&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating

(JASO) – Sheriff Tim Morse reports that on November 2, 2024,

Shortly after 4a.m. November 4, Sheriff's Deputies and police responded to a report of domestic violence at 619 ½ Vermont Ave. in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the course of the investigation the Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for the residence. William Daniel Collins, 39, of Holton, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and domestic battery. 

 Samantha Leighanne Gresham, 33, of Morrill, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730900695414.png" alt="Collins photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Collins photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating(JASO) – Sheriff Tim Morse reports that on November 2, 2024,Shortly after 4a.m. November 4, Sheriff's Deputies and police responded to a report of domestic violence at 619 ½ Vermont Ave. in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730900662437.png" alt="Gresham photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Gresham photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>During the course of the investigation the Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for the residence. William Daniel Collins, 39, of Holton, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and domestic battery. Samantha Leighanne Gresham, 33, of Morrill, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Drug bust after violent incident at Kansas home

MANHATTAN– Law enforcement are investigating deadly stabbing in Manhattan and have made an arrest.

Just after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 3000 block of Arbor Drive in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

Officers located Tabatha Deer, 24, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, who had sustained multiple stab wounds. EMS transported Deer to Ascension Via Christi Hospital for treatment. She was later airlifted to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The suspect, Hunter Smith, 24, of Manhattan, was apprehended at the scene yesterday and taken into custody before being transported to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of his injuries. On Wednesday, Smith was formally arrested on requested charges of first-degree murder, with bond set at $1 million.

MANHATTAN– Law enforcement are investigating deadly stabbing in Manhattan and have made an arrest.Just after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 3000 block of Arbor Drive in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.Officers located Tabatha Deer, 24, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, who had sustained multiple stab wounds. EMS transported Deer to Ascension Via Christi Hospital for treatment. She was later airlifted to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, where she succumbed to her injuries.The suspect, Hunter Smith, 24, of Manhattan, was apprehended at the scene yesterday and taken into custody before being transported to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of his injuries. On Wednesday, Smith was formally arrested on requested charges of first-degree murder, with bond set at $1 million.

RCPD: Woman injured in knife attack has died

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.

Joshua Sample, Theft-All other, arrested 11/05

Brett Williams, Transporting an open container, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 11/05

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/2024/11/1730904961449.jpeg" alt="Steven Pritchett, Domestic battery, arrested 11/05" />
 <figcaption>Steven Pritchett, Domestic battery, arrested 11/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730905001800.jpeg" alt="Richaun Faulks, Domestic battery, Unlawful damage to property, Criminal deprivation of property, arrested&nbsp; 11/05" />
 <figcaption>Richaun Faulks, Domestic battery, Unlawful damage to property, Criminal deprivation of property, arrested&nbsp; 11/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730905012010.jpeg" alt="Alquilia Faulks, Conspiracy, arrested 11/06" />
 <figcaption>Alquilia Faulks, Conspiracy, arrested 11/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730905001800.jpeg" alt="Richaun Faulks, Violaion of a protection order, arrested 11/06" />
 <figcaption>Richaun Faulks, Violaion of a protection order, arrested 11/06</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Joshua Sample, Theft-All other, arrested 11/05Brett Williams, Transporting an open container, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 11/05Recent 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 Nov. 6

HARVEY COUNTY— One person is in police custody after an investigation found dozens of illegal explosive devices in a Newton garage.

On Tuesday morning a suspect fled from a North Newton Police officer during an unrelated traffic stop, according to a media release from the city of Newton.

 Newton Police assisted in the chase and eventually located the suspect in a garage in the 500 block of East 11th Street in Newton. While in the garage, officers found about 60 suspicious items consistent with homemade explosives.

The Wichita Bomb Squad and ATF agents examined the items and believed them to be illegal explosive materials. The items were rendered safe early in the investigation, but out of an abundance of caution, police cordoned off the area. The items were taken to a safe location and destroyed at around 5:3op.m.

One resident of the house is in custody, and police are seeking one other person of interest.

The original suspect from the traffic stop is not believed to have any connection to the location or residents of the property. He was arrested on misdemeanor warrants.

HARVEY COUNTY— One person is in police custody after an investigation found dozens of illegal explosive devices in a Newton garage.On Tuesday morning a suspect fled from a North Newton Police officer during an unrelated traffic stop, according to a media release from the city of Newton. Newton Police assisted in the chase and eventually located the suspect in a garage in the 500 block of East 11th Street in Newton. While in the garage, officers found about 60 suspicious items consistent with homemade explosives.The Wichita Bomb Squad and ATF agents examined the items and believed them to be illegal explosive materials. The items were rendered safe early in the investigation, but out of an abundance of caution, police cordoned off the area. The items were taken to a safe location and destroyed at around 5:3op.m.One resident of the house is in custody, and police are seeking one other person of interest.The original suspect from the traffic stop is not believed to have any connection to the location or residents of the property. He was arrested on misdemeanor warrants.

Police find illegal explosives in garage at Kansas home

WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. Capitol Police say the man was stopped Tuesday during a security screening at the Capitol Visitor Center. Authorities say he smelled of fuel and was carrying the flare gun and torch.

Officials have canceled public tours of the Capitol for the remainder of the day.

The arrest comes as authorities are on heightened alert for security issues around the nation’s capital and have increased patrols in areas downtown and near the White House around Election Day.&nbsp;

WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. Capitol Police say the man was stopped Tuesday during a security screening at the Capitol Visitor Center. Authorities say he smelled of fuel and was carrying the flare gun and torch.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our officers just arrested a man who was stopped during our screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The man smelled like fuel, had a torch &amp; a flare gun. The CVC is closed for tours for the day, while we investigate. We will provide more information when we can. <a href="https://t.co/J5geNud1h2">pic.twitter.com/J5geNud1h2</a>&mdash; The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice/status/1853869248562475086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Officials have canceled public tours of the Capitol for the remainder of the day.Police say they are still investigating.The arrest comes as authorities are on heightened alert for security issues around the nation’s capital and have increased patrols in areas downtown and near the White House around Election Day.&nbsp;

Police stop man trying to enter the US Capitol with a torch and flare gun 

Zachary Olson,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 10/31

Samoht Thomas, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 10/31

Amanda Headlee,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 10/31

Marcus Jackson, Abuse of a child, Knowingly inflict cruel and inhuman corporal punishment, child &gt;6 years old &lt; 18 years old, arrested 11/01

Patricia Purcell, Interference with LEO, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, arrested 11/01

Anthony Henderson, Harass by telecom device, Phone call with intent to abuse/threaten/harass, Intimidation of a witness or victim, Prevent reporting of victimization, Criminal damage to property without consent (value &lt; $1,000), Criminal restraint, Domestic battery, rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 11/01

Cassandra Shubert, Failure to appear, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 11/01

Manuel Villareal, DUI-Liquor or drugs, Transporting of alcoholic beverage, Driver's license without valid DL, arrested 11/01

Kodi Arnold, Failure to appear, arrested 11/01

Mark Hecker,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 11/01

Shannon Flynn, No driver's license in possession, Listening or talking on a wireless communication device while driving, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 11/02

Osvaldo Bigas Jr, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 11/02

Shanyia Everette, Domestic battery, arrested 11/02

Jamie Andrus, Cruelty to animals, Abandon without provisions for care, arrested 11/02

Jaisen Morris, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 11/03

Candelario Abimael, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03

Travis Golden Jr, Criminal damage to property without consent (value &lt;1,000), Aggravated domestic battery, choke in rude manner, family member/dating relationship, arrested 11/03

Santez White, Failure to appear, arrested 11/04

David Snider, Outside warrant, arrested 11/04

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/2024/11/1730832840396.jpeg" alt="Ashley Demercurio, Failure to appear (Three counts), arrested 10/31" />
 <figcaption>Ashley Demercurio, Failure to appear (Three counts), arrested 10/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730832987417.jpeg" alt="Jacqualyn Brooks, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 11/01" />
 <figcaption>Jacqualyn Brooks, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 11/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730833024619.jpeg" alt="John Blunt, Criminal threat, cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Criminal damage to property without consent (value &lt;$1,000), Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim, Threat of force/violence, Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, Aggravated domestic battery, Impede breathing/blocking nose/mouth of family/dating relationship, arrested 11/03" />
 <figcaption>John Blunt, Criminal threat, cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Criminal damage to property without consent (value &lt;$1,000), Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim, Threat of force/violence, Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, Aggravated domestic battery, Impede breathing/blocking nose/mouth of family/dating relationship, arrested 11/03</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730833230519.jpeg" alt="Jackie Harold, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, Failure to appear, arrested 11/04" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Harold, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, Failure to appear, arrested 11/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730833289602.jpeg" alt="Rene Osborn, Theft-All other, arrested 11/05" />
 <figcaption>Rene Osborn, Theft-All other, arrested 11/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730833301211.jpeg" alt="Gregory Osborn,&nbsp;Theft-All other, arrested 11/05" />
 <figcaption>Gregory Osborn,&nbsp;Theft-All other, arrested 11/05</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Zachary Olson,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 10/31Samoht Thomas, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 10/31Amanda Headlee,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 10/31Marcus Jackson, Abuse of a child, Knowingly inflict cruel and inhuman corporal punishment, child &gt;6 years old &lt; 18 years old, arrested 11/01Patricia Purcell, Interference with LEO, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, arrested 11/01Anthony Henderson, Harass by telecom device, Phone call with intent to abuse/threaten/harass, Intimidation of a witness or victim, Prevent reporting of victimization, Criminal damage to property without consent (value &lt; $1,000), Criminal restraint, Domestic battery, rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 11/01Cassandra Shubert, Failure to appear, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 11/01Manuel Villareal, DUI-Liquor or drugs, Transporting of alcoholic beverage, Driver's license without valid DL, arrested 11/01Kodi Arnold, Failure to appear, arrested 11/01Mark Hecker,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 11/01Shannon Flynn, No driver's license in possession, Listening or talking on a wireless communication device while driving, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 11/02Osvaldo Bigas Jr, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 11/02Shanyia Everette, Domestic battery, arrested 11/02Jamie Andrus, Cruelty to animals, Abandon without provisions for care, arrested 11/02Jaisen Morris, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 11/03Candelario Abimael, Failure to appear, arrested 11/03Travis Golden Jr, Criminal damage to property without consent (value &lt;1,000), Aggravated domestic battery, choke in rude manner, family member/dating relationship, arrested 11/03Santez White, Failure to appear, arrested 11/04David Snider, Outside warrant, arrested 11/04Recent 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 Nov. 1-5

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted his role in a gunfight at a funeral in Wichita is going to prison.

On Monday, District Judge Eric Williams sentenced 20-year-old Demetrious Carter of Wichita, to 24 months in prison., according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The sentence is to run consecutive to an earlier sentence of 92 months in a case where he rammed a police patrol car.&nbsp; The total number of years in the Kansas Department of Corrections is 116 month

In August, Carter pled guilty to aggravated endangering of a child, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He had&nbsp; originally been charged with with two counts of aggravated assault.

On June 16, 2023.&nbsp; police were dispatched to a shooting call at Life Center Church in the 1100 block of North Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim later identified as Carter was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that several suspects arrived at the parking lot of the church and confronted a large group of people attending a funeral right outside the main door.

After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested Carter and transported him to investigations for further questioning before an arrest.

During the incident, several vehicles, and residences around and in front of the church’s parking lot were hit with gunfire. Police also recovered several firearms from the scene.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687431619099.png" alt="Carter photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Carter photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted his role in a gunfight at a funeral in Wichita is going to prison.On Monday, District Judge Eric Williams sentenced 20-year-old Demetrious Carter of Wichita, to 24 months in prison., according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The sentence is to run consecutive to an earlier sentence of 92 months in a case where he rammed a police patrol car.&nbsp; The total number of years in the Kansas Department of Corrections is 116 monthIn August, Carter pled guilty to aggravated endangering of a child, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He had&nbsp; originally been charged with with two counts of aggravated assault.On June 16, 2023.&nbsp; police were dispatched to a shooting call at Life Center Church in the 1100 block of North Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730756997295.png" alt="First responders at the church in June of 2023 -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the church in June of 2023 -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim later identified as Carter was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that several suspects arrived at the parking lot of the church and confronted a large group of people attending a funeral right outside the main door.After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested Carter and transported him to investigations for further questioning before an arrest.During the incident, several vehicles, and residences around and in front of the church’s parking lot were hit with gunfire. Police also recovered several firearms from the scene.&nbsp;

Prison for Kansas man for gunfight outside a funeral

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting on Halloween that left a 13-year-old dead&nbsp;issued a Felony Pick-Up for the arrest of Jermall Campbell, according to Wichita Police.

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

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

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

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

If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact our investigators at 316-268-4407 or call 911. To remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or scan the QR code provided. Your assistance is vital in helping us bring this case to a resolution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730567909379.png" alt="Campbell photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Campbell photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting on Halloween that left a 13-year-old dead&nbsp;issued a Felony Pick-Up for the arrest of Jermall Campbell, according to Wichita Police.Just after 10:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of gunfire at the QuikTrip located at Central and Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730455429350.png" alt="Police on the scene Thursday evening -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene Thursday evening -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers discovered evidence of a shooting and the convenience store. Simultaneously, a walk-in report was received from a local hospital indicating that a private vehicle had transported victims of this incident for treatment.The victims included a 15-year-old boy from Wichita, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and a 13-year-old boy who sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival at the hospital.Initial investigations reveal that a disturbance occurred in the QuikTrip parking lot, leading to the suspect firing at a crowd, which tragically resulted in injuries to the two victims.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730567974750.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact our investigators at 316-268-4407 or call 911. To remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or scan the QR code provided. Your assistance is vital in helping us bring this case to a resolution.

Search continues for suspect in Halloween killing of 13-year-old

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian-American journalist who once worked for a U.S. government-funded broadcaster is believed to have been detained by Iran for months now, authorities said Sunday, further raising the stakes as Tehran threatens to retaliate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-attack-shahroud-guard-base-satellite-photos-b9cdb18b252d6dd9014dc4dcb3dd4b2f">an Israeli attack on the country</a>.

The imprisonment of Reza Valizadeh was confirmed to The Associated Press by the U.S. State Department as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/10e62420e55c4eff9ddb96319f704fbc">Iran marked the 45th anniversary of the takeover of the American Embassy</a>&nbsp;and hostage crisis on Sunday. It also followed a threat by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a day earlier to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bakersfield.com/ap/national/irans-supreme-leader-threatens-israel-and-us-with-a-crushing-response-over-israeli-attack/article_7a23d4f9-73e2-58ae-86b9-119f381e44f6.html">"a crushing response”</a>&nbsp;to Israel and the U.S. as long-range B-52 bombers reached the Middle East in an attempt to deter Tehran.

Valizadeh had worked for Radio Farda, an outlet under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that's overseen by the U.S. Agency for Global Media. In February, he wrote on the social platform X that his family members had been detained in an effort to make him return to Iran.

In August, Valizadeh apparently posted two messages suggesting he had returned to Iran despite Radio Farda being viewed by Iran's theocracy as a hostile outlet.

“I arrived in Tehran on March 6, 2024. Before that, I had unfinished negotiations with the (Revolutionary Guard's) intelligence department,” the message read in part. “Eventually I came back to my country after 13 years without any security guarantee, even a verbal one.”

Valizadeh added the name of a man who he claimed belonged to Iran's Intelligence Ministry. The AP could not verify if the person worked for the ministry.

Rumors have been circulating for weeks that Valizadeh had been detained. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, which monitors cases in Iran, said that he had been detained on arrival to the country earlier this year but later released.

He was then rearrested and sent to Evin prison, where he now faces a case in Iran's Revolutionary Court, which routinely holds closed-door hearings in which defendants face secret evidence, the agency reported. Valizadeh had faced arrest in 2007 as well, it said.

The State Department told the AP that it was “aware of reports that this dual U.S.-Iranian citizen has been arrested in Iran" when asked about Valizadeh.

“We are working with our Swiss partners who serve as the protecting power for the United States in Iran to gather more information about this case,” the State Department said. “Iran routinely imprisons U.S. citizens and other countries’ citizens unjustly for political purposes. This practice is cruel and contrary to international law.”

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty separately said that Valizadeh “has been detained in Iran.”

“We have had no official confirmation of the charges against him,” it said in a statement. "Reza, a U.S.-Iranian national, left RFE/RL in November 2022. We are profoundly concerned about the continued arrest, harassment and threats against media professionals by the Iranian regime.”

Iran has not acknowledged detaining Valizadeh. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment.

The Voice of America, another U.S. government-funded media outlet overseen by the Agency for Global Media, first reported that the State Department was acknowledging Valizadeh's detention in Iran.

Since the 1979 U.S. Embassy crisis, in which dozens of hostages were released after 444 days in captivity, Iran has used prisoners with Western ties as bargaining chips in negotiations with the world. In September 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-prisoner-swap-sanctions-assets-4e1fa477f8e6af45fb764acd259c2f1a">five Americans detained for years in Iran were freed in exchange</a>&nbsp;for five Iranians in U.S. custody and for $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets to be released by South Korea.

Valizadeh is the first American known to be detained by Iran since then.

Meanwhile, Iranian state television broadcast video Sunday of different cities across the country marking the anniversary of the embassy takeover.

Gen. Hossein Salami, the head of the Guard, also spoke in Tehran, where he repeated a pledge made the day before by Khamenei.

“The resistance front and Iran will equip itself with whatever necessary to confront and defeat the enemy,” he said, referring to militant groups like Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah backed by Tehran.

In Tehran, thousands of people at the gate of the former U.S. Embassy chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Some burned flags of the countries and effigies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

They also carried images of killed top figures of Iran’s allied militant groups, including Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Palestinian Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The crowd in the state-organized rallies chanted that they were ready to defend the Palestinians.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Iranian-American journalist who once worked for a U.S. government-funded broadcaster is believed to have been detained by Iran for months now, authorities said Sunday, further raising the stakes as Tehran threatens to retaliate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-attack-shahroud-guard-base-satellite-photos-b9cdb18b252d6dd9014dc4dcb3dd4b2f">an Israeli attack on the country</a>.The imprisonment of Reza Valizadeh was confirmed to The Associated Press by the U.S. State Department as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/10e62420e55c4eff9ddb96319f704fbc">Iran marked the 45th anniversary of the takeover of the American Embassy</a>&nbsp;and hostage crisis on Sunday. It also followed a threat by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a day earlier to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bakersfield.com/ap/national/irans-supreme-leader-threatens-israel-and-us-with-a-crushing-response-over-israeli-attack/article_7a23d4f9-73e2-58ae-86b9-119f381e44f6.html">"a crushing response”</a>&nbsp;to Israel and the U.S. as long-range B-52 bombers reached the Middle East in an attempt to deter Tehran.Valizadeh had worked for Radio Farda, an outlet under Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that's overseen by the U.S. Agency for Global Media. In February, he wrote on the social platform X that his family members had been detained in an effort to make him return to Iran.In August, Valizadeh apparently posted two messages suggesting he had returned to Iran despite Radio Farda being viewed by Iran's theocracy as a hostile outlet.“I arrived in Tehran on March 6, 2024. Before that, I had unfinished negotiations with the (Revolutionary Guard's) intelligence department,” the message read in part. “Eventually I came back to my country after 13 years without any security guarantee, even a verbal one.”Valizadeh added the name of a man who he claimed belonged to Iran's Intelligence Ministry. The AP could not verify if the person worked for the ministry.Rumors have been circulating for weeks that Valizadeh had been detained. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, which monitors cases in Iran, said that he had been detained on arrival to the country earlier this year but later released.He was then rearrested and sent to Evin prison, where he now faces a case in Iran's Revolutionary Court, which routinely holds closed-door hearings in which defendants face secret evidence, the agency reported. Valizadeh had faced arrest in 2007 as well, it said.The State Department told the AP that it was “aware of reports that this dual U.S.-Iranian citizen has been arrested in Iran" when asked about Valizadeh.“We are working with our Swiss partners who serve as the protecting power for the United States in Iran to gather more information about this case,” the State Department said. “Iran routinely imprisons U.S. citizens and other countries’ citizens unjustly for political purposes. This practice is cruel and contrary to international law.”Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty separately said that Valizadeh “has been detained in Iran.”“We have had no official confirmation of the charges against him,” it said in a statement. "Reza, a U.S.-Iranian national, left RFE/RL in November 2022. We are profoundly concerned about the continued arrest, harassment and threats against media professionals by the Iranian regime.”Iran has not acknowledged detaining Valizadeh. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment.The Voice of America, another U.S. government-funded media outlet overseen by the Agency for Global Media, first reported that the State Department was acknowledging Valizadeh's detention in Iran.Since the 1979 U.S. Embassy crisis, in which dozens of hostages were released after 444 days in captivity, Iran has used prisoners with Western ties as bargaining chips in negotiations with the world. In September 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-prisoner-swap-sanctions-assets-4e1fa477f8e6af45fb764acd259c2f1a">five Americans detained for years in Iran were freed in exchange</a>&nbsp;for five Iranians in U.S. custody and for $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets to be released by South Korea.Valizadeh is the first American known to be detained by Iran since then.Meanwhile, Iranian state television broadcast video Sunday of different cities across the country marking the anniversary of the embassy takeover.Gen. Hossein Salami, the head of the Guard, also spoke in Tehran, where he repeated a pledge made the day before by Khamenei.“The resistance front and Iran will equip itself with whatever necessary to confront and defeat the enemy,” he said, referring to militant groups like Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah backed by Tehran.In Tehran, thousands of people at the gate of the former U.S. Embassy chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Some burned flags of the countries and effigies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.They also carried images of killed top figures of Iran’s allied militant groups, including Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Palestinian Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The crowd in the state-organized rallies chanted that they were ready to defend the Palestinians.___

US: Iranian-American held in Iran as tensions high following Israeli attack

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on multiple allegations after a chase and arrest.

Just after 9:30p.m. Sunday, a sheriff's deputy observed a red Chevrolet pickup in the area of East 6th Street and Pine in Solomon, according to Dickinson County Undersheriff&nbsp;Jeff Vaughan.

The pickup was traveling without any lights and failed to stop at a stop sign. The Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop with the vehicle. The driver accelerated and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in the area of Old Highway 40 and Deer Road in Dickinson County.

The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody without further incident and identified as Carlito Luis Morales, 34, of Salina. 

It was discovered that Morales had a warrant out of Saline County for his arrest. Morales was transported to the Dickinson County Detention Facility.

Just before 10:30;.m. a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a call for service regarding damage to property in the 200 Block of West 4th Street in Solomon. It was reported a vehicle earlier in the evening had driven through a yard of a residence, spinning its tires causing damage to the lawn. During the investigation, Morales was developed as the suspect in this case.

Morales is being held in the the Dickinson County Detention Facility for the warrant out of Saline County and requested charges of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, mIgnition Interlock Device; Operate a vehicle without a required device, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Damage to Property

Morales has previous convictions for burglary, aggravated battery, criminal threat, battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730742266349.png" alt="Morales has previous convictions for burglary, aggravated battery, criminal threat, battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections -photo Dickinson County" />
 <figcaption>Morales has previous convictions for burglary, aggravated battery, criminal threat, battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections -photo Dickinson County</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on multiple allegations after a chase and arrest.Just after 9:30p.m. Sunday, a sheriff's deputy observed a red Chevrolet pickup in the area of East 6th Street and Pine in Solomon, according to Dickinson County Undersheriff&nbsp;Jeff Vaughan.The pickup was traveling without any lights and failed to stop at a stop sign. The Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop with the vehicle. The driver accelerated and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in the area of Old Highway 40 and Deer Road in Dickinson County.The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody without further incident and identified as Carlito Luis Morales, 34, of Salina. It was discovered that Morales had a warrant out of Saline County for his arrest. Morales was transported to the Dickinson County Detention Facility.Just before 10:30;.m. a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a call for service regarding damage to property in the 200 Block of West 4th Street in Solomon. It was reported a vehicle earlier in the evening had driven through a yard of a residence, spinning its tires causing damage to the lawn. During the investigation, Morales was developed as the suspect in this case.Morales is being held in the the Dickinson County Detention Facility for the warrant out of Saline County and requested charges of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, mIgnition Interlock Device; Operate a vehicle without a required device, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Damage to PropertyMorales has previous convictions for burglary, aggravated battery, criminal threat, battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections&nbsp;

Wanted Kansas felon jailed after police chase

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an incident&nbsp;

Just before 10a.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for theft, criminal damage to property, criminal possession of a weapon by felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of opiate, and distribute certain stimulate in the 500 block of McCall Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Menards reported a 58-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man took items from a victim and were later found to be in possession of illegal items. Ginger Moore, 58, of Wamego, was arrested on requested charges of theft, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of opiate, and distribute certain stimulate.&nbsp;

Peter Henry, 35, of Salina, was arrested on requested charges of theft, criminal damage to property, criminal possession of a weapon by felon, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of opiate, and distribute certain stimulate. 

&nbsp;Moore and Henry are being held without bond at the Pottawatomie County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730736581710.png" alt="Henry photo from an earlier arrest in Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Henry photo from an earlier arrest in Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an incident&nbsp;Just before 10a.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for theft, criminal damage to property, criminal possession of a weapon by felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of opiate, and distribute certain stimulate in the 500 block of McCall Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Menards reported a 58-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man took items from a victim and were later found to be in possession of illegal items. Ginger Moore, 58, of Wamego, was arrested on requested charges of theft, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of opiate, and distribute certain stimulate.&nbsp;Peter Henry, 35, of Salina, was arrested on requested charges of theft, criminal damage to property, criminal possession of a weapon by felon, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of opiate, and distribute certain stimulate. &nbsp;Moore and Henry are being held without bond at the Pottawatomie County Jail.

2 jailed after alleged theft in Manhattan

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted his role in a gunfight at a funeral in Wichita is scheduled for sentencing on Monday.

In August, 19-year-old Demetrious Carter pled guilty to aggravated endangering of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He had&nbsp; originally been charged with with two counts of aggravated assault.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687431619099.png" alt="Carter photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Carter photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man who admitted his role in a gunfight at a funeral in Wichita is scheduled for sentencing on Monday.In August, 19-year-old Demetrious Carter pled guilty to aggravated endangering of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He had&nbsp; originally been charged with with two counts of aggravated assault.On June 16, 2023.&nbsp; police were dispatched to a shooting call at Life Center Church in the 1100 block of North Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727350888967.png" alt="First responders at the church -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the church -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders encountered a chaotic scene and a crowd of more than 50 people running in different directions. During the initial response officers located an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right forearm and provided life-saving measures. The 18-year-old victim later identified as Carter was treated for his serious but not life-threatening injuries.The investigation revealed that several suspects arrived at the parking lot of the church and confronted a large group of people attending a funeral right outside the main door.After a brief verbal altercation between both groups, an unknown number of people from both groups started to shoot at each other. After initial interviews, officers arrested Carter and transported him to investigations for further questioning before an arrest.During the incident, several vehicles, and residences around and in front of the church’s parking lot were hit with gunfire. Police also recovered several firearms from the scene.&nbsp;

Sentencing Day for gunfight outside funeral in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police arrested a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy on Thursday.

Dominick Reyes, 20, is accused of Aggravated Domestic Battery and Misdemeanor Domestic Battery, according to a statement from sheriff's department spokesman Eric Slay.&nbsp; He was booked into jail just before 10p.m. Thursday and has bonded out.

Reyes has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since June 2023.&nbsp; He is currently suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730555777242.png" alt="Reyes photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Reyes photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police arrested a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy on Thursday.Dominick Reyes, 20, is accused of Aggravated Domestic Battery and Misdemeanor Domestic Battery, according to a statement from sheriff's department spokesman Eric Slay.&nbsp; He was booked into jail just before 10p.m. Thursday and has bonded out.Reyes has been employed by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office since June 2023.&nbsp; He is currently suspended from duty, pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal investigation.

Kansas jail deputy accused of domestic battery

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a confrontation with police.

Just before 1p.m. October 31, officers responded to a disturbance in the 100 Block South 8th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 Officers located a woman, later identified as 41-year-old Michema Laurent of Atchison, who had been involved in a disturbance. When&nbsp; confronted she threw a cup of liquid in a the police officer’s face. During the altercation with officers she kicked an officer in the face and chest and resisted arrest. Following her arrest she was found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. She was taken to the County Jail.

&nbsp;Laurent is being held on requested charges of battery of a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia..

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730495962832.png" alt="Laurent photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Laurent photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a confrontation with police.Just before 1p.m. October 31, officers responded to a disturbance in the 100 Block South 8th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Officers located a woman, later identified as 41-year-old Michema Laurent of Atchison, who had been involved in a disturbance. When&nbsp; confronted she threw a cup of liquid in a the police officer’s face. During the altercation with officers she kicked an officer in the face and chest and resisted arrest. Following her arrest she was found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. She was taken to the County Jail.&nbsp;Laurent is being held on requested charges of battery of a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia..

Kansas woman accused of violent attack on police officer

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement arrested a suspect in connection with shooting at officers and a standoff at a home in Topeka.

Just after 5:00 p.m. Thursday police&nbsp;responded to an accident investigation in the area of the Expocentre,&nbsp;1 Expocentre Drive in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Jason Schumacher.

During the investigation officers were led to the 1500 Block of SW Shunga Drive where one individual from the accident was located in a residence. While officers were continuing their investigation an individual fired shots from inside a residence. No officers were injured.

Just after 12:30.m. Friday, police took&nbsp; Marvin L. Park, 57, of Topeka into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer., Criminal Threat, Battery and Duty of Driver to report an Accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730468688589.png" alt="Park-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Park-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement arrested a suspect in connection with shooting at officers and a standoff at a home in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730457533801.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Friday 1`WIBW" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Friday 1`WIBW</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 5:00 p.m. Thursday police&nbsp;responded to an accident investigation in the area of the Expocentre,&nbsp;1 Expocentre Drive in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Jason Schumacher.During the investigation officers were led to the 1500 Block of SW Shunga Drive where one individual from the accident was located in a residence. While officers were continuing their investigation an individual fired shots from inside a residence. No officers were injured.Just after 12:30.m. Friday, police took&nbsp; Marvin L. Park, 57, of Topeka into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer., Criminal Threat, Battery and Duty of Driver to report an Accident.

Police: Kansas man fired shots at officers after late night crash

Search for suspect in killing of 13-year-old Kan. boy on Halloween

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A Washington state man accused of leading a wildlife trafficking ring on a Native American reservation that killed thousands of eagles and hawks to sell on the black market was sentenced Thursday to nearly four years in prison.

The trafficking ring operated for years on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana, exploiting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/golden-eagles-shooting-powwows-feathers-4994822dc54da0b3b94a1a2e2c286768">high demand</a>&nbsp;among tribal members for feathers and other bird parts that are used in powwows and sacred ceremonies.

The defendant and others killed at least 118 eagles, 107 hawks and as many as 3,600 birds overall, prosecutors said.

Juvenile golden eagles in particular were targeted because their black and white feathers are highly desired among Native Americans, officials said.

The poaching operation centered on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana, which researchers say has some of the highest concentrations of eagles and other birds of prey in the U.S. Members of the trafficking ring would set out carcasses of elk, calves and deer, and then shoot eagles that came to feed on them, officials said.

They would also shoot hawks opportunistically off of power poles and other perches.

Travis John Branson, 49, of Cusick, Washington,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-shot-trafficking-feathers-black-market-d290b0d4d537904c885a11d3baf6e5a3">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in March to charges of conspiracy and wildlife trafficking.

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in Missoula said during his sentencing hearing that the killing of birds by Branson was calculated, extensive and carried out with full knowledge that he was breaking the law.

“If you had not been caught you’d still be doing it today,” the judge said. Christensen ordered Branson to pay $777,250 in restitution — $5,000 for each eagle killed and $1,750 for each hawk.

The sentence was at the upper end of federal sentencing guidelines.

Prior to being sentenced, Branson apologized to the court and his family.

“It’s my own fault,” he said. “I know what I did was wrong.”

In text messages obtained by investigators and presented at the sentencing hearing, Branson wrote of killing birds since the 1980s.

“So many I can’t remember anymore LOL,” Branson said in one text.

Other texts described eagles being shot in Nevada and Idaho and instances of dozens of birds being shot on a single weekend.

“This is just a small glimpse of the killing that was happening,” U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Mona Iannelli said during the hearing.

A second defendant in the case told authorities that the trafficking ring had been operating since 2009, killing 300 to 400 birds annually.

Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office have said others were also involved.

But Branson was described during Thursday’s hearing as the organizer of the trafficking ring — instructing others on where and when to shoot birds, and then arranging for the sale of their feathers and parts.

“His lack of respect for the sanctity of these protected birds was driven by only one thing: greed,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said following the hearing.

Laslovich added that those who purchased the feathers shared responsibility for the killings. The prosecutor said he wanted to put buyers on notice that their conduct is a federal crime.

Prosecutors had asked the judge to impose a “significant” prison sentence and order Branson to pay restitution.

He faced up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. His public defender asked for a sentence of probation and claimed that prosecutors overstated the number of birds killed.

Federal Defender Andrew Nelson also disputed the restitution amount, saying it was too high for the eagles and the hawks should not be counted.

Branson had no prior criminal history, according to Nelson. He grew up on the Flathead reservation, home of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Because of the criminal charges, he lost his job as a maintenance supervisor for the Kalispel Tribe in Washington and suffered a stroke in April, Nelson said.

The large numbers of birds killed in the case underscores the persistence of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-c4d7a7d43a0a4fa3b4dbeefc2347aeb9">thriving illegal trade</a>&nbsp;in eagle feathers despite law enforcement efforts over the past decade that netted dozens of criminal indictments across the U.S. West and Midwest.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chairman Mike Dolson said the loss of so many birds of prey from the Flathead Reservation will be felt for years to come. Eagles are important to the reservation’s ecosystem and also the cultural and spiritual practices of tribal members, he said.

“We hope this helps put a stop to illegal poaching on our homelands,” Dolson said.

Bald eagles, once highly imperiled by the pesticide DDT, have bounced back in recent decades and are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bald-eagle-population-soars-united-states-70982fdda4b8f12ce7736ea5df0b9122">now abundant</a>. The recovery of golden eagles has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-wyoming-eagles-climate-and-environment-294161a39e84ac1e102d22a4c342b298">more tenuous</a>&nbsp;and researchers have warned that the population is on the brink of decline due to shootings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-animals-birds-bald-eagles-8aa5cb2aa77fe3d045cd72a724376e3c">poisonings</a>, electrocutions on power lines,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dead-eagles-wind-turbines-enforcement-biden-53ce35355433e18a27324f9254a2475a">collisions with wind turbines</a>&nbsp;and other threats.

It’s illegal to buy or sell eagle feathers or other parts. The government has sought to offset strong demand for feathers among Native Americans by providing them for free from a government repository. But they’re unable to keep up with demand and the repository has a yearslong backlog.

Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 from 2009 to 2021 selling bald and golden eagle parts illegally, court records said.

Christensen allowed Branson to remain out of custody until he reports for prison. The defendant made an obscene gesture to reporters as he left the courthouse without commenting further.

He waived his right to appeal Thursday’s sentence, under a plea deal that included the dismissal of additional charges.

The second defendant, Simon Paul, of St. Ignatius, Montana,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-killed-indictment-black-market-b09d23ff49f338c9415240bd933642a0">remains at large</a>. A federal judge issued an arrest warrant for Paul in December after he failed to show up for an initial court hearing. Court documents have suggested he fled to Canada.

Federally recognized tribes can apply for permits with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take a bald or golden eagle for religious purposes. Enrolled tribal members can apply for feathers and other bird parts from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fws.gov/program/national-eagle-repository" target="_blank">National Eagle Repository</a>&nbsp;in Colorado and non-government repositories in Oklahoma and Arizona.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730492674717.png" alt="Photo courtesy U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A Washington state man accused of leading a wildlife trafficking ring on a Native American reservation that killed thousands of eagles and hawks to sell on the black market was sentenced Thursday to nearly four years in prison.The trafficking ring operated for years on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana, exploiting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/golden-eagles-shooting-powwows-feathers-4994822dc54da0b3b94a1a2e2c286768">high demand</a>&nbsp;among tribal members for feathers and other bird parts that are used in powwows and sacred ceremonies.The defendant and others killed at least 118 eagles, 107 hawks and as many as 3,600 birds overall, prosecutors said.Juvenile golden eagles in particular were targeted because their black and white feathers are highly desired among Native Americans, officials said.The poaching operation centered on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana, which researchers say has some of the highest concentrations of eagles and other birds of prey in the U.S. Members of the trafficking ring would set out carcasses of elk, calves and deer, and then shoot eagles that came to feed on them, officials said.They would also shoot hawks opportunistically off of power poles and other perches.Travis John Branson, 49, of Cusick, Washington,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-shot-trafficking-feathers-black-market-d290b0d4d537904c885a11d3baf6e5a3">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in March to charges of conspiracy and wildlife trafficking.U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in Missoula said during his sentencing hearing that the killing of birds by Branson was calculated, extensive and carried out with full knowledge that he was breaking the law.“If you had not been caught you’d still be doing it today,” the judge said. Christensen ordered Branson to pay $777,250 in restitution — $5,000 for each eagle killed and $1,750 for each hawk.The sentence was at the upper end of federal sentencing guidelines.Prior to being sentenced, Branson apologized to the court and his family.“It’s my own fault,” he said. “I know what I did was wrong.”ADVERTISEMENTIn text messages obtained by investigators and presented at the sentencing hearing, Branson wrote of killing birds since the 1980s.“So many I can’t remember anymore LOL,” Branson said in one text.Other texts described eagles being shot in Nevada and Idaho and instances of dozens of birds being shot on a single weekend.“This is just a small glimpse of the killing that was happening,” U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Mona Iannelli said during the hearing.A second defendant in the case told authorities that the trafficking ring had been operating since 2009, killing 300 to 400 birds annually.Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office have said others were also involved.But Branson was described during Thursday’s hearing as the organizer of the trafficking ring — instructing others on where and when to shoot birds, and then arranging for the sale of their feathers and parts.“His lack of respect for the sanctity of these protected birds was driven by only one thing: greed,” U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said following the hearing.Laslovich added that those who purchased the feathers shared responsibility for the killings. The prosecutor said he wanted to put buyers on notice that their conduct is a federal crime.ADVERTISEMENTProsecutors had asked the judge to impose a “significant” prison sentence and order Branson to pay restitution.He faced up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. His public defender asked for a sentence of probation and claimed that prosecutors overstated the number of birds killed.Federal Defender Andrew Nelson also disputed the restitution amount, saying it was too high for the eagles and the hawks should not be counted.Christensen rejected the arguments.Branson had no prior criminal history, according to Nelson. He grew up on the Flathead reservation, home of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.Because of the criminal charges, he lost his job as a maintenance supervisor for the Kalispel Tribe in Washington and suffered a stroke in April, Nelson said.The large numbers of birds killed in the case underscores the persistence of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-c4d7a7d43a0a4fa3b4dbeefc2347aeb9">thriving illegal trade</a>&nbsp;in eagle feathers despite law enforcement efforts over the past decade that netted dozens of criminal indictments across the U.S. West and Midwest.Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chairman Mike Dolson said the loss of so many birds of prey from the Flathead Reservation will be felt for years to come. Eagles are important to the reservation’s ecosystem and also the cultural and spiritual practices of tribal members, he said.“We hope this helps put a stop to illegal poaching on our homelands,” Dolson said.Bald eagles, once highly imperiled by the pesticide DDT, have bounced back in recent decades and are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bald-eagle-population-soars-united-states-70982fdda4b8f12ce7736ea5df0b9122">now abundant</a>. The recovery of golden eagles has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-wyoming-eagles-climate-and-environment-294161a39e84ac1e102d22a4c342b298">more tenuous</a>&nbsp;and researchers have warned that the population is on the brink of decline due to shootings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-animals-birds-bald-eagles-8aa5cb2aa77fe3d045cd72a724376e3c">poisonings</a>, electrocutions on power lines,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dead-eagles-wind-turbines-enforcement-biden-53ce35355433e18a27324f9254a2475a">collisions with wind turbines</a>&nbsp;and other threats.It’s illegal to buy or sell eagle feathers or other parts. The government has sought to offset strong demand for feathers among Native Americans by providing them for free from a government repository. But they’re unable to keep up with demand and the repository has a yearslong backlog.Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 from 2009 to 2021 selling bald and golden eagle parts illegally, court records said.Christensen allowed Branson to remain out of custody until he reports for prison. The defendant made an obscene gesture to reporters as he left the courthouse without commenting further.He waived his right to appeal Thursday’s sentence, under a plea deal that included the dismissal of additional charges.The second defendant, Simon Paul, of St. Ignatius, Montana,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-killed-indictment-black-market-b09d23ff49f338c9415240bd933642a0">remains at large</a>. A federal judge issued an arrest warrant for Paul in December after he failed to show up for an initial court hearing. Court documents have suggested he fled to Canada.Federally recognized tribes can apply for permits with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take a bald or golden eagle for religious purposes. Enrolled tribal members can apply for feathers and other bird parts from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fws.gov/program/national-eagle-repository" target="_blank">National Eagle Repository</a>&nbsp;in Colorado and non-government repositories in Oklahoma and Arizona.

Man who killed hundreds of eagles and sold them is going to prison

Denton Loudermill, falsely accused on social media of being the shooter on Feb. 14 has once again sued state Sens. Rick Brattin, Denny Hoskins and Nick Schroer for defamation and invasion of privacy

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Three Republican Missouri state senators — including one running for secretary of state — are once again being sued by the man they incorrectly identified in social media posts as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-d9f4466b69cbb2dfe0f007414aebe730" target="_blank">being the shooter</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory celebration.

Denton Loudermill of Olathe, Kansas, filed lawsuits Thursday against state Sens. Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg, Rick Brattin of Harrisonville and Nick Schroer of Defiance. In the individual lawsuits, each is accused of violating Loudermill’s privacy and libeling him with their posts.&nbsp;

Hoskins is the GOP nominee for secretary of state. Brattin is seeking re-election in the 31st Senate District. Schroer, who won his seat in the Senate in 2022, is not on the ballot this year.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Similar lawsuits against all three men&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/21/judge-dismisses-case-against-missouri-senators-over-chiefs-parade-shooting-posts/">were dismissed Oct. 21</a>&nbsp;in Kansas federal court when U.S. District Judge John Broomes ruled he did not have jurisdiction over Brattin, Hoskins and Schroer.

In the more than nine months since the Feb. 14 victory parade and pep rally, people have not stopped making him feel uncomfortable, Loudermill said in a news conference with one of his attorneys, LaRonna Lassiter Saunders.

“They come through looking at me, on video on their phone, saying ‘yeah, that’s him,” he said. “That worries me sometimes.”

In an interview with The Independent, Lassiter Saunders said she believes the jurisdictional issue is solved with the new filing. It was important to refile the cases quickly, she said, because the legal nuances could be missed by a public that has only heard the cases were dismissed.

“It’s reported that the case gets tossed, then they’re thinking, there’s some merit to the Missouri senators position,” Lassiter Saunders said.

Hoskins, reached via text message, declined to respond to the new filing.

“I have not been served and I have no comment at this time,” he said.

Brattin and Schroer did not respond to messages seeking comment.

Like thousands of other regional residents, Loudermill went to Union Station in Kansas City for the pep rally that followed the Chiefs’ victory parade after this year’s Super Bowl. As the crowd was departing, an argument in the crowd resulted in gunfire.

The shooting at the end of the victory celebration left one person dead and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/17/kansas-city-super-bowl-rally-shooting-victims-pick-up-pieces-but-gun-violence-haunts-their-lives/">at least 24 people injured</a>.

Loudermill, who was born in Kansas and lives there now, was detained briefly because he was too slow to leave the area of the shooting, he told The Independent earlier this year.

A photo of him, seated, with his hands restrained behind his back, was posted on X, formally known as Twitter, by an account with the name Deep Truth Intel. That post incorrectly identified him with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68353305" target="_blank">name associated with misinformation</a>&nbsp;posted after other shootings and said he was an undocumented immigrant.

Soon after that initial social media post, the Missouri Freedom Caucus, Hoskins, Brattin, Schroer and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, posted their own versions, some with the photo, some without. Burchett’s post said he was one of the shooters and referred to him as an “illegal alien.”

Burchett later deleted the tweet but included a screenshot of it&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/timburchett/status/1759645965445636470?s=20" target="_blank">that is still visible</a>&nbsp;in a separate post.

A lawsuit filed against Burchett in Kansas was also dismissed because of jurisdictional issues. Lassiter Saunders said Thursday that she is working with attorneys in the Washington, D.C., area to refile the case against Burchett.

“He is not off the hook,” she said.&nbsp;

Hoskins’ version on social media shared a screenshot of the initial anonymous post and blamed President Joe Biden and political leaders of Kansas City for making the shooting possible.

Brattin’s first post linking Loudermill to the shooting, since deleted, demanded “#POTUS CLOSE THE BORDER” and incorporated the deleted anonymous post that kicked everything off.

Schroer was the least certain post about the immigration and arrest status of Loudermill among the three.

Schroer’s post included a link to one from Burchett stating, over Loudermill’s photo, that “One of the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade shooters has been identified as an illegal Alien.”

“Can we get any confirmation or denial of this from local officials or law enforcement?” Schroer wrote. “I’ve been sent videos or stills showing at least 6 different people arrested from yesterday but officially told only 3 still in custody. The people deserve answers.”

In the complaint filed against Brattin, attorneys wrote that the lawmakers had no reason to make the comments directed at Loudermill.

“The publication of the false representation that plaintiff was an ‘illegal alien’ and a ‘shooter’ was not made in good faith nor was it made by (Brattin) with any legitimate interest in making or duty to make such assertions,” the filing states.

In the Kansas cases, the lawmakers were represented by Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who raised both the jurisdictional objections and claims that the senators were acting in their official capacity when they made their posts on social media. Therefore, the filings stated, they are protected by “legislative immunity.”&nbsp;

When the case was dismissed, Bailey put out a statement saying it was a victory for keeping “questions of Missouri law…in Missouri courts.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730420656214.png" alt="Denton Loudermill, right, appears with his attorney, LaRonna Lassiter Saunders, at an online news conference held Thursday to discuss his new defamation lawsuits against three Missouri state senators. (Screenshot via Zoom)" />
 <figcaption>Denton Loudermill, right, appears with his attorney, LaRonna Lassiter Saunders, at an online news conference held Thursday to discuss his new defamation lawsuits against three Missouri state senators. (Screenshot via Zoom)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Denton Loudermill, falsely accused on social media of being the shooter on Feb. 14 has once again sued state Sens. Rick Brattin, Denny Hoskins and Nick Schroer for defamation and invasion of privacy</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Three Republican Missouri state senators — including one running for secretary of state — are once again being sued by the man they incorrectly identified in social media posts as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-super-bowl-parade-shooting-kansas-city-d9f4466b69cbb2dfe0f007414aebe730" target="_blank">being the shooter</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory celebration.Denton Loudermill of Olathe, Kansas, filed lawsuits Thursday against state Sens. Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg, Rick Brattin of Harrisonville and Nick Schroer of Defiance. In the individual lawsuits, each is accused of violating Loudermill’s privacy and libeling him with their posts.&nbsp;Hoskins is the GOP nominee for secretary of state. Brattin is seeking re-election in the 31st Senate District. Schroer, who won his seat in the Senate in 2022, is not on the ballot this year.The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Similar lawsuits against all three men&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/21/judge-dismisses-case-against-missouri-senators-over-chiefs-parade-shooting-posts/">were dismissed Oct. 21</a>&nbsp;in Kansas federal court when U.S. District Judge John Broomes ruled he did not have jurisdiction over Brattin, Hoskins and Schroer.In the more than nine months since the Feb. 14 victory parade and pep rally, people have not stopped making him feel uncomfortable, Loudermill said in a news conference with one of his attorneys, LaRonna Lassiter Saunders.Loudermill works at a car wash.“They come through looking at me, on video on their phone, saying ‘yeah, that’s him,” he said. “That worries me sometimes.”In an interview with The Independent, Lassiter Saunders said she believes the jurisdictional issue is solved with the new filing. It was important to refile the cases quickly, she said, because the legal nuances could be missed by a public that has only heard the cases were dismissed.“It’s reported that the case gets tossed, then they’re thinking, there’s some merit to the Missouri senators position,” Lassiter Saunders said.Hoskins, reached via text message, declined to respond to the new filing.“I have not been served and I have no comment at this time,” he said.Brattin and Schroer did not respond to messages seeking comment.Like thousands of other regional residents, Loudermill went to Union Station in Kansas City for the pep rally that followed the Chiefs’ victory parade after this year’s Super Bowl. As the crowd was departing, an argument in the crowd resulted in gunfire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707939847272.png" alt="Image from online coverage of the victory parade" />
 <figcaption>Image from online coverage of the victory parade</figcaption>
 </figure>The shooting at the end of the victory celebration left one person dead and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/17/kansas-city-super-bowl-rally-shooting-victims-pick-up-pieces-but-gun-violence-haunts-their-lives/">at least 24 people injured</a>.Loudermill, who was born in Kansas and lives there now, was detained briefly because he was too slow to leave the area of the shooting, he told The Independent earlier this year.A photo of him, seated, with his hands restrained behind his back, was posted on X, formally known as Twitter, by an account with the name Deep Truth Intel. That post incorrectly identified him with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68353305" target="_blank">name associated with misinformation</a>&nbsp;posted after other shootings and said he was an undocumented immigrant.Soon after that initial social media post, the Missouri Freedom Caucus, Hoskins, Brattin, Schroer and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, posted their own versions, some with the photo, some without. Burchett’s post said he was one of the shooters and referred to him as an “illegal alien.”Burchett later deleted the tweet but included a screenshot of it&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/timburchett/status/1759645965445636470?s=20" target="_blank">that is still visible</a>&nbsp;in a separate post.A lawsuit filed against Burchett in Kansas was also dismissed because of jurisdictional issues. Lassiter Saunders said Thursday that she is working with attorneys in the Washington, D.C., area to refile the case against Burchett.“He is not off the hook,” she said.&nbsp;Hoskins’ version on social media shared a screenshot of the initial anonymous post and blamed President Joe Biden and political leaders of Kansas City for making the shooting possible.Brattin’s first post linking Loudermill to the shooting, since deleted, demanded “#POTUS CLOSE THE BORDER” and incorporated the deleted anonymous post that kicked everything off.Schroer was the least certain post about the immigration and arrest status of Loudermill among the three.Schroer’s post included a link to one from Burchett stating, over Loudermill’s photo, that “One of the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade shooters has been identified as an illegal Alien.”“Can we get any confirmation or denial of this from local officials or law enforcement?” Schroer wrote. “I’ve been sent videos or stills showing at least 6 different people arrested from yesterday but officially told only 3 still in custody. The people deserve answers.”In the complaint filed against Brattin, attorneys wrote that the lawmakers had no reason to make the comments directed at Loudermill.“The publication of the false representation that plaintiff was an ‘illegal alien’ and a ‘shooter’ was not made in good faith nor was it made by (Brattin) with any legitimate interest in making or duty to make such assertions,” the filing states.In the Kansas cases, the lawmakers were represented by Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who raised both the jurisdictional objections and claims that the senators were acting in their official capacity when they made their posts on social media. Therefore, the filings stated, they are protected by “legislative immunity.”&nbsp;When the case was dismissed, Bailey put out a statement saying it was a victory for keeping “questions of Missouri law…in Missouri courts.”Bailey’s office did not respond immediately to an email asking if the office would again provide representation. Lassiter Saunders said the attorney general should not take the case again.“I would hope not, but given the track record of the attorney general doing as he pleases, it’s a possibility,” Lassiter Saunders said.Bailey’s participation in the case generated its own dispute. In a May letter to the commissioner of the Office of Administration, the state agency that certifies payments from Missouri’s legal expense fund, Gov. Mike Parson wrote that no payments related to the lawsuits should be certified “without my approval or a court order.”Bailey’s claim of legislative immunity is based in the Missouri Constitution’s provisions on legislative privileges. Along with being immune from arrest for minor offenses while the General Assembly is in session, members also “<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++19&amp;bid=36212&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">shall not be questioned</a>&nbsp;for any speech or debate in either house in any other place.”Social media posts are not statements or speeches made during debates in the chambers, Lassiter Saunders said.“It wasn’t legitimate legislative activity,” she said. “They were following this story like hundreds of thousands of other people seeing tweets, retweeting, and we don’t believe it was the same.The lawsuit seeks to vindicate a core American principle, the right to be let alone, Lassiter Saunders said.“I would like to refocus the attention from politics to the principle of, private citizens should have the right to live their lives privately,” she said. “The elected officials need to be mindful and do a better job of not just speaking out because they have the authority to do so.”The lawsuit states that because of the hostility of some people in the public, Loudermill has “injuries and actual damages including mental distress, sleeplessness, anxiety, and agitation.”He rarely goes out, Loudermill said.“I’m just getting all the attention still,” he said. “ I just want them to pay for that.”