WASHINGTON (AP) — A child psychiatrist who altered a first-day-of-school photo he saw on Facebook to make a group of girls appear nude. A U.S. Army soldier accused of creating images depicting children he knew being sexually abused. A software engineer charged with generating hyper-realistic sexually explicit images of children.

Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are cracking down on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-artificial-intelligence-child-sexual-abuse-c8f17de56d41f05f55286eb6177138d2">troubling spread of child sexual abuse imagery</a>&nbsp;created through artificial intelligence technology — from manipulated photos of real children to graphic depictions of computer-generated kids. Justice Department officials say they're aggressively going after offenders who exploit AI tools, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-xylazine-deepfakes-crime-marty-jackley-4167be99dfb79861835a5190472d61b3">states are racing</a>&nbsp;to ensure people generating “deepfakes” and other harmful imagery of kids can be prosecuted under their laws.

“We’ve got to signal early and often that it is a crime, that it will be investigated and prosecuted when the evidence supports it,” Steven Grocki, who leads the Justice Department's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, said in an interview with The Associated Press. “And if you’re sitting there thinking otherwise, you fundamentally are wrong. And it’s only a matter of time before somebody holds you accountable.”

The Justice Department says existing federal laws clearly apply to such content, and recently brought what’s believed to be the first federal case involving purely AI-generated imagery — meaning the children depicted are not real but virtual. In another case, federal authorities in August arrested a U.S. soldier stationed in Alaska accused of running innocent pictures of real children he knew through an AI chatbot to make the images sexually explicit.

The prosecutions come as child advocates are urgently working to curb the misuse of technology to prevent a flood of disturbing images officials fear could make it harder to rescue real victims. Law enforcement officials worry investigators will waste time and resources trying to identify and track down exploited children who don’t really exist.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, are passing a flurry of legislation to ensure local prosecutors can bring charges under state laws for AI-generated “deepfakes” and other sexually explicit images of kids. Governors in more than a dozen states have signed laws this year cracking down on digitally created or altered child sexual abuse imagery, according to a review by The National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children.

“We’re playing catch-up as law enforcement to a technology that, frankly, is moving far faster than we are," said Ventura County, California District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.

Nasarenko pushed legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-deepfakes-children-abuse-7dcf5c566e2a297567f1e148ac2074a4">signed last month</a>&nbsp;by Gov. Gavin Newsom which makes clear that AI-generated child sexual abuse material is illegal under California law. Nasarenko said his office could not prosecute eight cases involving AI-generated content between last December and mid-September because California's law had required prosecutors to prove the imagery depicted a real child.

AI-generated child sexual abuse images can be used to groom children, law enforcement officials say. And even if they aren’t physically abused, kids can be deeply impacted when their image is morphed to appear sexually explicit.

“I felt like a part of me had been taken away. Even though I was not physically violated,” said 17-year-old Kaylin Hayman, who starred on the Disney Channel show “Just Roll with It” and helped push the California bill after she became a victim of “deepfake” imagery.

Hayman testified last year at the federal trial of the man who digitally superimposed her face and those of other child actors onto bodies performing sex acts. He was sentenced in May to more than 14 years in prison.

Open-source AI-models that users can download on their computers are known to be favored by offenders, who can further train or modify the tools to churn out explicit depictions of children, experts say. Abusers trade tips in dark web communities about how to manipulate AI tools to create such content, officials say.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/generative-ai-illegal-images-child-abuse-3081a81fa79e2a39b67c11201cfd085f">A report last year</a>&nbsp;by the Stanford Internet Observatory found that a research dataset that was the source for leading AI image-makers such as Stable Diffusion contained links to sexually explicit images of kids, contributing to the ease with which some tools have been able to produce harmful imagery. The dataset was taken down, and researchers later said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-image-generators-child-sexual-abuse-laion-stable-diffusion-2652b0f4245fb28ced1cf74c60a8d9f0">they deleted</a>&nbsp;more than 2,000 weblinks to suspected child sexual abuse imagery from it.

Top technology companies, including Google, OpenAI and Stability AI, have agreed to work with anti-child sexual abuse organization Thorn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thorn.org/blog/generative-ai-principles/">to combat the spread</a>&nbsp;of child sexual abuse images.

But experts say more should have been done at the outset to prevent misuse before the technology became widely available. And steps companies are taking now to make it harder to abuse future versions of AI tools "will do little to prevent" offenders from running older versions of models on their computer “without detection," a Justice Department prosecutor noted in recent court papers.

“Time was not spent on making the products safe, as opposed to efficient, and it's very hard to do after the fact — as we’ve seen,” said David Thiel, the Stanford Internet Observatory's chief technologist.

The National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children's CyberTipline last year received about 4,700 reports of content involving AI technology — a small fraction of the more than 36 million total reports of suspected child sexual exploitation. By October of this year, the group was fielding about 450 reports per month of AI-involved content, said Yiota Souras, the group’s chief legal officer.

Those numbers may be an undercount, however, as the images are so realistic it's often difficult to tell whether they were AI-generated, experts say.

“Investigators are spending hours just trying to determine if an image actually depicts a real minor or if it’s AI-generated,” said Rikole Kelly, deputy Ventura County district attorney, who helped write the California bill. “It used to be that there were some really clear indicators ... with the advances in AI technology, that’s just not the case anymore.”

Justice Department officials say they already have the tools under federal law to go after offenders for such imagery.

The U.S. Supreme Court in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heraldnet.com/news/supreme-court-strikes-down-ban-on-virtual-child-pornography/">2002 struck down a federal ban</a>&nbsp;on virtual child sexual abuse material. But a federal law signed the following year bans the production of visual depictions, including drawings, of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct that are deemed “obscene.” That law, which the Justice Department says has been used in the past to charge cartoon imagery of child sexual abuse, specifically notes there's no requirement “that the minor depicted actually exist.”

The Justice Department brought that charge in May against a Wisconsin software engineer accused of using AI tool Stable Diffusion to create photorealistic images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and was caught after he sent some to a 15-year-old boy through a direct message on Instagram, authorities say. The man's lawyer, who is pushing to dismiss the charges on First Amendment grounds, declined further comment on the allegations in an email to the AP.

A spokesperson for Stability AI said that man is accused of using an earlier version of the tool that was released by another company, Runway ML. Stability AI says that it has “invested in proactive features to prevent the misuse of AI for the production of harmful content” since taking over the exclusive development of the models. A spokesperson for Runway ML didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from the AP.

In cases involving “deepfakes,” when a real child's photo has been digitally altered to make them sexually explicit, the Justice Department is bringing charges under the federal “child pornography" law. In one case, a North Carolina child psychiatrist who used an AI application to digitally “undress” girls posing on the first day of school in a decades-old photo shared on Facebook was convicted of federal charges last year.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A child psychiatrist who altered a first-day-of-school photo he saw on Facebook to make a group of girls appear nude. A U.S. Army soldier accused of creating images depicting children he knew being sexually abused. A software engineer charged with generating hyper-realistic sexually explicit images of children.Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are cracking down on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-artificial-intelligence-child-sexual-abuse-c8f17de56d41f05f55286eb6177138d2">troubling spread of child sexual abuse imagery</a>&nbsp;created through artificial intelligence technology — from manipulated photos of real children to graphic depictions of computer-generated kids. Justice Department officials say they're aggressively going after offenders who exploit AI tools, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-dakota-xylazine-deepfakes-crime-marty-jackley-4167be99dfb79861835a5190472d61b3">states are racing</a>&nbsp;to ensure people generating “deepfakes” and other harmful imagery of kids can be prosecuted under their laws.“We’ve got to signal early and often that it is a crime, that it will be investigated and prosecuted when the evidence supports it,” Steven Grocki, who leads the Justice Department's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, said in an interview with The Associated Press. “And if you’re sitting there thinking otherwise, you fundamentally are wrong. And it’s only a matter of time before somebody holds you accountable.”The Justice Department says existing federal laws clearly apply to such content, and recently brought what’s believed to be the first federal case involving purely AI-generated imagery — meaning the children depicted are not real but virtual. In another case, federal authorities in August arrested a U.S. soldier stationed in Alaska accused of running innocent pictures of real children he knew through an AI chatbot to make the images sexually explicit.<h2>Trying to catch up to technology</h2>The prosecutions come as child advocates are urgently working to curb the misuse of technology to prevent a flood of disturbing images officials fear could make it harder to rescue real victims. Law enforcement officials worry investigators will waste time and resources trying to identify and track down exploited children who don’t really exist.Lawmakers, meanwhile, are passing a flurry of legislation to ensure local prosecutors can bring charges under state laws for AI-generated “deepfakes” and other sexually explicit images of kids. Governors in more than a dozen states have signed laws this year cracking down on digitally created or altered child sexual abuse imagery, according to a review by The National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children.“We’re playing catch-up as law enforcement to a technology that, frankly, is moving far faster than we are," said Ventura County, California District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.Nasarenko pushed legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-deepfakes-children-abuse-7dcf5c566e2a297567f1e148ac2074a4">signed last month</a>&nbsp;by Gov. Gavin Newsom which makes clear that AI-generated child sexual abuse material is illegal under California law. Nasarenko said his office could not prosecute eight cases involving AI-generated content between last December and mid-September because California's law had required prosecutors to prove the imagery depicted a real child.AI-generated child sexual abuse images can be used to groom children, law enforcement officials say. And even if they aren’t physically abused, kids can be deeply impacted when their image is morphed to appear sexually explicit.“I felt like a part of me had been taken away. Even though I was not physically violated,” said 17-year-old Kaylin Hayman, who starred on the Disney Channel show “Just Roll with It” and helped push the California bill after she became a victim of “deepfake” imagery.Hayman testified last year at the federal trial of the man who digitally superimposed her face and those of other child actors onto bodies performing sex acts. He was sentenced in May to more than 14 years in prison.Open-source AI-models that users can download on their computers are known to be favored by offenders, who can further train or modify the tools to churn out explicit depictions of children, experts say. Abusers trade tips in dark web communities about how to manipulate AI tools to create such content, officials say.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/generative-ai-illegal-images-child-abuse-3081a81fa79e2a39b67c11201cfd085f">A report last year</a>&nbsp;by the Stanford Internet Observatory found that a research dataset that was the source for leading AI image-makers such as Stable Diffusion contained links to sexually explicit images of kids, contributing to the ease with which some tools have been able to produce harmful imagery. The dataset was taken down, and researchers later said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-image-generators-child-sexual-abuse-laion-stable-diffusion-2652b0f4245fb28ced1cf74c60a8d9f0">they deleted</a>&nbsp;more than 2,000 weblinks to suspected child sexual abuse imagery from it.Top technology companies, including Google, OpenAI and Stability AI, have agreed to work with anti-child sexual abuse organization Thorn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thorn.org/blog/generative-ai-principles/">to combat the spread</a>&nbsp;of child sexual abuse images.But experts say more should have been done at the outset to prevent misuse before the technology became widely available. And steps companies are taking now to make it harder to abuse future versions of AI tools "will do little to prevent" offenders from running older versions of models on their computer “without detection," a Justice Department prosecutor noted in recent court papers.“Time was not spent on making the products safe, as opposed to efficient, and it's very hard to do after the fact — as we’ve seen,” said David Thiel, the Stanford Internet Observatory's chief technologist.<h2>AI images get more realistic</h2>The National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children's CyberTipline last year received about 4,700 reports of content involving AI technology — a small fraction of the more than 36 million total reports of suspected child sexual exploitation. By October of this year, the group was fielding about 450 reports per month of AI-involved content, said Yiota Souras, the group’s chief legal officer.Those numbers may be an undercount, however, as the images are so realistic it's often difficult to tell whether they were AI-generated, experts say.“Investigators are spending hours just trying to determine if an image actually depicts a real minor or if it’s AI-generated,” said Rikole Kelly, deputy Ventura County district attorney, who helped write the California bill. “It used to be that there were some really clear indicators ... with the advances in AI technology, that’s just not the case anymore.”Justice Department officials say they already have the tools under federal law to go after offenders for such imagery.The U.S. Supreme Court in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heraldnet.com/news/supreme-court-strikes-down-ban-on-virtual-child-pornography/">2002 struck down a federal ban</a>&nbsp;on virtual child sexual abuse material. But a federal law signed the following year bans the production of visual depictions, including drawings, of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct that are deemed “obscene.” That law, which the Justice Department says has been used in the past to charge cartoon imagery of child sexual abuse, specifically notes there's no requirement “that the minor depicted actually exist.”The Justice Department brought that charge in May against a Wisconsin software engineer accused of using AI tool Stable Diffusion to create photorealistic images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and was caught after he sent some to a 15-year-old boy through a direct message on Instagram, authorities say. The man's lawyer, who is pushing to dismiss the charges on First Amendment grounds, declined further comment on the allegations in an email to the AP.A spokesperson for Stability AI said that man is accused of using an earlier version of the tool that was released by another company, Runway ML. Stability AI says that it has “invested in proactive features to prevent the misuse of AI for the production of harmful content” since taking over the exclusive development of the models. A spokesperson for Runway ML didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from the AP.In cases involving “deepfakes,” when a real child's photo has been digitally altered to make them sexually explicit, the Justice Department is bringing charges under the federal “child pornography" law. In one case, a North Carolina child psychiatrist who used an AI application to digitally “undress” girls posing on the first day of school in a decades-old photo shared on Facebook was convicted of federal charges last year.

AI-generated child sexual abuse images are spreading. Law enforcement is racing to stop them

GRANT COUNTY, Nebraska —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 5:30 p.m. October 24, while working traffic North of Hyannis on Hwy 61, a Grant County Deputy stopped a Kansas registered vehicle traveling south bound doing 75 mph in a 60 mph zone, according to a media release.

An investigation revealed a 38- year old man from Wichita was in possession of suspected large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, cash and paraphernalia.

With the assistance of Nebraska State Patrol and Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, the man was arrested for multiple drug charges and transported to the Box Butte County Jail without incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729785025424.jpeg" alt="Photos Grant Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Grant Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>GRANT COUNTY, Nebraska —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations after a traffic stop.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729785041197.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 5:30 p.m. October 24, while working traffic North of Hyannis on Hwy 61, a Grant County Deputy stopped a Kansas registered vehicle traveling south bound doing 75 mph in a 60 mph zone, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729785056243.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An investigation revealed a 38- year old man from Wichita was in possession of suspected large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, cash and paraphernalia.With the assistance of Nebraska State Patrol and Box Butte County Sheriff's Office, the man was arrested for multiple drug charges and transported to the Box Butte County Jail without incident.

Kan. man, driving 75mph in a 60,  caught with large quantities of cocaine

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;centered their attention on Texas on Friday with both presidential candidates holding events in the staunchly Republican state. The vice president&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-abortion-rights-2024-election-democrats-f228eedd3308dab2e1125fdf6029a4a2">teamed up with Beyoncé</a>&nbsp;for a rally aimed at highlighting the perilous medical fallout from the state’s strict abortion ban and putting the blame squarely on Trump.

Meanwhile, the former president held a news conference in Austin on Friday afternoon and sat down with podcaster Joe Rogan later in the day.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;visited a reservation in Arizona, a long-promised trip to Indian Country that Democrats hope could boost Harris' turnout effort in a key battleground state.

Trump’s three-hour interview with podcaster Joe Rogan has been released

The nation’s most listened-to podcaster pressed the former president on whether he’s “completely committed” to bringing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., into his administration.

“Oh, I completely am,” Trump responded. “But the only thing I want to be a little careful about with him is the environmental. Because he doesn’t like oil, I love oil and gas.”

He said he’ll tell Kennedy to “focus on health, do whatever you want.” Trump said he’s faced pressure not to work with Kennedy, citing “big Pharma” as one example.

Kennedy has been instrumental in spreading skepticism about vaccines, rejecting the overwhelming consensus among scientists that the benefits of inoculations outweigh the rare risk of side effects.

He also claims pharmaceutical companies conspire to prevent health improvements because they make so much money selling drugs to people with chronic illnesses.

Rogan also is skeptical of vaccines. Trump noted that “they’ve come up with some amazing things” such as the polio vaccine.

After embracing Beyoncé and Rowland, Harris took her spot at the mic, as the crowd cheered her name.

“It’s good to be back in Texas,” she said.

Harris started speaking at 10:20p ET, nearly an hour later than scheduled.

In her hometown of Houston, Beyoncé gave the city’s neighborhoods shoutouts, to raucous cheers from the crowd.

“We are all part of something much bigger,” she said. “We must vote, and we need you.”

“Our moment right now. it’s time for America to sing a new song. Our voices sing a chorus of unity,” she said, casting her remarks forward, and introducing Harris. “Are y’all ready to add your voice to the new American song? So let’s do this, ladies and gentlemen.”

Beyonce and Kelly Rowland take stage at Harris rally

Hometown hero&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/beyonce-knowles">Beyoncé</a>&nbsp;showed up at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris’</a>&nbsp;presidential campaign rally in Houston on Friday night. Her mother, Tina Knowles, introduced Beyoncé and her Destiny’s Child bandmate Kelly Rowland, who took the stage.

Rowland kicked things off, describing this as “a moment where we grab back the pen from those who are trying to write an American story of division and hatred,” she said. “We are grabbing back the pen.” She concluded, “Now Houston, you’ve already had a hand in creating destiny. So do what you do, and do this thing again.”

Texas Senate candidate Colin Allred takes stage at Harris rally

Allred thanked Harris for “coming to Texas and shining a light on what’s happening to Texas families and Texas women.”

The crowd broke out in cheers of “beat Ted Cruz” after the Democratic congressman said that, “with y’all’s help and God’s grace, we’re gonna beat Ted Cruz.”

“Do you hear that, Ted?” Allred asked.

Allred likened both his opponent and Trump to being too “small” to be effective leaders.

“Everything is bigger in Texas, but Ted Cruz is too small for Texas,” Allred said, eliciting cheers and laughter from the crowd.

Allred also remembered being at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when he said he “was going to defend the House floor from that mob,” while “Ted Cruz was hiding in a supply closet.

“I went to public school in Texas,” the former football linebacker said. “I’m not just going to sit there.”

Actress Jessica Alba kicks off Harris’ rally in Houston

Actress Jessica Alba kicked off Harris’ star-studded rally in Houston on Friday evening to praise the Democratic nominee as someone who “protects our freedoms and creates a brighter future, a more inclusive future for all.”

Harris is expected to focus her rally on abortion restrictions in the state and the consequences of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.

Alba said: “As a woman I know we need a leader like Kamala Harris who is dedicated to protecting reproductive freedom, ensuring that decisions about your body are made by you, never by the government, because Kamala Harris understands that protecting reproductive freedom isn’t about politics, it’s about our right to choose.”

There doesn’t seem to be an empty seat at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, the site of Harris’ rally with Beyonce.

The more than 20,000-seat stadium is awash in light: flashing red, white and blue lights held by supporters in the stands and strobe lights. Large screens are flashing messages that say “Reproductive Freedom,” “Vote, “Trust Women,” Freedom” and “Vote for Reproductive Freedom.”

Harris is scheduled to speak at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Attendees are leaving Trump’s rally en masse as word spread the former president will be arriving late

Trump’s plane did not leave Austin, where he was taping a podcast interview, until not long before the rally was set to start.

It’s a chilly night, with temperatures in the low 50’s.

“Well, we rather they were on time,” said Medine Dahlquist from Bay City, Michigan. But, she said, it’s “worth the wait.”

Roughly 35 million people have voted early as of today

About 35 million people have voted early in the 2024 presidential election.

That’s roughly one-fifth the number of people who cast ballots in 2020. The robust total is due to Republicans voting ahead of time after largely refusing to do so the prior two elections because former President Donald Trump criticized the process.

Now, Trump wants his supporters to vote early.

Remember, early vote statistics don’t tell you who won, merely who showed up. We won’t see who they picked until votes are tallied after polls close on Nov. 5.

▶ Find out how many early votes have been cast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/2024-early-voting-tracker/">in your state</a>

Appeals court in Georgia declines to expedite review election ruling

An appeals court in the battleground state of Georgia has declined Friday to expedite the review of an appeal of a judge’s order that county election officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-election-rules-certification-03f6bc623d9f6aeeb3f9dc47823d03f9">must vote to certify results</a>&nbsp;by the deadline set in law.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ruled this month that county election officials cannot refuse to certify election results. His ruling came in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-elections-fulton-county-julie-adams-79c93a5820eb8a9ecf6856171db72c10">lawsuit filed by Julie Adams</a>&nbsp;a Republican member of the election board in Fulton County, which includes most of Atlanta and is a Democratic stronghold.

Adams appealed that order Wednesday and asked the Georgia Court of Appeals to hear it on an expedited basis.

But the appeals court’s decision means that McBurney’s order will almost certainly remain in effect through the deadline for county officials to certify results, which this year falls on Nov. 12.

South Carolina judge rules it’s too late to re-open voter registration after DMV mishap

A judge in South Carolina ruled Friday it is too late for the state to reopen voter registration for nearly 1,900 teens after the state Department of Motor Vehicles failed to notify election officials that they checked the box to register as they got their driver’s licenses.

The teens were 17 at the time they went to the DMV, but would be 18 by Election Day.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit to reopen registration Tuesday, a day after early voting started in South Carolina.

Lawyers for the DMV, election officials and lawmakers say they are sympathetic toward the teens, but it would be chaotic to reopen registration this close to Election Day.

Judge Daniel Coble’s decision came about six hours after he heard arguments in the case.

Early voting started on Monday in South Carolina and in the first four days, more than 500,000 votes have been cast.

“Our government failed these young voters, and now the same government is making excuses rather than making things right. When ‘It’s too hard to fix’ becomes an acceptable reason to disenfranchise voters, we know that there’s work to do,” ACLU of South Carolina Legal Director Allen Chaney said in a statement after the ruling.

Trump meets execs from Bezos-owned Blue Origin

After he spoke in Austin, Trump greeted executives from Blue Origin, the space exploration company owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos.

Bezos is the founder of Amazon and the owner of The Washington Post, which reported Friday that its editorial board won’t endorse a candidate for president. The decision was framed as a return to earlier tradition, but it sparked speculation that Bezos wants to avoid antagonizing Trump, who has vowed retribution against his enemies and critics if he returns to the White House.

The Post editorial board endorsed Trump’s Democratic rivals in 2016 and 2020, and the former president has often railed against critical news coverage by the newspaper.

Trump spoke briefly with Blue Origin’s CEO, David Limp, and vice president of government relations, Megan Mitchell, as he left a hangar where he spoke to supporters and journalists at the Austin airport.

The conversation underscores the web of diverse and competing interests in the Bezos business empire. Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to questions about whether the conversation had been planned and whether they had attended the event.

Bezos bought the Washington Post in 2013. He made the purchase as an individual and&nbsp;<a href="http://amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a>&nbsp;Inc. was not involved. Bezos&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeff-bezos-steps-down-amazon-ceo-a5af30868a90cd300dd616796bc1aec2">stepped down</a>&nbsp;as Amazon CEO in 2021 but remains the company’s executive chairman and largest shareholder.

Officials with Seattle-based Blue Origin did not immediately respond to a message from The Associated Press.

Several bands, including Mumford &amp; Sons, will join Harris at a get-out-the-vote rally in Wisconsin

Vice President Kamala Harris will be joined by several musicians, including Mumford &amp; Sons, for a get-out-the-vote rally Wednesday on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the campaign announced on Friday.

The rally will take place just before former President Donald Trump will be about two hours away for a rally in Green Bay.

Both campaigns are hitting the swing state hard in the final days of the race.

The Harris rally will include two members of the indie rock band The National, Matt Berninger and Aaron Dessner, along with singer-songwriters Gracie Abrams and Remi Wolf. They are performing as part of the “When We Vote We Win” GOTV Concert and Rally Series, the campaign said.

Trump wraps remarks in Austin without taking questions from reporters

Donald Trump has concluded his remarks in Austin, Texas.

He spoke for about 45 minutes, with a heavy emphasis on immigration.

Trump did not take questions from reporters while speaking, and he didn’t answer shouted questions afterward.

Both major presidential candidates are in Texas on Friday. Kamala Harris took questions from reporters ahead of her rally later this evening with Beyoncé in Houston.

Trump predicts he’ll break records for deportations if he wins the election

Donald Trump is predicting he’ll break records for the number of people deported from the United States if he wins the election.

At an appearance in Texas, Trump praised President Dwight D. Eisenhower for overseeing mass deportations as part of a sweeping plan known by the racist title “Operation Wetback.” Trump has made mass deportation a centerpiece of his campaign for a second term in the White House.

“I think we’ll break that record,” Trump said of Eisenhower’s deportations. “Not that I want to break it, but I think we have no choice.”

He said his administration will put “these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail or kick them the hell out of the country.”

Leonardo DiCaprio endorses Harris for president

Leonardo DiCaprio is endorsing Kamala Harris for president, with the Oscar-winning actor expressing support for the Democratic nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/leonardo-dicaprio-endorses-kamala-harris-election-2024-40bf7286e7219dfd59957bf28d34f578">in a video Friday</a>.

“Climate change is killing the earth and ruining our economy. We need a bold step forward to save our economy, our planet and ourselves,” DiCaprio said. “That’s why I’m voting for Kamala Harris.”

DiCaprio, long an outspoken advocate for addressing the climate crisis, has supported Democratic candidates in the past. In early 2020, he attended a fundraiser for Joe Biden at the home of former Paramount Pictures chief Sherry Lansing.

With less than two weeks until Election Day, Harris has received the support of many high-profile entertainers including Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Chris Rock and George Clooney.

Republican nominee Donald Trump’s celebrity supporters include Elon Musk, Dennis Quaid, Roseanne Barr and Kid Rock.

In December 2016, DiCaprio and the head of his eponymous foundation met with Trump, then president-elect, to discuss how jobs centered on preserving the environment could boost the economy.

Trump again likens the US to a ‘garbage can’

AUSTIN, Texas — Former President Donald Trump is doubling — and tripling — down on likening the United States to a trash receptacle.

“We’re like a garbage can. We’re like a garbage can,” he said Friday. He noted that, “The first time I said it was last night.”

During a Thursday night event, Trump had declared that the U.S. was “like a garbage can for the world.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, in response on Friday, called that comment, “Another example of how he really belittles our country.”

Moments after her reaction, Trump said it twice more during an appearance in Texas.

Trump derides Harris’ rally with Beyoncé as ‘rubbing shoulders’ with ‘woke celebrities’

Trump sits down with Joe Rogan, Harris rallies with Beyoncé

JOHNSON COUNTY — Emporia State University placed a professor on administrative leave following an arrest for alleged child sex crimes.

On Wednesday Howard Pitler, 72, was booked into the Johnson County jail on requested charges of&nbsp; electronic solicitation of a child under 14 years old, according to online jail records. He met the requirements of a $25,000 bond and is no longer in&nbsp; custody.

According to Emporia State, "Upon being made aware of the arrest of Howard Pitler, the university responded immediately and placed Pitler on administrative leave. With our rich tradition as a premier Teachers College, the care and safety of students of all ages is of the utmost importance. Pitler taught fully online master’s level courses as an associate professor of School Leadership, Middle &amp; Secondary Teacher Education in The Teachers College. He has been at ESU since 2018. Emporia State will cooperate fully with authorities. We cannot comment further on an ongoing investigation."

Pitler is scheduled to return to court October 31, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729898976418.png" alt="Pitler photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Pitler photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY — Emporia State University placed a professor on administrative leave following an arrest for alleged child sex crimes.On Wednesday Howard Pitler, 72, was booked into the Johnson County jail on requested charges of&nbsp; electronic solicitation of a child under 14 years old, according to online jail records. He met the requirements of a $25,000 bond and is no longer in&nbsp; custody.According to Emporia State, "Upon being made aware of the arrest of Howard Pitler, the university responded immediately and placed Pitler on administrative leave. With our rich tradition as a premier Teachers College, the care and safety of students of all ages is of the utmost importance. Pitler taught fully online master’s level courses as an associate professor of School Leadership, Middle &amp; Secondary Teacher Education in The Teachers College. He has been at ESU since 2018. Emporia State will cooperate fully with authorities. We cannot comment further on an ongoing investigation."Pitler is scheduled to return to court October 31, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Emporia State University professor accused of child sex crime

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a rural Kansas burglary and have three suspects in custody.

Just before 9p.m. October 19, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary in progress in the 13000 Block of 162nd Road near Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

  Jackson County Deputies and the Hoyt Police Department responded to the area.

Three subjects were located and arrested by law enforcement.  Tanner Reese Brooke, 19; Dustin James Brooke, 20 and Jon Alan Wilson, 21, all of Topeka were all arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of burglary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729624206116.png" alt="Dustin Brooke photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Dustin Brooke photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a rural Kansas burglary and have three suspects in custody.Just before 9p.m. October 19, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary in progress in the 13000 Block of 162nd Road near Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729624274729.png" alt="Wilson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Jackson County Deputies and the Hoyt Police Department responded to the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729624156916.png" alt="Tammer Brooke photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Tammer Brooke photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Three subjects were located and arrested by law enforcement. Tanner Reese Brooke, 19; Dustin James Brooke, 20 and Jon Alan Wilson, 21, all of Topeka were all arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of burglary.

Sheriff: 3 captured during rural Kansas burglary

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds is recovering from two gunshot wounds after he and another man were fired upon following a visit to a strip club last week.

“Josh Reynolds was a victim of a shooting on Friday in Denver and received treatment for minor injuries,” the Broncos said in a statement to The Associated Press. “Out of respect for the legal process, we will defer further comment on this matter to the authorities.”

Denver&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DenverPolice/status/1849276540808270066/photo/1">police said they have arrested two men</a>&nbsp;— Luis Mendoza, 35, and Burr Charlesworth, 42 — in connection with the shootings, which occurred around 3 a.m. on Oct. 18 along a stretch of Interstate 25 south of downtown.

The men were being held for investigation of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. Police said they were trying to identify possible additional suspects and “therefore the arrest reports are sealed to protect the integrity of the investigation.”

<a href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/investigations/denver-bronco-josh-reynolds-shot/73-f51bf502-5129-4dd1-bad8-a4495be20909">NBC affiliate KUSA-TV</a>&nbsp;in Denver, the Broncos' flagship station, which first reported the shooting, said Reynolds was shot once in his left arm and once in the back of his head. The station said Reynolds and the other man were followed after leaving a strip club called Shotgun Willies.

Reynolds is on injured reserve with a broken finger and didn't travel with the Broncos to New Orleans for their Thursday night game on Oct. 17. The shooting happened a few hours after the Broncos beat the Saints.

Reynolds has been working out on a side field during the Broncos' practices this week. Players on IR aren't available to speak with reporters.

Reynolds is in his ninth NFL season and his first in Denver after signing a two-year, $9 million contract last offseason. He's played in five games with one start and has caught 12 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown.

He spent the last three seasons with Detroit. He's also played for the Titans and the Rams, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Texas A&amp;M.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729864438289.jpeg" alt="Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) celebrates his 9-yard reception for a touchdown with teammate wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan)" />
 <figcaption>Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (11) celebrates his 9-yard reception for a touchdown with teammate wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan)</figcaption>
 </figure>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds is recovering from two gunshot wounds after he and another man were fired upon following a visit to a strip club last week.“Josh Reynolds was a victim of a shooting on Friday in Denver and received treatment for minor injuries,” the Broncos said in a statement to The Associated Press. “Out of respect for the legal process, we will defer further comment on this matter to the authorities.”Denver&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DenverPolice/status/1849276540808270066/photo/1">police said they have arrested two men</a>&nbsp;— Luis Mendoza, 35, and Burr Charlesworth, 42 — in connection with the shootings, which occurred around 3 a.m. on Oct. 18 along a stretch of Interstate 25 south of downtown.The men were being held for investigation of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. Police said they were trying to identify possible additional suspects and “therefore the arrest reports are sealed to protect the integrity of the investigation.”<a href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/investigations/denver-bronco-josh-reynolds-shot/73-f51bf502-5129-4dd1-bad8-a4495be20909">NBC affiliate KUSA-TV</a>&nbsp;in Denver, the Broncos' flagship station, which first reported the shooting, said Reynolds was shot once in his left arm and once in the back of his head. The station said Reynolds and the other man were followed after leaving a strip club called Shotgun Willies.Reynolds is on injured reserve with a broken finger and didn't travel with the Broncos to New Orleans for their Thursday night game on Oct. 17. The shooting happened a few hours after the Broncos beat the Saints.Reynolds has been working out on a side field during the Broncos' practices this week. Players on IR aren't available to speak with reporters.Reynolds is in his ninth NFL season and his first in Denver after signing a two-year, $9 million contract last offseason. He's played in five games with one start and has caught 12 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown.He spent the last three seasons with Detroit. He's also played for the Titans and the Rams, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Texas A&amp;M.

Broncos receiver shot after visit to strip club, 2 suspects in custody

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — An Ohio man charged with first-degree murder in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/highway-rest-area-nebraska-knife-homicide-6c296ae495ef8255311c7bb7b67a8722">fatal stabbing</a>&nbsp;of a couple at an Interstate 80 rest stop in Nebraska has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

James Thompson Jr., 22, of Elyria, Ohio, entered the plea Tuesday, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-regional/crime-courts/ohio-man-pleads-not-guilty-by-insanity-in-fatal-stabbing-at-grand-island-area-rest/article_080ec042-90b5-11ef-96da-9f6b8267c854.html">reported</a>. Thompson is also charged with attempted murder, attempted robbery, fleeing arrest and a string of weapons counts in the June 19 stabbings of 72-year-old Gary Weaver and his 71-year-old wife, Mary Weaver, both of Eureka, Missouri.

Investigators have said that witnesses reported hearing Thompson demand the keys to a Jeep that was being towed behind the Weavers' RV before he stabbed them both at a rest area near Grand Island. Both were critically injured, and Gary Weaver later died from his injuries at a hospital.

Part of the attack was captured on a trucker's dash cam, investigators say. Police have said Thompson fled the rest area in a car, and a Nebraska State trooper later spotted him exiting I-80 at nearby Wood River. A chase ensued, and investigators say Thompson sped away at speeds of 120 mph before crashing into the Platte River. He was arrested nearby with blood on his shirt and several cuts on his hand, police said.

Thompson's public defender had earlier raised questions about his client's mental health, but Thompson was found competent to stand trial on Oct. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718822090654.png" alt="Photo Nebraska State Patrol via NTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nebraska State Patrol via NTV</figcaption>
 </figure>GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — An Ohio man charged with first-degree murder in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/highway-rest-area-nebraska-knife-homicide-6c296ae495ef8255311c7bb7b67a8722">fatal stabbing</a>&nbsp;of a couple at an Interstate 80 rest stop in Nebraska has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.James Thompson Jr., 22, of Elyria, Ohio, entered the plea Tuesday, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/state-regional/crime-courts/ohio-man-pleads-not-guilty-by-insanity-in-fatal-stabbing-at-grand-island-area-rest/article_080ec042-90b5-11ef-96da-9f6b8267c854.html">reported</a>. Thompson is also charged with attempted murder, attempted robbery, fleeing arrest and a string of weapons counts in the June 19 stabbings of 72-year-old Gary Weaver and his 71-year-old wife, Mary Weaver, both of Eureka, Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718978922466.png" alt="Thompson photo Hall Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Thompson photo Hall Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators have said that witnesses reported hearing Thompson demand the keys to a Jeep that was being towed behind the Weavers' RV before he stabbed them both at a rest area near Grand Island. Both were critically injured, and Gary Weaver later died from his injuries at a hospital.Part of the attack was captured on a trucker's dash cam, investigators say. Police have said Thompson fled the rest area in a car, and a Nebraska State trooper later spotted him exiting I-80 at nearby Wood River. A chase ensued, and investigators say Thompson sped away at speeds of 120 mph before crashing into the Platte River. He was arrested nearby with blood on his shirt and several cuts on his hand, police said.Thompson's public defender had earlier raised questions about his client's mental health, but Thompson was found competent to stand trial on Oct. 1.

Man charged in a fatal rest stop stabbing enters plea

KANSAS CITY —The man charged in connection with the break-in at a Kansas City River Market ice cream shop, which was captured on video, h as a history of committing crime.

John Heckman, 78, faces Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Stealing and Property Damage in the 1st Degree, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

According to court records, Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched on Oct. 13, to the 400 block of Delaware in the River Market on a reported burglary. Officers saw a broken glass door at one entrance. Video showed an older white male throwing a rock through a window and entering the business. 

He then carries out a business safe. Police detectives obtained video that showed a dark blue Subaru with a license plate. The man in the video loaded the safe into that vehicle. Other video showed distinctive tattoos associated with the defendant. Police, joined by Kansas City, Kan. officers, located the defendant in a Kansas City, Kan., residence. Detectives interviewed the suspect who told them he spent the money on dope and the casinos.

He has a previous burglary conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729717963316.png" alt="Heckman from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Heckman from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The man charged in connection with the break-in at a Kansas City River Market ice cream shop, which was captured on video, h as a history of committing crime.John Heckman, 78, faces Burglary in the 2nd Degree, Stealing and Property Damage in the 1st Degree, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.According to court records, Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched on Oct. 13, to the 400 block of Delaware in the River Market on a reported burglary. Officers saw a broken glass door at one entrance. Video showed an older white male throwing a rock through a window and entering the business. He then carries out a business safe. Police detectives obtained video that showed a dark blue Subaru with a license plate. The man in the video loaded the safe into that vehicle. Other video showed distinctive tattoos associated with the defendant. Police, joined by Kansas City, Kan. officers, located the defendant in a Kansas City, Kan., residence. Detectives interviewed the suspect who told them he spent the money on dope and the casinos.He has a previous burglary conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

78-year-old arrested in Kansas for ice cream shop burglary 

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.

Tyisha Webster, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 10/23

Quinton Jackson, Domestic battery, arrested 10/23

Azucena Jimenez Duran, Failure to appear, arrested 10/23

Tamera Peterson,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 10/23

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/2024/10/1729787871699.jpeg" alt="Juan Urias, Domestic battery, arrested 10/24" />
 <figcaption>Juan Urias, Domestic battery, arrested 10/24</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Tyisha Webster, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 10/23Quinton Jackson, Domestic battery, arrested 10/23Azucena Jimenez Duran, Failure to appear, arrested 10/23Tamera Peterson,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 10/23Recent 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 Oct. 24

MANHATTAN, KAN. –Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a fatal weekend shooting and have made a second arrest.

Just before 9p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 700 block of N. 4th Street in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department. Officers located 58-year-old Don Stovall, who was later pronounced deceased.

On October 23, 2024, the Riley County Police Department executed a search warrant in the 300 block of Eighth St in Ogden. Antwajuane Mcneil, 31, was arrested in connection with the incident on requested charges of murder, kidnapping and other offenses.

On Sunday, RCPD executed a search warrant in the 3600 block of Saddlehorn Trail in Ogden. Aiden Keener, 20, was arrested in connection with the incident on requested charges of murder and kidnapping.

Authorities have issued a statement in a Manhattan shooting case.

On October 19 officers with the Riley County Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 700 block of N. 4th Street in Manhattan at approximately 8:45 PM. Upon arrival, officers located 58-year-old Don Stovall, who was later pronounced deceased.

On October 23 the Riley County Police Department executed a search warrant in the 300 block of Eighth St in Ogden. Antwajuane Mcneil, 31, was arrested in connection with the incident on probable cause offenses of murder, kidnapping and other offenses.

MANHATTAN, KAN. –Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a fatal weekend shooting and have made a second arrest.Just before 9p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 700 block of N. 4th Street in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department. Officers located 58-year-old Don Stovall, who was later pronounced deceased.On October 23, 2024, the Riley County Police Department executed a search warrant in the 300 block of Eighth St in Ogden. Antwajuane Mcneil, 31, was arrested in connection with the incident on requested charges of murder, kidnapping and other offenses.On Sunday, RCPD executed a search warrant in the 3600 block of Saddlehorn Trail in Ogden. Aiden Keener, 20, was arrested in connection with the incident on requested charges of murder and kidnapping.Police released no additional details.---------Authorities have issued a statement in a Manhattan shooting case.On October 19 officers with the Riley County Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 700 block of N. 4th Street in Manhattan at approximately 8:45 PM. Upon arrival, officers located 58-year-old Don Stovall, who was later pronounced deceased.On October 23 the Riley County Police Department executed a search warrant in the 300 block of Eighth St in Ogden. Antwajuane Mcneil, 31, was arrested in connection with the incident on probable cause offenses of murder, kidnapping and other offenses.

Police make 2nd arrest in Manhattan kidnapping, murder

RILEY COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement are investigating a Manhattan man for alleged child sex crimes.

On Tuesday morning, police arrested 47-year-old Carey Cortez on a Riley County District Court warrant for four counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Cortez is being held on a $250,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY&nbsp; —Law enforcement are investigating a Manhattan man for alleged child sex crimes.On Tuesday morning, police arrested 47-year-old Carey Cortez on a Riley County District Court warrant for four counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Cortez is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Manhattan man held on $250K bond for alleged child sex crimes

BUTLER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) are investigating a suspected homicide that occurred at the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

Just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday, the correctional facility notified the KBI of a suspicious death.&nbsp;The investigation indicates that 40-year-old Brooks Vonthaer was found unresponsive in his cell by corrections officers at approximately 5 p.m. Vonthaer had sustained multiple fatal injuries. Medical personnel pronounced him deceased at 5:18 p.m.

A 34-year-old male suspect was identified. He is incarcerated at the facility and was Vonthaer’s cellmate. The KBI did not release the name of the cellmate.

By statute, the KBI investigates the deaths of prisoners in the custody of Kansas jails and prisons, unless the inmate who dies is being regularly attended by a physician, or the death is ruled natural by autopsy.

Once the investigation is completed, findings will be presented to the Butler County Attorney’s Office for determination of charges.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080609892.png" alt="Vonthaer from a Dec. 2020 arrest in Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Vonthaer from a Dec. 2020 arrest in Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) are investigating a suspected homicide that occurred at the El Dorado Correctional Facility.Just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday, the correctional facility notified the KBI of a suspicious death.&nbsp;The investigation indicates that 40-year-old Brooks Vonthaer was found unresponsive in his cell by corrections officers at approximately 5 p.m. Vonthaer had sustained multiple fatal injuries. Medical personnel pronounced him deceased at 5:18 p.m.A 34-year-old male suspect was identified. He is incarcerated at the facility and was Vonthaer’s cellmate. The KBI did not release the name of the cellmate.By statute, the KBI investigates the deaths of prisoners in the custody of Kansas jails and prisons, unless the inmate who dies is being regularly attended by a physician, or the death is ruled natural by autopsy.Once the investigation is completed, findings will be presented to the Butler County Attorney’s Office for determination of charges.&nbsp;

KBI: Kansas inmate accused of killing his cellmate

Sylvester Jackson, Probation violation, arrested 10/22

Cory Paschal, Failure to appear, arrested 10/22

Artemus Lewis, Outside warrant, arrested 10/22

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/2024/10/1729698665228.jpeg" alt="Joshue Sichler, Failure to appear (Three counts), arrested 10/22" />
 <figcaption>Joshue Sichler, Failure to appear (Three counts), arrested 10/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729698852876.jpeg" alt="Anthony George, Failure to appear, arrested 10/22" />
 <figcaption>Anthony George, Failure to appear, arrested 10/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729700160267.jpeg" alt="Reese Williston, Intimidation of a witness or victim, Unlawful damage to property, domestic battery, arrested 10/22" />
 <figcaption>Reese Williston, Intimidation of a witness or victim, Unlawful damage to property, domestic battery, arrested 10/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729700219042.jpeg" alt="William Mitchell, Possession of controlled substance, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Distribute controlled substance, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt; $25,000 pocket picking, arrested 10/22" />
 <figcaption>William Mitchell, Possession of controlled substance, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Distribute controlled substance, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt; $25,000 pocket picking, arrested 10/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729700309853.jpeg" alt="Trevion Johnson, Transporting an open container, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 10/23" />
 <figcaption>Trevion Johnson, Transporting an open container, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 10/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729700364202.jpeg" alt="Carron Carter, Transporting an open container, Traffic contraband into correctional facility, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 10/23" />
 <figcaption>Carron Carter, Transporting an open container, Traffic contraband into correctional facility, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 10/23</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Sylvester Jackson, Probation violation, arrested 10/22Cory Paschal, Failure to appear, arrested 10/22Artemus Lewis, Outside warrant, arrested 10/22Recent 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 Oct. 22-23

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a home burglary and made an arrest.

Just after 8p.m. October 19, sheriff’s deputies responded to a residential alarm in the 30500 block of South Stubbs Road, near Quenemo, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

Deputies discovered that the residence had been burglarized. Information was gathered from a neighbor, the homeowner, and surveillance cameras that revealed suspect and vehicle descriptions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729539942799.png" alt="King-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>King-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a home burglary and made an arrest.Just after 8p.m. October 19, sheriff’s deputies responded to a residential alarm in the 30500 block of South Stubbs Road, near Quenemo, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.Deputies discovered that the residence had been burglarized. Information was gathered from a neighbor, the homeowner, and surveillance cameras that revealed suspect and vehicle descriptions.On October 20, a deputy patrolling Quenemo located a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle used in the burglary. Deputies contacted 44-year-old Travis King at a residence in the 100 block of South 8th Street in Quenemo. A search warrant for King’s residence was executed, revealing items taken from the burglary on Stubbs Road. All items were recovered.&nbsp;King was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail on requested charges of Burglary and Criminal damage to property.