DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in rural Douglas County where two victims have died.

Just before 6:30 p.m Saturday, deputies responded to a call of shots fired in the 2000 block of E 1100 Road north of Lawrence, according to Jennifer Hethcoat, public information officer with the Douglas County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the scene, deputies found three individuals with apparent gunshot wounds. One man was dead when deputies arrived. EMS transported two other individuals to area hospitals with life threatening injuries. One of those men died overnight Sunday, according to Hethcoat.&nbsp;&nbsp;The other victim remained hospitalized in stable condition late Sunday.&nbsp;

This crime scene is located outdoors and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives worked through the night in freezing cold temperatures to process the crime scene before forecasted snow moved in Sunday morning. 

Deputies are still investigating and conducting interviews but do not have reason to believe there is a suspect at large in the community.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in rural Douglas County say a second victim has died.

Just before 6:30 p.m Saturday, deputies responded to a call of shots fired in the 2000 block of E 1100 Road north of Lawrence, according to Jennifer Hethcoat, public information officer with the Douglas County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;

At the scene, deputies found three individuals with apparent gunshot wounds. One man was dead when deputies arrived. EMS transported two other individuals to area hospitals with life threatening injuries.

One of the men transported to a hospital died overnight from apparent gunshot wounds, according to Hethcoat. Authorities have not released names of the victims or reported an arrest.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in rural Douglas County.

Just before 6:30 p.m Saturday, deputies responded to a call of shots fired in the 2000 block of E 1100 Road north of Lawrence, according to Jennifer Hethcoat, public information officer with the Douglas County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; 

At the scene, deputies found three individuals with apparent gunshot wounds. One individual was dead when deputies arrived. EMS transported other individuals to area hospitals with life threatening injuries.

Authorities released no additional details.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in rural Douglas County where two victims have died.Just before 6:30 p.m Saturday, deputies responded to a call of shots fired in the 2000 block of E 1100 Road north of Lawrence, according to Jennifer Hethcoat, public information officer with the Douglas County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the scene, deputies found three individuals with apparent gunshot wounds. One man was dead when deputies arrived. EMS transported two other individuals to area hospitals with life threatening injuries. One of those men died overnight Sunday, according to Hethcoat.&nbsp;&nbsp;The other victim remained hospitalized in stable condition late Sunday.&nbsp;This crime scene is located outdoors and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives worked through the night in freezing cold temperatures to process the crime scene before forecasted snow moved in Sunday morning. Deputies are still investigating and conducting interviews but do not have reason to believe there is a suspect at large in the community.--------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in rural Douglas County say a second victim has died.Just before 6:30 p.m Saturday, deputies responded to a call of shots fired in the 2000 block of E 1100 Road north of Lawrence, according to Jennifer Hethcoat, public information officer with the Douglas County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;At the scene, deputies found three individuals with apparent gunshot wounds. One man was dead when deputies arrived. EMS transported two other individuals to area hospitals with life threatening injuries.One of the men transported to a hospital died overnight from apparent gunshot wounds, according to Hethcoat. Authorities have not released names of the victims or reported an arrest.---------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in rural Douglas County.Just before 6:30 p.m Saturday, deputies responded to a call of shots fired in the 2000 block of E 1100 Road north of Lawrence, according to Jennifer Hethcoat, public information officer with the Douglas County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; At the scene, deputies found three individuals with apparent gunshot wounds. One individual was dead when deputies arrived. EMS transported other individuals to area hospitals with life threatening injuries.Authorities released no additional details.

Update: 2nd victim dies after rural Kansas shooting

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) — Two people have been charged with stealing a funeral home van that had a body inside from a gas station in the St. Louis area.

Brian Schaake, 38, was charged Saturday with a felony charge of stealing a motor vehicle. Thirty-one-year-old Christina Kalb was charged with a misdemeanor charge of tampering with a motor vehicle.

Kalb was released from custody, officials said. Schaake was being held Saturday on $40,000 cash bond.

In a probable cause statement, St. Louis County Police detective Scott Russell said Schaake likely wouldn’t show up in court because his last address was out of state and he was believed to be homeless. Officials listed the same Springfield, Illinois, address for both him and Kalb.

The funeral home van was stolen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-festus-michael-brown-6416f99cb32132d5cd3abb1b7aa3eaa1">Thursday</a>&nbsp;from a QuikTrip gas station in the Spanish Lake area of unincorporated St. Louis County after it was left unattended with the engine running.

The body was recovered after the van was spotted about 45 miles (72.42 kilometers) away the next day at a Walmart in Festus. Schaake and Kalb were arrested inside the store.

According to court records, Schaake admitted to stealing the van with Kalb.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A funeral home van stolen from a St. Louis-area convenience store has now been recovered, and so has the body of a deceased woman that was inside the van.

St. Louis County police said two suspects were arrested about 10 a.m. Friday in Festus, Missouri, a day after the van was stolen in the Spanish Lake area of north St. Louis County, about 55 miles away. No other details were released.

Police say the driver of the funeral home van left it running Thursday at a Quik Trip store in north St. Louis County, and went inside. The van was gone when he came back out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613225568342.png" alt="Photo St. Louis Co. Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo St. Louis Co. Police</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) — Two people have been charged with stealing a funeral home van that had a body inside from a gas station in the St. Louis area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613388352338.png" alt="Schaake" />
 <figcaption>Schaake</figcaption>
 </figure>Brian Schaake, 38, was charged Saturday with a felony charge of stealing a motor vehicle. Thirty-one-year-old Christina Kalb was charged with a misdemeanor charge of tampering with a motor vehicle.Kalb was released from custody, officials said. Schaake was being held Saturday on $40,000 cash bond.In a probable cause statement, St. Louis County Police detective Scott Russell said Schaake likely wouldn’t show up in court because his last address was out of state and he was believed to be homeless. Officials listed the same Springfield, Illinois, address for both him and Kalb.The funeral home van was stolen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-festus-michael-brown-6416f99cb32132d5cd3abb1b7aa3eaa1">Thursday</a>&nbsp;from a QuikTrip gas station in the Spanish Lake area of unincorporated St. Louis County after it was left unattended with the engine running.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613388186285.png" alt="Kalb-photo St. Louis Co." />
 <figcaption>Kalb-photo St. Louis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The body was recovered after the van was spotted about 45 miles (72.42 kilometers) away the next day at a Walmart in Festus. Schaake and Kalb were arrested inside the store.According to court records, Schaake admitted to stealing the van with Kalb.----------ST. LOUIS (AP) — A funeral home van stolen from a St. Louis-area convenience store has now been recovered, and so has the body of a deceased woman that was inside the van.St. Louis County police said two suspects were arrested about 10 a.m. Friday in Festus, Missouri, a day after the van was stolen in the Spanish Lake area of north St. Louis County, about 55 miles away. No other details were released.Police say the driver of the funeral home van left it running Thursday at a Quik Trip store in north St. Louis County, and went inside. The van was gone when he came back out.

2 charged in theft of funeral home van that had body inside

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a Kansas traffic stop.

Just before 6 a.m. February 11, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2008 Chevy van south of 286th and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The deputy arrested the passenger of the vehicle, Janna Lynn Marshno, 34, of Mayetta, on a Shawnee County warrant. 

Further investigation led to discovering that Marshno was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Marshno was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested drug charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613130555122.png" alt="Marshno photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Marshno photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a Kansas traffic stop.Just before 6 a.m. February 11, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2008 Chevy van south of 286th and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The deputy arrested the passenger of the vehicle, Janna Lynn Marshno, 34, of Mayetta, on a Shawnee County warrant. Further investigation led to discovering that Marshno was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Marshno was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested drug charges.

Kansas deputies arrest passenger in van after traffic stop

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have arrested a third Kansas man in connection with the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6.

On Friday morning FBI Special Agents, members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and officers with the Topeka Police Department arrested&nbsp;William Pope, 35 of Topeka, on requested federal charges of Obstruction or Impeding Any Official Proceeding; Civil Disorder; Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building; Impeding Passage Through the Capitol Grounds of Buildings; Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building, according to a media release from the FBI.

Pope was taken into custody without incident. He earned just over 37 percent of the vote <a href="https://www.snco.us/election/prev/2019_general_results.pdf">as a candidate for the Topeka City Council District 2</a> Seat in 2019. He is currently a doctoral student in leadership communication at Kansas State University, <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/lead-comm/students/index.html">according to the school web site.</a>&nbsp;

Also on Friday, FBI Special Agents arrested Pope’s brother, Michael Pope, 41, of Sandpoint, Idaho on the same charges.

In Missouri on Friday morning, Michael Aaron Quick and Stephen Brian Quick both of Springfield, Missouri self-surrendered to FBI Agents pursuant to arrest warrants issued by the United States Court District of Columbia related to the violence on the U.S. Capitol on January 6.

They were both arrested on requested federal charges of Restricted Buildings or Grounds; Unlawful Activities on Capitol Grounds; Disorderly Conduct; Parading and Demonstrating in the Capitol Building, according to the release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613161028525.png" alt="William Pope, in red, holds a flag inside the Senate Carriage Entrance on the east side of the U.S. Capitol during Wednesday's riot. Pope ran for the Topeka City Council in 2018. (Screen capture from Jayden X video on YouTube) -courtesy Sherman Smith, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>" />
 <figcaption>William Pope, in red, holds a flag inside the Senate Carriage Entrance on the east side of the U.S. Capitol during Wednesday's riot. Pope ran for the Topeka City Council in 2018. (Screen capture from Jayden X video on YouTube) -courtesy Sherman Smith, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a></figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have arrested a third Kansas man in connection with the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613160278542.png" alt="Pope, who is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/lead-comm/students/index.html">Communications Doctoral</a> Student at K-State ran unsuccessfully for the Topeka City <a href="https://www.snco.us/election/prev/2019_general_results.pdf">Council District 2 seat in 2019</a>.&nbsp; He is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Pope, who is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/lead-comm/students/index.html">Communications Doctoral</a> Student at K-State ran unsuccessfully for the Topeka City <a href="https://www.snco.us/election/prev/2019_general_results.pdf">Council District 2 seat in 2019</a>.&nbsp; He is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday morning FBI Special Agents, members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and officers with the Topeka Police Department arrested&nbsp;William Pope, 35 of Topeka, on requested federal charges of Obstruction or Impeding Any Official Proceeding; Civil Disorder; Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds; Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building; Impeding Passage Through the Capitol Grounds of Buildings; Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building, according to a media release from the FBI. Pope was taken into custody without incident. He earned just over 37 percent of the vote <a href="https://www.snco.us/election/prev/2019_general_results.pdf">as a candidate for the Topeka City Council District 2</a> Seat in 2019. He is currently a doctoral student in leadership communication at Kansas State University, <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/lead-comm/students/index.html">according to the school web site.</a>&nbsp; Also on Friday, FBI Special Agents arrested Pope’s brother, Michael Pope, 41, of Sandpoint, Idaho on the same charges.In Missouri on Friday morning, Michael Aaron Quick and Stephen Brian Quick both of Springfield, Missouri self-surrendered to FBI Agents pursuant to arrest warrants issued by the United States Court District of Columbia related to the violence on the U.S. Capitol on January 6.They were both arrested on requested federal charges of Restricted Buildings or Grounds; Unlawful Activities on Capitol Grounds; Disorderly Conduct; Parading and Demonstrating in the Capitol Building, according to the release.

FBI: Former Topeka council candidate accused of violence at U.S. Capitol

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police have identified a man found dead inside an Independence home this week in what has been deemed a homicide.

Officers were called to a home in the Kansas City suburb around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a disturbance and found the body of 41-year-old Nathan Looker, of Independence, police said in a news release.

Police have not said how Looker died, but have said his death is being treated as a homicide. 

No suspects in the case had been named or an arrests announced by Friday morning.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police have identified a man found dead inside an Independence home this week in what has been deemed a homicide.Officers were called to a home in the Kansas City suburb around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a disturbance and found the body of 41-year-old Nathan Looker, of Independence, police said in a news release.Police have not said how Looker died, but have said his death is being treated as a homicide. No suspects in the case had been named or an arrests announced by Friday morning.

Homicide: Police ID man found dead in KC-area home

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman has been arrested and charged in the shooting death earlier this week of a man inside a Kansas City home, authorities said.

Marvina Stemmons, 30, has been charged in Jackson County with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the Sunday shooting death of 48-year-old Charles Harris.

Officers were called to the home in the Ivanhoe Southeast neighborhood around 4 a.m. Sunday for reports of a shooting and found Harris dead from a gunshot wound, police said. Police said Stemmons was later brought in for questioning after witnesses reported seeing her Saturday night with Harris.

Stemmons first said she accidentally shot Harris, then later told investigators she fired shots at him when he became sexually aggressive, police said.

Stemmons was being held on a $75,000 cash-only bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613076567456.png" alt="Stemmons photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Stemmons photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman has been arrested and charged in the shooting death earlier this week of a man inside a Kansas City home, authorities said.Marvina Stemmons, 30, has been charged in Jackson County with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the Sunday shooting death of 48-year-old Charles Harris.Officers were called to the home in the Ivanhoe Southeast neighborhood around 4 a.m. Sunday for reports of a shooting and found Harris dead from a gunshot wound, police said. Police said Stemmons was later brought in for questioning after witnesses reported seeing her Saturday night with Harris.Stemmons first said she accidentally shot Harris, then later told investigators she fired shots at him when he became sexually aggressive, police said.Stemmons was being held on a $75,000 cash-only bond.

Police: Woman charged in shooting death of Kansas City man

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase in Barton County.

Just before 7p.m. Wednesday sheriff’s deputies had just finished executing a search warrant in the city of Great Bend when they became aware of a city police car that had been struck by a suspect vehicle, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The Great Bend Police Department officer had stopped a vehicle in the 3300 block of 10th Street. The vehicle was traveling with no headlights as required. The officer contacted the driver later identified as&nbsp;Nicholas Kramer, 33 of Great Bend and became aware that he may be intoxicated. 

The suspect vehicle initially fled from the city police officer, then stopped and backed into the police car twice, according to Bellendir.

 The suspect then again fled from the city police. Several Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area to assist the police department. At one point a Sheriff’s office Sgt. blocked the vehicle at the intersection of 10th and Grant. 

The suspect vehicle struck the rear of the Sheriff’s car and continued to flee from officers. The pursuit continued to the west side of Great Bend and traveled north on Kansas Highway 96 towards 24th Street.

 At this point the police officers opted to discontinue pursuit and the Sheriff’s Office intervened. The suspect vehicle continued north on Kansas 96. to 24th Street where it turned East. 

A Sheriff’s vehicle was alongside the suspect vehicle attempting to keep it boxed in, while the suspect swerved at the Sheriff’s car several times. 

The suspect then entered the cemetery on 24th Street. Due to the extreme danger posed to the general public, a Sheriff’s office Sgt. decided rather than allow the vehicle back on city streets it should be stopped in the cemetery. 

A Sheriff’s office vehicle intentionally pushed the rear of the suspect vehicle causing it to spin out at which point a Pawnee County Sheriff’s patrol unit was able to box in the suspect.

Deputies arrested Kramer and transported him to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was booked on requested charges of three counts of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, three counts of criminal damage to property, aggravated battery w/ DUI and felony flee and elude. His bond is set at $100,000. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613082823277.png" alt="Overhead view of the chase and arrest-image Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Overhead view of the chase and arrest-image Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase in Barton County.Just before 7p.m. Wednesday sheriff’s deputies had just finished executing a search warrant in the city of Great Bend when they became aware of a city police car that had been struck by a suspect vehicle, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The Great Bend Police Department officer had stopped a vehicle in the 3300 block of 10th Street. The vehicle was traveling with no headlights as required. The officer contacted the driver later identified as&nbsp;Nicholas Kramer, 33 of Great Bend and became aware that he may be intoxicated. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613082923925.jpeg" alt="Kramer photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Kramer photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect vehicle initially fled from the city police officer, then stopped and backed into the police car twice, according to Bellendir. The suspect then again fled from the city police. Several Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area to assist the police department. At one point a Sheriff’s office Sgt. blocked the vehicle at the intersection of 10th and Grant. The suspect vehicle struck the rear of the Sheriff’s car and continued to flee from officers. The pursuit continued to the west side of Great Bend and traveled north on Kansas Highway 96 towards 24th Street. At this point the police officers opted to discontinue pursuit and the Sheriff’s Office intervened. The suspect vehicle continued north on Kansas 96. to 24th Street where it turned East. A Sheriff’s vehicle was alongside the suspect vehicle attempting to keep it boxed in, while the suspect swerved at the Sheriff’s car several times. The suspect then entered the cemetery on 24th Street. Due to the extreme danger posed to the general public, a Sheriff’s office Sgt. decided rather than allow the vehicle back on city streets it should be stopped in the cemetery. A Sheriff’s office vehicle intentionally pushed the rear of the suspect vehicle causing it to spin out at which point a Pawnee County Sheriff’s patrol unit was able to box in the suspect.Deputies arrested Kramer and transported him to the Barton County Jail without incident where he was booked on requested charges of three counts of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, three counts of criminal damage to property, aggravated battery w/ DUI and felony flee and elude. His bond is set at $100,000.

Kan. driver rams police vehicles, arrested in cemetery 

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/10/kansas-sentencing-commission-department-of-corrections-back-bill-lowering-punishment-for-low-level-drug-crimes/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A representative 
for the Kansas Sentencing Commission says research casts doubt on the 
theory that increased prison sentences will effectively deter people 
from drug misuse or drug-related crimes.

According to a 2018 study 
conducted by Pew Research Center comparing state drug imprisonment rates
 with self-reported drug use, drug arrest and overdose deaths, there is 
no significant relationship between drug imprisonment and these 
indicators. The evidence suggests there is room for improved policy on 
drug sentencing, said Scott Schultz, executive director of the 
sentencing commission.

A bill backed by Schultz 
would reduce the criminal penalties for most level five drug crimes. He 
said stiffer penalties were not cutting it, as indicated by the Pew 
study, instead suggesting efforts were better served elsewhere.

“Their research found the 
most effective response to drug misuse is a combination of law 
enforcement to curtail trafficking and prevent the emergence of new 
markets and alternative sentencing to divert nonviolent drug offenders,”
 Schultz said.

The House Committee on 
Corrections and Juvenile Justice, chaired by Rep. Russ Jennings, 
R-Lakin, is reviewing a package of bills suggested by the Kansas 
Criminal Justice Reform Commission in its December report. The panel of 
legislators heard testimony from Schultz and others on the first two of 
those bills Wednesday.

Schultz reported this 
legislation would have no impact on prison admissions but would free up 
80 prison beds in 2022 and as many as 118 beds by 2031. He also noted 
this would not change sentencing for any drug manufacturers or 
distributors.

Randall Bowman, a 
spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections, said Kansas’ current
 prison population is about 8,700. He said KDOC supports reducing the 
number of people in prison, although the cost benefits would be almost 
nonexistent.

“A few more people in and a
 few more out really doesn’t get us big gains. We can’t close a housing 
unit,” Bowman said. “These 80 individuals will be both genders and the 
various security levels in our facility, so they just come out of units 
in the eight prisons as one and two here and there that really don’t 
materially get a lot of money for us.”

Still, Bowman said there would be marginal cost savings and push Kansas in the right direction on criminal justice reform.

A second bill would alter 
the sentencing grid for drug crimes, expanding the number of presumptive
 probation and border categories — crimes that usually result in prison 
time but can be reduced to probation at the discretion of the judge.

Schultz described this 
bill as a peanut butter cup with two good things wrapped into one. He 
said primarily this bill brings Kansas in line with the practices of 
many judges across the state already departing from the border 
recommendation of prison.

It would also allow for 
more offenders to be assigned mandatory drug treatment and give more 
leeway to judges to assign discretionary treatment.

Kendall Seal, director of 
advocacy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, added the 
bill would aid in creating a more just and equitable criminal legal 
system.

In Kansas, Black people represent 5.6% of the state’s population but account for 18.9% of the drug arrests.

“Undoubtedly, allowing 
people to be on probation and be productive members of society is more 
humane and fiscally responsible compared to imprisonment, which has 
devastating collateral consequences,” Seal said. “This bill will help 
reduce the prison population and address some sentencing proportionality
 issues.”

Greg Smith, a former state
 senator who works on policy issues for the Johnson County Sheriff’s 
Department, poured cold water on the idea. He questioned why if this was
 already common practice for most judges in the state is it necessary to
 alter the sentencing grid.

“If this already reflects 
what is going on in the state, it’s going to go even lower with plea 
bargains. That’s part of the system. That’s how the system works,” Smith
 said. “So the question is, what are we really doing this for?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613054156171.png" alt="The House Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice, chaired by Rep. Russ Jennings, R-Lakin, heard testimony Wednesday on the first two bills in a series of suggestions by the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission. The hearing on a third bill was delayed. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The House Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice, chaired by Rep. Russ Jennings, R-Lakin, heard testimony Wednesday on the first two bills in a series of suggestions by the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission. The hearing on a third bill was delayed. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/10/kansas-sentencing-commission-department-of-corrections-back-bill-lowering-punishment-for-low-level-drug-crimes/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A representative 
for the Kansas Sentencing Commission says research casts doubt on the 
theory that increased prison sentences will effectively deter people 
from drug misuse or drug-related crimes.According to a 2018 study 
conducted by Pew Research Center comparing state drug imprisonment rates
 with self-reported drug use, drug arrest and overdose deaths, there is 
no significant relationship between drug imprisonment and these 
indicators. The evidence suggests there is room for improved policy on 
drug sentencing, said Scott Schultz, executive director of the 
sentencing commission.A bill backed by Schultz 
would reduce the criminal penalties for most level five drug crimes. He 
said stiffer penalties were not cutting it, as indicated by the Pew 
study, instead suggesting efforts were better served elsewhere.“Their research found the 
most effective response to drug misuse is a combination of law 
enforcement to curtail trafficking and prevent the emergence of new 
markets and alternative sentencing to divert nonviolent drug offenders,”
 Schultz said.The House Committee on 
Corrections and Juvenile Justice, chaired by Rep. Russ Jennings, 
R-Lakin, is reviewing a package of bills suggested by the Kansas 
Criminal Justice Reform Commission in its December report. The panel of 
legislators heard testimony from Schultz and others on the first two of 
those bills Wednesday.Schultz reported this 
legislation would have no impact on prison admissions but would free up 
80 prison beds in 2022 and as many as 118 beds by 2031. He also noted 
this would not change sentencing for any drug manufacturers or 
distributors.Randall Bowman, a 
spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections, said Kansas’ current
 prison population is about 8,700. He said KDOC supports reducing the 
number of people in prison, although the cost benefits would be almost 
nonexistent.“A few more people in and a
 few more out really doesn’t get us big gains. We can’t close a housing 
unit,” Bowman said. “These 80 individuals will be both genders and the 
various security levels in our facility, so they just come out of units 
in the eight prisons as one and two here and there that really don’t 
materially get a lot of money for us.”Still, Bowman said there would be marginal cost savings and push Kansas in the right direction on criminal justice reform.A second bill would alter 
the sentencing grid for drug crimes, expanding the number of presumptive
 probation and border categories — crimes that usually result in prison 
time but can be reduced to probation at the discretion of the judge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613054212321.jpeg" alt="Kendall Seal, director of advocacy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, noted the racial equity benefits of altering the sentencing grid to increase access to the state’s probation system. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kendall Seal, director of advocacy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, noted the racial equity benefits of altering the sentencing grid to increase access to the state’s probation system. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Schultz described this 
bill as a peanut butter cup with two good things wrapped into one. He 
said primarily this bill brings Kansas in line with the practices of 
many judges across the state already departing from the border 
recommendation of prison.It would also allow for 
more offenders to be assigned mandatory drug treatment and give more 
leeway to judges to assign discretionary treatment.Kendall Seal, director of 
advocacy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, added the 
bill would aid in creating a more just and equitable criminal legal 
system.In Kansas, Black people represent 5.6% of the state’s population but account for 18.9% of the drug arrests.“Undoubtedly, allowing 
people to be on probation and be productive members of society is more 
humane and fiscally responsible compared to imprisonment, which has 
devastating collateral consequences,” Seal said. “This bill will help 
reduce the prison population and address some sentencing proportionality
 issues.”Greg Smith, a former state
 senator who works on policy issues for the Johnson County Sheriff’s 
Department, poured cold water on the idea. He questioned why if this was
 already common practice for most judges in the state is it necessary to
 alter the sentencing grid.“If this already reflects 
what is going on in the state, it’s going to go even lower with plea 
bargains. That’s part of the system. That’s how the system works,” Smith
 said. “So the question is, what are we really doing this for?”

Effort would dial back punishment in Kan. for low-level drug crimes 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —FBI Special Agents and members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force arrested five individuals Thursday on federal charges related to the violence on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, according to a media release from the FBI.&nbsp; All five have been linked to a Kansas City metro chapter of the Proud Boys.

William Norman Chrestman, of Olathe, Kansas was arrested on federal charges of Conspiracy, Civil Disorder, Obstruction of an Official Proceeding, Threatening to assault a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds.&nbsp;

Christopher Charles Kuehn, 48, of Olathe, Kansas was arrested on federal charges of Conspiracy, Civil Disorder, Obstruction of an Official Proceeding, Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority, and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds.&nbsp;

Louis Enrique Colon, of Blue Springs, MO was arrested on federal charges of Conspiracy, Civil Disorder, Obstruction of an Official Proceeding, Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds.

&nbsp;Also arrested in Arizona Felicia and Cory Konold who prosecutors linked to the Kansas City chapter of the Proud Boys.&nbsp;All&nbsp; were taken into custody without incident, according to the FBI.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —FBI Special Agents and members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force arrested five individuals Thursday on federal charges related to the violence on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, according to a media release from the FBI.&nbsp; All five have been linked to a Kansas City metro chapter of the Proud Boys.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613070062571.png" alt="Chrestman is being held in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Chrestman is being held in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>William Norman Chrestman, of Olathe, Kansas was arrested on federal charges of Conspiracy, Civil Disorder, Obstruction of an Official Proceeding, Threatening to assault a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613070020356.png" alt="Kuehn is being held in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Kuehn is being held in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Christopher Charles Kuehn, 48, of Olathe, Kansas was arrested on federal charges of Conspiracy, Civil Disorder, Obstruction of an Official Proceeding, Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority, and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds.&nbsp;Louis Enrique Colon, of Blue Springs, MO was arrested on federal charges of Conspiracy, Civil Disorder, Obstruction of an Official Proceeding, Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds.&nbsp;Also arrested in Arizona Felicia and Cory Konold who prosecutors linked to the Kansas City chapter of the Proud Boys.&nbsp;All&nbsp; were taken into custody without incident, according to the FBI.

FBI: 2 Kan. men accused of violence at U.S. Capitol

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects following an investigation into the distribution of meth in Great Bend.

Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, sheriff’s deputies and detectives executed a search warrant at 2320 24th St. in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

The warrant was part of the ongoing investigation and the Sheriff’s Office was looking for a wanted person, José Saul Torres Jr. as well as controlled substances. 

Deputies made entry in the residence without resistance and located Torres. During the course the investigation detectives also located methamphetamine, a firearm and drug paraphernalia.

Deputies José Torres Jr., 39 of Great Bend without incident and booked him on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, criminal use of a firearm as well as the Barton County District Court warrant for violation of probation. 

The bond on the drug charges is in excess of $100,000, he is being held without bond on the probation violation warrant.

The also arrested Calli Lundquist, 26 of Great Bend on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and criminal possession of a firearm. The bond on those charges is $10,000. There was also an outstanding Barton County District Court warrant for Lundquist for contempt of court. She is also being held without bond on the District Court warrant, according to Bellendir.

&nbsp;The Sheriff’s office was assisted by a K9 unit from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613065282620.png" alt="Law enforcement authorities during the investigation on Wednesday -photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement authorities during the investigation on Wednesday -photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects following an investigation into the distribution of meth in Great Bend.Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, sheriff’s deputies and detectives executed a search warrant at 2320 24th St. in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The warrant was part of the ongoing investigation and the Sheriff’s Office was looking for a wanted person, José Saul Torres Jr. as well as controlled substances. Deputies made entry in the residence without resistance and located Torres. During the course the investigation detectives also located methamphetamine, a firearm and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613065337266.png" alt="Torres photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Torres photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies José Torres Jr., 39 of Great Bend without incident and booked him on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, criminal use of a firearm as well as the Barton County District Court warrant for violation of probation. The bond on the drug charges is in excess of $100,000, he is being held without bond on the probation violation warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613065262418.png" alt="Lundquist photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Lundquist photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The also arrested Calli Lundquist, 26 of Great Bend on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and criminal possession of a firearm. The bond on those charges is $10,000. There was also an outstanding Barton County District Court warrant for Lundquist for contempt of court. She is also being held without bond on the District Court warrant, according to Bellendir.&nbsp;The Sheriff’s office was assisted by a K9 unit from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff: Deputies catch wanted Kansas drug suspect

PARKVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Two men have been fatally shot in northwest Missouri by another man in a dispute over firewood, police there said.

Police in Parkville, ten miles north of Kansas City, said the deadly confrontation happened between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday after two men in a truck hauling a trailer of firewood met with another man at a Platte County home to sell the firewood. There was a dispute, and the men with the firewood left, Police Chief Kevin Chrisman said.

Police believe the other man then followed the truck and fired shots at both men inside, hitting them. The driver of the truck died at the scene, while the passenger was taken to a hospital, where he later died, Chrisman said.

The suspected shooter drove back to his home and called police to report the shooting, and he was later arrested, Chrisman said. Police have not released the names of the men killed or the suspect.

The Kansas City Police Department helped collect evidence at the crime scene, which was “in the middle of the road” on Highway 9 between Park University and Coffey Road, Chrisman said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613058596707.png" alt="Police near the scene of the investigation Wednesday night photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the investigation Wednesday night photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>PARKVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Two men have been fatally shot in northwest Missouri by another man in a dispute over firewood, police there said.Police in Parkville, ten miles north of Kansas City, said the deadly confrontation happened between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday after two men in a truck hauling a trailer of firewood met with another man at a Platte County home to sell the firewood. There was a dispute, and the men with the firewood left, Police Chief Kevin Chrisman said.Police believe the other man then followed the truck and fired shots at both men inside, hitting them. The driver of the truck died at the scene, while the passenger was taken to a hospital, where he later died, Chrisman said.The suspected shooter drove back to his home and called police to report the shooting, and he was later arrested, Chrisman said. Police have not released the names of the men killed or the suspect.The Kansas City Police Department helped collect evidence at the crime scene, which was “in the middle of the road” on Highway 9 between Park University and Coffey Road, Chrisman said.

Police: 2 fatally shot in spat over firewood near Kansas City

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas man after&nbsp;a high-speed pursuit Wednesday in Saline County.

Just before 4p.m. Wednesday, police observed a 1996 Buick Regal traveling south in the 1800 block of North Ninth Street in Salina. When officers ran the temporary tag, they learned the vehicle was reported stolen out of Lawrence, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester&nbsp;

As officers attempted to stop the car near the intersection of North Ninth Street and Stimmel Road, the driver later identified as 50-year-old Anthony Richardon accelerated and traveled east on Stimmel Road and south on North Fifth Street, at times reaching speeds of approximately 70 mph. The car also passed a school bus with its stop sign out in the 1000 block of North Fifth Street, according to Forrester.

The pursuit continued through north Salina neighborhoods and eventually ended up on North Ohio Street northbound from Pacific Avenue, with speeds reaching approximately 90 mph on North Ohio Street. 

The car then went west on Interstate 70, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph. The Buick then went south on Interstate 135 to the West Crawford Street exit, where it spun around facing northbound on the south bound off-ramp. The car then turned around and traveled east on West Crawford Street and then north on Beverly Drive.

According to Forrester, the car came to a stop in the 600 block of Rocket Avenue and the Richardson fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, police took him into custody.

Richardson, who had a suspended driver's license and an active Kansas Department of Corrections absconder warrant, was arrested on multiple requested charges, including felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property, felony interference with law enforcement, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and numerous other traffic offenses, according to Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613055026660.jpeg" alt="Richardson has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, making false writing, intimidation of a witness, forgery, aggravated burglary criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Richardson has previous convictions for theft, aggravated battery, making false writing, intimidation of a witness, forgery, aggravated burglary criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas man after&nbsp;a high-speed pursuit Wednesday in Saline County.Just before 4p.m. Wednesday, police observed a 1996 Buick Regal traveling south in the 1800 block of North Ninth Street in Salina. When officers ran the temporary tag, they learned the vehicle was reported stolen out of Lawrence, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester&nbsp;As officers attempted to stop the car near the intersection of North Ninth Street and Stimmel Road, the driver later identified as 50-year-old Anthony Richardon accelerated and traveled east on Stimmel Road and south on North Fifth Street, at times reaching speeds of approximately 70 mph. The car also passed a school bus with its stop sign out in the 1000 block of North Fifth Street, according to Forrester.The pursuit continued through north Salina neighborhoods and eventually ended up on North Ohio Street northbound from Pacific Avenue, with speeds reaching approximately 90 mph on North Ohio Street. The car then went west on Interstate 70, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph. The Buick then went south on Interstate 135 to the West Crawford Street exit, where it spun around facing northbound on the south bound off-ramp. The car then turned around and traveled east on West Crawford Street and then north on Beverly Drive.According to Forrester, the car came to a stop in the 600 block of Rocket Avenue and the Richardson fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, police took him into custody.Richardson, who had a suspended driver's license and an active Kansas Department of Corrections absconder warrant, was arrested on multiple requested charges, including felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property, felony interference with law enforcement, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and numerous other traffic offenses, according to Forrester.

Wanted Kansas man captured after 100mph chase

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The body of a Kansas City man who was reported missing last month was found the same day 112 miles away in Kansas, authorities said Wednesday.

Authorities identified the victim as 33-year-old Derrick A. Yule.

Yule had been reported missing from an apartment in Kansas City, said Sgt. Jacob Becchina, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department. His body was found in the backyard of a home in Arcadia, Kansas.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a news release deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office in Kansas received a tip on Jan. 13 that a body could be found in the home. Deputies discovered Yule’s body in the backyard after a 37-year-old man at the home reportedly gave them permission to look around. He fled and was arrested a few days later.

Nicholas Adam Carrillo was arrested for criminal desecration of a body, possession of opiates, opium, narcotic drugs or certain stimulants, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement, according to KBI.

Police are expected to present the case file to prosecutors this week for consideration of charges in Yule’s death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611093365128.png" alt="Carrillo-photo Crawford Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Carrillo-photo Crawford Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The body of a Kansas City man who was reported missing last month was found the same day 112 miles away in Kansas, authorities said Wednesday.Authorities identified the victim as 33-year-old Derrick A. Yule.Yule had been reported missing from an apartment in Kansas City, said Sgt. Jacob Becchina, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department. His body was found in the backyard of a home in Arcadia, Kansas.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a news release deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office in Kansas received a tip on Jan. 13 that a body could be found in the home. Deputies discovered Yule’s body in the backyard after a 37-year-old man at the home reportedly gave them permission to look around. He fled and was arrested a few days later.Nicholas Adam Carrillo was arrested for criminal desecration of a body, possession of opiates, opium, narcotic drugs or certain stimulants, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement, according to KBI.Police are expected to present the case file to prosecutors this week for consideration of charges in Yule’s death.

Body of missing Missouri man found in Kansas backyard

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect accused in the death of a Kansas teen and her boyfriend made his first appearance court Tuesday.&nbsp;

Dontenize Kelly, 22 of Wichita, was charged with two counts of 1st&nbsp;degree murder.&nbsp;

On February 3, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on February 2.

As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident late Friday, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. On Saturday, police said they had not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive for the murders as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;

Kelly is being held on a bond of $1,000,000, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp; His next court appearance is scheduled for March 1.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp;authorities investigating the murder of two Kansas teens have arrested of&nbsp;22-year-old Dontenize Kelly of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey.

On Tuesday, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.

As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident Friday evening.

Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. Police have not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;

Kelly is being held <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20045382">on requested charges</a> of capital murder and a probation violation, according to Ramsey. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon and for attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612635307589.png" alt="Kelly-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Kelly-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect accused in the death of a Kansas teen and her boyfriend made his first appearance court Tuesday.&nbsp;Dontenize Kelly, 22 of Wichita, was charged with two counts of 1st&nbsp;degree murder.&nbsp;On February 3, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on February 2.As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident late Friday, according to officer Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612284535821.png" alt="Officer Charley Davidson reported police found her SUV early Thursday, February 4." />
 <figcaption>Officer Charley Davidson reported police found her SUV early Thursday, February 4.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. On Saturday, police said they had not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive for the murders as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;Kelly is being held on a bond of $1,000,000, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp; His next court appearance is scheduled for March 1.--------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp;authorities investigating the murder of two Kansas teens have arrested of&nbsp;22-year-old Dontenize Kelly of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey.On Tuesday, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident Friday evening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612284535821.png" alt="Officer Charley Davidson reported police found her SUV early Thursday." />
 <figcaption>Officer Charley Davidson reported police found her SUV early Thursday.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. Police have not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;Kelly is being held <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20045382">on requested charges</a> of capital murder and a probation violation, according to Ramsey. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon and for attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.--------

Suspect charged in murder of Kan. woman, her boyfriend

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating a massive counterfeit N95 mask operation in which fake 3M masks were sold in at least five states to hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies. The foreign-made knockoffs are becoming increasingly difficult to spot and could put health care workers at grave risk for the coronavirus.

These masks are giving first responders “a false sense of security,” said Steve Francis, assistant director for global trade investigations with the Homeland Security Department’s principal investigative arm. He added, “We’ve seen a lot of fraud and other illegal activity.”

Officials could not name the states or the company involved because of the active investigation.

Nearly a year into the pandemic, fraud remains a major problem as scammers seek to exploit hospitals and desperate and weary Americans. Federal investigators say they have seen an increase in phony websites purporting to sell vaccines as well as fake medicine produced overseas and scams involving personal protective equipment. The schemes deliver phony products, unlike fraud earlier in the pandemic that focused more on fleecing customers.

3M, based in Maplewood, Minnesota, is among the largest global producers of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Health-Care-Particulate-Respirator-and-Surgical-Mask-1860-N95-120-EA-Case/?N=5002385+3294795990&amp;preselect=3293786499&amp;rt=rud" target="_blank">N95 mask</a>, which has been approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and is considered the gold standard in protection against the coronavirus. The company delivered some 2 billion N95 masks in 2020 as the pandemic soared, but in earlier months of the pandemic, when masks were in short supply, fraudsters starting popped up.

“They’re not coming from authorized distributors,” said Kevin Rhodes, 3M’s vice president and deputy general counsel. “They’re coming from companies really just coming into existence.”

Rhodes encouraged medical facilities and even workers to look on the company’s website for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/worker-health-safety-us/covid19/covid-fraud/" target="_blank">tips on how to spot fakes</a>, namely through packaging or faulty trademarks.

“These products are not tested to see if they make the N95 standards,” he said “They’re not interested in testing them. They’re interested in making as many as they can as cheaply as possible.”

During the pandemic, Homeland Security Investigations has used its 7,000 agents in tandem with border officials, the Food and Drug Administration and the FBI to investigate scams, seize phony products and arrest hundreds of people to help stop fraud. The effort is based at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/about" target="_blank">National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center</a>, a government watchdog aimed at enforcing international trade laws and combating intellectual property theft.

There have been already more than 1,250 raids by law enforcement that resulted in the seizure of 10 million counterfeit 3M masks alone.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f6f7ca233d85ef59cc89396b1e0779ba">The company has filed more than a dozen lawsuits</a>&nbsp;over reports of fraud, counterfeiting and price gouging.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/850d9e6834fc71967af6d3dda65ad874">There are many other reports of fraudulent masks that have reached frontline workers.</a>

In the latest matter, Homeland Security investigators sent an email warning of potential fraud to certain states. The email, viewed by The Associated Press, said 3M N95 mask models 1860 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Health-Care-Particulate-Respirator-and-Surgical-Mask-1860S-Small-N95-120-EA-Case/?N=5002385+3294795977&amp;preselect=3293786499&amp;rt=rud" target="_blank">1860S</a>&nbsp;may have been provided by a company called Q2 Solutions and the masks may be fraudulent. The masks have a seal that says “Peru,” which is not used outside of Latin America. The company is based in Miami and has offices around the U.S. and globally. It did not respond to requests for comment.

Officials in Washington state examined their mask supply, which had come from a different company, and discovered that 300,000 masks they had purchased for about $1.4 million were counterfeit. Officials are investigating.

Beth Zborowski of the Washington State Hospital Association said the fraud has the potential to affect 1.9 million masks but they are mostly in stockpile now rather than general circulation.

She said the mask supplier had been vetted and the masks “passed all the physical and visual inspection test.” Zborowski said that for a time, the association could not get the masks directly from 3M, but the company now is expediting its order after learning of the fraud.

Health care workers “have plenty of anxieties on a day-to-day basis. They don’t need to also worry about whether their masks are fake,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593789172033.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating a massive counterfeit N95 mask operation in which fake 3M masks were sold in at least five states to hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies. The foreign-made knockoffs are becoming increasingly difficult to spot and could put health care workers at grave risk for the coronavirus.These masks are giving first responders “a false sense of security,” said Steve Francis, assistant director for global trade investigations with the Homeland Security Department’s principal investigative arm. He added, “We’ve seen a lot of fraud and other illegal activity.”Officials could not name the states or the company involved because of the active investigation.Nearly a year into the pandemic, fraud remains a major problem as scammers seek to exploit hospitals and desperate and weary Americans. Federal investigators say they have seen an increase in phony websites purporting to sell vaccines as well as fake medicine produced overseas and scams involving personal protective equipment. The schemes deliver phony products, unlike fraud earlier in the pandemic that focused more on fleecing customers.3M, based in Maplewood, Minnesota, is among the largest global producers of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Health-Care-Particulate-Respirator-and-Surgical-Mask-1860-N95-120-EA-Case/?N=5002385+3294795990&amp;preselect=3293786499&amp;rt=rud" target="_blank">N95 mask</a>, which has been approved by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and is considered the gold standard in protection against the coronavirus. The company delivered some 2 billion N95 masks in 2020 as the pandemic soared, but in earlier months of the pandemic, when masks were in short supply, fraudsters starting popped up.“They’re not coming from authorized distributors,” said Kevin Rhodes, 3M’s vice president and deputy general counsel. “They’re coming from companies really just coming into existence.”Rhodes encouraged medical facilities and even workers to look on the company’s website for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/worker-health-safety-us/covid19/covid-fraud/" target="_blank">tips on how to spot fakes</a>, namely through packaging or faulty trademarks.“These products are not tested to see if they make the N95 standards,” he said “They’re not interested in testing them. They’re interested in making as many as they can as cheaply as possible.”During the pandemic, Homeland Security Investigations has used its 7,000 agents in tandem with border officials, the Food and Drug Administration and the FBI to investigate scams, seize phony products and arrest hundreds of people to help stop fraud. The effort is based at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/about" target="_blank">National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center</a>, a government watchdog aimed at enforcing international trade laws and combating intellectual property theft.There have been already more than 1,250 raids by law enforcement that resulted in the seizure of 10 million counterfeit 3M masks alone.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f6f7ca233d85ef59cc89396b1e0779ba">The company has filed more than a dozen lawsuits</a>&nbsp;over reports of fraud, counterfeiting and price gouging.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/850d9e6834fc71967af6d3dda65ad874">There are many other reports of fraudulent masks that have reached frontline workers.</a>In the latest matter, Homeland Security investigators sent an email warning of potential fraud to certain states. The email, viewed by The Associated Press, said 3M N95 mask models 1860 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Health-Care-Particulate-Respirator-and-Surgical-Mask-1860S-Small-N95-120-EA-Case/?N=5002385+3294795977&amp;preselect=3293786499&amp;rt=rud" target="_blank">1860S</a>&nbsp;may have been provided by a company called Q2 Solutions and the masks may be fraudulent. The masks have a seal that says “Peru,” which is not used outside of Latin America. The company is based in Miami and has offices around the U.S. and globally. It did not respond to requests for comment.Officials in Washington state examined their mask supply, which had come from a different company, and discovered that 300,000 masks they had purchased for about $1.4 million were counterfeit. Officials are investigating.Beth Zborowski of the Washington State Hospital Association said the fraud has the potential to affect 1.9 million masks but they are mostly in stockpile now rather than general circulation.She said the mask supplier had been vetted and the masks “passed all the physical and visual inspection test.” Zborowski said that for a time, the association could not get the masks directly from 3M, but the company now is expediting its order after learning of the fraud.Health care workers “have plenty of anxieties on a day-to-day basis. They don’t need to also worry about whether their masks are fake,” she said.

Government investigating massive counterfeit N95 mask scam

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a sexual assault and have made an arrest.

On August 8, officers filed a report for rape in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A&nbsp; 22-year-old woman reported a 26-year-old man known to her was the suspect. 

On Tuesday afternoon, police arrested Dylan Fain, 26, of Junction City in connection with the crime. Fain was issued a total bond of $50,000.00 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

Police released no additional details on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612970249954.png" alt="Fain from an earlier arrest in Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Fain from an earlier arrest in Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a sexual assault and have made an arrest.On August 8, officers filed a report for rape in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A&nbsp; 22-year-old woman reported a 26-year-old man known to her was the suspect. On Tuesday afternoon, police arrested Dylan Fain, 26, of Junction City in connection with the crime. Fain was issued a total bond of $50,000.00 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.Police released no additional details on Wednesday.

Junction City man arrested for alleged August rape

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man who allegedly killed a Kansas teenager by dragging her several miles as he tried to steal the SUV she was in has been charged with first-degree murder.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=294355">Kevin Michael James Palmer, 34, of Wichita</a>, was also charged Tuesday with felony stealing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2021/02/09/american-airlines-plane-makes-emergency-landing-in-springfield-mo/">Brianna Ibarra</a>, 13, was sitting in a running SUV Saturday waiting for her family to pick up food when Palmer jumped in and drove away, according to officer Charley Davidson.

She became tangled in a seat belt when she tried to escape as the vehicle was moving and was dragged several miles.

Police arrested Palmer after he tried to run away from the vehicle.&nbsp; First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

Palmer is being<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=294355"> held on a $500,000 bond </a>and is scheduled for another hearing on February 18, according to the district attorney.

Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said&nbsp; the girl's death is "one of the saddest cases I have been associated with in my over 28-years of law enforcement."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612732717380.png" alt="Palmer has nearly a dozen previous felony convictions that include theft, burglary, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, driving while suspended and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Palmer has nearly a dozen previous felony convictions that include theft, burglary, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, driving while suspended and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Sedgwick County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man who allegedly killed a Kansas teenager by dragging her several miles as he tried to steal the SUV she was in has been charged with first-degree murder.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=294355">Kevin Michael James Palmer, 34, of Wichita</a>, was also charged Tuesday with felony stealing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2021/02/09/american-airlines-plane-makes-emergency-landing-in-springfield-mo/">Brianna Ibarra</a>, 13, was sitting in a running SUV Saturday waiting for her family to pick up food when Palmer jumped in and drove away, according to officer Charley Davidson.She became tangled in a seat belt when she tried to escape as the vehicle was moving and was dragged several miles.Police arrested Palmer after he tried to run away from the vehicle.&nbsp; First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.Palmer is being<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=294355"> held on a $500,000 bond </a>and is scheduled for another hearing on February 18, according to the district attorney.Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said&nbsp; the girl's death is "one of the saddest cases I have been associated with in my over 28-years of law enforcement."

Man charged in death of Kan. girl dragged by stolen SUV

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

On February 8, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a search warrant in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Officers found 45-year-old Chad D. Askins and 39-year-old Sari A. Fields both of Topeka located inside the home. They also located and seized multiple firearms, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were seized. 

Askins, a convicted felon, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to Christian.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, SWAT Team, Crime Scene Unit, Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Rossville Police Department were the members of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force involved with this investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612956879586.png" alt="Askins has previous convictions for drugs for or more for DUI and&nbsp; had been out of prison since June of 2019, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. " />
 <figcaption>Askins has previous convictions for drugs for or more for DUI and&nbsp; had been out of prison since June of 2019, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. </figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an arrest.On February 8, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a search warrant in the 3500 block of SW Kerry Avenue in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Officers found 45-year-old Chad D. Askins and 39-year-old Sari A. Fields both of Topeka located inside the home. They also located and seized multiple firearms, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were seized. Askins, a convicted felon, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to Christian.The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, SWAT Team, Crime Scene Unit, Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Rossville Police Department were the members of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force involved with this investigation.

Swat team helps seize multiple firearms, arrest Kansas man

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed outside linebackers coach Britt Reid on administrative leave while an investigation continues into a crash that injured two children. 

The team has said Reid, who is head coach Andy Reid's son, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash last Thursday that injured two young children near the team’s training complex next to Arrowhead Stadium. 

A 5-year-old girl, identified by the Chiefs as Ariel Young, remained in critical condition on Tuesday. The Chiefs said the team has contacted the girl's family and is offering support and resources to them. Andy Reid said this week that Britt underwent surgery after the crash.&nbsp;

Friends have established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/5-year-old-ariel-medical-expenses">GoFundMe</a> page to raise funds to pay the medical expenses for Ariel.

Andy Reid said Sunday night that his “heart bleeds” for those injured in the crash involving his son.

The crash occurred&nbsp; two days before the Chiefs were due to leave for the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida. A vehicle had run out of gas on a highway entrance ramp and another vehicle had parked nearby to assist when the younger Reid’s pickup truck struck the left front of the first car before hitting the rear of the second car.

Britt Reid told police he had “two or three drinks” and had a prescription for Adderall when the accident occurred, according to a search warrant filed late Thursday night.&nbsp;

Britt Reid has been in legal trouble several times.

He was arrested in January 2007 in Pennsylvania a road-rage incident in which he pointed a gun at another driver, and he was sentenced to up to 23 months in jail and five years of probation after pleading guilty to charges of carrying an unlicensed firearm, simple assault, possession of a controlled substance and possession of an instrument of crime.

Seven months later, Reid was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to up to six months in jail.

Reid appeared to get his life on track, beginning his coaching career as an intern for his father with the Eagles in 2009. He spent the next two years as a graduate assistant at Temple, his alma mater, before joining the staff in Kansas City.

After two seasons as a defensive quality control coach, Reid was promoted to assistant defensive line coach. He then spent three seasons as the defensive line coach before shifting to outside linebackers for the past two seasons.

His father refused to say the traffic accident near Arrowhead Stadium last week had anything to do with the outcome of the Super Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612570726901.png" alt="Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Britt Reid photo courtesy KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed outside linebackers coach Britt Reid on administrative leave while an investigation continues into a crash that injured two children. The team has said Reid, who is head coach Andy Reid's son, was involved in a multi-vehicle crash last Thursday that injured two young children near the team’s training complex next to Arrowhead Stadium. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612784011749.png" alt="Ariel Young photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ariel Young photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>A 5-year-old girl, identified by the Chiefs as Ariel Young, remained in critical condition on Tuesday. The Chiefs said the team has contacted the girl's family and is offering support and resources to them. Andy Reid said this week that Britt underwent surgery after the crash.&nbsp;Friends have established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/5-year-old-ariel-medical-expenses">GoFundMe</a> page to raise funds to pay the medical expenses for Ariel. Andy Reid said Sunday night that his “heart bleeds” for those injured in the crash involving his son.The crash occurred&nbsp; two days before the Chiefs were due to leave for the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida. A vehicle had run out of gas on a highway entrance ramp and another vehicle had parked nearby to assist when the younger Reid’s pickup truck struck the left front of the first car before hitting the rear of the second car.Britt Reid told police he had “two or three drinks” and had a prescription for Adderall when the accident occurred, according to a search warrant filed late Thursday night.&nbsp;Britt Reid has been in legal trouble several times.He was arrested in January 2007 in Pennsylvania a road-rage incident in which he pointed a gun at another driver, and he was sentenced to up to 23 months in jail and five years of probation after pleading guilty to charges of carrying an unlicensed firearm, simple assault, possession of a controlled substance and possession of an instrument of crime.Seven months later, Reid was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to up to six months in jail.Reid appeared to get his life on track, beginning his coaching career as an intern for his father with the Eagles in 2009. He spent the next two years as a graduate assistant at Temple, his alma mater, before joining the staff in Kansas City.After two seasons as a defensive quality control coach, Reid was promoted to assistant defensive line coach. He then spent three seasons as the defensive line coach before shifting to outside linebackers for the past two seasons.His father refused to say the traffic accident near Arrowhead Stadium last week had anything to do with the outcome of the Super Bowl.

Chiefs assistant Britt Reid placed on leave; child in critical condition

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home burglary and have suspects in custody.

Just before 3a.m. February 6, police responded to the 400 block of East Plaza Avenue for an aggravated burglary and battery that had just occurred, according to a media release.

When officers arrived, all suspects had fled the scene. Police learned that that four juvenile boys and one juvenile girl ages 13-15 entered the victim's home without consent and stole items from the residence while the homeowner slept. 

The homeowner awoke and confronted one of the boys. However, the boy struck the homeowner and, after a short struggle, was able to get away. 

Through investigation, police were able to identify and locate all five suspects and place them under arrest. 

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home burglary and have suspects in custody.Just before 3a.m. February 6, police responded to the 400 block of East Plaza Avenue for an aggravated burglary and battery that had just occurred, according to a media release.When officers arrived, all suspects had fled the scene. Police learned that that four juvenile boys and one juvenile girl ages 13-15 entered the victim's home without consent and stole items from the residence while the homeowner slept. The homeowner awoke and confronted one of the boys. However, the boy struck the homeowner and, after a short struggle, was able to get away. Through investigation, police were able to identify and locate all five suspects and place them under arrest. &nbsp;All are being held in the Southwest Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Garden City on requested charges that of Aggravated burglary, theft, and battery.