<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574083378866.png"> Watters photo Jasper Co. KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman whose husband’s body was found in a freezer denied him medical care as he battled terminal illness and blocked police and social workers from entering the home, fearing a doctor would take his brain for research, according to records obtained by The Associated Press. Barbara Watters, 67, of Joplin, told police her husband had Lou Gehrig’s disease, a progressive nervous system disease also known as ALS, police Capt. Nick Jimenez said. Watters had unspecified “mental disorders,” police said in an affidavit supporting the abandonment of a corpse charge they filed against her last week.Jimenez said there is no evidence to support Watters’ concerns that the department was helping a doctor who she suspected wanted the brain of her husband, Paul Barton, after he died. The abandonment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ca01eb1124834865ac6f70457b423b07" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 125, 165);">charge</a>, which is punishable by up to four years in prison, was filed after a witness told police that Barton had died on Dec. 30, 2018, and that his body had been in her freezer in his wife’s bedroom ever since, the affidavit said. Police, who contacted the witness while investigating an unrelated arson in the neighborhood, say an autopsy found no signs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd76c23c68ce4cc0ac4d65f1967814fd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 125, 165);">foul play</a>&nbsp;in his death. Neither the witness nor the witness’ relationship to the couple has been released. Watters was freed Thursday on house arrest. Her attorney, Cobb Young, said that although she didn’t immediately report Barton’s death, the statute requires that the body be abandoned, and in this case, the body remained in the home. Young declined to comment on the reports that police and state officials had responded repeatedly to the home. “I have no knowledge of any of that,” he said. Police documents show that two Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services employees went to the couple’s home in June 2018 after receiving a report that Watters was prohibiting Barton from receiving care. The visit appears to be related to a voice message she left with a Joplin police officer in which she alleged that she had fired a Joplin doctor for what she described as medical malpractice and violating federal criminal law. The doctor cited in the report didn’t immediately return a phone message.Although she didn’t allow the state workers or police to enter the home, she wheeled Barton to the door so they could see him. The officer said that Barton looked “frail and sickly” but appeared to be breathing on his own and had no major bruising to suggest an assault. “Watters stated Barton was barely able to walk, could not speak, and could only answer yes and no questions with head nods,” the police report said. State workers expressed concerns that Watters wouldn’t let them talk to Barton about his care outside her presence. The officer asked her to allow Barton to come outside to the front porch, but she declined, “stating that she did not want to get beat up,” and asked them to leave. The officer said there weren’t grounds to enter the home because Barton didn’t appear to be in danger. An officer described the incident in a report as elder abuse and obstruction/resisting, although Jasper County prosecuting attorney Theresa Kenney said the charge that police submitted was interference with medical assistance. Several well-being checks followed at the couple’s home, including one in which police left after no one answered the door and were unable to see inside because there was aluminum foil on most of the windows. But when police returned in July, they were able to speak alone with Barton, who said he wasn’t interested in seeking treatment at a Kansas hospital but wanted to see a doctor. Police described him as appearing clean and well cared for. Watters confirmed that she would like to get Barton to see a doctor but was concerned. “She kept making mention of Paul’s body being used for research,” the report said. “She said they did not want his body to be taken apart. Barbara said due to them refusing to consent to research, they were having a hard time finding a doctor to help them.” After that prosecutors declined to file charges, the report shows.On Aug. 9, 2018, a woman who worked at a law firm told police that Watters had called the attorney’s office advising that someone had taken Barton for brain and spine harvesting and that Senior Services were involved. Two days later, Watters told police that she feared the department was helping a doctor who was taking care of her husband and wanted his brain for research, according to a report. In October 2018, Watters called to report that a homeless woman had assaulted her. Arriving officers spoke to the woman, who said that no assault had occurred, but that Watters had forced her to leave the home, where she was being paid to care for Barton. The woman said that Watters had been abusing Barton verbally and physically, leaving him on the toilet for 12 hours at a time, taking away his only means of communications as a punishment and calling him a child molester. The officer said an elder abuse hotline was contacted. It wasn’t immediately clear what was done. No charges were submitted to prosecutors as a result, Kenney said. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is barred from confirming or discussing investigations, said Jessica Bax, the agency’s director of the division of senior and disability services. She added that adult protective services workers don’t have the same authority to intervene as child welfare workers.Brandon West, a neighbor, said the couple mainly kept to themselves, and that Barton was rarely outside, so he didn’t notice that he was missing. “They weren’t crazy people,” he said. “She seemed normal when I talked to her. She seemed like an elderly lady living her life.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Records: Wife of man found in freezer feared doctors

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating four girls after an attack at a retail store in Wichita. At approximately 10 a.m. Nov. 9, police responded to an assault call at the T.J. Maxx in the 8100 block of East Kellogg in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. &nbsp;Upon arrival, officers contacted a 40-year-old female loss prevention employee and witnesses who reported three unknown suspects shoplifting items from the store and as they left the store they were approached by the loss prevention employee.&nbsp; The three suspects battered the employee by punching and kicking her.&nbsp;A fourth suspect exited a nearby black Cadillac and also battered the victim and took her cell phone.&nbsp;The employee momentarily lost consciousness and had minor injuries.&nbsp;The suspects then fled the scene in the Cadillac.&nbsp;Through the investigation, investigators were able to identify the suspects involved and arrested a 12-year-old girl on charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, and theft, a 15-year-old girl on charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, and theft, a second 15-year-old girl on charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and theft and a third 15-year-old girl on charges of aggravated battery, aggravated robbery, and an outstanding warrant. They were booked in the juvenile detention center, according to Davidson.&nbsp;The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Police: 12-year-old, 3 Kan. teens attack store employee

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574369419197.png">Kaster photo Boone Co. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to the arson at the Columbia Health Center (operated by Planned Parenthood Great Plains) on Feb. 10, 2019, according to the United State's Attorney. Wesley Brian Kaster, 42, Columbia, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps Jr. to one count of maliciously using explosive materials to damage a building owned by an organization that receives federal financial assistance, and one count of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Kaster has remained in federal custody without bond since his arrest on March 2, 2019. By pleading guilty, Kaster admitted that he manufactured a Molotov cocktail on Feb. 10, 2019. On the same day, he broke the glass in the north entry door of the Columbia Health Center at 711 N. Providence Road and threw the Molotov cocktail into the facility. At approximately 4:10 a.m., the Columbia Fire Department arrived on the scene, investigated the damage caused by the explosive device, and collected evidence. Kaster admitted that he took these actions because Planned Parenthood provided reproductive health services at the facility.Under federal statutes, Kaster is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 21 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Suspect admits to arson at Planned Parenthood clinic

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574179896969.png">Seymour -photo Sedgwick County Jail SEDGWICK COUNTY— A registered sex offender is facing five charges after he allegedly kidnapped a 15-year-old girl who was walking home from a Wichita grocery store and raped her. Anthony Craig Seymour, 58, of Wichita, made his first court appearance in the case Thursday afternoon, according to the Sedgwick County Attorney's office. The charges against him include aggravated kidnapping and rape. Just before 6:30p.m. Monday, police responded to a 911 call of an abduction in the 300 Block of North Volutsia in Wichita, according to Captain Brett Allred. Upon arrival, police searched the area and located a 2005 Lexus driven by a suspect later identified as 58-year-old Anthony Seymour leaving the area. They also observed a 15-year-old girl exit the vehicle while it was moving slowly and run toward the officers.&nbsp;Seymour fled in the car. Police initially were not able to locate it. Investigators learned that while the girl was walking home, Seymour approached, held a knife to her, forced her into the Lexus and sexually assaulted her, according to Allred. Through continued investigation, police located the victim’s phone in a parking lot and were able to obtain video in the area and a tag number on the car. Police located the vehicle and Seymour in the 1900 Block of North Lorraine. He was arrested without incident and booked on requested charges of kidnapping, rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated battery and a Kansas Department of Corrections arrest and detain order, according to Allred. “The victim is very brave,” said Allred. “She saw police and took action to get out of the car, run to the officers and explain what had happened.”&nbsp;She had been on her way to Dillons and had seen the suspect and thought he was acting suspiciously. On the way home, the suspect approached her a second time and forced her in the vehicle, according to Allred. EMS transported the girl to a local hospital for treatment.Seymour had been on parole since May of 2018 after a 2004 conviction for rape, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. sex offender charged with rape of 15-year-old

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574338891867.png">Linda Ballard photo from a 2017 drug arrest in Atchison County KANSAS CITY (AP) — Four people — including a mother and two of her children — have pleaded guilty in a $5.4 million conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574339199875.png">Eric Ballard photo Atchison County. Federal prosecutors say 67-year-old Linda Kay Ballard; her 27-year-old son, Eric Edward Ballard, both of Atchison, Kansas; and her 35-year-old daughter, Charlsie Kim Harris, of Garden City, Missouri, pleaded guilty Wednesday. A fourth person, 48-year-old Anthony Dewayne Fifer, of Mexico, Missouri, also pleaded guilty to distributing meth from January 2015 to November 2017. The four defendants also pleaded guilty to participating in a money-laundering conspiracy. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574339309270.png">Photo courtesy Atchison Co. Sheriff They are among nine defendants who have entered guilty pleas in in the case. The methamphetamine was distributed from Kansas City to the St. Joseph and the Atchison, Kansas, areas.

Kan. mother, kids plead guilty in $5M meth distribution ring 

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 480 have concluded an investigation on alleged threats received at the Liberal High School, according to Police Captain Robert Rogers. &nbsp;The threats were found written in one of the stalls in a restroom and indicated a school shooting was to take place Wednesday. As a result of these threats, extra police personnel were assigned to the school to prevent possible violence and to determine who made these threats.&nbsp;Numerous interviews were conducted in an attempt to locate the suspects.&nbsp; A second threat referencing the shooting was received later Wednesday, according to Rogers.&nbsp;Investigating officers were able to quickly determine the source of that threat and take a 15-year-old into custody on a requested charge of criminal threat. Further information obtained led to the arrest of a 14 year old boy in relation to the original threats made.&nbsp;He is faces a charge of aggravated criminal threat, according to Rogers. At this time, there is no indication that either suspect had the capability or intent to actually commit a school shooting.&nbsp;No additional people are believed to be involved.&nbsp;Affidavits were forwarded to the Seward County Attorney’s Office for the determination of formal charges.

Police arrest two Kansas boys for alleged school shooting threat

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574364281132.png"> Willinger photo Pawnee County PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two individuals in connection with a pit bull puppy&nbsp;found shot in mid August in Pawnee County that had to be euthanized. Tiffany Willinger, 51 and Kimberly Willinger, 49 both of Larned, appeared Thursday before Pawnee County Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell in connection with the ongoing cruelty to animal investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. Mr. Willinger is charged with Cruelty to Animals done without malicious intent, to wit: shot pit bull puppy multiple times, Interference with Law Enforcement, to wit: provided false information to a Pawnee County Sheriff’s Deputy&nbsp; Mrs. Willinger is charged with Interference with Law Enforcement, to wit: provided false information to a Pawnee County Sheriff’s Deputy.&nbsp;All charges are Class A nonperson misdemeanors, according to McNett. As used in the Kansas Cruelty to Animal statute, “maliciously” is defined as a state of mind characterized by actual evil-mindedness or a specific intent to do a harmful act without a reasonable justification or excuse, according to McNett.Arraignments are scheduled for December 12. The approximately 7 or 8-month-old male pit bull puppy was found on O Road between 110th&nbsp;and 120th&nbsp;Roads just north of Larned, according to Sheriff Scott King.&nbsp;Someone shot the dog eight times with a .22 caliber rifleWith the assistance of social media, the sheriff’s office posted photos on Facebook and followed leads to make an arrest.

2 Kan. suspects accused of shooting pit bull puppy appear in court

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574357580545.jpeg">Gassman photo Saline CountySALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen for alleged criminal threat. Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, 19-year-old Austin Gassman's mother and step-father attempted to have him turn down the volume on his music so they could sleep, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. When the step-father opened Gassmann's bedroom door, the teen had a screwdriver in his hand and raised it in a menacing manner and threatened bodily harm to the step-father, according to Forrester. Gassmann then left the house but was found a short while later walking in the 600 block of South 10th Street and was arrested on requested charges of aggravated assault and criminal threat.

Police: Kan. teen accused of criminal threat over loud music

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574363940844.png">Zales / photo Reno County <a href="http://www.hutchpost.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Hutch Post</a> HUTCHINSON — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged criminal threat in Hutchinson and have made an arrests. Thursday morning, police responded to report of a threatening or armed person at the offices of the Hutchinson News in the 300 Block of 2nd Avenue, according to 911 dispatch. Law enforcement agencies assisted in evacuating the building and a search for a person who was never found. A temporary employee, Dominic Zales, called in the report and stated he thought a female employee was going to let this armed person into the building. Zales said he was fearful for his safety. After an investigation, police arrested Zales for alleged criminal threat. He’s jailed on a $2,500 bond. One officer did report there was no concern for public safety and that the issue was resolved.

Police make arrest for alleged threat at Kansas newspaper office

Report: Catholic Church boards reviewing sex abuse fail victims

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574284527507.png">July 20, 2019 at Kwik Shop 1107 SW 6th Street in Topeka.&nbsp; Kansas City – The FBI is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the individuals involved in multiple commercial robberies that are believed to be related. The robberies occurred between July 2019 and November 2019 at convenience stores, gas stations and “dollar stores” in the greater Topeka area, according to a media release. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574284573932.png">October 15, 2019 at Dollar General 1001 SW Fairlawn Road&nbsp;in Topeka In all of the robberies, the suspects enter the business, display a weapon and make a verbal demand for cash. The suspects are described as three black males, approximately 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-10 inches tall, skinny build, wearing dark colored clothing and gloves. A Halloween mask or bandana is used to cover their faces. Members of the public are cautioned not to confront these individuals but to contact law enforcement immediately as they should be considered armed and dangerous.Anyone with information regarding the identity or location of these individuals should contact the FBI Topeka Office at (785) 231-1700 or the FBI Kansas City Division at 816-512-8200.&nbsp;

FBI offers reward for information on Kan. robbery suspects

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574277943192.png">SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson and have a suspect in custody Just after 4:30a.m. Wednesday, police and fire crews responded to the Presto convenience store in the 500 Block of North Seneca, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;A suspect later identified as 30-year-old Robert Ward of Haysville, was reportedly starting a fire outside the entry doors to the business. Investigators learned that Ward had poured gasoline onto a rug outside the doors and lit it on fire.&nbsp;Police arrested him without incident on a requested charge of arson.&nbsp;It is believed that mental health issues contributed to the incident, according to Davidson. He remains jailed on a $20,000 bond, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=147659" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">according to online jail records.</a> There were no injuries and no extensive damage to the building.

Police: Kansas man jailed for starting fire at gas station

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574249557177.png">Stacey Peters <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20064159" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">photo Sedgwick County</a> SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal Tuesday shooting and have made an arrest.&nbsp;Just after 2:30a.m. police responded to a shooting inside a former tire warehouse in 3000 Block of South Hillside in Wichita, according to Captain Brent Allred.&nbsp;At the scene officers found a 41-year-old man with a single gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Allred.&nbsp; Police also spoke to a 45-year-old woman identified as Stacey Peters of Haysville at the scene. Peters was leasing space in the building to sell items online, according Allred.&nbsp; Through interviews, recovering a gun at the scene and reviewing evidence, investigators learned Peters and the man were in a relationship, and while at the location, Peters fired a handgun at the victim striking him.&nbsp; Late Tuesday, police reported they had arrested Peters on one count of 2nd-degree murder, according to officer Charley Davidson. As of early Wednesday, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20064159" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> no bond </a>for Peters had been reported.

Kan. woman accused of fatally shooting boyfriend

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574179896969.png">Seymour <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20053742" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">photo Sedgwick County</a> &nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on rape allegations.&nbsp;Just before 6:30p.m. Monday, police responded to a 911 call of an abduction in the 300 Block of North Volutsia in Wichita, according to Captain Brett Allred.&nbsp;Upon arrival, police searched the area and located a 2005 Lexus driven by a suspect later identified as 58-year-old Anthony Seymour leaving the area. They also observed a 15-year-old girl exit the vehicle while it was moving slowly and run toward the officers.&nbsp;Seymour fled in the car. Police initially were not able to locate it.&nbsp;Investigators learned that while the girl was walking home, Seymour approached, held a knife to her, forced her into the Lexus and sexually assaulted her, according to Allred.&nbsp;Through continued investigation, police located the victim’s phone in a parking lot and were able to obtain video in the area and a tag number on the car. Police located the vehicle and Seymour in the 1900 Block of North Lorraine. He was arrested without incident and booked on requested charges of kidnapping, rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated battery and a Kansas Department of Corrections arrest and detain order, according to Allred.&nbsp;“The victim is very brave,” said Allred. “She saw police and took action to get out of the car, run to the officers and explain what had happened.”&nbsp;She had been on her way to Dillons and had seen the suspect and thought he was acting suspiciously. On the way home, the suspect approached her a second time and forced her in the vehicle, according to Allred.&nbsp;EMS transported the girl to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp;Seymour had been on parole since May of 2018 after a 2004 conviction for rape, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. sex offender jailed for alleged rape of 15-year-old

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574194345126.png">Briscoe photo KDOC WICHITA, KAN. – A convicted felon who was arrested with firearms and drugs after fleeing from Salina police was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in federal prison, according U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. Jason Briscoe, 42, Minneapolis, was convicted during a jury trial in May on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count one, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count two, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count three, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (counts four and five, and four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon (counts six, seven, eight and nine).&nbsp;According to court records, officers of the Salina Police Department encountered Briscoe while they were conducting surveillance of the Red Coach hotel. When police stopped Briscoe's car, he ran from the car carrying a handgun in his right hand. During the chase, Briscoe dropped the gun and a bag that contained methamphetamine and a second firearm. ﻿He has previous convictions for theft, burglary, criminal threat, aggravated battery, criminal use of a weapon and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon dropped gun, meth bag during police chase

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574183483652.jpeg">Carter photo Saline County SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged theft. Just after 4:30 p.m. Monday police responded to the report of a person who allegedly stole items from the store over multiple days, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. Target loss prevention personnel reported to police that they had surveillance video of Blake Carter, 34, of Salina, stealing items on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Police were called on Monday because Carter was in the store attempting to return for cash one of the items he allegedly stole, according to Forrester. The Friday surveillance video shows Carter taking and concealing a Google camera valued at $200 before leaving the store without paying for the item. On Saturday, Carter was allegedly seen on video cutting the anti-theft devices off of a Fitbit Versa 2 and a Garmin GPS. He also selected an Echo Dot speaker. He then went to the grocery area before leaving the store without paying for the items he had concealed. The items were valued at $330. On Sunday, Carter was allegedly seen on camera cutting the anti-theft device off of a Google Nest speaker -- valued at $230 -- then leaving the store without paying for the item he had concealed. When police were called on Monday, Carter was in the store attempting to return for cash the Fitbit Versa 2. He was arrested on suspicion of Felony theft, Criminal damage to property and Attempted theft by deception, according to Forrester.

Security cameras help police catch Kansas theft suspect

<img src="https://newshub.eagleradio.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Screen-Shot-2019-11-19-at-8.59.49-AM-293x300.png" height="300" width="293"> Spurgeon photo Jackson County KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say an armed man was arrested at a Catholic early childhood center in suburban Kansas City after his behavior raised alarms. The man later identified as Phil Spurgeon entered the school at Our Lady of the Presentation in Lee’s Summit around 11 a.m. Monday. Police say the receptionist put the facility on lockdown because she noticed the man was “acting erratically.” Staff was able to get the man to exit the building and then locked the door behind him. Police say an officer found a pistol on him as he was taken into custody. Spurgeon is in custody in Jackson County awaiting charges. Our Lady of the Presentation said in a note to parishioners that the "greatest priority is always the safety of the children." The note added that “children were kept safe and separated from any harm."

Armed man arrested at suburban KC preschool

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects&nbsp; wanted in Geary County. On Monday, the Wamego Police Department received an anonymous tip of possible fugitives wanted in Geary County for aggravated burglary and aggravated battery, staying at the Simmer Motel,&nbsp;1215 US-24, according to a social media report from police. With assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol,&nbsp;Wamego police apprehended four suspects and they were taken in to custody without incident. According to Police Chief Michael Baker, Sr., "At no time did I feel the citizens were in danger. If you heard or saw a helicopter in the area, this was why. KHP provided extra assistance from the air."

Anonymous tip leads to arrest at Wamego motel

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574105486339.png">Feng “Franklin” Tao photo courtesy KU WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An associate professor in Kansas accused of secretly working for a Chinese university contends in a court filing that a visiting scholar fabricated the allegations against him after unsuccessfully trying to extort him for $300,000. Attorneys for Feng “Franklin” Tao filed a motion on Sunday seeking to dismiss&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c504c8ccc0194ad190b1abf25a64e943" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(28, 167, 218);">the federal indictment</a>&nbsp;charging him with one count of wire fraud and three counts of program fraud. It alleges the Lawrence man was working full time for Fuzhou University in China while also doing research in Kansas on projects funded by the U.S. government and then failed to report it on a conflict-of-interest form. Tao contended in his court filing that he never accepted the offer for a teaching position in China and therefore had no obligation to disclose it as a conflict to the University of Kansas. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6551879-Franklin-Tao-motion.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(28, 167, 218);">defense filing</a>&nbsp;alleges that an unpaid visiting scholar was angry at Tao because she thought she should have received greater credit as a co-author on certain research manuscripts at the Kansas university. After Tao would not change the attribution, she demanded he pay her $300,000 or else she would falsely accuse him of economic espionage, his attorneys wrote. That court filing also included as exhibits emails from the scholar, including one dated April 21 in which she wrote, “Do not consider it too much. You ruined my future.” Another sent the next day warned that “when anything that belongs to me is taken away, my counterattack will be very strong and very extreme.” The woman filed authorship dispute complaints to the Office of Integrity and Compliance and with the university’s Internal Audit Office on June 4, and 15 minutes later emailed Tao saying, “it seems the term ‘tech spy’ is very popular nowadays. You should be careful. I have given you many chances and you didn’t care.” Tao’s attorneys wrote in their court filing that the woman later admitted to the FBI that she hacked into Tao’s email account to fish for “evidence” she could provide the FBI. The defense contends she used phony aliases to make false complaints to both the university and to the FBI. Her lies to the FBI “succeeded in wreaking her revenge,” Tao’s attorneys wrote. The FBI immediately opened a grand jury investigation, which culminated in Tao’s arrest and indictment. Rather than prosecuting the visiting scholar for extortion, false statements and computer fraud — and notifying Tao that he was the victim of a federal computer crime — the government instead charged Tau with fraud for failing to disclose to his university the job offer from China, according to the defense motion. Jim Cross, the spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office in Kansas, said in an email that prosecutors are evaluating the defense motion and will be responding in court. The visiting scholar, who has not been charged with any crimes, did not respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.Tau, an associate professor of engineering at the University of Kansas, was born in China and moved to the United States in 2002. He has been employed since August 2014 at the Kansas university's Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis in Lawrence. The center conducts research on sustainable technology to conserve natural resources and energy.

Researcher at KU denies secretly working for Chinese university

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574083378866.png">Watters photo Joplin Police KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say an autopsy has found no signs of foul play in the death of a man whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ca01eb1124834865ac6f70457b423b07" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 125, 165);">body was found in a freezer</a>&nbsp;in his wife’s bedroom inside the couple’s southwest Missouri home. Joplin police say the autopsy also confirmed that the man was Paul Barton, whose wife, 67-year-old Barbara Watters, is charged with abandonment of a corpse. The body was found last week after a witness told police that Barton’s body had been in Watters’ freezer since his death on Dec. 30, 2018. No details were provided about how the witness knew the couple. No charges have been filed in Barton’s death. Police said before Watters’ arrest on Thursday that she has unspecified “mental disorders” and is known to carry firearms. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Police: No signs of foul play in death of man found in freezer

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574019099301.png">Saousoalii P. Siavii Jr., -photo Jackson Co. KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Additional charges have been filed against a former Kansas City Chiefs football player and eight co-defendants for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that operated primarily in Eastern Jackson County, according to the United State's Attorney. Saousoalii P. Siavii Jr., also known as “Junior,” 41, of Independence, Missouri, was charged in a nine-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 13. The superseding indictment replaces the original indictment against Siavii and includes additional charges and eight additional defendants. The indictment was unsealed today following the arrests and initial court appearances of some of those defendants. The federal indictment alleges that Siavii, along with Marion D. McCrorey, also known as “Doug,” 40, Andrew A. Tofaeono, also known as “Drew,” 35, Isaac M. Butler, 34, Michelle M. Andrews, 37, Katie M. Thompson, also known as “Muneca,” 25, Michelle L. Morris, 25, and James J. Leach, 39, all of Independence; and Kristannie Casteel, 31, of Blue Springs, Missouri; participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from July 11, 2018, to Nov. 13, 2019. In addition to the conspiracy, Siavii is charged with two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Siavii allegedly possessed a Sturm Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun on Aug. 4, 2019, and a Smith and Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol on Aug. 24, 2019. Siavii and Andrews are also each charged with one count of being a drug user in possession of a firearm. Siavii allegedly possessed a Phoenix Arms .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol on April 7, 2019. Andrews allegedly possessed a Kel-Tec .380-caliber pistol July 10, 2019.Siavii is also charged with two counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Tofaeono is also charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.Leach is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Leach, who has prior felony convictions, allegedly possessed a Ward’s Western Field 12-gauge pump-action shotgun on Sept. 30, 2019.According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Siavii was arrested on Aug. 24, 2019. Independence police officers responded to parking lot on U.S. 40 Highway, where a witness said he located his friend’s stolen 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sport. The witness told police he saw a man, later identified as Siavii, getting out of the driver’s seat of the vehicle.Officers contacted Siavii, the affidavit says, who disregarded their commands, and an officer deployed his Taser on Siavii. Siavii, who is six feet, five inches tall and weighs approximately 330 pounds, fell to the ground. Officers attempted to gain control as he began to actively resist arrest. Siavii began pushing himself up off the ground, at which time a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol fell directly in front of him within his reach An officer drew his duty weapon and put it to Siavii’s back, due to him not being under physical control, while another officer grabbed Siavii’s firearm and threw it several feet away. Officers continued to fight with Siavii, the affidavit says, while giving him commands to stop resisting and to place his hands behind his back. An officer deployed his Taser on Siavii again with little effect. Siavii was able to get on top of the officer, who was on the ground at this point. Another officer was eventually able to put Siavii in a neck restraint and render him unconscious long enough to handcuff him. Siavii continued to resist even after being handcuffed. In addition to the Aug. 24 incident, the affidavit cites several more incidents in which Siavii was arrested while in possession of illegal drugs and firearms. In one incident, when officers responded to a report of a stolen Chevrolet Silverado that was tracked by On-Star to a motel parking lot, Siavii attempted to flee on foot, then resisted arrest, and fought with officers. In another incident, Siavii led officers in a vehicle pursuit that reached speeds up to 101 m.p.h. Siavii’s vehicle eventually left the roadway and he fled on foot before being located by officers and taken into custody. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Additional charges filed against former KC Chief in drug-trafficking conspiracy 

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573930923029.png">Shaw photo Sedgwick County SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a carjacking that left one man dead and have a suspect in custody. Just after 2:30 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a carjacking call in the area of Lincoln and Woodlawn in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers contacted 40-year-old Travis Shaw who had called 911. Police then located a 42-year-old male victim in the front yard of a residence in the 900 block of South Mission, underneath a 2006 white Chrysler 300 in critical condition.&nbsp;The victim was pronounced dead on the scene, according to Davidson.&nbsp;Officers and investigators begin speaking with witnesses and reviewing evidence, which led them to arrest Shaw for one count of 2nd-degree murder.&nbsp;This was not a random incident, and Shaw and the victim know each other, according to Davidson. Police have not released the victim's name.&nbsp;The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Police respond to carjacking find man dead under car

COWLEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp;Kansas man on drug and weapons charges after a&nbsp; On Friday, a 71-year-old Arkansas City man came to the police department and reported that his son, identified as 40-year-old Brian Feasel, who lives in his home, threatened him and his 71-year-old girlfriend Thursday night during an argument regarding drug usage. The victim reported that Feasel pointed a rifle at them both while also holding a handgun to his own head. The victim reported they then left the residence and stayed at another location for the night. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence, located in the 1400 block of North First Street.Due to the nature of the crime and the suspect’s past violent history, the South Central Kansas SWAT team was called in to execute the search warrant and an arrest warrant for Feasel. Just after 4 p.m. today, officers entered the North First Street residence and arrested Feasel without incident.&nbsp; He is remains jailed on suspicion of two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, as well as one count each of criminal damage to property, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of a firearm.&nbsp; He remains jailed in the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $150,000 bond through&nbsp;

SWAT team raids Kan. home, arrests felon 

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573828107921.png">Richard Hagerty -photo Lee’s Summit PD KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A former Lee’s Summit police officer has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison without parole for robbing a bank. Richard Hagerty, of Independence, was sentenced Wednesday for armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime.Prosecutors say Hagerty robbed the Central Bank of Missouri in Lee’s Summit in August 2018. He pointed a gun at two tellers and stole about $7,000 before fleeing the bank on foot. Officers spotted him in a vehicle shortly after the robbery. A police pursuit that wound from Lee’s Summit to Grandview reached 100 mph as Hagerty drove on busy streets, through school zones and into oncoming traffic.He was arrested without incident after the chase ended.Hagerty was a police officer in Lee’s Summit from 2007 to 2016.

Former KC-area police officer sentenced for bank robbery

<img src="https://newshub.eagleradio.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Screen-Shot-2019-11-15-at-1.07.32-PM-300x200.png" height="200" width="300"> Whiting photo Barton CoBARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a Thursday arrest. Just after 2:30 PM, a Great Bend Police Detective stopped a vehicle in the 5500 block of 10th Street for a traffic violation. The Great Bend Police Department K-9, Menta, was called to perform an exterior sniff on the vehicle. Menta indicated to the odor of narcotics. A search of the vehicle was conducted and Methamphetamine, Marijuana and Drug paraphernalia were found in the vehicle. Police arrested 38-year-old&nbsp;Christopher Whiting and transported him to the Barton County Detention Center where he was booked in lieu of bond. Whitting has four previous drug convictions and one for driving while suspended.&nbsp;