MONTGOMERY COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of selling drugs remains jailed in Kansas.

Last month, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a 1991 Toyota pickup north of Dearing, Kansas, for a traffic violation, according to Montgomery County sheriff Ron Wade.

 During the stop, Police Service Dog (PSD) Pax was deployed for an open-air sniff around the vehicle. PSD Pax alerted deputies to the presence of illegal narcotics within the vehicle. Following the alert, deputies conducted a search of the vehicle, discovering over a pound of methamphetamine later confirmed to be mixed with fentanyl.

 Additional items found included syringes, marijuana, and various drug paraphernalia. Deputies arrested the driver and sole occupant 69-year-old Donny Sumner of Wayside, Kansas. 

Sumner was subsequently transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and booked on requested charges that include Distribution of opiates, opium, or narcotic stimulants, 100 grams to less than 1 kilogram, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent for use• Failure to maintain vehicle liability insurance• Unsafe turning or stopping, failure to signal, Possession of marijuana

He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734131289336.png" alt="Sumner photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Sumner photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of selling drugs remains jailed in Kansas.Last month, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a 1991 Toyota pickup north of Dearing, Kansas, for a traffic violation, according to Montgomery County sheriff Ron Wade. During the stop, Police Service Dog (PSD) Pax was deployed for an open-air sniff around the vehicle. PSD Pax alerted deputies to the presence of illegal narcotics within the vehicle. Following the alert, deputies conducted a search of the vehicle, discovering over a pound of methamphetamine later confirmed to be mixed with fentanyl. Additional items found included syringes, marijuana, and various drug paraphernalia. Deputies arrested the driver and sole occupant 69-year-old Donny Sumner of Wayside, Kansas. Sumner was subsequently transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and booked on requested charges that include Distribution of opiates, opium, or narcotic stimulants, 100 grams to less than 1 kilogram, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent for use• Failure to maintain vehicle liability insurance• Unsafe turning or stopping, failure to signal, Possession of marijuanaHe is being held without bond, according to online jail records.

Sheriff: Kansas drug dealer had meth mixed with fentanyl

&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon convicted in a&nbsp;fatal 2021 nightclub shooting in Wichita is going to prison.

Judge Seth Rundle sentenced 26-year-old Keshawn Dawson just more than 35-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May Dawson&nbsp; pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless murder and aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

At 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7,&nbsp; 2021 officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely in Wichita.&nbsp; Officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. The shooting&nbsp;killed 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others&nbsp;

 The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

At the time of the crime, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Officer Charlie Davidson.

On Oct. 8, 2021 U.S. Marshals arrested Dawson in Phoenix Arizona.&nbsp;

Dawson was also ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution to the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board and an extradition fee of more than $3,100.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634817510235.png" alt="Dawson-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dawson-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon convicted in a&nbsp;fatal 2021 nightclub shooting in Wichita is going to prison.Judge Seth Rundle sentenced 26-year-old Keshawn Dawson just more than 35-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In May Dawson&nbsp; pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless murder and aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.At 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7,&nbsp; 2021 officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely in Wichita.&nbsp; Officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. The shooting&nbsp;killed 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others&nbsp; The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.At the time of the crime, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Officer Charlie Davidson.On Oct. 8, 2021 U.S. Marshals arrested Dawson in Phoenix Arizona.&nbsp;Dawson was also ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution to the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board and an extradition fee of more than $3,100.

Kan. mass shooting suspect captured in Arizona is going to prison

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a Kansas bank robbery have made an arrest.

Just after 4 p.m. Wednesday police responded to reports of a robbery at Equity Bank, 7701 E. Kellogg in Wichita.

Employees reported that a man entered the bank and presented a note to a teller demanding money, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. The suspect, described as a white male wearing glasses, a black hoodie, black sweatpants and gloves, according to the FBI ran from the bank with an undetermined amount of cash.

On Thursday, the Wichita Patrol East Community Policing Team, assisting the Robbery Section, located a vehicle connected to the suspect. During a traffic stop, robbery detectives and FBI agents gathered critical information about the suspect’s location.

The Property Crimes Reduction Team was contacted for assistance and, with support from the Vice Unit, identified the suspect in Derby. Detectives observed the individual walking away from a location and directed marked units to his position. The suspect identified according to Sedgwick County booking&nbsp; records as 54-year-old Craig Duane Drees was taken into custody without incident.

Following extensive follow-up and collaboration across multiple Wichita Police sections and bureaus, Drees&nbsp; booked into jail on requested charges that include on count of robbery of a financial institution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734121631432.png" alt="Drees photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Drees photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a Kansas bank robbery have made an arrest.Just after 4 p.m. Wednesday police responded to reports of a robbery at Equity Bank, 7701 E. Kellogg in Wichita.Employees reported that a man entered the bank and presented a note to a teller demanding money, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo. The suspect, described as a white male wearing glasses, a black hoodie, black sweatpants and gloves, according to the FBI ran from the bank with an undetermined amount of cash.On Thursday, the Wichita Patrol East Community Policing Team, assisting the Robbery Section, located a vehicle connected to the suspect. During a traffic stop, robbery detectives and FBI agents gathered critical information about the suspect’s location.The Property Crimes Reduction Team was contacted for assistance and, with support from the Vice Unit, identified the suspect in Derby. Detectives observed the individual walking away from a location and directed marked units to his position. The suspect identified according to Sedgwick County booking&nbsp; records as 54-year-old Craig Duane Drees was taken into custody without incident.Following extensive follow-up and collaboration across multiple Wichita Police sections and bureaus, Drees&nbsp; booked into jail on requested charges that include on count of robbery of a financial institution.

Police track down Kansas bank robbery suspect

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after&nbsp;2 a.m. December 11, a sheriff's deputy stopped a Toyota Corolla for a traffic infraction on 150th near Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver, Gilbert Benjamin Kent, 38, of Topeka, was arrested after a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 indicated to the presence of illegal narcotics within the vehicle. 

Kent was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of no driver’s license and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733947797324.png" alt="Kent -photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Kent -photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after&nbsp;2 a.m. December 11, a sheriff's deputy stopped a Toyota Corolla for a traffic infraction on 150th near Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver, Gilbert Benjamin Kent, 38, of Topeka, was arrested after a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 indicated to the presence of illegal narcotics within the vehicle. Kent was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of no driver’s license and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Kansas sheriff's K9 found illegal drugs during traffic stop

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Topeka have released the name of the victim as 45-year-old David Bentley, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols

Just before&nbsp;11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Police responded to the 2000 Block of SW Stone for a check welfare on an individual. 

First responders found Bentley suffering from a gun shot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.

Police have not reported an arrest or released possible suspect information.&nbsp;This is Topeka’s 21st homicide of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734198190950.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Topeka have released the name of the victim as 45-year-old David Bentley, according to police spokesperson Rosie NicholsJust before&nbsp;11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Police responded to the 2000 Block of SW Stone for a check welfare on an individual. First responders found Bentley suffering from a gun shot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.Police have not reported an arrest or released possible suspect information.&nbsp;This is Topeka’s 21st homicide of the year.

Police ID 45-year-old Kansas homicide victim

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Shortly before 3a.m. Dec. 9, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2002 GMC Envoy on U.S. Hwy 75 near 214th&nbsp;Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 During the traffic stop, the driver, Michael Owen Bennett, 46, of Topeka, was initially arrested for driving while suspended.&nbsp;

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted.&nbsp;&nbsp;The front seat passenger Elaine Elizabeth Anne Moore, 27, of Horton, was arrested with an outstanding Brown County felony warrant.&nbsp; Moore allegedly had a 9mm Glock pistol in her waistband. During a search of the vehicle, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located.

Moore was booked into the Jackson County Jail on the Brown County felony warrant and requested charges of possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal use of weapons.

Bennett was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and no insurance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733948371193.png" alt="Bennett-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Bennett-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Shortly before 3a.m. Dec. 9, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2002 GMC Envoy on U.S. Hwy 75 near 214th&nbsp;Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the traffic stop, the driver, Michael Owen Bennett, 46, of Topeka, was initially arrested for driving while suspended.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733948333710.png" alt="Moore-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Moore-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted.&nbsp;&nbsp;The front seat passenger Elaine Elizabeth Anne Moore, 27, of Horton, was arrested with an outstanding Brown County felony warrant.&nbsp; Moore allegedly had a 9mm Glock pistol in her waistband. During a search of the vehicle, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located.Moore was booked into the Jackson County Jail on the Brown County felony warrant and requested charges of possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal use of weapons.Bennett was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and no insurance.

Kan. woman with pistol in her waistband was transporting heroin

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man who lived in a makeshift camp with a homeless 5-year-old Kansas girl and her father pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree murder and rape in connection with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-kansas-zoey-felix-homeless-suspect-8b9832341fc8bb6dcf06672e9363059b">the child’s death.</a>

Prosecutors said Mickel Cherry, 26, admitted under questioning to suffocating Zoey Felix in October 2023 with a pillow in a tent at the camp in Topeka when he was alone with the girl. Doctors who examined her at a hospital saw injuries consistent with a sexual assault, and DNA evidence pointed to Cherry, the prosecutor said.

Cherry’s plea in Shawnee County District Court in Topeka means he will not face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">the death penalty.</a>&nbsp;He had been charged with capital murder and rape, but District Attorney Mike Kagay said there is evidence that Cherry has an intellectual disability, something that would bar his execution under state and federal court decisions.

In court, Cherry told District Judge Jessica Heinen: “I’m mentally slow. I have trouble learning.”

It wasn’t clear with a capital murder conviction how soon a sentence of lethal injection would have been carried out because Kansas hasn’t executed anyone since 1965.

With Cherry's guilty plea, state law requires Heinen to sentence Cherry to life in prison with no chance of parole for at least 25 years. However, the judge has the authority to make it 50 years in prison without parole, and Kagay is asking for that.

The sentencing will be June 2-4. Cherry’s attorney, Peter Conley, did not want the date to be sooner and sought up to three days for a hearing, telling Heinen that he and other defense attorneys need time to investigate Cherry’s interactions with the Texas foster care system as a minor.

Conley did not respond immediately Friday to an email seeking additional details about what defense attorneys are investigating.

Kagay said Cherry made conflicting false statements to authorities about another man committing the crimes before acknowledging that he'd raped and suffocated her. Kagay said Cherry was alone with the girl for almost five hours while her father was at his job at a gas station across the street from the makeshift camp.

In court Friday, Cherry looked down, his eyes closed, as he answered the last of Heinen's questions about his plea agreement with prosecutors. He wore a yellow jail jumpsuit and remained handcuffed during the hearing.

Aimee Slusser, a friend of Felix’s father, who described herself as a mentor to the girl, left the courtroom in tears when Kagay discussed medical evidence that the girl was raped. She said afterward that whatever sentence Cherry faced, she didn’t feel justice would be done.

“A little girl’s life has been taken,” she told reporters. “Whatever he gets, it won’t bring her back”

The girl’s father was present for the entire 30-minute hearing but declined comment afterward.

Felix’s death had child welfare advocates asking why&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-9816c6dd6f49dde6cfeb6fd435836eb0">the state didn’t remove</a>&nbsp;the girl from a dangerous environment, and Slusser told reporters Friday that had the state done that, “Zoey would still be here.”

Kansas' child welfare department reported that it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zoey-felix-girl-killed-topeka-kansas-088d335f41de0826f1991aab39dba620">investigated the family five times</a>&nbsp;in the last 13 months of Felix’s life but couldn’t confirm allegations of neglect or drug use by her mother, including after she was arrested for driving drunk with the girl in the car. The agency also said the family repeatedly declined help.

Court and police records show that Topeka police were called to the mother's home dozens of times. Neighbors said they saw the girl wandering the street outside dirty and hungry, and both parents alleged abuse. Felix’s mother was jailed at the end of 2022 over the drunken driving, which involved a crash with the girl in the front seat.

A neighbor said the mother threw Felix and her father out of the house two weeks before the girl died. They lived among the trees on a vacant lot about three-quarters of a mile to the south.

Cherry was involved with Felix's family before he was living with them in the makeshift homeless encampment. But authorities haven't said why he was involved with Felix's family, when he'd met the girl and her parents and how much contact he'd had with them. One police record listed him as living at the mother's home just weeks before Felix's death.

Police records show that before Cherry came to Topeka, he'd been living in Amarillo, Texas, 400 miles (605 kilometers) southwest of Topeka, at least as of October 2021. Documents show that his life in Texas was marked by periods of homelessness.

In court Friday, Heinen asked Cherry about whether he had any mental health issues, and he told her that he is taking medication for anxiety, depression and ADHD, or Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

In May 2018, Cherry, then 20, was in Nacogdoches, Texas, about 500 miles (805 kilometers) southeast of Amarillo. A police report said Cherry walked into the police department’s headquarters and reported being homeless, on daily medication for “mental problems” and that he had “voices going off in his head.” The report did not say what happened afterward.

By August 2019, Cherry was back in Amarillo, municipal court records show. He was jailed briefly there that year for mistreating an animal and again in June 2021 for trespassing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696342029742.png" alt="Mikel Cherry photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Mikel Cherry photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man who lived in a makeshift camp with a homeless 5-year-old Kansas girl and her father pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree murder and rape in connection with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-kansas-zoey-felix-homeless-suspect-8b9832341fc8bb6dcf06672e9363059b">the child’s death.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696600819324.png" alt="Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors said Mickel Cherry, 26, admitted under questioning to suffocating Zoey Felix in October 2023 with a pillow in a tent at the camp in Topeka when he was alone with the girl. Doctors who examined her at a hospital saw injuries consistent with a sexual assault, and DNA evidence pointed to Cherry, the prosecutor said.Cherry’s plea in Shawnee County District Court in Topeka means he will not face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">the death penalty.</a>&nbsp;He had been charged with capital murder and rape, but District Attorney Mike Kagay said there is evidence that Cherry has an intellectual disability, something that would bar his execution under state and federal court decisions.In court, Cherry told District Judge Jessica Heinen: “I’m mentally slow. I have trouble learning.”It wasn’t clear with a capital murder conviction how soon a sentence of lethal injection would have been carried out because Kansas hasn’t executed anyone since 1965.With Cherry's guilty plea, state law requires Heinen to sentence Cherry to life in prison with no chance of parole for at least 25 years. However, the judge has the authority to make it 50 years in prison without parole, and Kagay is asking for that.The sentencing will be June 2-4. Cherry’s attorney, Peter Conley, did not want the date to be sooner and sought up to three days for a hearing, telling Heinen that he and other defense attorneys need time to investigate Cherry’s interactions with the Texas foster care system as a minor.Conley did not respond immediately Friday to an email seeking additional details about what defense attorneys are investigating.Kagay said Cherry made conflicting false statements to authorities about another man committing the crimes before acknowledging that he'd raped and suffocated her. Kagay said Cherry was alone with the girl for almost five hours while her father was at his job at a gas station across the street from the makeshift camp.In court Friday, Cherry looked down, his eyes closed, as he answered the last of Heinen's questions about his plea agreement with prosecutors. He wore a yellow jail jumpsuit and remained handcuffed during the hearing.Aimee Slusser, a friend of Felix’s father, who described herself as a mentor to the girl, left the courtroom in tears when Kagay discussed medical evidence that the girl was raped. She said afterward that whatever sentence Cherry faced, she didn’t feel justice would be done.“A little girl’s life has been taken,” she told reporters. “Whatever he gets, it won’t bring her back”The girl’s father was present for the entire 30-minute hearing but declined comment afterward.Felix’s death had child welfare advocates asking why&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-9816c6dd6f49dde6cfeb6fd435836eb0">the state didn’t remove</a>&nbsp;the girl from a dangerous environment, and Slusser told reporters Friday that had the state done that, “Zoey would still be here.”Kansas' child welfare department reported that it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zoey-felix-girl-killed-topeka-kansas-088d335f41de0826f1991aab39dba620">investigated the family five times</a>&nbsp;in the last 13 months of Felix’s life but couldn’t confirm allegations of neglect or drug use by her mother, including after she was arrested for driving drunk with the girl in the car. The agency also said the family repeatedly declined help.Court and police records show that Topeka police were called to the mother's home dozens of times. Neighbors said they saw the girl wandering the street outside dirty and hungry, and both parents alleged abuse. Felix’s mother was jailed at the end of 2022 over the drunken driving, which involved a crash with the girl in the front seat.A neighbor said the mother threw Felix and her father out of the house two weeks before the girl died. They lived among the trees on a vacant lot about three-quarters of a mile to the south.Cherry was involved with Felix's family before he was living with them in the makeshift homeless encampment. But authorities haven't said why he was involved with Felix's family, when he'd met the girl and her parents and how much contact he'd had with them. One police record listed him as living at the mother's home just weeks before Felix's death.Police records show that before Cherry came to Topeka, he'd been living in Amarillo, Texas, 400 miles (605 kilometers) southwest of Topeka, at least as of October 2021. Documents show that his life in Texas was marked by periods of homelessness.In court Friday, Heinen asked Cherry about whether he had any mental health issues, and he told her that he is taking medication for anxiety, depression and ADHD, or Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.In May 2018, Cherry, then 20, was in Nacogdoches, Texas, about 500 miles (805 kilometers) southeast of Amarillo. A police report said Cherry walked into the police department’s headquarters and reported being homeless, on daily medication for “mental problems” and that he had “voices going off in his head.” The report did not say what happened afterward.By August 2019, Cherry was back in Amarillo, municipal court records show. He was jailed briefly there that year for mistreating an animal and again in June 2021 for trespassing.____

Man pleads guilty in death of 5-year-old living in Kan. homeless camp

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country music star Morgan Wallen on Thursday pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/morgan-wallen-nashville-court-chair-88fbc39ad52e535ff879570ceff6af1b">throwing a chair from the rooftop of a six-story bar</a>&nbsp;in Nashville and nearly hitting two police officers with it.

Wallen, who appeared in court alongside his attorney, was sentenced to spend seven days in a DUI education center and be under supervised probation for two years.

“Conditionally guilty,” Wallen said when Judge Cynthia Chappell asked how he would plead.

According to the arrest affidavit, Wallen was accused of throwing a chair off the roof of Chief’s bar on April 7. The chair landed about a yard&nbsp; from the officers, who spoke to witnesses and reviewed security footage. Witnesses told officers that they saw Wallen pick up a chair, throw it off the roof and laugh about it.

Shortly after the incident,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/morgan-wallen-arrest-bar-message-12788b00384ed365ab75e12d5b166dee">Wallen issued a statement</a>&nbsp;in which he said he accepted “responsibility” and was “not proud” of his behavior. The statement did not include an apology but did mention making “amends” and touching base with law enforcement.

The “One Thing at a Time” singer was initially charged with three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

Worrick Robinson, Wallen's attorney, said in a statement that the singer “has cooperated fully with authorities throughout these last eight months, directly communicating and apologizing to all involved."

“Upon the successful completion of his probation, the charges will be eligible for dismissal and expungement,” Robinson added.

Wallen did not make a statement after the brief 10-minute hearing concluded on Thursday. Instead, he was quickly escorted out by several security guards.

Wallen is one of the biggest names in contemporary country and was named the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cma-awards-morgan-wallen-post-malone-32859c3a9f19a64df6fbffe1ff20b302">Country Music Association Awards' entertainer of the year</a>&nbsp;last month.

In 2021, Wallen was suspended indefinitely from his label after video surfaced of him shouting a racial slur. In 2020, he was arrested on public intoxication and disorderly conduct charges after being kicked out of Kid Rock’s bar in downtown Nashville.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712583620863.png" alt="Wallen photo Nashville Police" />
 <figcaption>Wallen photo Nashville Police</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country music star Morgan Wallen on Thursday pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/morgan-wallen-nashville-court-chair-88fbc39ad52e535ff879570ceff6af1b">throwing a chair from the rooftop of a six-story bar</a>&nbsp;in Nashville and nearly hitting two police officers with it.Wallen, who appeared in court alongside his attorney, was sentenced to spend seven days in a DUI education center and be under supervised probation for two years.“Conditionally guilty,” Wallen said when Judge Cynthia Chappell asked how he would plead.According to the arrest affidavit, Wallen was accused of throwing a chair off the roof of Chief’s bar on April 7. The chair landed about a yard&nbsp; from the officers, who spoke to witnesses and reviewed security footage. Witnesses told officers that they saw Wallen pick up a chair, throw it off the roof and laugh about it.Shortly after the incident,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/morgan-wallen-arrest-bar-message-12788b00384ed365ab75e12d5b166dee">Wallen issued a statement</a>&nbsp;in which he said he accepted “responsibility” and was “not proud” of his behavior. The statement did not include an apology but did mention making “amends” and touching base with law enforcement.The “One Thing at a Time” singer was initially charged with three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.Worrick Robinson, Wallen's attorney, said in a statement that the singer “has cooperated fully with authorities throughout these last eight months, directly communicating and apologizing to all involved."“Upon the successful completion of his probation, the charges will be eligible for dismissal and expungement,” Robinson added.Wallen did not make a statement after the brief 10-minute hearing concluded on Thursday. Instead, he was quickly escorted out by several security guards.Wallen is one of the biggest names in contemporary country and was named the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cma-awards-morgan-wallen-post-malone-32859c3a9f19a64df6fbffe1ff20b302">Country Music Association Awards' entertainer of the year</a>&nbsp;last month.In 2021, Wallen was suspended indefinitely from his label after video surfaced of him shouting a racial slur. In 2020, he was arrested on public intoxication and disorderly conduct charges after being kicked out of Kid Rock’s bar in downtown Nashville.

Morgan Wallen sentenced for throwing chair off roof of bar

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen charged as an adult in a deadly double murder made his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.

Judge Shawn Elliot charged 15-year-old Elias Cerda with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In January, poli e responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested a 14-year-old from Wichita later identified as Cerda. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp; He is being held on a one million dollar bond and is due back in court January 6, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734098604588.png" alt="Cerda-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Cerda-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen charged as an adult in a deadly double murder made his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.Judge Shawn Elliot charged 15-year-old Elias Cerda with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In January, poli e responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested a 14-year-old from Wichita later identified as Cerda. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp; He is being held on a one million dollar bond and is due back in court January 6, according to the district attorney's office.

15-year-old goes to court for Kansas double murder

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

Just before 10:30a.m December 11, special agents with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Brian W. Black, 40, without incident at his residence in Arkansas City, according to a media release from the KBI.

 Black was arrested on a warrant on requested charges that include three counts of rape, three counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of exploitation of a child, two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior, abuse of a child, and battery.

  In September 2023, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance with a sexual assault investigation involving a 16-year-old girl who had reported that Black had raped her. 

Special agents began investigating. They conducted interviews, executed search warrants and gathered evidence. Following the arrest, Black was booked into the Cowley County Jail. Bond was set at $500,000. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734044955692.png" alt="Black photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Black photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.Just before 10:30a.m December 11, special agents with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Brian W. Black, 40, without incident at his residence in Arkansas City, according to a media release from the KBI. Black was arrested on a warrant on requested charges that include three counts of rape, three counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of exploitation of a child, two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior, abuse of a child, and battery. In September 2023, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance with a sexual assault investigation involving a 16-year-old girl who had reported that Black had raped her. Special agents began investigating. They conducted interviews, executed search warrants and gathered evidence. Following the arrest, Black was booked into the Cowley County Jail. Bond was set at $500,000.

KBI: Teen accused Kansas man of sex crimes

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a series of package thefts in the Kansas City area have arrested 41-year-old Matthew T. Robinson of Excelsior Springs.

Last week, the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff's office asked for help to locate a second suspect in a string of Kansas City area package thefts that took place over the Thanksgiving holidays and the weekend that followed.&nbsp; On Wednesday, the sheriff's office reported Robinson's arrest.

He has now been charged with one count of felony theft and one count of felony possession of a controlled substance in the case.

 These are the same charges faced by his accomplice, 24-year-old Kayley Worthington. She was arrested Monday and remains in custody. At the time of her arrest Robinson was at the home but managed to escape.&nbsp;

Robinson has numerous other warrants for his arrest, as well. If you know where Matthew Robinson is, please call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) You can remain anonymous and get a cash reward through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KCCrimeStoppers?__cft__[0]=AZUKh1jMBu3_Bx6ZVdbBSkCULGv2gzzuJDOVg_m5XXKYT-yi69FSvSVR6-jJ4H4X-sJ2i5IYxaxLnecL5l9MKUzM_NZKcG2YrPMJTseXJQVUrWgG6iyZ0rwsO9qUlgoEwG_IoMdxCx34K7oBIfP3ffYXUqGQ2BOcgU0vEsICi4jbdKjeQBDWAFRI5Dkt3_4OUX0&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers</a>.&nbsp;

Detectives have now identified 12 victims, but many of the stolen items recovered remain unclaimed. Clay County residents who had a package stolen last week are urged to make a report with their local police department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733275672983.png" alt="Worthington photo Clay County" />
 <figcaption>Worthington photo Clay County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a series of package thefts in the Kansas City area have arrested 41-year-old Matthew T. Robinson of Excelsior Springs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733957460454.png" alt="Robinson-photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Robinson-photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Last week, the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff's office asked for help to locate a second suspect in a string of Kansas City area package thefts that took place over the Thanksgiving holidays and the weekend that followed.&nbsp; On Wednesday, the sheriff's office reported Robinson's arrest.He has now been charged with one count of felony theft and one count of felony possession of a controlled substance in the case. These are the same charges faced by his accomplice, 24-year-old Kayley Worthington. She was arrested Monday and remains in custody. At the time of her arrest Robinson was at the home but managed to escape.&nbsp; Robinson has numerous other warrants for his arrest, as well. If you know where Matthew Robinson is, please call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) You can remain anonymous and get a cash reward through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KCCrimeStoppers?__cft__[0]=AZUKh1jMBu3_Bx6ZVdbBSkCULGv2gzzuJDOVg_m5XXKYT-yi69FSvSVR6-jJ4H4X-sJ2i5IYxaxLnecL5l9MKUzM_NZKcG2YrPMJTseXJQVUrWgG6iyZ0rwsO9qUlgoEwG_IoMdxCx34K7oBIfP3ffYXUqGQ2BOcgU0vEsICi4jbdKjeQBDWAFRI5Dkt3_4OUX0&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers</a>.&nbsp;Detectives have now identified 12 victims, but many of the stolen items recovered remain unclaimed. Clay County residents who had a package stolen last week are urged to make a report with their local police department.

Police capture Kansas City area porch pirate accomplice

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon with a history of crime including his involvement in a 2019 fatal crash in a stolen SUV that killed two people&nbsp;

Last week, a jury found 44-year-old Christopher English guilty of first-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In December of 2020, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1800 block of South Main in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Upon arrival, they located 49-year-old Michael Horn with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.&nbsp; In July of 2022, police arrested English in connection with Horn's murder.

In 2019, English was on parole and a passenger in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle driven by Mia Collins who led officers on a chase. After about one mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.

The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children.&nbsp; Collins was sentenced to life in prison.

English has previous convictions for drugs and weapons, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; &nbsp;He will be sentenced on Jan. 10, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659213439450.png" alt="English-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>English-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon with a history of crime including his involvement in a 2019 fatal crash in a stolen SUV that killed two people&nbsp;Last week, a jury found 44-year-old Christopher English guilty of first-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In December of 2020, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1800 block of South Main in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.Upon arrival, they located 49-year-old Michael Horn with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.&nbsp; In July of 2022, police arrested English in connection with Horn's murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733836413213.png" alt="Collins-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Collins-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2019, English was on parole and a passenger in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle driven by Mia Collins who led officers on a chase. After about one mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children.&nbsp; Collins was sentenced to life in prison.English has previous convictions for drugs and weapons, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; &nbsp;He will be sentenced on Jan. 10, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. man with a history of crime found guilty of murder

RENO COUNTY — The Hutchinson Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the burglary that occurred at Dough Co. Donuts,&nbsp;228 E 4th Avenue in Hutchinson,  earlier in the week.

After an investigation, police reported the arrest of&nbsp; 35-year-old Zackery L. Reaves on requested charges of Burglary;Locked non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, dv, or sex; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999; Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or post release supervision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734017343606.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Dough Co. Donuts - Hutchinson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Dough Co. Donuts - Hutchinson</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — The Hutchinson Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the burglary that occurred at Dough Co. Donuts,&nbsp;228 E 4th Avenue in Hutchinson, earlier in the week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734043777314.png" alt="Reaves-photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Reaves-photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdoughcodonuts%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0VnXwfqeaN4x9754yEWppVfPq8KigwUFR5xmJSj88BKiLfBHQ5cTcaiX2teFh4tNyl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="689" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>After an investigation, police reported the arrest of&nbsp; 35-year-old Zackery L. Reaves on requested charges of Burglary;Locked non-dwelling to commit felony, theft, dv, or sex; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999; Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500; Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or post release supervision.

Police make arrest in Kansas donut shop burglary

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a teen on drug allegations.

On December 10, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 1994 Toyota Celica for a traffic infraction near U.S. Hwy 75 and 158th Road in southern Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver, 18-year-old Thomas Jay Holcomb, of Hoyt was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733947870275.png" alt="Holcomb-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Holcomb-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a teen on drug allegations.On December 10, a sheriff's deputy stopped a 1994 Toyota Celica for a traffic infraction near U.S. Hwy 75 and 158th Road in southern Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver, 18-year-old Thomas Jay Holcomb, of Hoyt was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Sheriff: Kansas teen caught transporting meth, marijuana

JOHNSON COUNTY—A 15-year-old arrested after allegedly bringing a gun to school on Monday has been charged with firearm possession by a felon, juvenile in possession of a firearm and interference with a law enforcement officer, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

Police took the student into custody at Shawnee Mission South High School, 5800 W 107th Street in Overland Park Monday afternoon, according to Overland Park Police.

Another student at the school reported the firearm to an administrator. Officers were then able to take the student into custody and remove the gun. 

The school was placed on lockdown until police arrested the student.&nbsp;The 15-year-old made a first court appearance in the case Tuesday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733784674534.png" alt="Police on the scene at the school on Monday-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene at the school on Monday-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—A 15-year-old arrested after allegedly bringing a gun to school on Monday has been charged with firearm possession by a felon, juvenile in possession of a firearm and interference with a law enforcement officer, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.Police took the student into custody at Shawnee Mission South High School, 5800 W 107th Street in Overland Park Monday afternoon, according to Overland Park Police.Another student at the school reported the firearm to an administrator. Officers were then able to take the student into custody and remove the gun. The school was placed on lockdown until police arrested the student.&nbsp;The 15-year-old made a first court appearance in the case Tuesday afternoon.

15-year-old charged for bringing gun to Kan. high school

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is commuting the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic and is pardoning 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. It's the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.

The commutations announced Thursday are for people who have served out home confinement sentences for at least one year after they were released. Prisons were uniquely bad for spreading the virus and some inmates were released in part to stop the spread. At one point,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-race-and-ethnicity-prisons-united-states-coronavirus-pandemic-0bef0673013aa579551db5ad61b885e0">1 in 5 prisoners had COVID-19,</a>&nbsp;according to a tally kept by The Associated Press.

Biden said he would be taking more steps in the weeks ahead and would continue to review clemency petitions. The second largest single-day act of clemency was by Barack Obama, with 330, shortly before leaving office in 2017.

“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”

The clemency follows a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-son-hunter-charges-pardon-pledge-24f3007c2d2f467fa48e21bbc7262525">broad pardon for his son Hunter</a>, who was prosecuted for gun and tax crimes. Biden is under pressure from advocacy groups to pardon broad swaths of people, including those on federal death row, before the Trump administration takes over in January. He’s also weighing whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-retribution-trump-hunter-cheney-fauci-9f6fd6f05f7f6c8cead3a37ebadc8cba">to issue preemptive pardons</a>&nbsp;to those who investigated Trump’s effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and are facing possible retribution when he takes office.

Those pardoned Thursday had been convicted of nonviolent crimes such as drug offenses and turned their lives around, White House lawyers said. They include a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters; a church deacon who has worked as an addiction counselor and youth counselor; a doctoral student in molecular biosciences; and a decorated military veteran.

The president had previously issued 122 commutations and 21 other pardons. He's also broadly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-pardons-clemency-02abde991a05ff7dfa29bfc3c74e9d64">pardoned those convicted of use and simple</a>&nbsp;possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, and pardoned former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-lgbtq-pride-pardon-military-pentagon-sodomy-a83b799323380de10aac0ca6fb57595b">U.S. service members convicted</a>&nbsp;of violating a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex.

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and 34 other lawmakers are urging the president to pardon environmental and human rights lawyer Steven Donziger, who was imprisoned or under house arrest for three years because of a contempt of court charge related to his work representing Indigenous farmers in a lawsuit against Chevron.

Others are advocating for Biden to commute the sentences of federal death row prisoners. His attorney general, Merrick Garland, paused federal executions. Biden had said on the campaign trail in 2020 that he wanted to end the death penalty but he never did, and now, with Trump coming back into office, it’s likely executions will resume. During his first term, Trump presided over an unprecedented number of federal executions,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-death-penalty-legacy-838932ac2b665b42373309336d130f56">carried out during the height of the pandemic.</a>

More pardons are coming before Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, but it's not clear whether he'll take action to guard against possible prosecution by Trump, an untested use of the power. The president has been taking the idea seriously and has been thinking about it for as much as six months — before the presidential election — but has been concerned about the precedent it would set, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions.

But those who received the pardons would have to accept them.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adam-schiff-senate-trump-california-1f611ee885e9c6b73a22ea1cab0d08bc">New California Sen. Adam Schiff,</a>&nbsp;who was the chairman of the congressional committee that investigated the violent Jan. 6 insurrection, said such a pardon from Biden would be “unnecessary,” and that the president shouldn’t be spending his waning days in office worrying about this.

A president has the power to both pardon, in which a person is relieved of guilt and punishment, or commute a sentence, which reduces or eliminates the punishment but doesn’t exonerate the wrongdoing. It’s customary for a president to grant mercy at the end of his term, using the power of the office to wipe away records or end prison terms.

Before pardoning his son, Biden had repeatedly pledged not to do so. He said in a statement explaining his reversal that the prosecution had been poisoned by politics. The decision prompted criminal justice advocates and lawmakers to put additional public pressure on the administration to use that same power for everyday Americans.&nbsp;<a href="https://cb7b7e4931b0a778bd0a68cc1733c4a9/">It wasn’t a very popular move</a>; only about 2 in 10 Americans approved of his decision, according to a poll from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730830602296.png" alt="Biden said he would be taking more steps in the weeks ahead and would continue to review clemency petitions File photo&nbsp; White House" />
 <figcaption>Biden said he would be taking more steps in the weeks ahead and would continue to review clemency petitions File photo&nbsp; White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is commuting the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic and is pardoning 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. It's the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.The commutations announced Thursday are for people who have served out home confinement sentences for at least one year after they were released. Prisons were uniquely bad for spreading the virus and some inmates were released in part to stop the spread. At one point,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-race-and-ethnicity-prisons-united-states-coronavirus-pandemic-0bef0673013aa579551db5ad61b885e0">1 in 5 prisoners had COVID-19,</a>&nbsp;according to a tally kept by The Associated Press.Biden said he would be taking more steps in the weeks ahead and would continue to review clemency petitions. The second largest single-day act of clemency was by Barack Obama, with 330, shortly before leaving office in 2017.“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”The clemency follows a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-son-hunter-charges-pardon-pledge-24f3007c2d2f467fa48e21bbc7262525">broad pardon for his son Hunter</a>, who was prosecuted for gun and tax crimes. Biden is under pressure from advocacy groups to pardon broad swaths of people, including those on federal death row, before the Trump administration takes over in January. He’s also weighing whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-pardons-retribution-trump-hunter-cheney-fauci-9f6fd6f05f7f6c8cead3a37ebadc8cba">to issue preemptive pardons</a>&nbsp;to those who investigated Trump’s effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and are facing possible retribution when he takes office.Those pardoned Thursday had been convicted of nonviolent crimes such as drug offenses and turned their lives around, White House lawyers said. They include a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters; a church deacon who has worked as an addiction counselor and youth counselor; a doctoral student in molecular biosciences; and a decorated military veteran.The president had previously issued 122 commutations and 21 other pardons. He's also broadly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-pardons-clemency-02abde991a05ff7dfa29bfc3c74e9d64">pardoned those convicted of use and simple</a>&nbsp;possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, and pardoned former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-lgbtq-pride-pardon-military-pentagon-sodomy-a83b799323380de10aac0ca6fb57595b">U.S. service members convicted</a>&nbsp;of violating a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex.Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and 34 other lawmakers are urging the president to pardon environmental and human rights lawyer Steven Donziger, who was imprisoned or under house arrest for three years because of a contempt of court charge related to his work representing Indigenous farmers in a lawsuit against Chevron.Others are advocating for Biden to commute the sentences of federal death row prisoners. His attorney general, Merrick Garland, paused federal executions. Biden had said on the campaign trail in 2020 that he wanted to end the death penalty but he never did, and now, with Trump coming back into office, it’s likely executions will resume. During his first term, Trump presided over an unprecedented number of federal executions,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-death-penalty-legacy-838932ac2b665b42373309336d130f56">carried out during the height of the pandemic.</a>More pardons are coming before Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, but it's not clear whether he'll take action to guard against possible prosecution by Trump, an untested use of the power. The president has been taking the idea seriously and has been thinking about it for as much as six months — before the presidential election — but has been concerned about the precedent it would set, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions.But those who received the pardons would have to accept them.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adam-schiff-senate-trump-california-1f611ee885e9c6b73a22ea1cab0d08bc">New California Sen. Adam Schiff,</a>&nbsp;who was the chairman of the congressional committee that investigated the violent Jan. 6 insurrection, said such a pardon from Biden would be “unnecessary,” and that the president shouldn’t be spending his waning days in office worrying about this.A president has the power to both pardon, in which a person is relieved of guilt and punishment, or commute a sentence, which reduces or eliminates the punishment but doesn’t exonerate the wrongdoing. It’s customary for a president to grant mercy at the end of his term, using the power of the office to wipe away records or end prison terms.Before pardoning his son, Biden had repeatedly pledged not to do so. He said in a statement explaining his reversal that the prosecution had been poisoned by politics. The decision prompted criminal justice advocates and lawmakers to put additional public pressure on the administration to use that same power for everyday Americans.&nbsp;<a href="https://cb7b7e4931b0a778bd0a68cc1733c4a9/">It wasn’t a very popular move</a>; only about 2 in 10 Americans approved of his decision, according to a poll from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research</a>.

History: Biden commutes 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff in Kansas City.

Just after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday patrol officers responded to the 1000 block of Westport Road in Kansas City on the report of a party armed in a vehicle, according KCPD&nbsp;Sgt. Phil DiMartino.

Preliminary investigation revealed a ride share service driver had just picked up a fare, when the customer began making threatening comments.&nbsp; The subject mentioned a weapon and the ride share driver stopped in the 1000 block of Westport Road to exit the vehicle and call the police.

As officers arrived they observed a man in a vehicle refusing to exit.&nbsp; Because of the comments made and the threat he was possibly armed, an Operation 100 was called, according to DiMartino.

 Tactical response officers and trained negotiators responded to the scene in order to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution. Officers surrounded the area to prevent escape and had patrons in local businesses shelter in place for safety. At around 1:00p.m., after several hours of negotiations the man was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733953211816.png" alt="View of police near the scene of the standoff -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>View of police near the scene of the standoff -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff in Kansas City.Just after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday patrol officers responded to the 1000 block of Westport Road in Kansas City on the report of a party armed in a vehicle, according KCPD&nbsp;Sgt. Phil DiMartino.Preliminary investigation revealed a ride share service driver had just picked up a fare, when the customer began making threatening comments.&nbsp; The subject mentioned a weapon and the ride share driver stopped in the 1000 block of Westport Road to exit the vehicle and call the police.As officers arrived they observed a man in a vehicle refusing to exit.&nbsp; Because of the comments made and the threat he was possibly armed, an Operation 100 was called, according to DiMartino. Tactical response officers and trained negotiators responded to the scene in order to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution. Officers surrounded the area to prevent escape and had patrons in local businesses shelter in place for safety. At around 1:00p.m., after several hours of negotiations the man was taken into custody without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Standoff: Suspect arrested after threatening KC ride share driver

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an illegal immigrant on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase.

Just before 9p.m. Tuesday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic on a 2019 Honda CRV, for a traffic infraction near 142nd&nbsp;and U.S. Hwy 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Upon attempting to contact the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle allegedly fled in the vehicle initiating a&nbsp;pursuit northbound on U.S. Hwy 75. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper deployed a tire deflation device around 214th Road where the vehicle came to a stop. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Quelvin Reyes Corea, 37, of Honduras. The vehicle was discovered to be stolen out of Kansas City, Missouri this past weekend.

Corea was arrested and is being held in the the Jackson County Jail for requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude LEO; 5 or more moving violations, Possession of stolen property; Value $1,500 – $25,000, Felony interference with LEO, Operate a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, Operate a vehicle with expired registration, Reckless driving, Improper driving on laned roadway, Speed 110 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone, No tail lamps when required and Improper turn signal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733947954658.png" alt="Corea-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Corea-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an illegal immigrant on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase.Just before 9p.m. Tuesday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic on a 2019 Honda CRV, for a traffic infraction near 142nd&nbsp;and U.S. Hwy 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Upon attempting to contact the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle allegedly fled in the vehicle initiating a&nbsp;pursuit northbound on U.S. Hwy 75. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper deployed a tire deflation device around 214th Road where the vehicle came to a stop. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Quelvin Reyes Corea, 37, of Honduras. The vehicle was discovered to be stolen out of Kansas City, Missouri this past weekend.Corea was arrested and is being held in the the Jackson County Jail for requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude LEO; 5 or more moving violations, Possession of stolen property; Value $1,500 – $25,000, Felony interference with LEO, Operate a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, Operate a vehicle with expired registration, Reckless driving, Improper driving on laned roadway, Speed 110 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone, No tail lamps when required and Improper turn signal.

110mph chase: Illegal immigrant was driving stolen SUV in Kansas

PAWNEE COUNTY —Roy Gene Robinson, 46 of Great Bend, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court Tuesday morning for a combined jury trial regarding two separate felon complaints for incidents that occurred during the Summer of 2023, according to. Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. The matters were scheduled for a three day trial.

The defendant was charged in one case with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, a severity level 8 nonperson felony, alleged to have occurred on or about August 1, 2023. In the second case he was charged with one count of Burglary of a Non-Dwelling, a severity level 7 nonperson felony, and two counts of misdemeanor Theft alleged to have occurred on or about July 10, 2023.

Prior to jury selections, the parties announced they had reached a plea agreement whereby Roy Robinson entered a plea to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. In exchange for the plea the State agreed to dismiss the Burglary case.

The defendant’s brother, Dale R. Robinson, 54, of Hutchinson, was also charged as a co-defendant in the Burglary case. Dale Robinson pleaded guilty to the charges on January 18, 2024, and was ordered to pay full restitution as a condition of probation. 

Initially Roy Robison was not a suspect in the burglary/thefts as boot impressions found at the scenes matched Dale Robinson, but subsequent review of cellular telephone records by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department suggested Roy Robinson was present at the time of the alleged crimes.

In support of the firearm plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that had the matter proceeded to trial the evidence would have shown that on the morning of July 10, 2023, the Pawnee County Sheriff received a report of theft of agricultural diesel from an irrigation unit south of Larned. 

Later that same morning the Sheriff received reports of multiple truck batteries being stolen from vehicles parked in a shed a few miles from the site of the fuel theft. Tire tracks at both crime scenes suggested a light duty pickup had been involved. A witness indicated they had seen Roy Robinson driving a similar style pickup in the area. 

When the Sheriff’s department executed a search warrant at the Robinson rural Pawnee County residence, they discovered the missing batteries. They also witnessed several firearms and notified State Parole. At the time, Roy Robinson was on postrelease supervision as a result of a Pawnee County jury conviction for aggravated burglary. 

He had been released from prison on or about August 8, 2022. The Kansas Department of Corrections conducted their own search of the Robinson residence on August 1, 2023, and discovered .22 caliber rifle under a mattress.

Robinson was arrested by Kansas Department of Corrections personnel at the scene on August 1, 2023, without incident. He posted a bond on March 23, 2024, and was released.

After accepting the defendant’s plea Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendant’s criminal history. Sentencing was scheduled for February 20, 2025.

Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines the defendant faces a sentence between 7 months and 23 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history. Based on the parties’ understanding of that criminal history, it is anticipated that Robinson will be subject to a presumptive prison sentence

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733851589790.png" alt="Roy Robinson-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Roy Robinson-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —Roy Gene Robinson, 46 of Great Bend, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court Tuesday morning for a combined jury trial regarding two separate felon complaints for incidents that occurred during the Summer of 2023, according to. Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. The matters were scheduled for a three day trial.The defendant was charged in one case with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, a severity level 8 nonperson felony, alleged to have occurred on or about August 1, 2023. In the second case he was charged with one count of Burglary of a Non-Dwelling, a severity level 7 nonperson felony, and two counts of misdemeanor Theft alleged to have occurred on or about July 10, 2023.Prior to jury selections, the parties announced they had reached a plea agreement whereby Roy Robinson entered a plea to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. In exchange for the plea the State agreed to dismiss the Burglary case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733851673236.png" alt="Dale Robinson-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Dale Robinson-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The defendant’s brother, Dale R. Robinson, 54, of Hutchinson, was also charged as a co-defendant in the Burglary case. Dale Robinson pleaded guilty to the charges on January 18, 2024, and was ordered to pay full restitution as a condition of probation. Initially Roy Robison was not a suspect in the burglary/thefts as boot impressions found at the scenes matched Dale Robinson, but subsequent review of cellular telephone records by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department suggested Roy Robinson was present at the time of the alleged crimes.In support of the firearm plea, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett advised the Court that had the matter proceeded to trial the evidence would have shown that on the morning of July 10, 2023, the Pawnee County Sheriff received a report of theft of agricultural diesel from an irrigation unit south of Larned. Later that same morning the Sheriff received reports of multiple truck batteries being stolen from vehicles parked in a shed a few miles from the site of the fuel theft. Tire tracks at both crime scenes suggested a light duty pickup had been involved. A witness indicated they had seen Roy Robinson driving a similar style pickup in the area. When the Sheriff’s department executed a search warrant at the Robinson rural Pawnee County residence, they discovered the missing batteries. They also witnessed several firearms and notified State Parole. At the time, Roy Robinson was on postrelease supervision as a result of a Pawnee County jury conviction for aggravated burglary. He had been released from prison on or about August 8, 2022. The Kansas Department of Corrections conducted their own search of the Robinson residence on August 1, 2023, and discovered .22 caliber rifle under a mattress.Robinson was arrested by Kansas Department of Corrections personnel at the scene on August 1, 2023, without incident. He posted a bond on March 23, 2024, and was released.After accepting the defendant’s plea Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendant’s criminal history. Sentencing was scheduled for February 20, 2025.Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines the defendant faces a sentence between 7 months and 23 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history. Based on the parties’ understanding of that criminal history, it is anticipated that Robinson will be subject to a presumptive prison sentence

Kansas felon agrees to plea deal in burglary case

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HEATHER%20HOLLINGSWORTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated Press</a>

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A judge has overturned a Black man's conviction in a 2009 double homicide that was investigated by a discredited white Kansas City, Kansas, police detective.

The ruling Monday in the case of 34-year-old Cedric Warren came exactly one week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-abuse-trial-roger-golubski-de11e2b098348066b4f37ebd304cbe6d">Roger Golubski died</a>&nbsp;in an apparent suicide just before the start of his criminal trial over allegations that he sexually assaulted Black women.

Warren is now jailed in Wyandotte County while the prosecutor decides whether to retry him. A spokesman in the prosecutor’s office didn’t immediately respond to an email or phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

“I’m very thrilled,” Warren’s father, Cedric Toney, said in a phone interview Tuesday.

He said before Golubski supervised the investigation that led to his son's arrest, the former detective stalked his daughter and his son's mother. The allegation is similar to one raised in the case of Lamonte McIntyre, who served 23 years behind bars for a double homicide before he was freed.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3e379716ed9e4dba83412311eaadfd08">McIntyre’s mother</a>&nbsp;has said Golubski pressured her for sexual favors.

But Wyandotte County Judge Aaron Roberts based his ruling in Warren's case on something different. He ruled from the bench that prosecutors failed to turn over information about the severe mental health issues of a key witness in the drug house shooting that killed Charles Ford and Larry Ledoux.

The witness had schizophrenia, and offered a shifting account of what happened before he became the only person to link Warren to the killing, the defense wrote in court filings.

Attorneys for Warren argued that the prosecution should have known about the witness’ mental health struggles because they caused issues years earlier when he was charged with passing bad checks. A mental health exam in that case found the man was incompetent to stand trial and highlighted several psychiatric hospitalizations.

Police officers also were aware of the witness' mental health struggles because they took him to a psychiatric facility after questioning him in the double homicide, the defense said.

The defense wrote that the undisclosed evidence “undermined his credibility and ability to competently and reliably recount events.”

The family's claims that Golubski harassed Warren's mother and sister haven't been aired in court, said Lindsay Runnels, an attorney for Warren. She said that is largely because a judge was focused on their allegations that evidence was withheld.

“As far as Cedric Warren is concerned, out is out,” she said, adding she is confident he will be released and possibly soon.

But while Golubski's role in Warren's case didn't play a role in Roberts' decision, the allegations have led the county prosecutor’s office to undertake a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-bd0898c8649b1ede27e2c3749547bbed">$1.7 million</a>&nbsp;effort to reexamine other cases he worked on during his 35 years on the force.

Cheryl Pilate, another attorney representing Warren, is pursuing another claim that a person Golubski investigated is innocent. She stressed that the problems in the community extended beyond one detective and that others also played a role.

“This was a one witness case with no corroborating evidence," she said. "And the witness was someone who was very vulnerable and had very significant mental health issues.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733964348020.png" alt="Warren photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Warren photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22HEATHER%20HOLLINGSWORTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated Press</a>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A judge has overturned a Black man's conviction in a 2009 double homicide that was investigated by a discredited white Kansas City, Kansas, police detective.The ruling Monday in the case of 34-year-old Cedric Warren came exactly one week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-abuse-trial-roger-golubski-de11e2b098348066b4f37ebd304cbe6d">Roger Golubski died</a>&nbsp;in an apparent suicide just before the start of his criminal trial over allegations that he sexually assaulted Black women.Warren is now jailed in Wyandotte County while the prosecutor decides whether to retry him. A spokesman in the prosecutor’s office didn’t immediately respond to an email or phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment.“I’m very thrilled,” Warren’s father, Cedric Toney, said in a phone interview Tuesday.He said before Golubski supervised the investigation that led to his son's arrest, the former detective stalked his daughter and his son's mother. The allegation is similar to one raised in the case of Lamonte McIntyre, who served 23 years behind bars for a double homicide before he was freed.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3e379716ed9e4dba83412311eaadfd08">McIntyre’s mother</a>&nbsp;has said Golubski pressured her for sexual favors.But Wyandotte County Judge Aaron Roberts based his ruling in Warren's case on something different. He ruled from the bench that prosecutors failed to turn over information about the severe mental health issues of a key witness in the drug house shooting that killed Charles Ford and Larry Ledoux.The witness had schizophrenia, and offered a shifting account of what happened before he became the only person to link Warren to the killing, the defense wrote in court filings.Attorneys for Warren argued that the prosecution should have known about the witness’ mental health struggles because they caused issues years earlier when he was charged with passing bad checks. A mental health exam in that case found the man was incompetent to stand trial and highlighted several psychiatric hospitalizations.Police officers also were aware of the witness' mental health struggles because they took him to a psychiatric facility after questioning him in the double homicide, the defense said.The defense wrote that the undisclosed evidence “undermined his credibility and ability to competently and reliably recount events.”The family's claims that Golubski harassed Warren's mother and sister haven't been aired in court, said Lindsay Runnels, an attorney for Warren. She said that is largely because a judge was focused on their allegations that evidence was withheld.“As far as Cedric Warren is concerned, out is out,” she said, adding she is confident he will be released and possibly soon.But while Golubski's role in Warren's case didn't play a role in Roberts' decision, the allegations have led the county prosecutor’s office to undertake a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-bd0898c8649b1ede27e2c3749547bbed">$1.7 million</a>&nbsp;effort to reexamine other cases he worked on during his 35 years on the force.Cheryl Pilate, another attorney representing Warren, is pursuing another claim that a person Golubski investigated is innocent. She stressed that the problems in the community extended beyond one detective and that others also played a role.“This was a one witness case with no corroborating evidence," she said. "And the witness was someone who was very vulnerable and had very significant mental health issues.”

Judge overturns Kan. conviction in case involving now-discredited detective

SALINE COUNTY—Salina Police are investigating after a 57-year-old Salina man fell victim to a phone scam involving a caller falsely claiming to be with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, the victim received a call that said the man’s Social Security number had been linked to a criminal scheme and that a warrant for his arrest had been issued, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. To avoid arrest, the caller demanded the victim send $13,700.

The man complied, withdrawing $11,700 from his bank account and transferring it via an unspecified service. He then purchased $2,000 worth of gift cards from a Dillons grocery store and provided the gift card numbers to the scammer.

Captain Feldman reminds the public that police or any local, state or federal agency will never request money via gift cards or wire transfers. Anyone receiving such calls should hang up and contact police.

SALINE COUNTY—Salina Police are investigating after a 57-year-old Salina man fell victim to a phone scam involving a caller falsely claiming to be with the Drug Enforcement Administration.Just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday, the victim received a call that said the man’s Social Security number had been linked to a criminal scheme and that a warrant for his arrest had been issued, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. To avoid arrest, the caller demanded the victim send $13,700.The man complied, withdrawing $11,700 from his bank account and transferring it via an unspecified service. He then purchased $2,000 worth of gift cards from a Dillons grocery store and provided the gift card numbers to the scammer.Captain Feldman reminds the public that police or any local, state or federal agency will never request money via gift cards or wire transfers. Anyone receiving such calls should hang up and contact police.

Police: Kansas man lost over $10,000 in DEA scam

President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has filled the key posts for his second term in office, prioritizing loyalty to him after he felt bruised and hampered by internal squabbling during his first term.

Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate, even with Republicans in control, and two candidates have already withdrawn from consideration.

Trump would turn a former critic into an ally as the nation's top diplomat.

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His selection punctuates the hard pivot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marco-rubio-secretary-of-state-25664371f80dcf3332838352165e4d48">Rubio</a>&nbsp;has made with Trump, whom the senator once called a “con man" during his own unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-defense-secretary-pentagon-2d8030921ecef933778cf92afd40ec72">Hegseth</a>, 44, was a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends Weekend” and had been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show.