RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects for alleged crimes involving a teen.

Just after 10a.m. Monday,&nbsp;Officers filed a report for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and contributing to child's misconduct in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 15-year-old girl was listed as the victim and a 21-year-old man and 21-year-old woman known to the victim were listed as suspects. 

Just after 1p.m. on Monday police arrested 21-year-old Benjamin Leo of Manhattan on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and contributing to child misconduct.&nbsp; Police also arrested 21-year-old Nora Yasir of Junction City on a requested charge of contributing to child's misconduct. 

Leo met the requirement of a&nbsp; $25,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

Yasir remains jailed on a $5,000 bond, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects for alleged crimes involving a teen.Just after 10a.m. Monday,&nbsp;Officers filed a report for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and contributing to child's misconduct in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 15-year-old girl was listed as the victim and a 21-year-old man and 21-year-old woman known to the victim were listed as suspects. Just after 1p.m. on Monday police arrested 21-year-old Benjamin Leo of Manhattan on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and contributing to child misconduct.&nbsp; Police also arrested 21-year-old Nora Yasir of Junction City on a requested charge of contributing to child's misconduct. Leo met the requirement of a&nbsp; $25,000 bond and is no longer in custody.Yasir remains jailed on a $5,000 bond, according to the RCPD.

RCPD: 2 accused of crimes involving 15-year-old girl

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/taking-steps-to-end-cashless-bail-to-protect-americans/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;on Monday threatening to withhold or revoke federal funding to local and state governments that offer cashless bail, arguing that it is a threat to public safety.

“No cash. Come back in a couple of months, we’ll give you a trial. You never see the person again,” he said, moments before signing the order.

Attorney General Pam Bondi must submit a list of jurisdictions that have “substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release from custody for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order” within 30 days, as stipulated in the order.

Proponents of eliminating cash bail describe it as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michigan-detroit-76a38e8bd1c0432103068d0837aa2a0b">penalty on poverty</a>, suggesting that the wealthy can pay their way out of jail to await trial while those with fewer financial resources have to sit it out behind bars. Critics of the cashless route&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cash-bail-criminal-justice-supreme-court-pretrial-jail-poverty-55f1d3e71714151eb19cc2fbc10677d5">have argued</a>&nbsp;that bail is a time-honored way to ensure defendants released from jail show up for court proceedings. They warn that violent criminals will be released pending trial, giving them license to commit other crimes.

Cashless bail refers to policies that allow people to be released from jail without paying any money while they await trial. It is an alternative to the traditional cash bail system in which which people pay money to be released and get their money back if they return to court when they are supposed to. The&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-8/" target="_blank">Eighth Amendment</a>&nbsp;of the Constitution prohibits excessive bail.

In 2023, Illinois became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cash-bail-criminal-justice-supreme-court-pretrial-jail-poverty-55f1d3e71714151eb19cc2fbc10677d5">the first state</a>&nbsp;to eliminate cash bail when the state Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law abolishing it. The move was part of an expansive criminal justice overhaul adopted in 2021 known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/101/PDF/101-0652.pdf" target="_blank">SAFE-T Act</a>. Under the change, a judge decides whether to release the defendant prior to their trial, weighing factors such as their criminal charges, if they could pose any danger to others and if they are considered a flight risk.

A number of&nbsp;<a href="https://bailproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CLIENT-Bail-Project-Beyond-Bail-Report-FINAL-3.1.25.pdf" target="_blank">other jurisdictions</a>, including New Jersey, New Mexico and Washington, D.C., have nearly eliminated cash bail or limited its use. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/99166/supporting_individual_agency_in_the_pretrial_release_process.pdf" target="_blank">have used</a>&nbsp;practices&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/ending-cash-bail/" target="_blank">such as</a>&nbsp;court date reminders, transportation vouchers, flexible scheduling and on-site child care to increase court attendance for people who have been released without bail.

<a href="https://bailproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CLIENT-Bail-Project-Beyond-Bail-Report-FINAL-3.1.25.pdf" target="_blank">Policies vary</a>&nbsp;by jurisdiction, but many exclude the use of cashless bail for more serious crimes such as murder and other violent offenses. Cashless bail might also be denied if there is concern an individual might flee before trial. In some cases, it is granted automatically for misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies.

Studies have shown mixed results regarding the impact of cashless bail on crime. Many focus on the recidivism of individual defendants rather than overall crime rates.

Loyola University of Chicago’s Center for Criminal Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://pfa-1yr.loyolaccj.org/" target="_blank">published a 2024 report</a>&nbsp;on Illinois’ new cashless bail policy, one year after it went into effect. It acknowledges that there is not yet enough data to know what impact the law has had on crime, but that crime in Illinois did not increase after its implementation. Violent and property crime declined in some counties.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/bail-reform-and-public-safety" target="_blank">2024 report</a>&nbsp;published by the Brennan Center for Justice saw “no statistically significant relationship” between bail reform and crime rates. It looked at crime rate data from 2015 through 2021 for 33 cities across the U.S., 22 of which had instituted some type of bail reform. Researchers used a statistical method to determine if crime rates had diverged in those with reforms and those without. The report found that “put simply” there was no “significant difference in crime rates between cities that reformed their bail policies and those that did not.”

Asked last month what data Trump was using to support his claim that cashless bail leads to increase in crime, the White House pointed to a&nbsp;<a href="https://yoloda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Emergency-Bail-Analysis.pdf" target="_blank">2022 report</a>&nbsp;from the district attorney’s office in Yolo County, California, that looked at how a temporary cashless bail system implemented across the state to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in courts and jails impacted recidivism. It found that out of 595 individuals released between April 2020 and May 2021 under this system, 70.6% were arrested again after they were released. A little more than half were rearrested more than once.

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/08/taking-steps-to-end-cashless-bail-to-protect-americans/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;on Monday threatening to withhold or revoke federal funding to local and state governments that offer cashless bail, arguing that it is a threat to public safety.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> signs an Executive Order taking steps to crack down on cashless bail <a href="https://t.co/qF795onMZa">pic.twitter.com/qF795onMZa</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1959996712736452677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“No cash. Come back in a couple of months, we’ll give you a trial. You never see the person again,” he said, moments before signing the order.Attorney General Pam Bondi must submit a list of jurisdictions that have “substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release from custody for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order” within 30 days, as stipulated in the order.Proponents of eliminating cash bail describe it as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-michigan-detroit-76a38e8bd1c0432103068d0837aa2a0b">penalty on poverty</a>, suggesting that the wealthy can pay their way out of jail to await trial while those with fewer financial resources have to sit it out behind bars. Critics of the cashless route&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cash-bail-criminal-justice-supreme-court-pretrial-jail-poverty-55f1d3e71714151eb19cc2fbc10677d5">have argued</a>&nbsp;that bail is a time-honored way to ensure defendants released from jail show up for court proceedings. They warn that violent criminals will be released pending trial, giving them license to commit other crimes.Here’s what to know:<h2>What it is</h2>Cashless bail refers to policies that allow people to be released from jail without paying any money while they await trial. It is an alternative to the traditional cash bail system in which which people pay money to be released and get their money back if they return to court when they are supposed to. The&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-8/" target="_blank">Eighth Amendment</a>&nbsp;of the Constitution prohibits excessive bail.<h2>Where it’s offered</h2>In 2023, Illinois became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cash-bail-criminal-justice-supreme-court-pretrial-jail-poverty-55f1d3e71714151eb19cc2fbc10677d5">the first state</a>&nbsp;to eliminate cash bail when the state Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law abolishing it. The move was part of an expansive criminal justice overhaul adopted in 2021 known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/101/PDF/101-0652.pdf" target="_blank">SAFE-T Act</a>. Under the change, a judge decides whether to release the defendant prior to their trial, weighing factors such as their criminal charges, if they could pose any danger to others and if they are considered a flight risk.A number of&nbsp;<a href="https://bailproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CLIENT-Bail-Project-Beyond-Bail-Report-FINAL-3.1.25.pdf" target="_blank">other jurisdictions</a>, including New Jersey, New Mexico and Washington, D.C., have nearly eliminated cash bail or limited its use. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/99166/supporting_individual_agency_in_the_pretrial_release_process.pdf" target="_blank">have used</a>&nbsp;practices&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/ending-cash-bail/" target="_blank">such as</a>&nbsp;court date reminders, transportation vouchers, flexible scheduling and on-site child care to increase court attendance for people who have been released without bail.<h2>When it’s offered</h2><a href="https://bailproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CLIENT-Bail-Project-Beyond-Bail-Report-FINAL-3.1.25.pdf" target="_blank">Policies vary</a>&nbsp;by jurisdiction, but many exclude the use of cashless bail for more serious crimes such as murder and other violent offenses. Cashless bail might also be denied if there is concern an individual might flee before trial. In some cases, it is granted automatically for misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies.<h2>The impact on crime</h2>Studies have shown mixed results regarding the impact of cashless bail on crime. Many focus on the recidivism of individual defendants rather than overall crime rates.Loyola University of Chicago’s Center for Criminal Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://pfa-1yr.loyolaccj.org/" target="_blank">published a 2024 report</a>&nbsp;on Illinois’ new cashless bail policy, one year after it went into effect. It acknowledges that there is not yet enough data to know what impact the law has had on crime, but that crime in Illinois did not increase after its implementation. Violent and property crime declined in some counties.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/bail-reform-and-public-safety" target="_blank">2024 report</a>&nbsp;published by the Brennan Center for Justice saw “no statistically significant relationship” between bail reform and crime rates. It looked at crime rate data from 2015 through 2021 for 33 cities across the U.S., 22 of which had instituted some type of bail reform. Researchers used a statistical method to determine if crime rates had diverged in those with reforms and those without. The report found that “put simply” there was no “significant difference in crime rates between cities that reformed their bail policies and those that did not.”Asked last month what data Trump was using to support his claim that cashless bail leads to increase in crime, the White House pointed to a&nbsp;<a href="https://yoloda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Emergency-Bail-Analysis.pdf" target="_blank">2022 report</a>&nbsp;from the district attorney’s office in Yolo County, California, that looked at how a temporary cashless bail system implemented across the state to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in courts and jails impacted recidivism. It found that out of 595 individuals released between April 2020 and May 2021 under this system, 70.6% were arrested again after they were released. A little more than half were rearrested more than once.

Details on President Trump's order aimed at ending cashless bail nationwide

CRAWFORD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on&nbsp;

Just before 6p.m. August 23, police were dispatched to Americas Best Value Inn, 3108 N Broadway Street, in Pittsburg, in reference to a report of a sexual assault that just occurred, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, officers met with the reporting party about the incident, which involved a juvenile victim and an adult male. While the officers were on scene, they were made aware that the suspect, identified as 50-year-old Damien Dorien Yarbrough of Pittsburg, was attempting to leave the hotel. 

Police found Yarbrough with his luggage attempting to leave, and officers detained him. Detectives with the police department’s Criminal Investigations Division were contacted and responded to assist with the investigation.

The victim and their family were interviewed about the incident, and the victim was referred to local medical providers for further attention. 

A search warrant application was prepared for Yarbrough’s hotel room to look for evidence relating to the incident. The search warrant was granted, and items of suspected evidence were collected.

Yarbrough was arrested and transported to jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking. He is in being held on a&nbsp;a $500,000 bond on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, and rape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756166135622.png" alt="Yarbrough photo Crawford County" />
 <figcaption>Yarbrough photo Crawford County</figcaption>
 </figure>CRAWFORD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on&nbsp;Just before 6p.m. August 23, police were dispatched to Americas Best Value Inn, 3108 N Broadway Street, in Pittsburg, in reference to a report of a sexual assault that just occurred, according to a media release.Upon arrival, officers met with the reporting party about the incident, which involved a juvenile victim and an adult male. While the officers were on scene, they were made aware that the suspect, identified as 50-year-old Damien Dorien Yarbrough of Pittsburg, was attempting to leave the hotel. Police found Yarbrough with his luggage attempting to leave, and officers detained him. Detectives with the police department’s Criminal Investigations Division were contacted and responded to assist with the investigation.The victim and their family were interviewed about the incident, and the victim was referred to local medical providers for further attention. A search warrant application was prepared for Yarbrough’s hotel room to look for evidence relating to the incident. The search warrant was granted, and items of suspected evidence were collected.Yarbrough was arrested and transported to jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking. He is in being held on a&nbsp;a $500,000 bond on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy, and rape.

Kansas man accused of kidnapping, child rape at hotel

WICHITA– Earlier this month, the&nbsp;Democratic Caucus of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Immediate-Demand-to-Cease-Illegal-Raids-and-Detentions-in-Kansas-.docx4_.pdf">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall accusing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of being “bloated and reckless” and exhibiting “unprofessional behavior” while apprehending dangerous, illegal immigrants from Kansas communities. &nbsp;

Unlike Kansas Democrats, Senator Marshall’s office reached out to DHS officials to confirm details of the targeted enforcement events cited in the letter.&nbsp; Marshall's response is below

“Our federal law enforcement officials have safely and legally removed dozens of illegal immigrants from our communities,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“President Trump promised to make America safe again, and he is delivering on that promise. For Democrats to make unfounded and false accusations against our hardworking law enforcement officials is not only unprofessional but also against the American people's goal of closing our borders and keeping communities safe from illegal and dangerous criminals.”

Contrary to the allegations leveled by the Kansas Democratic Caucus, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the targeted enforcement operations legally and judiciously.&nbsp;

During the July 30, 2025, targeted enforcement operations in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties:

“Our agents were executing a&nbsp;lawful and targeted operation. When agitators spread false narratives or interfere with law enforcement, it undermines public safety and puts both the community and law enforcement personnel at risk,”&nbsp;said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito.&nbsp;“Make no mistake: individuals who violate federal immigration law by being unlawfully present in the United States may be subject to detention and removal proceedings under the law. And let me be clear, assaults on officers have surged dramatically, and anyone who dares to obstruct, assault, or interfere with federal agents will face immediate consequences, including arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”

WICHITA– Earlier this month, the&nbsp;Democratic Caucus of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Immediate-Demand-to-Cease-Illegal-Raids-and-Detentions-in-Kansas-.docx4_.pdf">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall accusing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of being “bloated and reckless” and exhibiting “unprofessional behavior” while apprehending dangerous, illegal immigrants from Kansas communities. &nbsp;Unlike Kansas Democrats, Senator Marshall’s office reached out to DHS officials to confirm details of the targeted enforcement events cited in the letter.&nbsp; Marshall's response is below“Our federal law enforcement officials have safely and legally removed dozens of illegal immigrants from our communities,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“President Trump promised to make America safe again, and he is delivering on that promise. For Democrats to make unfounded and false accusations against our hardworking law enforcement officials is not only unprofessional but also against the American people's goal of closing our borders and keeping communities safe from illegal and dangerous criminals.”Contrary to the allegations leveled by the Kansas Democratic Caucus, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the targeted enforcement operations legally and judiciously.&nbsp;During the July 30, 2025, targeted enforcement operations in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties:<ul>
 <li>All HSI agents were clearly marked, displaying badges and other identification.</li><li>Local law enforcement was notified of HSI’s plans to conduct&nbsp;the operations.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>HSI officials on the ground confirmed that all those arrested had committed violations of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, employees possessing a valid Employment Authorization Document, and any individual already in immigration proceedings were released.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>During the operations in Lenexa and Kansas City, all stovetop burners were safely turned off. The only flame that remained on the stoves&nbsp;was the commercial kitchen stove pilot lights.&nbsp;</li><li>Local protestors and agitators attempted to obstruct the operations by interfering with efforts to detain and arrest suspects, even breaking into the Lenexa restaurant through the back door and surrounding law enforcement vehicles to block their departure.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“Our agents were executing a&nbsp;lawful and targeted operation. When agitators spread false narratives or interfere with law enforcement, it undermines public safety and puts both the community and law enforcement personnel at risk,”&nbsp;said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito.&nbsp;“Make no mistake: individuals who violate federal immigration law by being unlawfully present in the United States may be subject to detention and removal proceedings under the law. And let me be clear, assaults on officers have surged dramatically, and anyone who dares to obstruct, assault, or interfere with federal agents will face immediate consequences, including arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”Background:<ul>
 <li>Previously, on August 6, 2025, federal agents&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/two-kansas-men-charged-drug-trafficking-related-crimes">arrested two Kansas men</a>&nbsp;on charges related to drug trafficking as part of Operation Take Back America.</li><li>Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, the number of federal immigration officials in Kansas will double, allowing for better enforcement across the entire state.</li><li>Since President Trump’s inauguration, targeting of brave federal law enforcement officers performing their duties has become more common, as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fox4kc.com/news/ice-raids-reported-at-lenexa-kck-mexican-restaurants-wednesday/">assaults against ICE agents</a>&nbsp;have increased&nbsp;1000%.</li>
 </ul>

Kan. U.S. Senator responds to accusation levied against DHS by Democrats

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two more suspects accused in connection with the death of a 1-year-old Kansas boy were to go to trial Monday. Both trials were continued until 2026, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Roames Bonner, who was 17 at the time of the crime, was set to face a bench trial Monday afternoon in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom. The Judge earlier this year  ruled Bonner can be tried as an adult, according to the District Attorney's office.

Jonathan Tillery-Matthais, 21, was to face a jury trial on Monday morning in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Bonner, 21-year-old Jonathan Tillery-Matthias and&nbsp;26-year-old K’Veion Richard all of Wichita, were charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm for the death of 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 7p.m. February 19, police responded to a shooting in the 2500 block of South Oliver, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses. Through the investigation, officers learned that two adult females were struck by gunfire and 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson was also struck by gunfire and died of his injuries.

Police identified three suspects in the case and the following day arrested&nbsp; Bonner, Richard and&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias&nbsp;</a>.

At the time of the crime,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias</a>&nbsp;was on pre-trial supervision for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle stemming from a Wichita Police investigation.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">&nbsp;Richard&nbsp;</a>was on Parole for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.

Police believe that this was a targeted event which led to the death of the boy. In April, Richard was sentenced to life in prison for the boy's death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708650238448.png" alt="Tillery-Matthias photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Tillery-Matthias photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two more suspects accused in connection with the death of a 1-year-old Kansas boy were to go to trial Monday. Both trials were continued until 2026, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Roames Bonner, who was 17 at the time of the crime, was set to face a bench trial Monday afternoon in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom. The Judge earlier this year ruled Bonner can be tried as an adult, according to the District Attorney's office.Jonathan Tillery-Matthais, 21, was to face a jury trial on Monday morning in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756117123414.png" alt="Bonner phot Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Bonner phot Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonner, 21-year-old Jonathan Tillery-Matthias and&nbsp;26-year-old K’Veion Richard all of Wichita, were charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm for the death of 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 7p.m. February 19, police responded to a shooting in the 2500 block of South Oliver, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses. Through the investigation, officers learned that two adult females were struck by gunfire and 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson was also struck by gunfire and died of his injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708452260137.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Police identified three suspects in the case and the following day arrested&nbsp; Bonner, Richard and&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias&nbsp;</a>.At the time of the crime,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias</a>&nbsp;was on pre-trial supervision for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle stemming from a Wichita Police investigation.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">&nbsp;Richard&nbsp;</a>was on Parole for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.Police believe that this was a targeted event which led to the death of the boy. In April, Richard was sentenced to life in prison for the boy's death.

Kan. teen's trial for death of 1-year-old did not begin as planned

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in Shawnee County.

Just before 3p.m. August 18, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 white Ford Econoline E150 with a license plate that did not belong on that vehicle and a defective windshield in the 700 block of NE Poplar Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, it was determined that multiple occupants had numerous warrants for their arrest. Illegal narcotics and two firearms, one reported stolen out of Missouri, were also located.

Breanna M. Meade, 30, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that included&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Possession of stolen property, Drivers windshield materially obstructed/obscured, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Driving while license suspended, Vehicles; display plate not assigned

Meade also had four warrants for her arrest, including a felony warrant of Pratt County and a misdemeanor warrant out of the City of Goddard. She is now in custody in Pratt County, accordin gto online jail records.

Patrick J. Arrow, 31, of Topeka, was also arrested and booked into jail on requested charges&nbsp;Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Distribute/possess with intent drug paraphernalia

Arrow also had a warrant for his arrest out of Geary County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756154030902.png" alt="Arrow photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Arrow photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in Shawnee County.Just before 3p.m. August 18, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 white Ford Econoline E150 with a license plate that did not belong on that vehicle and a defective windshield in the 700 block of NE Poplar Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756153951552.png" alt="Meade photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Meade photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation, it was determined that multiple occupants had numerous warrants for their arrest. Illegal narcotics and two firearms, one reported stolen out of Missouri, were also located.Breanna M. Meade, 30, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that included&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Possession of stolen property, Drivers windshield materially obstructed/obscured, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Driving while license suspended, Vehicles; display plate not assignedMeade also had four warrants for her arrest, including a felony warrant of Pratt County and a misdemeanor warrant out of the City of Goddard. She is now in custody in Pratt County, accordin gto online jail records.Patrick J. Arrow, 31, of Topeka, was also arrested and booked into jail on requested charges&nbsp;Distribution of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Distribute/possess with intent drug paraphernaliaArrow also had a warrant for his arrest out of Geary County.

Kan. woman caught with stolen property, illegal drugs

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Joseph Eustice, Outside warrant, arrested 08/15

Adrian Moreno, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 08/15

David Kalema, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 08/15

Quinton Jackson, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Transporting an open container, arrested 08/16

Colin Somora, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 08/16

Djia Allen, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Failure to give information or render aid; Failure to appear, arrested 08/16

Roy Johnson, Cruelty to animals, arrested 08/16

Francisco Reyes Dominguez, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 08/17

Angelyca Cervantes, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 08/17

Caleb Crum, Failure to appear, arrested 08/17

Jasmine Parmely,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 08/17

Ray Irias, Violation of a protective order, arrested 08/17

Reginald Hafner, Duty of governor to arrest person charged who has fled from justice, arrested 08/18

Joshua Drake, Probation violation, arrested 08/18

Matthew Stevens, Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest (Two counts), arrested 08/18

Paul Wagner, Failure to appear, arrested 08/18

Lendell Fleming, Failure to appear, arrested 08/18

Iyanti Dillard, Domestic battery, arrested 08/19

Juan Botello Barron, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 08/19

Cora Lewis, Failure to appear, arrested 08/19

Keith Foster, Theft by deception (value $1,500 to $25,000); Mistreat dependent adult, Deception, False pretense, Duress $1,500 &lt; $25,000, arrested 08/19

Trevor Sinclair, Disorderly conduct; Criminal damage to property, arrested 08/19

Jean Guillaumette, Criminal trespass, arrested 08/20

Dustin Taylor, Failure to appear, arrested 08/20

Christopher Manning, Failure to appear, arrested 08/21

Michael Wasylk, Interference with LEO; Burglary; Failure to appear, arrested 08/21

Ada Velazquez, Failure to appear, arrested 08/21

Erick Jones, Failure to appear, arrested 08/22

Quintin Andrews, Failure to appear, arrested 08/22

Nicholas Mendoza, Regulations on use of controlled-access highways and facilities, arrested 08/23

Jeremy Hester, Domestic battery, arrested 08/23

Rickie Wilcox, Failure to appear, arrested 08/23

David Jackson, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 08/23

Frankie Page, Possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 08/24

Brian Ford, Failure to appear, arrested 08/24

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756147617036.jpeg" alt="Franklin Fort, Failure to appear, arrested 08/15" />
 <figcaption>Franklin Fort, Failure to appear, arrested 08/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756147673246.jpeg" alt="Melvin Sanford, Failure to appear, arrested 08/15" />
 <figcaption>Melvin Sanford, Failure to appear, arrested 08/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756147710822.jpeg" alt="Kyrianna Johnson, Outside warrant; Failure to appear (Two counts); Theft-all other, arrested 08/16" />
 <figcaption>Kyrianna Johnson, Outside warrant; Failure to appear (Two counts); Theft-all other, arrested 08/16</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756147725464.jpeg" alt="William Taylor, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 08/16" />
 <figcaption>William Taylor, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 08/16</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756147738976.jpeg" alt="Franklin Fort, Traffic contraband into correctional facility; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Sexual battery; Aggravated sexual battery, arrested 08/16" />
 <figcaption>Franklin Fort, Traffic contraband into correctional facility; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Sexual battery; Aggravated sexual battery, arrested 08/16</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148056483.jpeg" alt="Joseph Devey, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Interference with LEO, arrested 08/17" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Devey, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Interference with LEO, arrested 08/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148070003.jpeg" alt="James Hill, Littering (Private property); Probation violation, arrested 08/17" />
 <figcaption>James Hill, Littering (Private property); Probation violation, arrested 08/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148083876.jpeg" alt="Destany Norman Shuck, Endangering a child; Domestic battery, arrested 08/17" />
 <figcaption>Destany Norman Shuck, Endangering a child; Domestic battery, arrested 08/17</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148102277.jpeg" alt="Thurman Ellison, Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Theft by threat (value $25,000 &lt; $100,000); Theft &gt; $25,000 &lt; $100,000 pocket picking, arrested 08/19" />
 <figcaption>Thurman Ellison, Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Theft by threat (value $25,000 &lt; $100,000); Theft &gt; $25,000 &lt; $100,000 pocket picking, arrested 08/19</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148631917.jpeg" alt="Shawn Sime, Criminal damage to property; Criminal restraint; Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 08/20" />
 <figcaption>Shawn Sime, Criminal damage to property; Criminal restraint; Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 08/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148642909.jpeg" alt="George Wills, Criminal restraint; Criminal deprivation of property; Criminal damage to property; Kidnapping; Domestic battery; Intimidation of a witness/victim, arrested 08/21" />
 <figcaption>George Wills, Criminal restraint; Criminal deprivation of property; Criminal damage to property; Kidnapping; Domestic battery; Intimidation of a witness/victim, arrested 08/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148880147.jpeg" alt="Alexander Jackson, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 08/21" />
 <figcaption>Alexander Jackson, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 08/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148891339.jpeg" alt="Nathaniel Holmes,&nbsp;Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 08/21" />
 <figcaption>Nathaniel Holmes,&nbsp;Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 08/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148903444.jpeg" alt="Juan Merino, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 08/22" />
 <figcaption>Juan Merino, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 08/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756148914451.jpeg" alt="Asia Channel Foster, Failure to appear, arrested 08/22" />
 <figcaption>Asia Channel Foster, Failure to appear, arrested 08/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756150396877.jpeg" alt="Lataija Scott, Use communication facility in the commission of a felony drug violation; Distribute heroin/certain stimulant &gt; 100 grams, arrested 08/22" />
 <figcaption>Lataija Scott, Use communication facility in the commission of a felony drug violation; Distribute heroin/certain stimulant &gt; 100 grams, arrested 08/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756150450853.jpeg" alt="Hilario Coronado, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Taxation, Drugs, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance; Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance; Distribute marijuana &gt; 30 kilograms, arrested 08/22" />
 <figcaption>Hilario Coronado, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Taxation, Drugs, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance; Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance; Distribute marijuana &gt; 30 kilograms, arrested 08/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756150558140.jpeg" alt="Levi Nevin, Domestic battery; Violation of a protective order, arrested 08/23" />
 <figcaption>Levi Nevin, Domestic battery; Violation of a protective order, arrested 08/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756150606197.jpeg" alt="Dalton Britt, Domestic battery, arrested 08/23" />
 <figcaption>Dalton Britt, Domestic battery, arrested 08/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756150644271.jpeg" alt="Dedric Riser, Criminal trespass, arrested 08/24" />
 <figcaption>Dedric Riser, Criminal trespass, arrested 08/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756150682787.jpeg" alt="Rachelle Gloth, Probation violation, arrested 08/24" />
 <figcaption>Rachelle Gloth, Probation violation, arrested 08/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756150711036.jpeg" alt="Dominiq Hufman, Rape, sexual intercourse without consent and use of force, arrested 08/25" />
 <figcaption>Dominiq Hufman, Rape, sexual intercourse without consent and use of force, arrested 08/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756150751398.jpeg" alt="Armel Stephens, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 08/25" />
 <figcaption>Armel Stephens, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 08/25</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Joseph Eustice, Outside warrant, arrested 08/15Adrian Moreno, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 08/15David Kalema, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 08/15Quinton Jackson, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Transporting an open container, arrested 08/16Colin Somora, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 08/16Djia Allen, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Failure to give information or render aid; Failure to appear, arrested 08/16Roy Johnson, Cruelty to animals, arrested 08/16Francisco Reyes Dominguez, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 08/17Angelyca Cervantes, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 08/17Caleb Crum, Failure to appear, arrested 08/17Jasmine Parmely,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 08/17Ray Irias, Violation of a protective order, arrested 08/17Reginald Hafner, Duty of governor to arrest person charged who has fled from justice, arrested 08/18Joshua Drake, Probation violation, arrested 08/18Matthew Stevens, Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest (Two counts), arrested 08/18Paul Wagner, Failure to appear, arrested 08/18Lendell Fleming, Failure to appear, arrested 08/18Iyanti Dillard, Domestic battery, arrested 08/19Juan Botello Barron, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 08/19Cora Lewis, Failure to appear, arrested 08/19Keith Foster, Theft by deception (value $1,500 to $25,000); Mistreat dependent adult, Deception, False pretense, Duress $1,500 &lt; $25,000, arrested 08/19Trevor Sinclair, Disorderly conduct; Criminal damage to property, arrested 08/19Jean Guillaumette, Criminal trespass, arrested 08/20Dustin Taylor, Failure to appear, arrested 08/20Christopher Manning, Failure to appear, arrested 08/21Michael Wasylk, Interference with LEO; Burglary; Failure to appear, arrested 08/21Ada Velazquez, Failure to appear, arrested 08/21Erick Jones, Failure to appear, arrested 08/22Quintin Andrews, Failure to appear, arrested 08/22Nicholas Mendoza, Regulations on use of controlled-access highways and facilities, arrested 08/23Jeremy Hester, Domestic battery, arrested 08/23Rickie Wilcox, Failure to appear, arrested 08/23David Jackson, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 08/23Frankie Page, Possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 08/24Brian Ford, Failure to appear, arrested 08/24Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Aug. 16-25

The number of people in the United States illegally surged to an all-time high of 14 million in 2023, a research group said Thursday, a major increase that still falls well short of estimates from President Donald Trump and some critics of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration</a>.

The Pew Research Center's closely watched gauge rose from 11.8 million a year earlier and surpassed the previous high of 12.2 million in 2007. The increase was driven by some 6 million who were in the country with some form of legal protection. Trump has stripped many of those protections since taking office in January.

Pew, whose estimates date back to 1990, said that, while 2023 is its latest full analysis, preliminary findings show the number rose in 2024, though at a slower rate after then-President Joe Biden severely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-border-asylum-mexico-immigration-deportations-43468ec3b154f478f726a62d07204a53">restricted asylum</a>&nbsp;at the border in June of that year. The number dropped this year under Trump, but is still likely above 14 million.

The overall U.S. immigrant population, regardless of legal status, reached an all-time high of more than 53 million in January 2025, accounting for a record 15.8% of the U.S. population. The number has since dropped, which Pew said would be the first time it has shrunk since the 1960s.

While the findings are unlikely to settle debate, Pew's report is one of the most complete attempts to measure illegal immigration. Nearly all the increase came from countries other than Mexico. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and India accounted for the largest numbers after Mexico. Totals from Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Ukraine and Peru each more than doubled in two years.

Trump said in an address to Congress in March that 21 million people “poured into the United States” during the previous four years, far exceeding estimates from Pew and what figures on border arrests suggest. The Federation for American Immigration Reform, a group largely aligned with his policies, estimated 18.6 million in March.

The Center for Immigration Studies, a group that favors immigration restrictions, reported that there were 14.2 million people in the U.S. illegally last month, down from a peak of 15.8 million in January. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem touted the reported drop of 1.6 million in six months. “This is massive,” she said in a press release last week.

Noem's own department, through its Office of Homeland Security Statistics, estimates there were 11 million people in the U.S. illegally in 2022, its most recent count. The Center for Migration Studies, author of another closely watched survey, most recently pegged the number at 12.2 million in 2022, topping its previous high of 12 million in 2008.

Pew's findings, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau survey and Department of Homeland Security, reflect an increase in people crossing the border illegally to exercise&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-asylum-lawsuit-courts-d325740dd73f425309c66f89e670fd8f">rights to seek asylum</a>&nbsp;and Biden-era policies to grant temporary legal status. Those policies included a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-cbp-one-border-app-652854b5f2a4e6ccd6ee2ccc729cbb55">border appointment system</a>&nbsp;called CBP One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-supreme-court-immigration-deportation-8bc46820c6444fbb3540c09764e32905">and permits</a>&nbsp;for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.

Trump has ended those policies and also sought to reverse Biden's expansion of Temporary Protected Status for people already in the United States whose countries are deemed unsafe to return to.

Mexicans were the largest nationality among people in the country illegally, a number that grew slightly to 4.3 million in 2023. The increase came almost entirely from other countries, totaling 9.7 million, up from 6.4 million two years earlier.

States with the largest numbers of people in the country illegally were, in order, California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Illinois, though Texas sharply narrowed its gap with California. Even with the increases in recent years, six states had smaller numbers in 2023 than in the previous peak in 2007: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Oregon.

Pew estimated that a record 9.7 million people without legal status were in the workforce, or about 5.6% of the U.S. labor force in 2023, with Nevada, Florida, New Jersey and Texas having the largest shares.

Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat contributed. Follow Schneider on the social platform Bluesky:&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mikeysid.bsky.social">@mikeysid.bsky.social</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671577993523.png" alt="photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated PressThe number of people in the United States illegally surged to an all-time high of 14 million in 2023, a research group said Thursday, a major increase that still falls well short of estimates from President Donald Trump and some critics of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration</a>.The Pew Research Center's closely watched gauge rose from 11.8 million a year earlier and surpassed the previous high of 12.2 million in 2007. The increase was driven by some 6 million who were in the country with some form of legal protection. Trump has stripped many of those protections since taking office in January.Pew, whose estimates date back to 1990, said that, while 2023 is its latest full analysis, preliminary findings show the number rose in 2024, though at a slower rate after then-President Joe Biden severely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-border-asylum-mexico-immigration-deportations-43468ec3b154f478f726a62d07204a53">restricted asylum</a>&nbsp;at the border in June of that year. The number dropped this year under Trump, but is still likely above 14 million.The overall U.S. immigrant population, regardless of legal status, reached an all-time high of more than 53 million in January 2025, accounting for a record 15.8% of the U.S. population. The number has since dropped, which Pew said would be the first time it has shrunk since the 1960s.While the findings are unlikely to settle debate, Pew's report is one of the most complete attempts to measure illegal immigration. Nearly all the increase came from countries other than Mexico. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and India accounted for the largest numbers after Mexico. Totals from Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Ukraine and Peru each more than doubled in two years.Trump said in an address to Congress in March that 21 million people “poured into the United States” during the previous four years, far exceeding estimates from Pew and what figures on border arrests suggest. The Federation for American Immigration Reform, a group largely aligned with his policies, estimated 18.6 million in March.The Center for Immigration Studies, a group that favors immigration restrictions, reported that there were 14.2 million people in the U.S. illegally last month, down from a peak of 15.8 million in January. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem touted the reported drop of 1.6 million in six months. “This is massive,” she said in a press release last week.Noem's own department, through its Office of Homeland Security Statistics, estimates there were 11 million people in the U.S. illegally in 2022, its most recent count. The Center for Migration Studies, author of another closely watched survey, most recently pegged the number at 12.2 million in 2022, topping its previous high of 12 million in 2008.Pew's findings, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau survey and Department of Homeland Security, reflect an increase in people crossing the border illegally to exercise&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-asylum-lawsuit-courts-d325740dd73f425309c66f89e670fd8f">rights to seek asylum</a>&nbsp;and Biden-era policies to grant temporary legal status. Those policies included a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-cbp-one-border-app-652854b5f2a4e6ccd6ee2ccc729cbb55">border appointment system</a>&nbsp;called CBP One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-supreme-court-immigration-deportation-8bc46820c6444fbb3540c09764e32905">and permits</a>&nbsp;for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.Trump has ended those policies and also sought to reverse Biden's expansion of Temporary Protected Status for people already in the United States whose countries are deemed unsafe to return to.Mexicans were the largest nationality among people in the country illegally, a number that grew slightly to 4.3 million in 2023. The increase came almost entirely from other countries, totaling 9.7 million, up from 6.4 million two years earlier.States with the largest numbers of people in the country illegally were, in order, California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Illinois, though Texas sharply narrowed its gap with California. Even with the increases in recent years, six states had smaller numbers in 2023 than in the previous peak in 2007: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Oregon.Pew estimated that a record 9.7 million people without legal status were in the workforce, or about 5.6% of the U.S. labor force in 2023, with Nevada, Florida, New Jersey and Texas having the largest shares.___Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat contributed. Follow Schneider on the social platform Bluesky:&nbsp;<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mikeysid.bsky.social">@mikeysid.bsky.social</a>

Illegal immigration hit a record-high of 14 million in the US in 2023, Pew report finds

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two more suspects accused in connection with the death of a 1-year-old Kansas boy will go to trial Monday.

Roames Bonner, who was 17 at the time of the crime, will face a bench trial Monday afternoon in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom. The Judge earlier this year  ruled Bonner can be tried as an adult, according to the District Attorney's office.

Jonathan Tillery-Matthais, 21, will face a jury trial in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. That trial is to begin Monday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708650238448.png" alt="Tillery-Matthias photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Tillery-Matthias photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two more suspects accused in connection with the death of a 1-year-old Kansas boy were to go to trial Monday. Both trials were continued until 2026, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.-----------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two more suspects accused in connection with the death of a 1-year-old Kansas boy will go to trial Monday.Roames Bonner, who was 17 at the time of the crime, will face a bench trial Monday afternoon in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom. The Judge earlier this year ruled Bonner can be tried as an adult, according to the District Attorney's office.Jonathan Tillery-Matthais, 21, will face a jury trial in Judge Jeffery Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. That trial is to begin Monday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756117123414.png" alt="Bonner-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bonner-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonner, 21-year-old Jonathan Tillery-Matthias and&nbsp;26-year-old K’Veion Richard all of Wichita, were charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm for the death of 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 7p.m. February 19, police responded to a shooting in the 2500 block of South Oliver, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses. Through the investigation, officers learned that two adult females were struck by gunfire and 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson was also struck by gunfire and died of his injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708454643255.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Police identified three suspects in the case and the following day arrested&nbsp; Bonner, Richard and&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias&nbsp;</a>.At the time of the crime,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=746317">Tillery-Matthias</a>&nbsp;was on pre-trial supervision for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm into an Occupied Vehicle stemming from a Wichita Police investigation.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=232072">&nbsp;Richard&nbsp;</a>was on Parole for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.Police believe that this was a targeted event which led to the death of the boy. In April, Richard was sentenced to life in prison for the boy's death.

Kansas teen faces trial in death of one-year-old boy

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a Saturday afaternoon homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 39-year-old Victor Austin, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

&nbsp;Just after 4p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of East 12th Terrace in Kansas City on a shots fired call for service.

 While in route the call was upgraded to a shooting. Additional call notes indicated someone had possibly been stabbed, as well. When officers arrived they were directed to an apartment building within the complex. As they entered an apartment they located Austin suffering from unknown bodily trauma.

KCFD EMS responded and pronounced Austin deceased at the scene. Two additional victims were located on scene. A man suffering from a gun shot wound. A boy was suffering from head trauma by unknown means.&nbsp; 

Both transported to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries. While on scene officers learned a fourth victim was at a local hospital. A private vehicle transported a woman to the hospital for treatment of a stab wound. She was listed in serious condition, according to DiMartino.

This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Preliminary information revealed a possible altercation between several individuals. Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755994669825.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a Saturday afaternoon homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 39-year-old Victor Austin, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp;Just after 4p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of East 12th Terrace in Kansas City on a shots fired call for service. While in route the call was upgraded to a shooting. Additional call notes indicated someone had possibly been stabbed, as well. When officers arrived they were directed to an apartment building within the complex. As they entered an apartment they located Austin suffering from unknown bodily trauma.KCFD EMS responded and pronounced Austin deceased at the scene. Two additional victims were located on scene. A man suffering from a gun shot wound. A boy was suffering from head trauma by unknown means.&nbsp; Both transported to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries. While on scene officers learned a fourth victim was at a local hospital. A private vehicle transported a woman to the hospital for treatment of a stab wound. She was listed in serious condition, according to DiMartino.This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Preliminary information revealed a possible altercation between several individuals. Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Homicide: Police ID victim in fight at KC apartment

WASHINGTON (AP) — Some National Guard units patrolling the nation’s capital at the direction of President Donald Trump have started carrying firearms, an escalation of his military deployment that makes good on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-federal-intervention-trump-national-guard-df942130ec117288cfc648ab4e37f031">directive issued late last week</a>&nbsp;by his defense secretary.

A Defense Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly said some units on certain missions would be armed — some with handguns and others with rifles. The spokesperson said that all units with firearms have been trained and are operating under strict rules for use of force.

An Associated Press photographer on Sunday saw members of the South Carolina National Guard outside Union Station with holstered handguns.

A statement from the joint task force that has taken over policing in the nation’s capital said units began carrying their service weapons on Sunday and that the military's rules say force should be used “only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.” It said the force is committed to protecting “the safety and wellbeing” of Washington's residents.

The defense official who spoke to The Associated Press said only troops on certain missions would carry guns, and that would include those patrolling to establish a law enforcement presence throughout the capital. Those working in transportation or administration would likely remain unarmed.

Thousands of National Guard and federal law enforcement officers are now&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/search/text?all=false&amp;startDateObj=2024-05-14T15:06:55.237Z&amp;endDate=5%2F14%2F2025&amp;sourceType=ap&amp;dateRangeType=live&amp;mediaSortType=newest&amp;viewType=list&amp;pagesize=100&amp;endDateObj=2025-05-14T15:06:55.195Z&amp;keyword=Takeover&amp;storyType=all&amp;mediatype=text&amp;pagenumber=0&amp;recentRange=1y">patrolling the district’s streets</a>, drawing sporadic protests from local residents.

The development in Trump’s extraordinary effort to override the law enforcement authority of state and local governments comes as he is considering expanding the deployments to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">Chicago</a>&nbsp;and New York.

Earlier Sunday, the president responded to an offer by Maryland’s governor to join him in a tour of Baltimore by saying he might instead “send in the ‘troops.’”

Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, has criticized Trump's unprecedented flex of federal power aimed at combatting crime and homelessness in Washington. Moore last week invited Trump to visit his state to discuss public safety and walk the streets.

In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump said Moore asked “in a rather nasty and provocative tone,” and then raised the specter of repeating the National Guard deployment he made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-los-angeles-immigration-raids-protests-8f668f3fbfd2a8b1f1408db840e9864d">in Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;over the objections of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom.

"Wes Moore’s record on Crime is a very bad one, unless he fudges his figures on crime like many of the other ‘Blue States’ are doing," Trump wrote, as he cited a pejorative nickname he uses frequently for the California governor. “But if Wes Moore needs help, like Gavin Newscum did in L.A., I will send in the ‘troops,’ which is being done in nearby DC, and quickly clean up the Crime.”

Moore said he invited Trump to Maryland “because he seems to enjoy living in this blissful ignorance" about improving crime rates in Baltimore. After a spike during the pandemic that matched nationwide trends, Baltimore's violent crime rate has fallen. The 200 homicides reported last year were down 24% from the prior year and 42% since 2021, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiZjcyZDY5NWYtNTBlZS00OTg0LTgyNDQtOWYwMDEyOGI5Y2M1IiwidCI6IjMxMmNiMTI2LWM2YWUtNGZjMi04MDBkLTMxOGU2NzljZTZjNyJ9&amp;pageName=ReportSectionb1fa0cb3c370416927ba">city data</a>. Between 2023 and 2024, overall violent crime was down nearly 8% and property crimes down 20%.

“The president is spending all of his time talking about me,” Moore said on CBS's “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “I'm spending my time talking about the people I serve.”

Trump is “spouting off a bunch of lies about public safety in Maryland,” Moore said in a fundraising email.

In Washington, where Trump has surged National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers, a patchwork of protests popped up throughout the city over the weekend, while some normally bustling corners were noticeably quiet. In some of the most populated areas, residents walked by small groups of national guardsmen, often talking among themselves. Videos of arrests and detainments circulated on social media.

Trump has said Chicago and New York are most likely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">his next targets</a>, eliciting strong pushback from Democratic leaders in both states. The Washington Post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/08/23/trump-chicago-military-national-guard/">reported Saturday</a>&nbsp;that the Pentagon has spent weeks preparing for an operation in Chicago that would include National Guard troops and potentially active-duty forces.

Asked about the Post report, the White House pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">Trump's earlier comments</a>&nbsp;discussing his desire to expand his use of military forces to target local crime.

“I think Chicago will be our next,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday, adding, “And then we’ll help with New York.”

Trump has repeatedly described some of the nation’s largest cities — run by Democrats, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-mayors-national-guard-police-takeover-dc-aa9a9cd07f0704b13f3d2deb2e351e44">Black mayors</a>&nbsp;and majority-minority populations — as dangerous and filthy. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is Black, as is Moore. The District of Columbia and New York also have Black mayors.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, speaking during a religious event Sunday at Howard University in Washington, said the Guard's presence in the nation's capital was not about crime: "This is about profiling us.”

“This is laced with bigotry and racism,” he later elaborated to reporters. "Not one white mayor has been designated. And I think this is a civil rights issue, a race issue, and an issue of D.C. statehood.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said there is&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovPritzker/status/1959421956509548587">no emergency</a>&nbsp;warranting the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago.

“Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he’s causing families,” Pritzker&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovPritzker/status/1959421957725720665">wrote on X</a>. “We’ll continue to follow the law, stand up for the sovereignty of our state, and protect Illinoisans.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city doesn't need “a military occupation" and would sue to block one. He said there has been no communication from the White House about a possible military deployment.

“We’re not going to surrender our humanity to this tyrant," Johnson said Sunday on MSNBC. “I can tell you this, the city of Chicago has a long history of standing up against tyranny, resisting those who wish to undermine the interests of working people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755882333777.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Some National Guard units patrolling the nation’s capital at the direction of President Donald Trump have started carrying firearms, an escalation of his military deployment that makes good on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-federal-intervention-trump-national-guard-df942130ec117288cfc648ab4e37f031">directive issued late last week</a>&nbsp;by his defense secretary.A Defense Department official who was not authorized to speak publicly said some units on certain missions would be armed — some with handguns and others with rifles. The spokesperson said that all units with firearms have been trained and are operating under strict rules for use of force.An Associated Press photographer on Sunday saw members of the South Carolina National Guard outside Union Station with holstered handguns.A statement from the joint task force that has taken over policing in the nation’s capital said units began carrying their service weapons on Sunday and that the military's rules say force should be used “only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.” It said the force is committed to protecting “the safety and wellbeing” of Washington's residents.The defense official who spoke to The Associated Press said only troops on certain missions would carry guns, and that would include those patrolling to establish a law enforcement presence throughout the capital. Those working in transportation or administration would likely remain unarmed.Thousands of National Guard and federal law enforcement officers are now&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/search/text?all=false&amp;startDateObj=2024-05-14T15:06:55.237Z&amp;endDate=5%2F14%2F2025&amp;sourceType=ap&amp;dateRangeType=live&amp;mediaSortType=newest&amp;viewType=list&amp;pagesize=100&amp;endDateObj=2025-05-14T15:06:55.195Z&amp;keyword=Takeover&amp;storyType=all&amp;mediatype=text&amp;pagenumber=0&amp;recentRange=1y">patrolling the district’s streets</a>, drawing sporadic protests from local residents.The development in Trump’s extraordinary effort to override the law enforcement authority of state and local governments comes as he is considering expanding the deployments to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">Chicago</a>&nbsp;and New York.Earlier Sunday, the president responded to an offer by Maryland’s governor to join him in a tour of Baltimore by saying he might instead “send in the ‘troops.’”Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, has criticized Trump's unprecedented flex of federal power aimed at combatting crime and homelessness in Washington. Moore last week invited Trump to visit his state to discuss public safety and walk the streets.In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump said Moore asked “in a rather nasty and provocative tone,” and then raised the specter of repeating the National Guard deployment he made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-los-angeles-immigration-raids-protests-8f668f3fbfd2a8b1f1408db840e9864d">in Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;over the objections of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom."Wes Moore’s record on Crime is a very bad one, unless he fudges his figures on crime like many of the other ‘Blue States’ are doing," Trump wrote, as he cited a pejorative nickname he uses frequently for the California governor. “But if Wes Moore needs help, like Gavin Newscum did in L.A., I will send in the ‘troops,’ which is being done in nearby DC, and quickly clean up the Crime.”Moore said he invited Trump to Maryland “because he seems to enjoy living in this blissful ignorance" about improving crime rates in Baltimore. After a spike during the pandemic that matched nationwide trends, Baltimore's violent crime rate has fallen. The 200 homicides reported last year were down 24% from the prior year and 42% since 2021, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiZjcyZDY5NWYtNTBlZS00OTg0LTgyNDQtOWYwMDEyOGI5Y2M1IiwidCI6IjMxMmNiMTI2LWM2YWUtNGZjMi04MDBkLTMxOGU2NzljZTZjNyJ9&amp;pageName=ReportSectionb1fa0cb3c370416927ba">city data</a>. Between 2023 and 2024, overall violent crime was down nearly 8% and property crimes down 20%.“The president is spending all of his time talking about me,” Moore said on CBS's “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “I'm spending my time talking about the people I serve.”Trump is “spouting off a bunch of lies about public safety in Maryland,” Moore said in a fundraising email.In Washington, where Trump has surged National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers, a patchwork of protests popped up throughout the city over the weekend, while some normally bustling corners were noticeably quiet. In some of the most populated areas, residents walked by small groups of national guardsmen, often talking among themselves. Videos of arrests and detainments circulated on social media.Trump has said Chicago and New York are most likely&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">his next targets</a>, eliciting strong pushback from Democratic leaders in both states. The Washington Post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/08/23/trump-chicago-military-national-guard/">reported Saturday</a>&nbsp;that the Pentagon has spent weeks preparing for an operation in Chicago that would include National Guard troops and potentially active-duty forces.Asked about the Post report, the White House pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-crackdown-dc-chicago-new-york-d5c658a7350a954ae1ab4bc80c920ac9">Trump's earlier comments</a>&nbsp;discussing his desire to expand his use of military forces to target local crime.“I think Chicago will be our next,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday, adding, “And then we’ll help with New York.”Trump has repeatedly described some of the nation’s largest cities — run by Democrats, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-mayors-national-guard-police-takeover-dc-aa9a9cd07f0704b13f3d2deb2e351e44">Black mayors</a>&nbsp;and majority-minority populations — as dangerous and filthy. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is Black, as is Moore. The District of Columbia and New York also have Black mayors.The Rev. Al Sharpton, speaking during a religious event Sunday at Howard University in Washington, said the Guard's presence in the nation's capital was not about crime: "This is about profiling us.”“This is laced with bigotry and racism,” he later elaborated to reporters. "Not one white mayor has been designated. And I think this is a civil rights issue, a race issue, and an issue of D.C. statehood.”Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said there is&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovPritzker/status/1959421956509548587">no emergency</a>&nbsp;warranting the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago.“Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he’s causing families,” Pritzker&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovPritzker/status/1959421957725720665">wrote on X</a>. “We’ll continue to follow the law, stand up for the sovereignty of our state, and protect Illinoisans.”Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city doesn't need “a military occupation" and would sue to block one. He said there has been no communication from the White House about a possible military deployment.“We’re not going to surrender our humanity to this tyrant," Johnson said Sunday on MSNBC. “I can tell you this, the city of Chicago has a long history of standing up against tyranny, resisting those who wish to undermine the interests of working people.”___

Some guard units in DC now carrying firearms; more cities targeted for possible deployment 

The FBI has established a Seeking Information page regarding Dennis Hernandez, who has been charged in the with multiple child pornography offenses, according to the United State's Attorney.

<a href="https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/dennishernandezvictims/">Click here to view the FBI information page</a>

 

Hernandez is a school teacher in the metropolitan Kansas City area and is charged via federal complaint with transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/media/1411761/dl?inline">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the charging documents

Hernandez was arrested at his home during the execution of a federal search warrant.  He remains in custody and is scheduled for his initial appearance today before a federal magistrate.

The complaint affidavit alleges that on Aug. 19, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigations received 19 CyberTipline Reports (“Cybertips”) from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”).&nbsp; NCMEC made the referral after it received disclosures from Google on August 18th&nbsp;indicating that multiple files of apparent child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to google photos by a particular account that had identifying information consistent with/to Hernandez.&nbsp;The affidavit further alleges that based upon the Cybertips, agents with the FBI sought and obtained a federal search warrant which was executed on the morning of August 20th.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under federal statutes, transportation of child pornography carries a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, production and attempted production of child pornography carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment, and possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.&nbsp; The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

The FBI is seeking to identify potential victims of Hernandez.&nbsp; If you or your child believes they were a victim of Hernandez, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI. If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent/guardian call on your behalf. Your responses are voluntary. Based on your responses, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755908167779.png" alt="Hernandez photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Hernandez photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The FBI has established a Seeking Information page regarding Dennis Hernandez, who has been charged in the with multiple child pornography offenses, according to the United State's Attorney.<a href="https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/dennishernandezvictims/">Click here to view the FBI information page</a> 

Hernandez is a school teacher in the metropolitan Kansas City area and is charged via federal complaint with transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/media/1411761/dl?inline">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the charging documentsHernandez was arrested at his home during the execution of a federal search warrant. He remains in custody and is scheduled for his initial appearance today before a federal magistrate.The complaint affidavit alleges that on Aug. 19, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigations received 19 CyberTipline Reports (“Cybertips”) from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”).&nbsp; NCMEC made the referral after it received disclosures from Google on August 18th&nbsp;indicating that multiple files of apparent child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to google photos by a particular account that had identifying information consistent with/to Hernandez.&nbsp;The affidavit further alleges that based upon the Cybertips, agents with the FBI sought and obtained a federal search warrant which was executed on the morning of August 20th.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under federal statutes, transportation of child pornography carries a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, production and attempted production of child pornography carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment, and possession of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.&nbsp; The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.The FBI is seeking to identify potential victims of Hernandez.&nbsp; If you or your child believes they were a victim of Hernandez, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI. If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent/guardian call on your behalf. Your responses are voluntary. Based on your responses, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.-----------

FBI seeks victims: Teacher filmed child porn in KC area school

KANSAS CITY—Two Kansas City men face charges for tampering with a witness on social media, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2710/Hernandez-REDACT-COMP">Eduardo V. Hernandez</a>, 22, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2712/Cerritos-FloresAdan---Complaint">Adan G. Cerritos-Flores</a>&nbsp;each face two counts of Tampering with a Witness in a Felony Prosecution.&nbsp; If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2709/Hernandez-REDACT-PC">According to court records</a>, a series of separate shootings occurred between July 12-13 and on July 16. Shots were fired into multiple occupied residences, some with juveniles inside. No injuries were reported. Last week, Antonio Lopez-Hernandez, Julian Chavarria, and Alexis Vega-Martinez were charged and taken into custody for their roles in the shootings.

Following their arrests, detectives discovered publicly visible posts on social media that were intimidating and threatening in nature toward the victims and witnesses of the shootings. The posts were made from Hernandez and Cerritos-Flores’s social media accounts.&nbsp;

Hernandez is being held on a $50,000 cash bond. Cerritos-Flores is being held on a $10,000 cash bond with CHA.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755869911733.png" alt="Hernandez photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hernandez photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Two Kansas City men face charges for tampering with a witness on social media, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2710/Hernandez-REDACT-COMP">Eduardo V. Hernandez</a>, 22, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2712/Cerritos-FloresAdan---Complaint">Adan G. Cerritos-Flores</a>&nbsp;each face two counts of Tampering with a Witness in a Felony Prosecution.&nbsp; If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2709/Hernandez-REDACT-PC">According to court records</a>, a series of separate shootings occurred between July 12-13 and on July 16. Shots were fired into multiple occupied residences, some with juveniles inside. No injuries were reported. Last week, Antonio Lopez-Hernandez, Julian Chavarria, and Alexis Vega-Martinez were charged and taken into custody for their roles in the shootings.Following their arrests, detectives discovered publicly visible posts on social media that were intimidating and threatening in nature toward the victims and witnesses of the shootings. The posts were made from Hernandez and Cerritos-Flores’s social media accounts.&nbsp;Hernandez is being held on a $50,000 cash bond. Cerritos-Flores is being held on a $10,000 cash bond with CHA.&nbsp;

Two accused of witness tampering on social media following KC shootings 

SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Topeka man for child sex crimes suspected to have occurred in Kentucky.

Just before 7a.m. on Friday, KBI agents executed a search warrant at a residence at 1932 SW Lane St. in Topeka. During the operation, KBI agents also served an arrest warrant for the resident, Justin R. Bevitt, 41, that was secured following an investigation by the Kentucky State Police, according to a media release from the KBI.

Bevitt was arrested on Kentucky charges of procuring or promoting the use of a minor, unlawful transaction with a minor in the first degree, unlawful transaction with a minor in the second degree, and distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor. The charges allege Bevitt traveled to Kentucky in late July of 2025, and had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old female.

Bevitt was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Additional charges against Bevitt are pending in Kansas. Extradition is expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755895737870.png" alt="Bevitt photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Bevitt photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Topeka man for child sex crimes suspected to have occurred in Kentucky.Just before 7a.m. on Friday, KBI agents executed a search warrant at a residence at 1932 SW Lane St. in Topeka. During the operation, KBI agents also served an arrest warrant for the resident, Justin R. Bevitt, 41, that was secured following an investigation by the Kentucky State Police, according to a media release from the KBI.Bevitt was arrested on Kentucky charges of procuring or promoting the use of a minor, unlawful transaction with a minor in the first degree, unlawful transaction with a minor in the second degree, and distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor. The charges allege Bevitt traveled to Kentucky in late July of 2025, and had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old female.Bevitt was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Additional charges against Bevitt are pending in Kansas. Extradition is expected.

KBI: 41-year-old Kan. man met a 15-year-old for sex in Kentucky

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an arrest.

Shortly before 5p.m. on Thursday an officer on patrol observed 44-year-old Richard Burge II walking in the 900 Block of Main Street, according to. Police Chief Mike Wilson 

Burge was taken into custody on requested charges that include four outstanding District Court warrants for failure to appear in court. 

When taken into custody he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755869162621.png" alt="Burge photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Burge photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an arrest.Shortly before 5p.m. on Thursday an officer on patrol observed 44-year-old Richard Burge II walking in the 900 Block of Main Street, according to. Police Chief Mike Wilson Burge was taken into custody on requested charges that include four outstanding District Court warrants for failure to appear in court. When taken into custody he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Kan. man who keeps skipping court is caught with meth

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-053ad2ae16f31b9d7300340d5f9349c5">Jeffrey Epstein's imprisoned former girlfriend</a>&nbsp;repeatedly denied to the Justice Department witnessing any sexually inappropriate interactions with Donald Trump, according to records released Friday meant to distance the Republican president from the disgraced financer.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/maxwell-interview">Click here</a> to listen to and or read the transcripts

The Trump administration issued hundreds of pages of transcripts from interviews that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche conducted with Ghislaine Maxwell last month as the administration was scrambling to present itself as transparent amid a fierce backlash&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">over an earlier refusal to disclose a trove of records from the sex-trafficking case.</a>

The records show Maxwell repeatedly showering Trump with praise and denying under questioning from Blanche that she had observed Trump engaged in any form of sexual behavior. The administration was presumably eager to make such denials public at a time when the president has faced questions about a long-ago friendship with Epstein and as his administration has endured continued scrutiny over its handling of evidence from the case.

The transcript disclosure represents the latest Trump administration effort to repair self-inflicted political wounds after failing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90">deliver on expectations that its own officials had created</a>&nbsp;through conspiracy theories and bold pronouncements that never came to pass. By making public two days worth of interviews, officials appear to be hoping to at least temporarily keep at bay sustained anger from Trump’s base even as they send Congress evidence that they had previously kept from view.

“I actually never saw the President in any type of massage setting,” Maxwell said, according to the transcript. “I never witnessed the President in any inappropriate setting in any way. The President was never inappropriate with anybody. In the times that I was with him, he was a gentleman in all respects.”

Maxwell recalled knowing about Trump and possibly meeting him for the first time in 1990, when her newspaper magnate father, Robert Maxwell, was the owner of the New York Daily News.

She estimated that she hadn’t seen Trump since the mid-2000s, again in a social setting. Asked if she ever heard Epstein or anyone else say Trump “had done anything inappropriate with masseuses” or anyone else in their orbit, Maxwell replied, “Absolutely never, in any context.”

Maxwell, a onetime socialite who was convicted in 2021 of helping lure teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein, was interviewed over the course of two days last month by Blanche at a Florida courthouse.

Blanche prefaced the interview by saying Maxwell had been given limited immunity, allowing her to speak freely without fear of prosecution for anything she said. The only exceptions, he said, were if she lied or gave statements inconsistent with what she’d previously said.

After her interview,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">Maxwell was moved from the low-security federal prison in Florida</a>&nbsp;where she had been serving a 20-year sentence to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas. Neither her lawyer nor the federal Bureau of Prisons have explained the reason for the move.

The Epstein case had long captured public attention in part because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-documents-prince-andrew-harvey-weinstein-1e20f426af0c610db7963cdaf85c209f">wealthy financer’s social connections over the years to prominent figures</a>, including Prince Andrew, former President Bill Clinton and Trump, who has said his relationship with Epstein ended years before. Epstein was arrested in 2019 on sex-trafficking charges, accused of sexually abusing dozens of teenage girls, and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">found dead a month later in a New York jail cell in what investigators described as a suicide.</a>

The saga has consumed the Trump administration over the last month following an abrupt two-page announcement from the FBI and Justice Department that Epstein had killed himself despite conspiracy theories to the contrary, that a “client list” that Attorney General Pam Bondi had intimated was on her desk did not actually exist and that no additional documents from the high-profile investigation were suitable to be released.

The announcement produced outrage from conspiracy theorists, online sleuths and Trump supporters who had been hoping to see proof of a government coverup. That expectation was driven in part by comments from officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, who on podcasts before taking their current positions had repeatedly promoted the idea that damaging details about prominent people were being withheld.

Patel, for instance, said in at least one podcast interview before becoming director that Epstein’s “black book” was under the “direct control of the director of the FBI.”

The administration had an early stumble in February when far-right influencers were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi-trump-1a6af3e9fa1cfb6d267985a971a4929a">invited to the White House in February</a>&nbsp;and provided by Bondi with binders marked “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” and “Declassified” that contained documents that had largely already been in the public domain.

After the first release fell flat, Bondi said officials were poring over a “truckload” of previously withheld evidence she said had been handed over by the FBI and raised expectations of forthcoming releases.

But after a weekslong review of evidence in the government’s possession, the Justice Department said last month that no “further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.” The department noted that much of the material was placed under seal by a court to protect victims and “only a fraction” of it “would have been aired publicly had Epstein gone to trial.”

Faced with fury from his base, Trump sought to quickly turn the page, shutting down questioning of Bondi about Epstein at a White House Cabinet meeting and deriding as “weaklings” supporters who he said were falling for the “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755895048179.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-053ad2ae16f31b9d7300340d5f9349c5">Jeffrey Epstein's imprisoned former girlfriend</a>&nbsp;repeatedly denied to the Justice Department witnessing any sexually inappropriate interactions with Donald Trump, according to records released Friday meant to distance the Republican president from the disgraced financer.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/maxwell-interview">Click here</a> to listen to and or read the transcriptsThe Trump administration issued hundreds of pages of transcripts from interviews that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche conducted with Ghislaine Maxwell last month as the administration was scrambling to present itself as transparent amid a fierce backlash&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">over an earlier refusal to disclose a trove of records from the sex-trafficking case.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704416234390.png" alt="FILE — Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell AP Photo/John Minchillo" />
 <figcaption>FILE — Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell AP Photo/John Minchillo</figcaption>
 </figure>The records show Maxwell repeatedly showering Trump with praise and denying under questioning from Blanche that she had observed Trump engaged in any form of sexual behavior. The administration was presumably eager to make such denials public at a time when the president has faced questions about a long-ago friendship with Epstein and as his administration has endured continued scrutiny over its handling of evidence from the case.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on Epstein Files: &quot;The whole Epstein thing is a Democrat hoax...Bill Clinton was on his plane and went to the island supposedly 28 times. I don&#39;t want to bring that up, frankly.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Mb9PZBT6lI">pic.twitter.com/Mb9PZBT6lI</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1958949953629200668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The transcript disclosure represents the latest Trump administration effort to repair self-inflicted political wounds after failing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90">deliver on expectations that its own officials had created</a>&nbsp;through conspiracy theories and bold pronouncements that never came to pass. By making public two days worth of interviews, officials appear to be hoping to at least temporarily keep at bay sustained anger from Trump’s base even as they send Congress evidence that they had previously kept from view.“I actually never saw the President in any type of massage setting,” Maxwell said, according to the transcript. “I never witnessed the President in any inappropriate setting in any way. The President was never inappropriate with anybody. In the times that I was with him, he was a gentleman in all respects.”Maxwell recalled knowing about Trump and possibly meeting him for the first time in 1990, when her newspaper magnate father, Robert Maxwell, was the owner of the New York Daily News.She estimated that she hadn’t seen Trump since the mid-2000s, again in a social setting. Asked if she ever heard Epstein or anyone else say Trump “had done anything inappropriate with masseuses” or anyone else in their orbit, Maxwell replied, “Absolutely never, in any context.”Maxwell, a onetime socialite who was convicted in 2021 of helping lure teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein, was interviewed over the course of two days last month by Blanche at a Florida courthouse.Blanche prefaced the interview by saying Maxwell had been given limited immunity, allowing her to speak freely without fear of prosecution for anything she said. The only exceptions, he said, were if she lied or gave statements inconsistent with what she’d previously said.After her interview,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">Maxwell was moved from the low-security federal prison in Florida</a>&nbsp;where she had been serving a 20-year sentence to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas. Neither her lawyer nor the federal Bureau of Prisons have explained the reason for the move.The Epstein case had long captured public attention in part because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-documents-prince-andrew-harvey-weinstein-1e20f426af0c610db7963cdaf85c209f">wealthy financer’s social connections over the years to prominent figures</a>, including Prince Andrew, former President Bill Clinton and Trump, who has said his relationship with Epstein ended years before. Epstein was arrested in 2019 on sex-trafficking charges, accused of sexually abusing dozens of teenage girls, and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">found dead a month later in a New York jail cell in what investigators described as a suicide.</a>The saga has consumed the Trump administration over the last month following an abrupt two-page announcement from the FBI and Justice Department that Epstein had killed himself despite conspiracy theories to the contrary, that a “client list” that Attorney General Pam Bondi had intimated was on her desk did not actually exist and that no additional documents from the high-profile investigation were suitable to be released.The announcement produced outrage from conspiracy theorists, online sleuths and Trump supporters who had been hoping to see proof of a government coverup. That expectation was driven in part by comments from officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, who on podcasts before taking their current positions had repeatedly promoted the idea that damaging details about prominent people were being withheld.Patel, for instance, said in at least one podcast interview before becoming director that Epstein’s “black book” was under the “direct control of the director of the FBI.”The administration had an early stumble in February when far-right influencers were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi-trump-1a6af3e9fa1cfb6d267985a971a4929a">invited to the White House in February</a>&nbsp;and provided by Bondi with binders marked “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” and “Declassified” that contained documents that had largely already been in the public domain.After the first release fell flat, Bondi said officials were poring over a “truckload” of previously withheld evidence she said had been handed over by the FBI and raised expectations of forthcoming releases.But after a weekslong review of evidence in the government’s possession, the Justice Department said last month that no “further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.” The department noted that much of the material was placed under seal by a court to protect victims and “only a fraction” of it “would have been aired publicly had Epstein gone to trial.”Faced with fury from his base, Trump sought to quickly turn the page, shutting down questioning of Bondi about Epstein at a White House Cabinet meeting and deriding as “weaklings” supporters who he said were falling for the “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.”The kerfuffle also created bitter divisions within the administration, as Bondi and Bongino angrily clashed at a White House meeting last month. Bongino was uncharacteristically silent on social media for several days after that.