to a reported shooting in the 2000 BLK of N Kansas Avenue in Topeka.

First responders located Grahnert suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This is the 19th homicide in Topeka this year, according to Nichols.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect information.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Topeka identified the victim as&nbsp;Jessie L. Grahnert, 32, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.Just after 8:30 p.m. Nov. 24, police responded to a reported shooting in the 2000 BLK of N Kansas Avenue in Topeka.First responders located Grahnert suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.This is the 19th homicide in Topeka this year, according to Nichols.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or possible suspect information.

32-year-old Kansas man identified as homicide victim

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect accused in a deadly shooting rampage in Wichita last weekend made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.

Jose A. Acosta, 33, was charged with&nbsp;First-degree murder;&nbsp;Criminal discharge of a firearm; Occupied dwelling with bodily harm;&nbsp;riminal discharge of a firearm; Recklessly at an occupied vehicle;&nbsp;aggravated robbery; Armed with a dangerous weapon; aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer; Use of a deadly weapon; Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Monday, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter&nbsp; provided an update on a series of violent incidents involving Acosta.

At 8:52 PM, Wichita Police officers were dispatched to a reported robbery involving a firearm in the 1400 block of North Otis. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Jose Antonio Acosta, pistol whipped one individual and pointed the gun at another, stealing their bicycle.

At 8:56 PM, as Acosta walked away from the robbery, he fired multiple shots into a residence in the 1400 block of North Otis. The homeowner narrowly avoided being shot, but the gunfire struck their dog.

At 9:16 PM, another victim reported an attempted carjacking that occurred near 16th&nbsp;and Broadway. Acosta allegedly struck the vehicle's window with a gun before firing several rounds at the car as the driver fled. Evidence of gunfire, including damage to the vehicle’s back window, was confirmed.

At 9:20 PM, officers investigating the area heard gunshots south of 13th and Broadway. It was determined that Acosta had engaged in a confrontation with an unidentified man at 11th and Broadway, firing multiple rounds. Detectives are actively seeking this individual.

Around the same time, Acosta confronted a woman across the street at a convenience store. Following a verbal altercation, he fired several shots at her. Fortunately, she was not injured.

At 9:26 PM, two WPD officers located Acosta near 11th and Broadway next to the stolen bicycle. After repeated commands to surrender, Acosta attempted to draw his firearm, hindered by an extended magazine. He eventually raised the weapon toward the officers, prompting them to fire. Acosta sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital with critical but non-life-threatening injuries.

During interviews with victims of the Otis robbery, officers searched Prospect Park near 13th and Main. There, they discovered the body of 40-year-old Myron Tucker of Wichita, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Investigators believe Tucker was shot around 8:49 PM, shortly before the robbery.

Acosta was released from the hospital on Sunday and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. He faces multiple requested charges, including:

This investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working to identify and locate additional individuals involved in these incidents. We extend our gratitude to all agencies and officers who responded to this series of violent events and ensured the swift apprehension of the suspect.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (316) 660-5300 or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732580870839.png" alt="Acosta photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Acosta photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect accused in a deadly shooting rampage in Wichita last weekend made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.Jose A. Acosta, 33, was charged with&nbsp;First-degree murder;&nbsp;Criminal discharge of a firearm; Occupied dwelling with bodily harm;&nbsp;riminal discharge of a firearm; Recklessly at an occupied vehicle;&nbsp;aggravated robbery; Armed with a dangerous weapon; aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer; Use of a deadly weapon; Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On Monday, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter&nbsp; provided an update on a series of violent incidents involving Acosta.Timeline of EventsAt 8:52 PM, Wichita Police officers were dispatched to a reported robbery involving a firearm in the 1400 block of North Otis. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Jose Antonio Acosta, pistol whipped one individual and pointed the gun at another, stealing their bicycle.At 8:56 PM, as Acosta walked away from the robbery, he fired multiple shots into a residence in the 1400 block of North Otis. The homeowner narrowly avoided being shot, but the gunfire struck their dog.At 9:16 PM, another victim reported an attempted carjacking that occurred near 16th&nbsp;and Broadway. Acosta allegedly struck the vehicle's window with a gun before firing several rounds at the car as the driver fled. Evidence of gunfire, including damage to the vehicle’s back window, was confirmed.At 9:20 PM, officers investigating the area heard gunshots south of 13th and Broadway. It was determined that Acosta had engaged in a confrontation with an unidentified man at 11th and Broadway, firing multiple rounds. Detectives are actively seeking this individual.Around the same time, Acosta confronted a woman across the street at a convenience store. Following a verbal altercation, he fired several shots at her. Fortunately, she was not injured.At 9:26 PM, two WPD officers located Acosta near 11th and Broadway next to the stolen bicycle. After repeated commands to surrender, Acosta attempted to draw his firearm, hindered by an extended magazine. He eventually raised the weapon toward the officers, prompting them to fire. Acosta sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital with critical but non-life-threatening injuries.Additional IncidentDuring interviews with victims of the Otis robbery, officers searched Prospect Park near 13th and Main. There, they discovered the body of 40-year-old Myron Tucker of Wichita, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Investigators believe Tucker was shot around 8:49 PM, shortly before the robbery.ArrestAcosta was released from the hospital on Sunday and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. He faces multiple requested charges, including:<ul>
 <li>First-degree murder.</li><li>Attempted first-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery.</li><li>Aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.</li><li>Aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm.</li><li>Two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement officers.</li><li>Felon in possession of a firearm (Due to his prior felony conviction).</li>
 </ul>This investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working to identify and locate additional individuals involved in these incidents. We extend our gratitude to all agencies and officers who responded to this series of violent events and ensured the swift apprehension of the suspect.Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (316) 660-5300 or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.

Kan. murder suspect, wounded by police, appears in court

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man is going to prison for a deadly shooting.

Last week, Judge Tyler Roush sentenced&nbsp;26-year-old Damion Hazelton&nbsp;to serve 15 years in prison for the death of 49-year-old Chris Baker of Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 2:30p.m. June 23, 2023, police in Wichita received a series of 911 calls about a vehicle collision and a shooting in the 7000 Block of East Lincoln in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Officer Aaron Moses.

First responders located a red GMC Yukon that struck a building and a victim later identified as Baker&nbsp; inside the SUV with a gunshot wound.. Life-saving measures were attempted, but Baker would be pronounced deceased on the scene.

Investigators at the scene learned from witnesses that someone involved in the crash had fled into one of the nearby buildings, according to Moses. A small group of the Wichita Police SWAT team responded to the scene.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Investigators worked through the evening hours and were able to determine that Hazelton was the shooter. Police located and arrested him without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hazelton has previous convictions for falsely reporting a crime and Giving false alarm or false information regarding violent criminal activity or threat to persons life, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687694361794.png" alt="-Hazelton has previous convictions for falsely reporting a crime and Giving false alarm - false information regarding violent criminal activity or threat to persons life, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>-Hazelton has previous convictions for falsely reporting a crime and Giving false alarm - false information regarding violent criminal activity or threat to persons life, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man is going to prison for a deadly shooting.Last week, Judge Tyler Roush sentenced&nbsp;26-year-old Damion Hazelton&nbsp;to serve 15 years in prison for the death of 49-year-old Chris Baker of Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687565978422.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 2:30p.m. June 23, 2023, police in Wichita received a series of 911 calls about a vehicle collision and a shooting in the 7000 Block of East Lincoln in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Officer Aaron Moses.First responders located a red GMC Yukon that struck a building and a victim later identified as Baker&nbsp; inside the SUV with a gunshot wound.. Life-saving measures were attempted, but Baker would be pronounced deceased on the scene.Investigators at the scene learned from witnesses that someone involved in the crash had fled into one of the nearby buildings, according to Moses. A small group of the Wichita Police SWAT team responded to the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Investigators worked through the evening hours and were able to determine that Hazelton was the shooter. Police located and arrested him without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hazelton has previous convictions for falsely reporting a crime and Giving false alarm or false information regarding violent criminal activity or threat to persons life, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon sentenced for murder of man who crashed SUV

ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for attempting to follow through on a social media threat against a victim at their residence.

Just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday, police received a report of a criminal threat in the city of Ellis, according to a media release.

The reporting person stated that they had observed posts on a Facebook page that specifically named two Ellis community members and was concerning in nature.

Police were able to verify the existence of the post and began investigating the credibility of the threat. Police contacted one of the community members named in the Facebook post at their residence.

While the officer was on scene gathering information and advising the community member about the post, Nathan Harwick, 43, of Ellis, showed up at the community member’s residence armed with what the officer on scene perceived to be a long metal pipe.

Fearing for the safety of the community member and their family who were present in the house, the officer on scene drew his service weapon and began giving commands for Harwick to drop the object he was displaying in his hands. Harwick was compliant and was subsequently arrested without further incident.

The officer on-scene later contacted the other community member who was named in the Facebook post and verified that they were unharmed.&nbsp;

Harwick was transported to the Ellis County Jail, where he was booked on requested charges of aggravated assault x2, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and criminal threat. No injuries were reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732833299050.png" alt="Harwick photo Ellis County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Harwick photo Ellis County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for attempting to follow through on a social media threat against a victim at their residence.Just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday, police received a report of a criminal threat in the city of Ellis, according to a media release.The reporting person stated that they had observed posts on a Facebook page that specifically named two Ellis community members and was concerning in nature.Police were able to verify the existence of the post and began investigating the credibility of the threat. Police contacted one of the community members named in the Facebook post at their residence.While the officer was on scene gathering information and advising the community member about the post, Nathan Harwick, 43, of Ellis, showed up at the community member’s residence armed with what the officer on scene perceived to be a long metal pipe.Fearing for the safety of the community member and their family who were present in the house, the officer on scene drew his service weapon and began giving commands for Harwick to drop the object he was displaying in his hands. Harwick was compliant and was subsequently arrested without further incident.The officer on-scene later contacted the other community member who was named in the Facebook post and verified that they were unharmed.&nbsp;Harwick was transported to the Ellis County Jail, where he was booked on requested charges of aggravated assault x2, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and criminal threat. No injuries were reported.

Police: Kansas man jailed for alleged social media threat

SEDGWICK COUNTY– The Wichita Police Department has arrested a suspect involved in a sexual assault and also located a second survivor from a previous incident.

Just after 9:30p.m. November 19, a female victim was walking home in the 500 block of W. Skinner in Wichita when a male suspect approached her in a red Toyota Corolla, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

 The suspect solicited her, offering money for sexual acts. When she did not respond and continued walking, he threatened to harm her. The situation escalated, and he struck her with his vehicle, dragged her inside, and forcibly drove her to an alley in the 1600 block of S. Waco.

The suspect subjected the victim to a violent sexual assault before returning her to her residence. He photographed her ID to obtain her address and issued death threats should she report the crime.

Displaying remarkable resilience and strength, the victim noted the suspect's license plate, called 911 and provided officers with detailed information.

Patrol South officers quickly responded and used Flock camera technology to identify a vehicle that matched the suspect's description. Further investigation, in collaboration with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, connected the vehicle to a relative of the suspect in Haysville.

Through tireless investigative efforts by police, including the Domestic Violence Intervention Response Team (DVIRT), critical evidence was obtained, leading to the arrest of the suspect, Christopher Calisay.

The case was presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office, resulting in the following charges: Aggravated Kidnapping, Two counts of Rape, Sodomy, Two counts of Aggravated Battery and&nbsp; Criminal Threat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732743473584.png" alt="Calisay photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Calisay photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– The Wichita Police Department has arrested a suspect involved in a sexual assault and also located a second survivor from a previous incident.Just after 9:30p.m. November 19, a female victim was walking home in the 500 block of W. Skinner in Wichita when a male suspect approached her in a red Toyota Corolla, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. The suspect solicited her, offering money for sexual acts. When she did not respond and continued walking, he threatened to harm her. The situation escalated, and he struck her with his vehicle, dragged her inside, and forcibly drove her to an alley in the 1600 block of S. Waco.The suspect subjected the victim to a violent sexual assault before returning her to her residence. He photographed her ID to obtain her address and issued death threats should she report the crime.Displaying remarkable resilience and strength, the victim noted the suspect's license plate, called 911 and provided officers with detailed information.Patrol South officers quickly responded and used Flock camera technology to identify a vehicle that matched the suspect's description. Further investigation, in collaboration with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, connected the vehicle to a relative of the suspect in Haysville.Through tireless investigative efforts by police, including the Domestic Violence Intervention Response Team (DVIRT), critical evidence was obtained, leading to the arrest of the suspect, Christopher Calisay.The case was presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office, resulting in the following charges: Aggravated Kidnapping, Two counts of Rape, Sodomy, Two counts of Aggravated Battery and&nbsp; Criminal Threat.

Suspect jailed for violent sex assault of Kansas woman 

KANSAS CITY —With the busy travel weekend underway, the Transportation Security Administration reminded travelers there is zero tolerance for assaults against any of their employees.

Earlier this year, a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) TSA officer was carrying passenger Ma ‘Kiah Cherae Coleman’s property to an inspection table for an additional search when Coleman became unruly.

“After being told that it (her bag) had to be checked, the passenger jumped onto the search table and attempted to pull the bin away from the officers,” said Lead Officer Alexander Deutsch.

After an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve her property, Coleman physically assaulted multiple TSA officers before airport police arrested her. Two TSA officers were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, released and reported back to duty the same day.

In June 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a press release announcing Coleman’s federal indictment in the District of Arizona and explained why Deutsch’s first day as lead officer at PHX was memorable for all the wrong reasons.&nbsp;

“The indictment alleges that, at approximately 6:00 a.m. on April 25, 2023, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, Coleman interfered with TSA officers who were conducting security screenings at Security Checkpoint D of Terminal 4. The indictment further alleges that during her interference with TSA officers, Coleman inflicted bodily injury on two TSA officers; specifically, she grabbed one officer by the hair, forcing the officer’s head down against a table, and hitting the officer in the head multiple times, and elbowed the other TSA officer in the head. Coleman also is alleged to have bit the hair of a third&nbsp;TSA officer who had come to the aid of the other two officers who were struggling with Coleman during the altercation.”

On April 23, 2024, Coleman pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer, inflicting bodily injury and was sentenced in September to four months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release. She is also banned from traveling by commercial aircraft during her time of supervised release.&nbsp;

“Every assault on an officer is an affront to the hard work they do every single day to protect the traveling public,” said PHX Federal Security Director Jerry Agnew. “Assaults are quickly addressed with the help of our airport law enforcement and attorneys to prosecute these cases.”

TSA takes a zero-tolerance approach to assaults against any TSA employee. Since 2021, 472 total assault cases were reported, with 161 occurring in fiscal 2024. Of those this past year, 44 were tried criminally and eight are closed, with the bulk of the cases at the state or local level. TSA works closely with law enforcement and prosecutors to assist in producing evidence and witnesses in criminal cases.

“During the sentencing hearing, the judge expressed appreciation for Lead Officer Deutsch's victim-impact statement and acknowledged TSA’s vital role in safeguarding the nation’s transportation systems,” said Kalah Polk, TSA Attorney-Advisor, Field Operations. “He noted the frequent mistreatment faced by officers from passengers and recognized the critical function the TSA serves in ensuring the safety of travelers. The judge conveyed the substantial responsibility he holds in balancing the necessity of imposing a penalty on Ms. Coleman for the assault on our officer with the consideration of her mental health.”

“For the purposes of TSA issuing a civil penalty, ‘assault’ refers to an instance of an individual making physical contact&nbsp;with a TSA employee in the course of the TSA employee’s screening duties, and that physical contact is offensive or otherwise without legal justification,” explained TSA Senior Counsel, Field Operations Joanna Han.&nbsp;

“Regardless of whether there is a criminal prosecution, TSA will pursue a civil enforcement action for nearly every case – no matter the level of injury,” said Han. “It is really important that the affected officer report the assault so that transportation security inspectors can conduct an administrative investigation in a timely and thorough manner. From there, TSA attorneys in the field will take the assault case through the civil enforcement process and may pursue monetary penalties.” Han stressed that an intent to injure or cause physical pain is not required, nor is an actual physical injury required to pursue a civil enforcement case.

TSA initiated 433 civil enforcement cases since 2021, with 139 of those this past fiscal year.&nbsp;A total of $738,987 in enforcement fines have been collected since 2021 and sent to the U.S. Treasury.

“I absolutely believe every one of these cases should be quickly and appropriately addressed,” said Agnew.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732540619820.png" alt="Photos TSA" />
 <figcaption>Photos TSA</figcaption>
 </figure>By Karen Robicheaux, TSAKANSAS CITY —With the busy travel weekend underway, the Transportation Security Administration reminded travelers there is zero tolerance for assaults against any of their employees.Earlier this year, a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) TSA officer was carrying passenger Ma ‘Kiah Cherae Coleman’s property to an inspection table for an additional search when Coleman became unruly.“After being told that it (her bag) had to be checked, the passenger jumped onto the search table and attempted to pull the bin away from the officers,” said Lead Officer Alexander Deutsch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732540581509.png" alt="Photo TSA" />
 <figcaption>Photo TSA</figcaption>
 </figure>After an unsuccessful attempt to retrieve her property, Coleman physically assaulted multiple TSA officers before airport police arrested her. Two TSA officers were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, released and reported back to duty the same day.In June 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a press release announcing Coleman’s federal indictment in the District of Arizona and explained why Deutsch’s first day as lead officer at PHX was memorable for all the wrong reasons.&nbsp;“The indictment alleges that, at approximately 6:00 a.m. on April 25, 2023, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, Coleman interfered with TSA officers who were conducting security screenings at Security Checkpoint D of Terminal 4. The indictment further alleges that during her interference with TSA officers, Coleman inflicted bodily injury on two TSA officers; specifically, she grabbed one officer by the hair, forcing the officer’s head down against a table, and hitting the officer in the head multiple times, and elbowed the other TSA officer in the head. Coleman also is alleged to have bit the hair of a third&nbsp;TSA officer who had come to the aid of the other two officers who were struggling with Coleman during the altercation.”On April 23, 2024, Coleman pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer, inflicting bodily injury and was sentenced in September to four months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release. She is also banned from traveling by commercial aircraft during her time of supervised release.&nbsp;“Every assault on an officer is an affront to the hard work they do every single day to protect the traveling public,” said PHX Federal Security Director Jerry Agnew. “Assaults are quickly addressed with the help of our airport law enforcement and attorneys to prosecute these cases.”TSA takes a zero-tolerance approach to assaults against any TSA employee. Since 2021, 472 total assault cases were reported, with 161 occurring in fiscal 2024. Of those this past year, 44 were tried criminally and eight are closed, with the bulk of the cases at the state or local level. TSA works closely with law enforcement and prosecutors to assist in producing evidence and witnesses in criminal cases.“During the sentencing hearing, the judge expressed appreciation for Lead Officer Deutsch's victim-impact statement and acknowledged TSA’s vital role in safeguarding the nation’s transportation systems,” said Kalah Polk, TSA Attorney-Advisor, Field Operations. “He noted the frequent mistreatment faced by officers from passengers and recognized the critical function the TSA serves in ensuring the safety of travelers. The judge conveyed the substantial responsibility he holds in balancing the necessity of imposing a penalty on Ms. Coleman for the assault on our officer with the consideration of her mental health.”“For the purposes of TSA issuing a civil penalty, ‘assault’ refers to an instance of an individual making physical contact&nbsp;with a TSA employee in the course of the TSA employee’s screening duties, and that physical contact is offensive or otherwise without legal justification,” explained TSA Senior Counsel, Field Operations Joanna Han.&nbsp;“Regardless of whether there is a criminal prosecution, TSA will pursue a civil enforcement action for nearly every case – no matter the level of injury,” said Han. “It is really important that the affected officer report the assault so that transportation security inspectors can conduct an administrative investigation in a timely and thorough manner. From there, TSA attorneys in the field will take the assault case through the civil enforcement process and may pursue monetary penalties.” Han stressed that an intent to injure or cause physical pain is not required, nor is an actual physical injury required to pursue a civil enforcement case.TSA initiated 433 civil enforcement cases since 2021, with 139 of those this past fiscal year.&nbsp;A total of $738,987 in enforcement fines have been collected since 2021 and sent to the U.S. Treasury.“I absolutely believe every one of these cases should be quickly and appropriately addressed,” said Agnew.

Travel alert: Zero-tolerance for assaults against any TSA employees

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with a shooting on Halloween that left a 13-year-old boy dead made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.

Jermal Campbell, 19, was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of criminal discharge of firearm, three counts of aggravated assault and one count of aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Monday, Campbell finally turned himself in, according to the Wichita Police Department.

Just after 10:30p.m. October 31, police responded to a report of gunfire at the QuikTrip located at Central and Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Officers discovered evidence of a shooting and the convenience store. Simultaneously, a walk-in report was received from a local hospital indicating that a private vehicle had transported victims of this incident for treatment.

The victims included a 15-year-old boy from Wichita, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and a 13-year-old boy who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival at the hospital.

Initial investigations reveal that a disturbance occurred in the QuikTrip parking lot, leading to the suspect firing at a crowd, which tragically resulted in injuries to the two victims.

On November 6, police arrested a 19-year-old&nbsp;Carrice Profit, Campbell's cousin in connection with the killing, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.&nbsp;

Profit was charged with 1st degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She remains jailed on a $350,000 bond. Campbell remains in jail on a $1,000,000.00 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732583489717.png" alt="Campbell photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Campbell photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with a shooting on Halloween that left a 13-year-old boy dead made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.Jermal Campbell, 19, was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of criminal discharge of firearm, three counts of aggravated assault and one count of aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On Monday, Campbell finally turned himself in, according to the Wichita Police Department.Just after 10:30p.m. October 31, police responded to a report of gunfire at the QuikTrip located at Central and Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730455429350.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers discovered evidence of a shooting and the convenience store. Simultaneously, a walk-in report was received from a local hospital indicating that a private vehicle had transported victims of this incident for treatment.The victims included a 15-year-old boy from Wichita, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and a 13-year-old boy who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival at the hospital.Initial investigations reveal that a disturbance occurred in the QuikTrip parking lot, leading to the suspect firing at a crowd, which tragically resulted in injuries to the two victims.On November 6, police arrested a 19-year-old&nbsp;Carrice Profit, Campbell's cousin in connection with the killing, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730979564649.png" alt="Profit photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Profit photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Profit was charged with 1st degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She remains jailed on a $350,000 bond. Campbell remains in jail on a $1,000,000.00 bond.

Kan. suspect in Halloween killing of 13-year-old appears in court

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations following two separate incidents.

Just before 5:30p.m. November 18, a sheriff's deputy observed a black 2005 Cadillac STS near SW 6th Avenue and SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The vehicle was reported stolen out of Kansas City, Kan., after the owner met two individuals on a social media platform’s marketplace. They met at a gas station and the two prospective buyers asked to test drive the vehicle and never returned.

The deputy conducted a traffic stop and two individuals were placed into custody. Danielle L. M. Lee, 25, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on the requested charges&nbsp;Possession of stolen property; value $1,500 to $25,000 and&nbsp;Driving while license suspended.

Antonio S. Jones, 19, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges that include Possession of stolen property; value $1,500 to $25,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732384030697.png" alt="Jones-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations following two separate incidents.Just before 5:30p.m. November 18, a sheriff's deputy observed a black 2005 Cadillac STS near SW 6th Avenue and SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732383908550.png" alt="Lee-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lee-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The vehicle was reported stolen out of Kansas City, Kan., after the owner met two individuals on a social media platform’s marketplace. They met at a gas station and the two prospective buyers asked to test drive the vehicle and never returned.The deputy conducted a traffic stop and two individuals were placed into custody. Danielle L. M. Lee, 25, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on the requested charges&nbsp;Possession of stolen property; value $1,500 to $25,000 and&nbsp;Driving while license suspended.Antonio S. Jones, 19, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges that include Possession of stolen property; value $1,500 to $25,000.

Suspects stole car after social media marketplace test drive 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with sex crimes involving a runaway teen made his first court appearance last week.

Samuel Loredo, 21, is charged with 3 counts of Criminal Sodomy, 2 counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child, 1 count of Indecent Solicitation of a Child, 1 count of Aggravated Interference With Parental Custody, and 2 counts of Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just after noon November 18, law enforcement in Murray, Kentucky informed the Wichita Police Department that a 14-year-old runaway may be in Wichita based on their investigation, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

Wichita police responded to the area of 2300 N Woodlawn where it was believed that the child may have been. Patrol and Investigations began working together to find additional information to locate the juvenile and determine the circumstances around their presence in Wichita.

Throughout the afternoon through the evening detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked to conduct additional interviews. Throughout those interviews, detectives determined that Loredo was communicating with the 14-year-old and arranged for the juvenile to travel to Wichita.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested the 21-year-old Loredo, and booked him into Sedgwick County Jail.

Officers with the Wichita Police Department NET team located the juvenile wandering the area.&nbsp;

investigators are continuing their work on this case and have been in contact with investigators from Kentucky. Loredo'snext appearance is December 2, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732189301713.png" alt="Loredo photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Loredo photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with sex crimes involving a runaway teen made his first court appearance last week.Samuel Loredo, 21, is charged with 3 counts of Criminal Sodomy, 2 counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child, 1 count of Indecent Solicitation of a Child, 1 count of Aggravated Interference With Parental Custody, and 2 counts of Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just after noon November 18, law enforcement in Murray, Kentucky informed the Wichita Police Department that a 14-year-old runaway may be in Wichita based on their investigation, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.Wichita police responded to the area of 2300 N Woodlawn where it was believed that the child may have been. Patrol and Investigations began working together to find additional information to locate the juvenile and determine the circumstances around their presence in Wichita.Throughout the afternoon through the evening detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked to conduct additional interviews. Throughout those interviews, detectives determined that Loredo was communicating with the 14-year-old and arranged for the juvenile to travel to Wichita.As a result of the investigation, police arrested the 21-year-old Loredo, and booked him into Sedgwick County Jail.Officers with the Wichita Police Department NET team located the juvenile wandering the area.&nbsp;investigators are continuing their work on this case and have been in contact with investigators from Kentucky. Loredo'snext appearance is December 2, according to the district attorney's office.