WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a Sunday homicide in Kansas City, Kansas have identified the victim who died as 19-year-old&nbsp;Jesse Marquez of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a statement from police.

Just before 7:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 2700 Block of S. 8th Terrace in Kansas City, Kansas.

First responders discovered&nbsp; Marquez outside a residence, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle prior to officers arrival. This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp; Police have not released details on an arrest.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a Sunday homicide in Kansas City, Kansas have identified the victim who died as 19-year-old&nbsp;Jesse Marquez of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a statement from police.Just before 7:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 2700 Block of S. 8th Terrace in Kansas City, Kansas.First responders discovered&nbsp; Marquez outside a residence, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle prior to officers arrival. This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp; Police have not released details on an arrest.

Police: Kansas teen identified as homicide victim

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.

The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.

But the verdict cleared him of charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.

After they read the verdict, Combs held his hands up in a prayer motion, looking at jury and hugged his defense lawyer Teny Geragos.

Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act.

But the jury of eight men and four women acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, related to allegations that he used his money, power and frightening physical force to manipulate his girlfriends into hundreds of drug-fueled sex marathons with the men.

Combs and his defense team argued that the women were willing participants and that none of his violence justified the severity of the charges.

After the verdict was read, Combs continued to pump his right fist subtly, seemingly satisfied that he was acquitted on the most serious charges.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian was weighing whether to grant Combs bail in the wake of the verdict. He adjourned the court while he considers whether to free Combs on bail.

Combs, 55, has been behind bars since his arrest in September. His lawyers argued that the acquittal on the most serious counts changed the legal landscape enough that he should get bail.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sean-diddy-combs">Combs</a>&nbsp;seemed buoyant arriving in the courtroom earlier Wednesday morning, a contrast to his mood a day earlier after he learned that the jury at his sex trafficking trial had reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-trial-jury-deliberations-25c62300cae33ca9f18aee28788449b5">yet-to-be-disclosed verdict</a>&nbsp;on all but one of the five charges.

Combs smiled and clasped his hands together in the air toward his family and supporters before hugging several of his lawyers and sitting down to await the outcome of the jury's third day of deliberations.

On Tuesday, Subramanian ordered the jury to continue its closed-door discussions for a third day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-trial-jury-jurors-81dec675f8c17599dfafa0829517470a">the panel of eight men and four women</a>&nbsp;said it was unable to reach consensus on the top count: racketeering conspiracy.

The judge agreed with prosecutors and Combs’ defense team that less than 13 hours of deliberations was too soon to give up on reaching a verdict on all counts.

In a note to the court late Tuesday, the jury said “unpersuadable opinions on both sides” among some jurors had prevented the group from reaching a unanimous verdict on the racketeering conspiracy charge.

The disclosure of Tuesday's jury note about the partial verdict had seemed to put defense attorneys and their client in a dour mood even before it was read in open court by the judge.

Eight defense lawyers formed a half-circle behind Combs as the smiles and lighthearted mood that accompanied the arrival of other jury notes over two days seemed absent as the attorneys contemplated the possibility that jurors had reached agreement on counts that carry the heaviest sentencing penalties.

Combs appeared morose as his lawyers spoke with him. At one point,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-timeline-f9c343652872f787a73069d50a821611">the hip-hop mogul</a>&nbsp;solemnly read a piece of paper that attorney Marc Agnifilo handed to him.

After the jury came in for instructions and then exited the room, a subdued Combs sat in his chair for a few minutes. As he stood to leave, he faced his relatives and supporters in the audience, blew a kiss and tapped his heart, as he frequently has done at the start and end of each day.

Then he paused before his mother and exchanged a few words, telling her, “Love you” and “I’ll be all right.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751300290551.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.But the verdict cleared him of charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.After they read the verdict, Combs held his hands up in a prayer motion, looking at jury and hugged his defense lawyer Teny Geragos.Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act.But the jury of eight men and four women acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, related to allegations that he used his money, power and frightening physical force to manipulate his girlfriends into hundreds of drug-fueled sex marathons with the men.Combs and his defense team argued that the women were willing participants and that none of his violence justified the severity of the charges.After the verdict was read, Combs continued to pump his right fist subtly, seemingly satisfied that he was acquitted on the most serious charges.U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian was weighing whether to grant Combs bail in the wake of the verdict. He adjourned the court while he considers whether to free Combs on bail.Combs, 55, has been behind bars since his arrest in September. His lawyers argued that the acquittal on the most serious counts changed the legal landscape enough that he should get bail.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sean-diddy-combs">Combs</a>&nbsp;seemed buoyant arriving in the courtroom earlier Wednesday morning, a contrast to his mood a day earlier after he learned that the jury at his sex trafficking trial had reached a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sean-combs-diddy-trial-jury-deliberations-25c62300cae33ca9f18aee28788449b5">yet-to-be-disclosed verdict</a>&nbsp;on all but one of the five charges.Combs smiled and clasped his hands together in the air toward his family and supporters before hugging several of his lawyers and sitting down to await the outcome of the jury's third day of deliberations.On Tuesday, Subramanian ordered the jury to continue its closed-door discussions for a third day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-trial-jury-jurors-81dec675f8c17599dfafa0829517470a">the panel of eight men and four women</a>&nbsp;said it was unable to reach consensus on the top count: racketeering conspiracy.The judge agreed with prosecutors and Combs’ defense team that less than 13 hours of deliberations was too soon to give up on reaching a verdict on all counts.In a note to the court late Tuesday, the jury said “unpersuadable opinions on both sides” among some jurors had prevented the group from reaching a unanimous verdict on the racketeering conspiracy charge.The disclosure of Tuesday's jury note about the partial verdict had seemed to put defense attorneys and their client in a dour mood even before it was read in open court by the judge.Eight defense lawyers formed a half-circle behind Combs as the smiles and lighthearted mood that accompanied the arrival of other jury notes over two days seemed absent as the attorneys contemplated the possibility that jurors had reached agreement on counts that carry the heaviest sentencing penalties.Combs appeared morose as his lawyers spoke with him. At one point,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diddy-sean-combs-timeline-f9c343652872f787a73069d50a821611">the hip-hop mogul</a>&nbsp;solemnly read a piece of paper that attorney Marc Agnifilo handed to him.After the jury came in for instructions and then exited the room, a subdued Combs sat in his chair for a few minutes. As he stood to leave, he faced his relatives and supporters in the audience, blew a kiss and tapped his heart, as he frequently has done at the start and end of each day.Then he paused before his mother and exchanged a few words, telling her, “Love you” and “I’ll be all right.”Marshals then led him from the room.

Split verdict: Sean “Diddy” Combs not guilty on most serious charges

KANSAS CITY—A man wounded in a shooting last month has died.

Just before 3:30a.m. June 15, officers were dispatched to Truman and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; First responders located a victim, later identified as 24-year-old Jalin Brewer, inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. 

EMS transported Brewer to an area hospital for treatment&nbsp;&nbsp;Detectives were notified on Tuesday he died as a result of his injuries. Preliminary investigation indicated this was a result of an argument that led to gunfire. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

KANSAS CITY—A man wounded in a shooting last month has died.Just before 3:30a.m. June 15, officers were dispatched to Truman and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; First responders located a victim, later identified as 24-year-old Jalin Brewer, inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. EMS transported Brewer to an area hospital for treatment&nbsp;&nbsp;Detectives were notified on Tuesday he died as a result of his injuries. Preliminary investigation indicated this was a result of an argument that led to gunfire. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Victim dies two-weeks after wounded in Kansas City shooting

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspects on multiple allegations

&nbsp;Just after&nbsp; 3:30 a.m. Monday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a person with a gun threatening people and a report of multiple gun shots at 18199 S. Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies responded to the location and while on scene discovered that a pickup at the residence was used in running down a man on a motorcycle causing injuries to the man. It was reported that the pickup also struck a second vehicle.

On Monday, Jackson County Sheriff Deputies and Detectives served a search warrant at the scene. Three juveniles that were found staying at the residence were placed into police protective custody.

Chellcie Lynn Sparks, 37, of Mayetta was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of attempted second degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal restraint, aggravated endangering a child, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no details on the condition of the motorcyclist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751399232739.png" alt="Sparks photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Sparks photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspects on multiple allegations&nbsp;Just after&nbsp; 3:30 a.m. Monday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a person with a gun threatening people and a report of multiple gun shots at 18199 S. Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies responded to the location and while on scene discovered that a pickup at the residence was used in running down a man on a motorcycle causing injuries to the man. It was reported that the pickup also struck a second vehicle.On Monday, Jackson County Sheriff Deputies and Detectives served a search warrant at the scene. Three juveniles that were found staying at the residence were placed into police protective custody.Chellcie Lynn Sparks, 37, of Mayetta was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of attempted second degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal restraint, aggravated endangering a child, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no details on the condition of the motorcyclist.

Kansas woman accused of running motorcyclist down with a pickup

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just before 3:30p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;June 24, a Sheriff’s Deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a white Ford Taurus in the 1700 block of SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A K-9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located.&nbsp;

Dee’Yana A. S. Scaggs, 20, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body

Stanley K. Lawton, 76, of Topeka, was also arrested and booked into the SNDOC for Topeka bench warrants. He has previous drug convictions and was in the Kansas prison system from 1984-2004, according the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751294324511.png" alt="Lawton photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lawton photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just before 3:30p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;June 24, a Sheriff’s Deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a white Ford Taurus in the 1700 block of SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A K-9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751294285377.png" alt="Scaggs photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Scaggs photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dee’Yana A. S. Scaggs, 20, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human bodyStanley K. Lawton, 76, of Topeka, was also arrested and booked into the SNDOC for Topeka bench warrants. He has previous drug convictions and was in the Kansas prison system from 1984-2004, according the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. couple with 56-year age difference caught with illegal drugs

TREGO COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on drug allegations in Trego County.

Trego County Sheriff's Deputies and WaKeeney Police executed a search warrant at a local residence, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office. 

Officers made 3 arrests and seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana, along with a multitude of drug paraphernalia. 

"The Trego County Sheriff’s Office and the WaKeeney Police Department are committed to keeping our community safe and keeping these dangerous drugs out."

These individuals have been charged with intent to distribute within 1000’ of a school, according to the sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751377936724.png" alt="Photo Trego County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Trego County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>TREGO COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on drug allegations in Trego County.Trego County Sheriff's Deputies and WaKeeney Police executed a search warrant at a local residence, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office. Officers made 3 arrests and seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana, along with a multitude of drug paraphernalia. "The Trego County Sheriff’s Office and the WaKeeney Police Department are committed to keeping our community safe and keeping these dangerous drugs out."These individuals have been charged with intent to distribute within 1000’ of a school, according to the sheriff's office.

Officers seized fentanyl, meth and made 3 arrests in NW Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement investigating a deadly weekend shooting in Wichita have made an arrest.&nbsp;

Just after 6p.m. on Monday police<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/inmatesearch/Details.aspx?Id=228061"> booked 27-year-old Elijah Fanning</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online booking records. Fanning is being held on requested charges of 2nd degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon and for an outstanding warrant, according to a media release from police.

The investigation began at 2:26 p.m. on&nbsp; Saturday, when officers responded to a shooting in the 2700 block of W. 2nd Street in Wichita.

First responders found a 26 year old Wichita man on the ground with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Detectives learned the shooting followed a disturbance between the victim and four other males. All four fled the area before officers arrived.

One person of interest remains outstanding. Investigators are actively working leads to locate the remaining suspect involved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751242881236.png" alt="Police at the scene Sunday-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene Sunday-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement investigating a deadly weekend shooting in Wichita have made an arrest.&nbsp;Just after 6p.m. on Monday police<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/inmatesearch/Details.aspx?Id=228061"> booked 27-year-old Elijah Fanning</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online booking records. Fanning is being held on requested charges of 2nd degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon and for an outstanding warrant, according to a media release from police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751366599042.png" alt="Fanning-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Fanning-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation began at 2:26 p.m. on&nbsp; Saturday, when officers responded to a shooting in the 2700 block of W. 2nd Street in Wichita.First responders found a 26 year old Wichita man on the ground with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Detectives learned the shooting followed a disturbance between the victim and four other males. All four fled the area before officers arrived.One person of interest remains outstanding. Investigators are actively working leads to locate the remaining suspect involved.

Police: Kan. suspect arrested for weekend homicide

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a violent altercation that injured two teenagers at a skate park in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;responded to report of a disturbance at 6401 NE Pleasant Valley Road in Kansas City, according to a statement from police.

First responders learned that a girl had been struck by a car, which fled the scene. They also learned that a teenager girl had arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound. The 15-year-old shooting victim told hospital staff she was shot at Pleasant Valley Skate Park, according to police.

The injured girl reported a verbal altercation broke out and people began pushing and hitting the vehicle she was in. The driver of the vehicle, who was listed as a victim of aggravated assault, began to drive away as the altercation continued.

Someone fired a gun as they drove off. The gunshots struck the car and the girl who was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver and other victim was a 16-year-old girl.&nbsp; Police have not reported a possible suspect or an arrest.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a violent altercation that injured two teenagers at a skate park in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;responded to report of a disturbance at 6401 NE Pleasant Valley Road in Kansas City, according to a statement from police.First responders learned that a girl had been struck by a car, which fled the scene. They also learned that a teenager girl had arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound. The 15-year-old shooting victim told hospital staff she was shot at Pleasant Valley Skate Park, according to police.The injured girl reported a verbal altercation broke out and people began pushing and hitting the vehicle she was in. The driver of the vehicle, who was listed as a victim of aggravated assault, began to drive away as the altercation continued.Someone fired a gun as they drove off. The gunshots struck the car and the girl who was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver and other victim was a 16-year-old girl.&nbsp; Police have not reported a possible suspect or an arrest.

Girls hurt in disturbance, shooting at Kansas City skate park

The Trump administration wants Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to raid worksites in the agriculture and hospitality industries, despite an initial reprieve this month. Experts say the policy could hurt businesses that rely on immigrant workers.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>

Under orders from the Trump administration, ICE is ramping up arrests and deportations, with a reported goal to make a minimum of 3,000 arrests each day. That includes raids on farms, ranches and dairies.

The approach to immigration enforcement among farm workers continues to swing back and forth under the Trump administration.

On Friday, President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-is-looking-new-steps-farm-labor-2025-06-20/" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;he’s considering a new policy that would allow the agriculture industry to keep employing immigrants who are not authorized to work, if farmers and ranchers can assume “responsibility” for their workers.

“We're looking at doing something where, in the case of good, reputable farmers, they can take responsibility for the people that they hire and let them have responsibility, because we can't put the farms out of business," Trump said at a recent press conference. "And at the same time we don't want to hurt people that aren't criminals."

Yet last week, the Department of Homeland Security told Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/06/16/trump-farms-hotels-immigration-raids/?utm_campaign=wp_main&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social" target="_blank">continue raids</a>&nbsp;on farms, ranches and dairies across the United States.

That directive was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/us/politics/trump-ice-raids-farms-hotels.html" target="_blank">briefly paused</a>&nbsp;by Trump following large ICE operations earlier this month — including the arrests of more than 70 people at a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/people-are-scared-ice-agents-raid-facilities-in-omaha/" target="_blank">meat-packing facility</a>&nbsp;in Omaha, Nebraska. At the time, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114670684664650262" target="_blank">wrote on Truth Social</a>&nbsp;that the policy was “very aggressive” and could take long-time immigrant workers away from farms.

Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5430846/farming-industry-immigration-ice-worksite-enforcement-trump" target="_blank">pushback</a>&nbsp;from some leaders in the agriculture industry, as well as people advocating for immigrant worker rights, the Trump administration then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/19/trump-immigration-raids-farms-hotels-border-czar" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;it will continue targeting agriculture worksites, as well as in the hospitality industry, with a focus on people with a criminal background.

Many in the agriculture industry are concerned the policy will constrict labor and hurt both the farm business and everyday consumers. That includes Matt Teagarden, the head of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kla.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Livestock Association</a>, which represents more than 5,000 members in the state.

“These raids disrupt our food supply and contribute to higher food prices,” Teagarden said. “In addition to the workers who’ve been detained, these raids contribute to fear in these communities and lead to workers— fully legal workers — staying home out of fear.”

Under orders from the Trump administration, ICE is ramping up arrests and deportations around the U.S., with a reported goal to make a minimum of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ices-tactics-draw-criticism-it-triples-daily-arrest-targets-2025-06-10/" target="_blank">3,000 arrests</a>&nbsp;each day.

“There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE’s efforts,” said Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, during an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/homeland-security-official-on-the-trump-administrations-immigration-policy-changes" target="_blank">interview with PBS</a>. “Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard public safety, national security and economic stability.”

For immigrant workers and the rural communities who depend on their labor, the potential for incoming raids is concerning, said Sonia Parras, an immigration attorney in Des Moines, Iowa.

“The unintended consequence is that they destroyed the lives of the immigrant community, but also the industries, the mom-and-pops shops, and businesses,” Parras said. “Is the cost of a raid — on U.S. citizens and the economy of a town and surrounding areas — worth extracting or detaining immigrants in the area?”

In 2008, Parras provided pro-bono legal services when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2008/06/09/91327136/immigration-raid-leaves-mark-on-iowa-town" target="_blank">ICE raided a meat-packing plant</a>&nbsp;and arrested nearly 400 people in Postville, Iowa. This past week, she said her phone has been ringing “off the hook” with people calling in a panic, asking for help if they get arrested.

“When the administration — to me — prioritizes punitive enforcement that targets these workers, it creates a bit of a paradox where the very workforce that the farmers relied upon is being driven into the shadows,” said Parras.

Throughout the country, 42% of farm workers were not legally authorized to work in the U.S. in 2022, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/chart-detail?chartId=63466" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Another 19% were immigrants authorized to work through visas or who had legal permanent resident status.

Although Teagarden and others in the agriculture industry support immigration enforcement in the form of “securing” the southern U.S. border and “removing violent criminals,” he said they want to work with Trump and Congress to address the issue in a “reasonable way” that supports the industry.

“It really is clear to me that the people pushing for these raids that target farms and feed yards and dairies, have no idea how farms operate.” Teagarden said. “You can’t just turn off a cow. It doesn’t work that way. Cows have to be milked, cattle have to be fed.”

Work from immigrants in the agriculture industry has allowed labor costs for farmers and ranchers to remain low, and ultimately keep food prices lower for consumers, according to David Ortega, a professor of food economics and policy at Michigan State University.

“The agricultural sector relies heavily on migrant workers in order to do some of those critical activities that many U.S. born workers are either unable or unwilling to perform,” Ortega said. “Things like harvesting, planting, working in meatpacking plants, all of the critical activities that are needed to get food from the farm all the way to the table.”

Some agriculture stakeholders throughout the Midwest, particularly in the specialty crop sector who rely on immigrant labor, are already raising concerns, Ortega said. Without some protections in place for immigrants working in the agriculture industry, the enforcement policy is having a “chilling effect” on workers who are not easily replaced — even those who are authorized to work in the U.S. — he said.

“It's not surprising that we're seeing producers reach out to individuals in elected positions, noting that these activities, the rhetoric that the Trump administration has on illegal immigration and these mass deportations, are affecting their business,” Ortega said.

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest and Great Plains. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751055280443.png" alt="A Mason /&nbsp;U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement" />
 <figcaption>A Mason /&nbsp;U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Trump administration wants Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to raid worksites in the agriculture and hospitality industries, despite an initial reprieve this month. Experts say the policy could hurt businesses that rely on immigrant workers.</h2><a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>Under orders from the Trump administration, ICE is ramping up arrests and deportations, with a reported goal to make a minimum of 3,000 arrests each day. That includes raids on farms, ranches and dairies.The approach to immigration enforcement among farm workers continues to swing back and forth under the Trump administration.On Friday, President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-is-looking-new-steps-farm-labor-2025-06-20/" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;he’s considering a new policy that would allow the agriculture industry to keep employing immigrants who are not authorized to work, if farmers and ranchers can assume “responsibility” for their workers.“We're looking at doing something where, in the case of good, reputable farmers, they can take responsibility for the people that they hire and let them have responsibility, because we can't put the farms out of business," Trump said at a recent press conference. "And at the same time we don't want to hurt people that aren't criminals."Yet last week, the Department of Homeland Security told Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/06/16/trump-farms-hotels-immigration-raids/?utm_campaign=wp_main&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social" target="_blank">continue raids</a>&nbsp;on farms, ranches and dairies across the United States.That directive was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/us/politics/trump-ice-raids-farms-hotels.html" target="_blank">briefly paused</a>&nbsp;by Trump following large ICE operations earlier this month — including the arrests of more than 70 people at a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/people-are-scared-ice-agents-raid-facilities-in-omaha/" target="_blank">meat-packing facility</a>&nbsp;in Omaha, Nebraska. At the time, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114670684664650262" target="_blank">wrote on Truth Social</a>&nbsp;that the policy was “very aggressive” and could take long-time immigrant workers away from farms.Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5430846/farming-industry-immigration-ice-worksite-enforcement-trump" target="_blank">pushback</a>&nbsp;from some leaders in the agriculture industry, as well as people advocating for immigrant worker rights, the Trump administration then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/19/trump-immigration-raids-farms-hotels-border-czar" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;it will continue targeting agriculture worksites, as well as in the hospitality industry, with a focus on people with a criminal background.Many in the agriculture industry are concerned the policy will constrict labor and hurt both the farm business and everyday consumers. That includes Matt Teagarden, the head of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kla.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Livestock Association</a>, which represents more than 5,000 members in the state.“These raids disrupt our food supply and contribute to higher food prices,” Teagarden said. “In addition to the workers who’ve been detained, these raids contribute to fear in these communities and lead to workers— fully legal workers — staying home out of fear.”Under orders from the Trump administration, ICE is ramping up arrests and deportations around the U.S., with a reported goal to make a minimum of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ices-tactics-draw-criticism-it-triples-daily-arrest-targets-2025-06-10/" target="_blank">3,000 arrests</a>&nbsp;each day.“There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE’s efforts,” said Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, during an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/homeland-security-official-on-the-trump-administrations-immigration-policy-changes" target="_blank">interview with PBS</a>. “Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard public safety, national security and economic stability.”For immigrant workers and the rural communities who depend on their labor, the potential for incoming raids is concerning, said Sonia Parras, an immigration attorney in Des Moines, Iowa.“The unintended consequence is that they destroyed the lives of the immigrant community, but also the industries, the mom-and-pops shops, and businesses,” Parras said. “Is the cost of a raid — on U.S. citizens and the economy of a town and surrounding areas — worth extracting or detaining immigrants in the area?”In 2008, Parras provided pro-bono legal services when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2008/06/09/91327136/immigration-raid-leaves-mark-on-iowa-town" target="_blank">ICE raided a meat-packing plant</a>&nbsp;and arrested nearly 400 people in Postville, Iowa. This past week, she said her phone has been ringing “off the hook” with people calling in a panic, asking for help if they get arrested.“When the administration — to me — prioritizes punitive enforcement that targets these workers, it creates a bit of a paradox where the very workforce that the farmers relied upon is being driven into the shadows,” said Parras.Throughout the country, 42% of farm workers were not legally authorized to work in the U.S. in 2022, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/chart-detail?chartId=63466" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Another 19% were immigrants authorized to work through visas or who had legal permanent resident status.Although Teagarden and others in the agriculture industry support immigration enforcement in the form of “securing” the southern U.S. border and “removing violent criminals,” he said they want to work with Trump and Congress to address the issue in a “reasonable way” that supports the industry.“It really is clear to me that the people pushing for these raids that target farms and feed yards and dairies, have no idea how farms operate.” Teagarden said. “You can’t just turn off a cow. It doesn’t work that way. Cows have to be milked, cattle have to be fed.”Work from immigrants in the agriculture industry has allowed labor costs for farmers and ranchers to remain low, and ultimately keep food prices lower for consumers, according to David Ortega, a professor of food economics and policy at Michigan State University.“The agricultural sector relies heavily on migrant workers in order to do some of those critical activities that many U.S. born workers are either unable or unwilling to perform,” Ortega said. “Things like harvesting, planting, working in meatpacking plants, all of the critical activities that are needed to get food from the farm all the way to the table.”Some agriculture stakeholders throughout the Midwest, particularly in the specialty crop sector who rely on immigrant labor, are already raising concerns, Ortega said. Without some protections in place for immigrants working in the agriculture industry, the enforcement policy is having a “chilling effect” on workers who are not easily replaced — even those who are authorized to work in the U.S. — he said.“It's not surprising that we're seeing producers reach out to individuals in elected positions, noting that these activities, the rhetoric that the Trump administration has on illegal immigration and these mass deportations, are affecting their business,” Ortega said.This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest and Great Plains. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

ICE raids push farm workers to stay home ‘out of fear.’ That could hurt U.S. food production

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man convicted in the domestic violence murder of a Wichita woman was is going to prison. On Thursday, Carlos Anderson-Honeycutt, 26, Wichita, was sentenced to life in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In March he was found guilty of the murder of&nbsp; Britnee Wicker after a jury trial.

On November, 19, 2023 police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 2300 block of S. Belmont in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;

First responders located 24-year-old Brittnee Wicker inside her home with a fatal gunshot wound. She would be pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp;

Following a thorough collaborative effort with law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Wichita Police Department discovered that&nbsp;Anderson-Honeycutt was in the State of Texas. Coordinating with partners in Texas, particularly the United States Customs and Border Patrol, an arrest was successfully made near Brownsville, Texas.&nbsp;

On Nov. 15, 2023 authorities booked Anderson-Honeycutt into the Sedgwick County Jail and eventually charged with 1st Degree Murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700924495261.png" alt="Anderson-Honeycutt-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Anderson-Honeycutt-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man convicted in the domestic violence murder of a Wichita woman was is going to prison. On Thursday, Carlos Anderson-Honeycutt, 26, Wichita, was sentenced to life in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In March he was found guilty of the murder of&nbsp; Britnee Wicker after a jury trial.On November, 19, 2023 police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 2300 block of S. Belmont in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700926072292.png" alt="Britnee Wicker-photo Affinity Mortuary" />
 <figcaption>Britnee Wicker-photo Affinity Mortuary</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located 24-year-old Brittnee Wicker inside her home with a fatal gunshot wound. She would be pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp;Following a thorough collaborative effort with law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Wichita Police Department discovered that&nbsp;Anderson-Honeycutt was in the State of Texas. Coordinating with partners in Texas, particularly the United States Customs and Border Patrol, an arrest was successfully made near Brownsville, Texas.&nbsp;On Nov. 15, 2023 authorities booked Anderson-Honeycutt into the Sedgwick County Jail and eventually charged with 1st Degree Murder.

Man captured by DHS is going to prison for killing Kansas woman  

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students as part of a deal with prosecutors to avoid the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-murders-students-stabbed-kohberger-da6b7758a2beda6c05a5373286f6a692">death penalty</a>, multiple media outlets reported Monday.

The news was delivered to families of the victims in a letter from prosecutors, according to ABC News. A change of plea hearing was set for Wednesday. Kohberger's trial had been set to begin in August.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23564673/122922-affidavit-exhibit-a-statement-of-brett-payne_redacted.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the full&nbsp;unsealed affidavit, which explains the basis for Kohberger's arrest.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-idaho-students-killings-arrest-b3b1ffd8138827f0bdad16d20e17cf83">Kohberger</a>, 30, is accused in the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. Autopsies showed the four were all likely asleep when they were attacked, some had defensive wounds and each was stabbed multiple times.

Goncalves' family expressed outrage in a Facebook post: “We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected.”

Kohberger, then a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/law-enforcement-idaho-pennsylvania-crime-5a9c3c1117dbf2efcd37cdf04e5c01ae">arrested in Pennsylvania</a>&nbsp;weeks after the killings. Investigators said they matched his DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene.

In a court filing, his lawyers said Kohberger was on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-students-stabbed-bryan-kohberger-alibi-9854c98806921d698dd85a896481f5f2">long drive by himself</a>&nbsp;around the time the four were killed.

The killings shook the small farming community of about 25,000 people, which hadn’t had a homicide in about five years. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bryan-kohberger-idaho-students-killed-trial-boise-45ca6dc670fa9e0088e7774772752f80">trial was moved</a>&nbsp;from rural northern Idaho to Boise after the defense expressed concerns that Kohberger couldn’t get a fair trial in the county where the killings occurred.

In Idaho, judges may reject plea agreements, though such moves are rare. If a judge rejects a plea agreement, the defendant is allowed to withdraw the guilty plea.

Earlier Monday, a Pennsylvania judge had ordered that three people whose testimony was requested by defense attorneys would have to travel to Idaho to appear at Kohberger’s trial.

The defense subpoenas were granted regarding a boxing trainer who knew Kohberger as a teenager, a childhood acquaintance of Kohberger’s and a third man whose significance was not explained.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-state-government-law-enforcement-crime-0118f189f18ea76194b752e211becd1f">gag order</a>&nbsp;has largely kept attorneys, investigators and others from speaking publicly about the investigation or trial.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672924870681.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students as part of a deal with prosecutors to avoid the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-murders-students-stabbed-kohberger-da6b7758a2beda6c05a5373286f6a692">death penalty</a>, multiple media outlets reported Monday.The news was delivered to families of the victims in a letter from prosecutors, according to ABC News. A change of plea hearing was set for Wednesday. Kohberger's trial had been set to begin in August.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23564673/122922-affidavit-exhibit-a-statement-of-brett-payne_redacted.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the full&nbsp;unsealed affidavit, which explains the basis for Kohberger's arrest.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-idaho-students-killings-arrest-b3b1ffd8138827f0bdad16d20e17cf83">Kohberger</a>, 30, is accused in the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. Autopsies showed the four were all likely asleep when they were attacked, some had defensive wounds and each was stabbed multiple times.Goncalves' family expressed outrage in a Facebook post: “We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected.”Kohberger, then a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/law-enforcement-idaho-pennsylvania-crime-5a9c3c1117dbf2efcd37cdf04e5c01ae">arrested in Pennsylvania</a>&nbsp;weeks after the killings. Investigators said they matched his DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene.In a court filing, his lawyers said Kohberger was on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-students-stabbed-bryan-kohberger-alibi-9854c98806921d698dd85a896481f5f2">long drive by himself</a>&nbsp;around the time the four were killed.The killings shook the small farming community of about 25,000 people, which hadn’t had a homicide in about five years. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bryan-kohberger-idaho-students-killed-trial-boise-45ca6dc670fa9e0088e7774772752f80">trial was moved</a>&nbsp;from rural northern Idaho to Boise after the defense expressed concerns that Kohberger couldn’t get a fair trial in the county where the killings occurred.In Idaho, judges may reject plea agreements, though such moves are rare. If a judge rejects a plea agreement, the defendant is allowed to withdraw the guilty plea.Earlier Monday, a Pennsylvania judge had ordered that three people whose testimony was requested by defense attorneys would have to travel to Idaho to appear at Kohberger’s trial.The defense subpoenas were granted regarding a boxing trainer who knew Kohberger as a teenager, a childhood acquaintance of Kohberger’s and a third man whose significance was not explained.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-state-government-law-enforcement-crime-0118f189f18ea76194b752e211becd1f">gag order</a>&nbsp;has largely kept attorneys, investigators and others from speaking publicly about the investigation or trial.

Plea deal for suspect in murder of 4 Univ. of Idaho students

The Justice Department on Monday announced the results of its 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals, in 50 federal districts and 12 State Attorneys General’s Offices across the United States, for their alleged participation in various health care fraud schemes involving over $14.6 billion in intended loss, according to a statement from the DOJ.

The Takedown involved federal and state law enforcement agencies across the country and represents an unprecedented effort to combat health care fraud schemes that exploit patients and taxpayers.

Demonstrating the significant return on investment that results from health care fraud enforcement efforts, the government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other assets as part of the coordinated enforcement efforts. As part of the whole-of-government approach to combating health care fraud announced today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also announced that it successfully prevented over $4 billion from being paid in response to false and fraudulent claims and that it suspended or revoked the billing privileges of 205 providers in the months leading up to the Takedown. Civil charges against 20 defendants for $14.2 million in alleged fraud, as well as civil settlements with 106 defendants totaling $34.3 million, were also announced as part of the Takedown.

Today’s Takedown was led and coordinated by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and its core partners from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The cases were investigated by agents from HHS-OIG, FBI, DEA, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies. The cases are being prosecuted by Health Care Fraud Strike Force teams from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, 50 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, and 12 State Attorneys General Offices.

“This record-setting Health&nbsp;Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”

“As part of making healthcare accessible and affordable to all Americans, HHS will aggressively work with our law enforcement partners to eliminate the pervasive health care fraud that bedeviled this agency under the former administration and drove up costs,” said Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“The Criminal Division is intensely committed to rooting out health care fraud schemes and prosecuting the criminals who perpetrate them because these schemes: (1) often result in physical patient harm through medically unnecessary treatments or failure to provide the correct treatments; (2) contribute to our nationwide opioid epidemic and exacerbate controlled substance addiction; and (3) do all of that while stealing money hardworking Americans contribute to pay for the care of their elders and other vulnerable citizens,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices stand united with our law enforcement partners in this fight, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect the integrity of our health care programs for the American people.”

“The scale of today’s Takedown is unprecedented, and so is the harm we’re confronting. Individuals who attempt to steal from the federal health care system and put vulnerable patients at risk will be held accountable,”&nbsp;said Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins of HHS-OIG. “Our agents at HHS-OIG work relentlessly to detect, investigate, and dismantle these fraud schemes. We are proud to stand with our law enforcement partners in protecting taxpayer dollars and safeguarding patient care.”

“Health care fraud drains critical resources from programs intended to help people who truly need medical care,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who exploit the system for personal gain. With more than $13 billion in fraud uncovered, this is the largest takedown for this initiative to date. Together, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold those accountable who steal from the American people and undermine our health care systems.”

29 defendants were charged for their roles in transnational criminal organizations alleged to have submitted over $12 billion in fraudulent claims to America’s health insurance programs.

For instance, a nationwide investigation known as Operation Gold Rush resulted in the largest loss amount ever charged in a health care fraud case brought by the Department. These charges were announced in the Eastern District of New York, the Northern District of Illinois, the Central District of California, the Middle District of Florida, and the District of New Jersey against 19 defendants. Twelve of these defendants have been arrested, including four defendants who were apprehended in Estonia as a result of international cooperation with Estonian law enforcement and seven defendants who were arrested at U.S. airports and the U.S. border with Mexico, cutting off their intended escape routes as they attempted to avoid capture.

The organization allegedly used a network of foreign straw owners, including individuals sent into the United States from abroad, who, acting at the direction of others using encrypted messaging and assumed identities from overseas, strategically bought dozens of medical supply companies located across the United States. They then rapidly submitted $10.6 billion in fraudulent health care claims to Medicare for urinary catheters and other durable medical equipment by exploiting the stolen identities of over one million Americans spanning all 50 states and using their confidential medical information to submit the fraudulent claims. As alleged, the organization exploited the U.S. financial system by laundering the fraudulent proceeds and deploying a range of tactics to circumvent anti-money laundering controls to transfer funds into cryptocurrency and shell companies located abroad. The arrests announced today also include a banker who facilitated the money laundering of fraud proceeds on behalf of the organization through a U.S.-based bank.

The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team and its partners detected the anomalous billing through proactive data analytics, and HHS-OIG and CMS successfully prevented the organization from receiving all but approximately $41 million of the approximately $4.45 billion that was scheduled to be paid by Medicare. HHS and CMS intend to seek to return the $4.41 billion in escrow to the Medicare trust fund for needed medical care.&nbsp;The scheme nonetheless resulted in payments of approximately $900 million from Medicare supplemental insurers. To date, law enforcement has seized approximately $27.7 million in fraud proceeds as part of Operation Gold Rush.

In another action involving foreign influence, charges were filed in the Northern District of Illinois against five defendants, including two owners and executives of Pakistani marketing organizations, in connection with a $703 million scheme in which Medicare beneficiaries’ identification numbers and other confidential health information were allegedly obtained through theft and deceptive marketing. The defendants allegedly used artificial intelligence to create fake recordings of Medicare beneficiaries purportedly consenting to receive certain products. According to court documents, the beneficiaries’ confidential information was then illegally sold to laboratories and durable medical equipment companies, which used this unlawfully obtained and fraudulently generated data to submit false claims to Medicare. Certain defendants controlled dozens of nominee-owned durable medical equipment companies and laboratories that allegedly submitted fraudulent claims for products and services the beneficiaries did not request, need, or receive. Certain defendants also allegedly conspired to conceal and launder the fraud proceeds from bank accounts they controlled in the United States to bank accounts overseas. In total, the defendants caused approximately $703 million in alleged fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, which paid approximately $418 million on those claims. The government seized approximately $44.7 million from various bank accounts related to this case.

Finally, a defendant based in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates who owned a billing company allegedly orchestrated a scheme to prey upon vulnerable individuals in need of addiction treatment by conspiring with treatment center owners to fraudulently bill Arizona Medicaid approximately $650 million for substance abuse treatment services. According to court documents, some of the services billed were never provided, while other services were provided at a level that was so substandard that it failed to serve any treatment purpose. As part of the conspiracy, treatment center owners allegedly paid illegal kickbacks in exchange for the referral of patients recruited from the homeless population and Native American reservations. The defendant received at least $25 million of ill-gotten Arizona Medicaid funds as a result of the conspiracy and is charged with a money laundering offense for his alleged use of those funds to purchase a $2.9 million home located on a golf estate in Dubai.

Charges were filed in the District of Arizona and the District of Nevada against seven defendants, including five medical professionals, in connection with approximately $1.1 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health care benefit programs for amniotic wound allografts. As alleged, certain defendants targeted vulnerable elderly patients, many of whom were receiving hospice care, and applied medically unnecessary amniotic allografts to these patients’ wounds. Many of the allografts allegedly were applied without coordination with the patients’ treating physicians, without proper treatment for infection, to superficial wounds that did not need this treatment, and to areas that far exceeded the size of the wound. Certain defendants allegedly received millions in illegal kickbacks from the fraudulent billing scheme.

“Today's unprecedented enforcement action demonstrates that CMS and our federal partners are united in our mission to protect the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid by crushing waste, fraud, and abuse," said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. "Every dollar we prevent from going to fraudsters is a dollar that stays in the system to serve legitimate beneficiaries. Through advanced data analytics, real-time monitoring, and swift administrative action, CMS is leading the fight to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and the trust Americans place in these vital programs. We're not waiting for fraud to happen—we're stopping it before it starts."

74 defendants, including 44 licensed medical professionals, were charged across 58 cases in connection with the alleged illegal diversion of over 15 million pills of prescription opioids and other controlled substances. For example, five defendants associated with one Texas pharmacy were charged with the unlawful distribution of over 3 million opioid pills. As alleged, the defendants conspired to distribute massive quantities of oxycodone, hydrocodone, and carisoprodol, which were subsequently trafficked by street-level drug dealers, generating large profits for the defendants. This coordinated action is a continuation of the Health Care Fraud Unit’s systematic approach to stopping drug trafficking organizations and their pharmaceutical wholesale suppliers, which together have fueled an epidemic of prescription opioid abuse for nearly a decade.

DEA also announced today that in the last six months, DEA charged 93 administrative cases seeking the revocation of pharmacies, medical practitioners, and companies authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances.

“Health care fraud isn’t just theft — it’s trafficking in trust. Today’s announcement shows that when doctors become drug dealers and treatment centers become profit-driven fraud rings, DEA will act,” said Acting Administrator Robert Murphy of the DEA. “We’re targeting the entire ecosystem of fraud — from pill mills in Texas to kickback clinics exploiting Native communities. If you abuse your medical license to push poison or pad your pockets, we will hold you accountable.”

In today’s Takedown, 49 defendants were charged in connection with the submission of over $1.17 billion in allegedly fraudulent claims to Medicare resulting from telemedicine and genetic testing fraud schemes. For example, in the Southern District of Florida, prosecutors charged an owner of telemedicine and durable medical equipment companies with a $46 million scheme in which Medicare beneficiaries were allegedly targeted through deceptive telemarketing campaigns and then fraudulent claims were submitted to Medicare for durable medical equipment and genetic tests for these beneficiaries. The Department continues to focus on eliminating health care fraud schemes that depend on telemedicine, including schemes involving fraudulent claims for genetic testing, durable medical equipment, and COVID-19 tests.

The other cases announced today charge an additional 170 defendants with various other health care fraud schemes involving over $1.84 billion in allegedly false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies for diagnostic testing, medical visits, and treatments that were medically unnecessary, provided in connection with kickbacks and bribes, or never provided at all. For example, in the Western District of Tennessee, prosecutors charged three defendants, including business owners and a pharmacist, with a $28.7 million scheme to defraud the Federal Employees’ Compensation Fund by allegedly billing for medications for injured United States Postal Service employees that were never prescribed by a licensed practitioner and largely were not dispensed as claimed. And in the Western District of Washington and the Northern District of California, prosecutors charged medical providers with allegedly stealing fentanyl and hydrocodone, respectively, that was meant for the providers’ patients, including child patients in need of anesthesia.

“VA’s Integrated Veteran Care Programs provide critical community-based health care to our nation’s disabled veterans and their dependents,” said Acting Inspector General David Case of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG). “Robust oversight of VA’s health care system is one of VA-OIG’s highest priorities. VA-OIG is committed to holding accountable those who defraud government benefits programs intended to care for our nation’s heroes.”

Breaking Down Silos in the Fight Against Health Care Fraud

In connection with the coordinated nationwide law enforcement operation, the Department is announcing that it is working closely with HHS-OIG, FBI, and other agencies to create a Health Care Fraud Data Fusion Center to bring together experts from the Department’s Criminal Division, Fraud Section, Health Care Fraud Unit Data Analytics Team; HHS-OIG; FBI; and other agencies to leverage cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to identify emerging health care fraud schemes. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team was established in 2018 to enhance the Unit’s ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute complex health care fraud schemes. Joining forces with data analysts from HHS-OIG, FBI, and other partners will increase efficiency, detection, and rapid prosecution of emerging health care fraud schemes. It will also implement the President’s Executive Order Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos (Exec. Order No. 14243, 3 C.F.R. 294 (2025)) by reducing duplicative data teams, increasing operational efficiency through a whole-of-government approach, and leveraging cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other agency resources.

Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Jacob Foster, Assistant Deputy Chief Rebecca Yuan, Trial Attorney Miriam L. Glaser Dauermann, and Data Analyst Elizabeth Nolte, all of the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, led and coordinated this year’s Takedown. The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Columbia, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Maine, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nevada, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Western District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, District of North Dakota, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Washington, and Northern District of West Virginia; and State Attorneys General’s Offices for California, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team used cutting-edge data analytics to identify and support the investigations that led to these charges.

In addition to FBI, HHS-OIG, DEA, and CMS, HSI, VA-OIG, IRS Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Department of Labor, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies participated in the operation. The Medicaid Fraud Control Units of California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin also participated in the investigation of many of the federal and state cases announced today.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Forces. Prior to the charges announced as part of today’s nationwide Takedown and since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which operates in 27&nbsp;districts, charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively billed Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurers more than $27 billion.

🎥DOJ announces largest health care fraud takedown in history

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged violent crime in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Just before 3p.m. on Saturday, officers filed a report for criminal deprivation of property, domestic battery, kidnapping, harassment by telecom device, criminal threat and stalking, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. The alleged crimes involved a 34-year-old woman as the victim.

Police arrested 36-year-old&nbsp;Ivan Krdzic, 36, of Manhattan was arrested on requested charges of criminal deprivation of property, domestic battery, kidnapping, harassment by telecom device, criminal threat and stalking. Krdzic is being held on a $350,000 bond, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged violent crime in Manhattan.&nbsp; Just before 3p.m. on Saturday, officers filed a report for criminal deprivation of property, domestic battery, kidnapping, harassment by telecom device, criminal threat and stalking, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. The alleged crimes involved a 34-year-old woman as the victim.Police arrested 36-year-old&nbsp;Ivan Krdzic, 36, of Manhattan was arrested on requested charges of criminal deprivation of property, domestic battery, kidnapping, harassment by telecom device, criminal threat and stalking. Krdzic is being held on a $350,000 bond, according to the RCPD.

RCPD: Alleged stalker held on $350,000 bond

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has released the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansas.gov%2Fkbi%2Fstats%2Fdocs%2Fpdf%2F2024%2520Crime%2520Index.pdf%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197c0d19b24-eac627a1-be45-4447-9ece-c76d9abf86c2-000000/_H887gkqQyDEahi8eiUvJ_HxHlQdjkUtSUZ3FJ8x7IM=411" target="_blank">2024 Kansas Crime Index Report</a>.&nbsp;The report compiles crime statistics reported to the KBI by state and local law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas.&nbsp;

The 2024 Kansas Crime Index Report indicated that violent crime in Kansas decreased by 6.7% from 2023. A total of 12,643 crimes were reported for the offenses of murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault and battery. With this decline, violent crime in the state was equal to the 10-year average.&nbsp;

In 2024, overall property crimes decreased 12.9% from 2023. In 2024, there were 43,636 theft offenses, which accounted for 75.0% of total property crimes reported. There were 14,525 burglary and motor vehicle thefts, representing the remaining 25% of property crimes. Property crimes nationwide are assumed to be underreported to law enforcement.&nbsp;

Find the full&nbsp;2024 Kansas Crime Index report, and previous year’s statistics at:&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansas.gov%2Fkbi%2Fstats%2Fstats_crime.shtml%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197c0d19b24-eac627a1-be45-4447-9ece-c76d9abf86c2-000000/Eo23M-0_xDV6oE5oljUBIOJDX7u6iMHFrmx1w_nYW0E=411" target="_blank">KBI - Kansas Bureau of Investigation - Statistics - Crime Statistics</a>.&nbsp;

NOTE:&nbsp;Data from the Kansas Crime Index report is derived from standard offense and arrest reports submitted to the Kansas Incident Based Reporting System (KIBRS) by local law&nbsp;enforcement agencies across Kansas. It is dependent on victims reporting crimes. The report is compiled to provide a historical assessment and snapshot of crime trends. It is often not possible to draw further interpretations or conclusions from the data. The KBI cautions against using data to make direct comparisons between jurisdictions. Often these comparisons are not valid as the factors influencing crime vary widely between communities.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751291598722.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has released the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansas.gov%2Fkbi%2Fstats%2Fdocs%2Fpdf%2F2024%2520Crime%2520Index.pdf%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197c0d19b24-eac627a1-be45-4447-9ece-c76d9abf86c2-000000/_H887gkqQyDEahi8eiUvJ_HxHlQdjkUtSUZ3FJ8x7IM=411" target="_blank">2024 Kansas Crime Index Report</a>.&nbsp;The report compiles crime statistics reported to the KBI by state and local law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas.&nbsp;<h2>Violent crime analysis&nbsp;</h2>The 2024 Kansas Crime Index Report indicated that violent crime in Kansas decreased by 6.7% from 2023. A total of 12,643 crimes were reported for the offenses of murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault and battery. With this decline, violent crime in the state was equal to the 10-year average.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751290763608.png" alt="Violent Crimes - Kansas Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Violent Crimes - Kansas Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Property crime analysis&nbsp;</h2>In 2024, overall property crimes decreased 12.9% from 2023. In 2024, there were 43,636 theft offenses, which accounted for 75.0% of total property crimes reported. There were 14,525 burglary and motor vehicle thefts, representing the remaining 25% of property crimes. Property crimes nationwide are assumed to be underreported to law enforcement.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751290820519.png" alt="2024-chart-final-final_original.png" />
 <figcaption>2024-chart-final-final_original.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Find the full&nbsp;2024 Kansas Crime Index report, and previous year’s statistics at:&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansas.gov%2Fkbi%2Fstats%2Fstats_crime.shtml%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197c0d19b24-eac627a1-be45-4447-9ece-c76d9abf86c2-000000/Eo23M-0_xDV6oE5oljUBIOJDX7u6iMHFrmx1w_nYW0E=411" target="_blank">KBI - Kansas Bureau of Investigation - Statistics - Crime Statistics</a>.&nbsp;NOTE:&nbsp;Data from the Kansas Crime Index report is derived from standard offense and arrest reports submitted to the Kansas Incident Based Reporting System (KIBRS) by local law&nbsp;enforcement agencies across Kansas. It is dependent on victims reporting crimes. The report is compiled to provide a historical assessment and snapshot of crime trends. It is often not possible to draw further interpretations or conclusions from the data. The KBI cautions against using data to make direct comparisons between jurisdictions. Often these comparisons are not valid as the factors influencing crime vary widely between communities.&nbsp;

KBI releases 2024 crime stats 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts, speaking at a moment when threats against judges are on the rise, warned on Saturday that elected officials' heated words about judges can lead to threats or acts of violence by others.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/chief-justice-roberts-speaks-at-fourth-circuit-conference/661769">Click here to watch Chief Justice Roberts</a> address at the conference

Without identifying anyone by name, Roberts clearly referenced Republican President Donald Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York when he said he has felt compelled to issue public rebukes of figures in both parties in recent years.

“It becomes wrapped up in the political dispute that a judge who’s doing his or her job is part of the problem,” Roberts said at a gathering of lawyers and judges in Charlotte, North Carolina. “And the danger, of course, is somebody might pick up on that. And we have had, of course, serious threats of violence and murder of judges just simply for doing their work. So I think the political people on both sides of the aisle need to keep that in mind.”

Roberts appeared at the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judicial conference on the day after the Supreme Court issued the final decisions of its term, including a major victory for Trump that limits judges' ability to use court orders with nationwide reach to block his agenda. C-Span carried Roberts' conversation with Judge Albert Diaz, the 4th Circuit's chief judge.

Roberts first took issue with Trump's comments in 2018, when Roberts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-immigration-c4b34f9639e141069c08cf1e3deb6b84">responded to Trump's description</a>&nbsp;of a judge who rejected his migrant asylum policy as an “Obama judge.” In March, Roberts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/judges-security-threats-impeachment-e4f6a57da81e7037cb9ef8693f26e17a">rejected</a>&nbsp;calls for impeaching judges, shortly after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-call-ceasefire-russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-0d2ca5b69761082979dd9836932ae84f">demanded</a>&nbsp;the removal of one who ruled against his deportation plans.

In 2020, Roberts called out Schumer for remarks that Roberts termed inappropriate and threatening after the senator said Trump-nominated Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch “will pay the price” for votes in a then-pending Louisiana abortion case. Schumer later said he should not have used those words.

Two years later, with the court on the verge of overturning Roe v. Wade's constitutional protections for abortion, police arrested an armed man outside Kavanaugh's home in suburban Washington. In April, Nicholas John Roske&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-justice-kavanaugh-threat-roske-25b1055d257b0905f7b7d04a14981530">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to trying to kill Kavanaugh.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts, speaking at a moment when threats against judges are on the rise, warned on Saturday that elected officials' heated words about judges can lead to threats or acts of violence by others.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/chief-justice-roberts-speaks-at-fourth-circuit-conference/661769">Click here to watch Chief Justice Roberts</a> address at the conference<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751243292472.png" alt="Roberts appeared at the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judicial conference on the day after the Supreme Court issued the final decisions of its term, including a major victory for Trump that limits judges' ability to use court orders with nationwide reach to block his agenda. C-Span carried Roberts' conversation with Judge Albert Diaz, the 4th Circuit's chief judge." />
 <figcaption>Roberts appeared at the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judicial conference on the day after the Supreme Court issued the final decisions of its term, including a major victory for Trump that limits judges' ability to use court orders with nationwide reach to block his agenda. C-Span carried Roberts' conversation with Judge Albert Diaz, the 4th Circuit's chief judge.</figcaption>
 </figure>Without identifying anyone by name, Roberts clearly referenced Republican President Donald Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York when he said he has felt compelled to issue public rebukes of figures in both parties in recent years.“It becomes wrapped up in the political dispute that a judge who’s doing his or her job is part of the problem,” Roberts said at a gathering of lawyers and judges in Charlotte, North Carolina. “And the danger, of course, is somebody might pick up on that. And we have had, of course, serious threats of violence and murder of judges just simply for doing their work. So I think the political people on both sides of the aisle need to keep that in mind.”Roberts appeared at the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judicial conference on the day after the Supreme Court issued the final decisions of its term, including a major victory for Trump that limits judges' ability to use court orders with nationwide reach to block his agenda. C-Span carried Roberts' conversation with Judge Albert Diaz, the 4th Circuit's chief judge.Roberts first took issue with Trump's comments in 2018, when Roberts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-immigration-c4b34f9639e141069c08cf1e3deb6b84">responded to Trump's description</a>&nbsp;of a judge who rejected his migrant asylum policy as an “Obama judge.” In March, Roberts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/judges-security-threats-impeachment-e4f6a57da81e7037cb9ef8693f26e17a">rejected</a>&nbsp;calls for impeaching judges, shortly after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-call-ceasefire-russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-0d2ca5b69761082979dd9836932ae84f">demanded</a>&nbsp;the removal of one who ruled against his deportation plans.In 2020, Roberts called out Schumer for remarks that Roberts termed inappropriate and threatening after the senator said Trump-nominated Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch “will pay the price” for votes in a then-pending Louisiana abortion case. Schumer later said he should not have used those words.Two years later, with the court on the verge of overturning Roe v. Wade's constitutional protections for abortion, police arrested an armed man outside Kavanaugh's home in suburban Washington. In April, Nicholas John Roske&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-justice-kavanaugh-threat-roske-25b1055d257b0905f7b7d04a14981530">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to trying to kill Kavanaugh.

🎥Chief Justice warns against heated political words about judges

PHILLIPS COUNTY —On behalf of the the family of Deputy Brandon Gaede, all donations cash/check can be brought to Farmers State Bank or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0sbQcVe3a9AnZoUfaFNKrcQzcDzZFZNK6ahFwwYkYrDHaH5BYFwygFyPvzN22oELel&amp;id=100094540173986&amp;rdid=Z7qirq93cbxMijK9#">click here.</a>

If anyone wishes to give to the Venmo account online <a href="https://venmo.com/u/Karlye-Gaede?fbclid=IwY2xjawLOihVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjVER3UjU4Q2dTU0REM2lkAR7EwReGsRQSzxGQ-dXOVGa9Q90L2TUYSeLBIh9rYfVJizqsAW5yjnG7qpSDCg_aem_U6jWhIvrYnG8do-Z6CTeUQ">they can click here.</a>

"The sheriff's office is&nbsp; aware there are multiple fraudulent accounts coming up asking for donations for the family, which is an absolute sickening act."&nbsp; 

We have other jurisdictions assisting in trying to track them and shut them down. As far as any physical goods, food, flowers etc.... The Gaede family has requested that they be dropped off at the Phillips County Sheriff's Office and we will make sure they get everything.

   The community has been so supportive to the family, which is so heartwarming.

At around 9:28 p.m. Friday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received a report of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being detonated at 899 1st Street in Phillipsburg, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Branden Stitt.

&nbsp;Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede responded to the scene and contacted 27-year-old Colton Griffith, a resident of the address and the individual believed responsible for the fireworks.

During the encounter, the deputy developed probable cause to arrest Griffith. As the undersheriff attempted to place Griffith in handcuffs, a struggle broke out. Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire on the deputy.

Despite being struck by gunfire, the deputy returned fire and hit Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene.

EMS transported Undersheriff Brandon Gaede to a local hospital. Despite life-saving measures, medical personnel pronounced him dead at 10:24 p.m.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the lead agency in the investigation, is working to determine the full sequence of events that led to the shooting.

Detectives are reviewing evidence and statements from witnesses, medical staff, and others involved. The Sheriff’s Office will release additional information as it becomes available. The case findings will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney upon the conclusion of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751127258786.png" alt="Deputy Brandon Gaede -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Brandon Gaede -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPS COUNTY —On behalf of the the family of Deputy Brandon Gaede, all donations cash/check can be brought to Farmers State Bank or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0sbQcVe3a9AnZoUfaFNKrcQzcDzZFZNK6ahFwwYkYrDHaH5BYFwygFyPvzN22oELel&amp;id=100094540173986&amp;rdid=Z7qirq93cbxMijK9#">click here.</a>If anyone wishes to give to the Venmo account online <a href="https://venmo.com/u/Karlye-Gaede?fbclid=IwY2xjawLOihVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjVER3UjU4Q2dTU0REM2lkAR7EwReGsRQSzxGQ-dXOVGa9Q90L2TUYSeLBIh9rYfVJizqsAW5yjnG7qpSDCg_aem_U6jWhIvrYnG8do-Z6CTeUQ">they can click here.</a>"The sheriff's office is&nbsp; aware there are multiple fraudulent accounts coming up asking for donations for the family, which is an absolute sickening act."&nbsp; We have other jurisdictions assisting in trying to track them and shut them down. As far as any physical goods, food, flowers etc.... The Gaede family has requested that they be dropped off at the Phillips County Sheriff's Office and we will make sure they get everything. The community has been so supportive to the family, which is so heartwarming.At around 9:28 p.m. Friday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received a report of illegal, non-consumer-grade fireworks being detonated at 899 1st Street in Phillipsburg, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Branden Stitt.&nbsp;Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede responded to the scene and contacted 27-year-old Colton Griffith, a resident of the address and the individual believed responsible for the fireworks.During the encounter, the deputy developed probable cause to arrest Griffith. As the undersheriff attempted to place Griffith in handcuffs, a struggle broke out. Griffith pulled a concealed handgun and opened fire on the deputy.Despite being struck by gunfire, the deputy returned fire and hit Griffith multiple times. Griffith died at the scene.EMS transported Undersheriff Brandon Gaede to a local hospital. Despite life-saving measures, medical personnel pronounced him dead at 10:24 p.m.The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the lead agency in the investigation, is working to determine the full sequence of events that led to the shooting.Detectives are reviewing evidence and statements from witnesses, medical staff, and others involved. The Sheriff’s Office will release additional information as it becomes available. The case findings will be submitted to the Phillips County Attorney upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Sheriff alerts public to fraudulent fundraisers to help family of fallen deputy

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A man armed with a rifle started a wildfire Sunday and then began shooting at first responders in a northern Idaho mountain community, killing two firefighters and wounding a third during a barrage of gunfire over several hours, authorities said.

A shelter-in-place order was lifted Sunday night after a tactical response team used cell phone data to “hone in” on a wooded area where they found the suspect’s body with a firearm nearby as flames rapidly approached, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said.

Officials did not release his name, nor did they say what kind of gun was found.

“We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,” Norris said at a Sunday night news conference. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”

Sheriff’s officials said crews responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d’Alene around 1:30 p.m., and gunshots were reported about a half hour later.

Investigators said the gunman acted alone.

“We believe that was the only shooter that was on that mountain at that time,” Norris said.

Three victims were brought to Kootenai Health, said hospital spokesperson Kim Anderson. Two were dead on arrival and the third was being treated for injuries, Anderson said. The wounded firefighter was “fighting for his life” after surgery and was in stable condition, Norris said.

The scene was sheer pandemonium as the brush fire burned and firefighters rushed to the scene only to come under heavy fire.

First responders made urgent calls for help on their radios: “Everybody’s shot up here ... send law enforcement now,” according to one dispatch.

Gov. Brad Little said “multiple” firefighting personnel were attacked.

“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” Little said on X. “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.”

Norris said it appeared the sniper was hiding in the rugged terrain and using a high-powered rifle. He said he instructed deputies to fire back.

Just as the evening press conference was expected to begin, the bodies of the slain firefighters arrived in the nearby city of Spokane, Washington, escorted by a procession of fire and law enforcement vehicles. Firefighters and others saluted as the vehicles passed by.

An alert by the Kootenai County Emergency Management Office asked people to avoid the area around Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, about 4 miles (6.5 km) north of downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Though the shelter-in-place order was lifted, the sheriff’s office cautioned residents to be prepared because the fire was still burning.

The FBI responded to the scene with technical teams and tactical support, Deputy Director Dan Bongino said.

The Idaho House Republican Leadership said in a statement: “We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders. We are praying for them, the injured, their families and their colleagues.”

Coeur d’Alene is a city of 55,000 residents near the border with Washington. Canfield Mountain is a popular hiking and biking area on the city’s outskirts, covered with trees and heavy brush and crisscrossed with trails that lead into a national forest.

Fire is always a big concern for the region, said Bruce Deming, whose property abuts the trail system. When he noticed smoke on the ridge Sunday afternoon, he wondered why no firefighting helicopters were responding.

When a friend texted to tell him about the shooting, he realized why he wasn’t seeing aircraft: “Because they’re concerned about being shot at,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751248060945.png" alt="Photo courtesy KXLY" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KXLY</figcaption>
 </figure>BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A man armed with a rifle started a wildfire Sunday and then began shooting at first responders in a northern Idaho mountain community, killing two firefighters and wounding a third during a barrage of gunfire over several hours, authorities said.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKootenaiCountyIdahoSheriff%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0355vAb1DG4pb83totaD8rB1X73gscT3LYLL4wjXXph17cMdmpRC1wao3obrXUs7vnl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="952" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>A shelter-in-place order was lifted Sunday night after a tactical response team used cell phone data to “hone in” on a wooded area where they found the suspect’s body with a firearm nearby as flames rapidly approached, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said.Officials did not release his name, nor did they say what kind of gun was found.“We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,” Norris said at a Sunday night news conference. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”Sheriff’s officials said crews responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d’Alene around 1:30 p.m., and gunshots were reported about a half hour later.Investigators said the gunman acted alone.“We believe that was the only shooter that was on that mountain at that time,” Norris said.Three victims were brought to Kootenai Health, said hospital spokesperson Kim Anderson. Two were dead on arrival and the third was being treated for injuries, Anderson said. The wounded firefighter was “fighting for his life” after surgery and was in stable condition, Norris said.The scene was sheer pandemonium as the brush fire burned and firefighters rushed to the scene only to come under heavy fire.First responders made urgent calls for help on their radios: “Everybody’s shot up here ... send law enforcement now,” according to one dispatch.Gov. Brad Little said “multiple” firefighting personnel were attacked.“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” Little said on X. “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.”Norris said it appeared the sniper was hiding in the rugged terrain and using a high-powered rifle. He said he instructed deputies to fire back.Just as the evening press conference was expected to begin, the bodies of the slain firefighters arrived in the nearby city of Spokane, Washington, escorted by a procession of fire and law enforcement vehicles. Firefighters and others saluted as the vehicles passed by.An alert by the Kootenai County Emergency Management Office asked people to avoid the area around Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, about 4 miles (6.5 km) north of downtown Coeur d’Alene.Though the shelter-in-place order was lifted, the sheriff’s office cautioned residents to be prepared because the fire was still burning.The FBI responded to the scene with technical teams and tactical support, Deputy Director Dan Bongino said.The Idaho House Republican Leadership said in a statement: “We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders. We are praying for them, the injured, their families and their colleagues.”Coeur d’Alene is a city of 55,000 residents near the border with Washington. Canfield Mountain is a popular hiking and biking area on the city’s outskirts, covered with trees and heavy brush and crisscrossed with trails that lead into a national forest.Fire is always a big concern for the region, said Bruce Deming, whose property abuts the trail system. When he noticed smoke on the ridge Sunday afternoon, he wondered why no firefighting helicopters were responding.When a friend texted to tell him about the shooting, he realized why he wasn’t seeing aircraft: “Because they’re concerned about being shot at,” he said.As deputies set up posts nearby, Deming pointed them to a trail that starts near his backdoor and leads directly to the site of the fire.“I just don’t want to have to wake up in the middle of the night to figure if somebody’s out prowling around my place,” he said.___Weber reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press journalists Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed to this report.---------BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Two firefighters were killed Sunday when they were ambushed by sniper fire while responding to a blaze in a northern Idaho mountain community, as crews endured a barrage of gunfire over several hours that the governor called a “heinous” assault. No arrests were announced.The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office said crews responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d’Alene around 1:30 p.m., and gunshots were reported about a half hour later.Sheriff Bob Norris said officials didn't know if anyone else was shot.“We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” Norris told reporters at a 4:30 p.m. news conference. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.”People are still coming off the mountain, the sheriff said, so it “would be safe to assume” that others were still up there.Gov. Brad Little said “multiple” firefighters were attacked.“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” Little said on the social platform X. “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.”Norris said it appeared the sniper was hiding in the rugged terrain and using a high-powered rifle. He said he instructed deputies to fire back.“I’m hoping that somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize, because they’re not at this point in time showing any evidence of wanting to surrender,” the sheriff said.An alert by the Kootenai County Emergency Management Office asked people to avoid the area around Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, about 4 miles (6.5 km) north of downtown Coeur d’Alene.The fire was still active, Norris said.“It’s going to keep burning,” he said. “Can’t put any resources on it right now.”The FBI has responded to the scene with technical teams and tactical support, Deputy Director Dan Bongino said.“It remains an active, and very dangerous scene,” he wrote in a post on X.The Idaho House Republican Leadership said in a statement: “We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders. We are praying for them, the injured, their families and their colleagues.”Coeur d'Alene is a city of 55,000 residents near the border with Washington. Canfield Mountain is a popular hiking and biking area on the outskirts, covered with trees and heavy brush and crisscrossed with trails.___Weber reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press journalists Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed to this report.