RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged computer crimes.

Just before 4:30p.m. Monday, police arrested 27-year-old Malik Peters,&nbsp; of Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Peters was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for forgery, computer unlawful acts, and theft of property or services. 

Total bond was set at $15,000. He is no longer in custody.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged computer crimes.Just before 4:30p.m. Monday, police arrested 27-year-old Malik Peters,&nbsp; of Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Peters was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for forgery, computer unlawful acts, and theft of property or services. Total bond was set at $15,000. He is no longer in custody.

Manhattan man accused of computer crimes

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate another deadly shooting in Wichita.

Early Monday,&nbsp;Patrol East officers, detectives, and crime scene investigators were on scene of a fatal shooting that occurred near 2800 E. Douglas, according to police spokesperson Andrew Ford.

Officers heard gunshots in the area and located a vehicle with a 35-year-old male victim inside.

Investigators continue working to collect evidence and speak to witnesses. The shooting does not appear to be random. Police have not released the name of the victim or reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715028093654.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate another deadly shooting in Wichita.Early Monday,&nbsp;Patrol East officers, detectives, and crime scene investigators were on scene of a fatal shooting that occurred near 2800 E. Douglas, according to police spokesperson Andrew Ford.Officers heard gunshots in the area and located a vehicle with a 35-year-old male victim inside.Investigators continue working to collect evidence and speak to witnesses. The shooting does not appear to be random. Police have not released the name of the victim or reported an arrest.

Homicide: Kansas man found dead in vehicle

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area man who's charged with killing his hospitalized wife told police he couldn't take care of her or afford her medical bills, court records say.

Ronnie Wiggs made his first appearance Monday on a second-degree murder charge and was referred to the public defender's office. A hearing was set for Thursday to review his $250,000 bond.

A phone message that was left with the public defender’s office wasn’t immediately returned.

His wife was getting a new port for her dialysis when staff at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence called a “code blue” Friday because she was unresponsive.

Staff managed to get her pulse back, but they determined she was brain dead and made preparations to harvest her organs, according to the probable cause statement. His wife died Saturday.

After the attack, Wiggs left the hospital. But the statement said the woman's son brought Wiggs back to see her and he confessed. Staff heard him say, “I did it, I killed her, I choked her,” according to the statement.

He then was arrested and told a detective that he covered his wife's nose and mouth to keep her from screaming, the statement said. He said he was depressed and couldn't handle the caregiving and bills.

He said he also attempted to kill his wife while she was at a rehabilitation facility, but she woke up and told him not do that again, the statement said. He said he was going to try to kill his wife another time while she was hospitalized, but he didn’t get the chance because she was hooked up to several monitors.

KANSAS CITY —A man faces a felony charge for strangling his wife and causing her death as she was lying in a Kansas City area hospital bed this weekend, according to&nbsp; Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Ronnie Wiggs of Independence, Missouri, faces Murder 2nd Degree.

According to court records filed Saturday, Wiggs told police he killed the victim, who had come to&nbsp;Centerpoint Medical Center, 19600 E. 39th St. South, to get a new port for her dialysis.

&nbsp;He said he choked&nbsp; her and covered her nose and mouth to keep her from screaming. Wiggs told police he couldn't take care of her or afford the medical bills. Wiggs is being held on a $250,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715034289344.png" alt="Wiggs -Photo Independence Police" />
 <figcaption>Wiggs -Photo Independence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area man who's charged with killing his hospitalized wife told police he couldn't take care of her or afford her medical bills, court records say.Ronnie Wiggs made his first appearance Monday on a second-degree murder charge and was referred to the public defender's office. A hearing was set for Thursday to review his $250,000 bond.A phone message that was left with the public defender’s office wasn’t immediately returned.His wife was getting a new port for her dialysis when staff at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence called a “code blue” Friday because she was unresponsive.Staff managed to get her pulse back, but they determined she was brain dead and made preparations to harvest her organs, according to the probable cause statement. His wife died Saturday.After the attack, Wiggs left the hospital. But the statement said the woman's son brought Wiggs back to see her and he confessed. Staff heard him say, “I did it, I killed her, I choked her,” according to the statement.He then was arrested and told a detective that he covered his wife's nose and mouth to keep her from screaming, the statement said. He said he was depressed and couldn't handle the caregiving and bills.He said he also attempted to kill his wife while she was at a rehabilitation facility, but she woke up and told him not do that again, the statement said. He said he was going to try to kill his wife another time while she was hospitalized, but he didn’t get the chance because she was hooked up to several monitors.---------KANSAS CITY —A man faces a felony charge for strangling his wife and causing her death as she was lying in a Kansas City area hospital bed this weekend, according to&nbsp; Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Ronnie Wiggs of Independence, Missouri, faces Murder 2nd Degree.According to court records filed Saturday, Wiggs told police he killed the victim, who had come to&nbsp;Centerpoint Medical Center, 19600 E. 39th St. South, to get a new port for her dialysis.&nbsp;He said he choked&nbsp; her and covered her nose and mouth to keep her from screaming. Wiggs told police he couldn't take care of her or afford the medical bills. Wiggs is being held on a $250,000 bond.

Man unable to pay medical bills kills wife in her KC area hospital bed

WASHINGTON (AP) — An American soldier has been arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, according to two U.S. officials.

U.S. officials said the soldier, Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, was stationed in South Korea and was in the process of returning home to Fort Cavazos in Texas. Instead, officials said he traveled to Russia.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details.

Cynthia Smith, Army spokeswoman, confirmed that a soldier was detained on Thursday in Vladivostok, a major military and commercial Pacific port, on charges of criminal misconduct. She said Russia notified the U.S. and the Army told the soldier's family.

“The U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia,” Smith said.

It was unclear Monday if the soldier is considered absent without leave, or AWOL.

The arrest comes less than a year after American soldier Travis King&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">sprinted into North Korea</a>&nbsp;across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas. North Korea&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-travis-king-quick-release-analysis-e0e1a2e3a90097c0d666cb385b185071">later announced</a>&nbsp;that it would expel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-king/">King</a>, who was returned to the U.S. He was eventually charged with desertion.

Russia is known to be holding a number of Americans in its jails, including corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, The U.S. government has designated both as wrongfully detained and has been trying to negotiate for their release.

Others detained include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-musician-arrested-drug-trafficking-3d32c6e75660d17f993dd6afe396eea7">Travis Leake</a>, a musician who had been living in Russia for years and was arrested last year on drug-related charges; Marc Fogel, a teacher in Moscow, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison, also on drug charges; and dual nationals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-american-journalist-radio-free-europe-alsu-kurmasheva-0bd25c4f04201eed5b3a9aa871e1f6ad">Alsu Kurmasheva</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-woman-arrest-russia-ukraine-3a121981719ed1904c0bbdbdb38f14ab">Ksenia Khavana</a>.

The soldier's arrest in Russia was first reported by NBC News.

The soldier, who is not being identified, was stationed in South Korea and was in the process of returning home to the United States. Instead, officials said he traveled to Russia.

WASHINGTON (AP) — An American soldier has been arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, according to two U.S. officials.U.S. officials said the soldier, Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, was stationed in South Korea and was in the process of returning home to Fort Cavazos in Texas. Instead, officials said he traveled to Russia.The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details.Cynthia Smith, Army spokeswoman, confirmed that a soldier was detained on Thursday in Vladivostok, a major military and commercial Pacific port, on charges of criminal misconduct. She said Russia notified the U.S. and the Army told the soldier's family.“The U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia,” Smith said.It was unclear Monday if the soldier is considered absent without leave, or AWOL.The arrest comes less than a year after American soldier Travis King&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">sprinted into North Korea</a>&nbsp;across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas. North Korea&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-travis-king-quick-release-analysis-e0e1a2e3a90097c0d666cb385b185071">later announced</a>&nbsp;that it would expel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-king/">King</a>, who was returned to the U.S. He was eventually charged with desertion.Russia is known to be holding a number of Americans in its jails, including corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, The U.S. government has designated both as wrongfully detained and has been trying to negotiate for their release.Others detained include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-musician-arrested-drug-trafficking-3d32c6e75660d17f993dd6afe396eea7">Travis Leake</a>, a musician who had been living in Russia for years and was arrested last year on drug-related charges; Marc Fogel, a teacher in Moscow, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison, also on drug charges; and dual nationals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-american-journalist-radio-free-europe-alsu-kurmasheva-0bd25c4f04201eed5b3a9aa871e1f6ad">Alsu Kurmasheva</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-woman-arrest-russia-ukraine-3a121981719ed1904c0bbdbdb38f14ab">Ksenia Khavana</a>.The soldier's arrest in Russia was first reported by NBC News.-----------------WASHINGTON (AP) — An American soldier has been arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, according to two U.S. officials.The soldier, who is not being identified, was stationed in South Korea and was in the process of returning home to the United States. Instead, officials said he traveled to Russia.The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details.Cynthia Smith, Army spokeswoman, confirmed that a soldier was detained on Thursday in Vladivostok, a major military and commercial Pacific port, on charges of criminal misconduct. She said Russia notified the U.S. and the Army told the soldier's family.“The U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia,” Smith said.It was unclear Monday if the soldier is considered absent without leave, or AWOL.The arrest comes less than a year after American soldier Travis King&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">sprinted into North Korea</a>&nbsp;across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas. North Korea&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-travis-king-quick-release-analysis-e0e1a2e3a90097c0d666cb385b185071">later announced</a>&nbsp;that it would expel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/travis-king/">King</a>, who was returned to the U.S. He was eventually charged with desertion.Russia is known to be holding a number of Americans in its jails, including corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, The U.S. government has designated both as wrongfully detained and has been trying to negotiate for their release.Others detained include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-musician-arrested-drug-trafficking-3d32c6e75660d17f993dd6afe396eea7">Travis Leake</a>, a musician who had been living in Russia for years and was arrested last year on drug-related charges; Marc Fogel, a teacher in Moscow, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison, also on drug charges; and dual nationals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-american-journalist-radio-free-europe-alsu-kurmasheva-0bd25c4f04201eed5b3a9aa871e1f6ad">Alsu Kurmasheva</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-woman-arrest-russia-ukraine-3a121981719ed1904c0bbdbdb38f14ab">Ksenia Khavana</a>.

Officials ID U.S. Army soldier arrested in Russia

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 1a.m. April 28, a Sheriff's Deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a Mercury Grand Marquis near 150th and U.S. Highway 75 for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

The traffic stop ended as both the driver and the passenger were arrested.  The driver identified as 59-year-old Rodger Daryl Baker and the passenger 59-year-old Colette Marie McKinnon both of Topeka were arrested booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714580401520.png" alt="Baker photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Baker photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 1a.m. April 28, a Sheriff's Deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a Mercury Grand Marquis near 150th and U.S. Highway 75 for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714580359595.png" alt="McKinnon-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>McKinnon-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The traffic stop ended as both the driver and the passenger were arrested. The driver identified as 59-year-old Rodger Daryl Baker and the passenger 59-year-old Colette Marie McKinnon both of Topeka were arrested booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Kansas couple caught transporting methamphetamine

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.

Thaddeus Jordan, Outside warrant, arrested 05/03

Alexander Hudson, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 05/04

Justin Coleman, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana (1 prior conviction), Driving while suspended, arrested 05/04

Estivania Dorcin, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 05/04

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715010275982.jpeg" alt="Britney Simpson, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 05/04" />
 <figcaption>Britney Simpson, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 05/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715010325327.jpeg" alt="Emmanuel Williams, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Interference with LEO-Obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, Criminal deprivation of property, Criminal damage to property, Domestic battery, Intimidation of a witness or victim, Prevent reporting or victimization, Kidnapping, Robbery, Aggravated assault-Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 05/04" />
 <figcaption>Emmanuel Williams, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Interference with LEO-Obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, Criminal deprivation of property, Criminal damage to property, Domestic battery, Intimidation of a witness or victim, Prevent reporting or victimization, Kidnapping, Robbery, Aggravated assault-Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 05/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715010810861.jpeg" alt="Daniel Garcia, Failure to appear, Failure to stop at accident, Reckless driving, arrested 05/04" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Garcia, Failure to appear, Failure to stop at accident, Reckless driving, arrested 05/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715010882424.jpeg" alt="Billy Estes, Domestic battery - Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship, Criminal damage to property, Aggravated domestic battery - Choke in a rude manner - Family member/dating relationship, arrested 05/04" />
 <figcaption>Billy Estes, Domestic battery - Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship, Criminal damage to property, Aggravated domestic battery - Choke in a rude manner - Family member/dating relationship, arrested 05/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715011047465.jpeg" alt="Jeisson Naglescruz, Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case, Criminal deprivation of property, Domestic battery - Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, Aggravated domestic battery - Impede breath/blocking nose/mouth of family/dating relationship, arrested 05/05" />
 <figcaption>Jeisson Naglescruz, Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case, Criminal deprivation of property, Domestic battery - Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, Aggravated domestic battery - Impede breath/blocking nose/mouth of family/dating relationship, arrested 05/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715011302858.jpeg" alt="Christopher Estrada, Criminal deprivation of property, Criminal threat, arrested 05/05" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Estrada, Criminal deprivation of property, Criminal threat, arrested 05/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715011374301.jpeg" alt="Ethan Langston, Domestic battery, arrested 05/06" />
 <figcaption>Ethan Langston, Domestic battery, arrested 05/06</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Thaddeus Jordan, Outside warrant, arrested 05/03Alexander Hudson, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 05/04Justin Coleman, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana (1 prior conviction), Driving while suspended, arrested 05/04Estivania Dorcin, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 05/04Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos May 4-6

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for another alleged DUI arrest.

Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police arrested 39-year-old&nbsp;Russell Harmon of Manhattan, was arrested in the 1200 block of Yuma Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Harmon was arrested on a probable cause offense of DUI- 3rd in 10 years and probation violation. 

He remains jailed on a $10,000 bond.&nbsp; &nbsp;In 2014, the Kansas Department of Corrections reported Harmon was in their custody for&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs - 3rd or subsequent conviction, for a conviction in Wabaunsee County.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for another alleged DUI arrest.Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police arrested 39-year-old&nbsp;Russell Harmon of Manhattan, was arrested in the 1200 block of Yuma Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Harmon was arrested on a probable cause offense of DUI- 3rd in 10 years and probation violation. He remains jailed on a $10,000 bond.&nbsp; &nbsp;In 2014, the Kansas Department of Corrections reported Harmon was in their custody for&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs - 3rd or subsequent conviction, for a conviction in Wabaunsee County.

Manhattan man accused of DUI for 3rd time in 10-years

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 1:30 a.m. May 1.,&nbsp; a Sheriff’s deputy stopped an SUV for a traffic infraction in rural Jackson County, Kansas, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the stop, illegal drug contraband was observed in plain view and a search of the car was initiated.

 Additionally, during the stop, methamphetamine was located. The driver identified as Melissa Brown, 54, of Topeka, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and driving while suspended. The passenger, Christian Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 41, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and he also had an outstanding warrant through Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714668229529.png" alt="Rodriguez-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 1:30 a.m. May 1.,&nbsp; a Sheriff’s deputy stopped an SUV for a traffic infraction in rural Jackson County, Kansas, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the stop, illegal drug contraband was observed in plain view and a search of the car was initiated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714668178082.png" alt="Brown-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Additionally, during the stop, methamphetamine was located. The driver identified as Melissa Brown, 54, of Topeka, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and driving while suspended. The passenger, Christian Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 41, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and he also had an outstanding warrant through Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff: Deputy saw drugs in car during Kan. traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-drug-enforcement-administration">The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration</a>&nbsp;is moving toward reclassifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana">marijuana</a>&nbsp;as a less dangerous drug. The Justice Department proposal would recognize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-health-schumer-becerra-dea-c00db5dabbeb9efd94cf17baff241e85">the medical uses of cannabis</a>, but wouldn't legalize it for recreational use.

The proposal would move marijuana from the “Schedule I” group to the less tightly regulated “Schedule III."

So what does that mean, and what are the implications?

WHAT HAS ACTUALLY CHANGED? WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Technically, nothing yet.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-biden-dea-criminal-justice-pot-f833a8dae6ceb31a8658a5d65832a3b8">The proposal</a>&nbsp;must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, and then undergo a public-comment period and review from an administrative judge, a potentially lengthy process.

Still, the switch is considered “paradigm-shifting, and it’s very exciting,” Vince Sliwoski, a Portland, Oregon-based cannabis and psychedelics attorney who runs well-known legal blogs on those topics, told The Associated Press when the federal Health and Human Services Department recommended the change.

“I can’t emphasize enough how big of news it is,” he said.

It came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">President Joe Biden asked</a>&nbsp;both HHS and the attorney general, who oversees the DEA, last year to review how marijuana was classified. Schedule I put it on par, legally, with heroin, LSD, quaaludes and ecstasy, among others.

Biden, a Democrat, supports legalizing medical marijuana for use “where appropriate, consistent with medical and scientific evidence,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday. “That is why it is important for this independent review to go through.”

IF MARIJUANA GETS RECLASSIFIED, WOULD IT LEGALIZE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS NATIONWIDE?

No. Schedule III drugs — which include ketamine, anabolic steroids and some acetaminophen-codeine combinations — are still controlled substances.

They're subject to various rules that allow for some medical uses, and for federal criminal prosecution of anyone who traffics in the drugs without permission.

No changes are expected to the medical marijuana programs now licensed in 38 states or the legal recreational cannabis markets in 23 states, but it's unlikely they would meet the federal production, record-keeping, prescribing and other requirements for Schedule III drugs.

There haven't been many federal prosecutions for simply possessing marijuana in recent years, even under marijuana’s current Schedule I status, but the reclassification wouldn't have an immediate impact on people already in the criminal justice system.

“Put simple, this move from Schedule I to Schedule III is not getting people out of jail,” said David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council.

But rescheduling in itself would have some impact, particularly on research and marijuana business taxes.

Because marijuana is on Schedule I, it's been very difficult to conduct authorized clinical studies that involve administering the drug. That has created something of a Catch-22: calls for more research, but barriers to doing it. (Scientists sometimes rely instead on people’s own reports of their marijuana use.)

Schedule III drugs are easier to study, though the reclassification wouldn't immediately reverse all barriers to study.

“It’s going to be really confusing for a long time,” said Ziva Cooper, director of the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids. “When the dust has settled, I don’t know how many years from now, research will be easier.”

Among the unknowns: whether researchers will be able to study marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries and how the federal Food and Drug Administration might oversee that.

“Reducing the schedule to schedule 3 will open up the door for us to be able to conduct research with human subjects with cannabis,” said Susan Ferguson, director of University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug &amp; Alcohol Institute in Seattle.

Under the federal tax code, businesses involved in “trafficking” in marijuana or any other Schedule I or II drug can't deduct rent, payroll or various other expenses that other businesses can write off. (Yes, at least some cannabis businesses, particularly state-licensed ones, do pay taxes to the federal government, despite its prohibition on marijuana.) Industry groups say the tax rate often ends up at 70% or more.

The deduction rule doesn't apply to Schedule III drugs, so the proposed change would cut cannabis companies' taxes substantially.

They say it would treat them like other industries and help them compete against illegal competitors that are frustrating licensees and officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-new-york-unlicensed-pot-shops-crackdown-343e14fd9e95dd15fb9bb4ebb74da9c6">places such as New York</a>.

“You’re going to make these state-legal programs stronger,” says Adam Goers, an executive at medical and recreational cannabis giant Columbia Care. He co-chairs a coalition of corporate and other players that’s pushing for rescheduling.

It could also mean more cannabis promotion and advertising if those costs could be deducted, according to Beau Kilmer, co-director of the RAND Drug Policy Center.

Rescheduling wouldn't directly affect another marijuana business problem: difficulty accessing banks, particularly for loans, because the federally regulated institutions are wary of the drug's legal status. The industry has been looking instead to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-us-news-ap-top-news-bills-wa-state-wire-ffd7b57255054696bcf96b1a8033268a">measure called the SAFE Banking Act</a>. It has repeatedly passed the House but stalled in the Senate.

Indeed, there are, including the national anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana. President Kevin Sabet, a former Obama administration drug policy official, said the HHS recommendation “flies in the face of science, reeks of politics” and gives a regrettable nod to an industry “desperately looking for legitimacy.”

Some legalization advocates say rescheduling weed is too incremental. They want to keep the focus on removing it completely from the controlled substances list, which doesn't include such items as alcohol or tobacco (they're regulated, but that's not the same).

Paul Armentano, the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said that simply reclassifying marijuana would be “perpetuating the existing divide between state and federal marijuana policies.” Minority Cannabis Business Association President Kaliko Castille said rescheduling just "re-brands prohibition," rather than giving an all-clear to state licensees and putting a definitive close to decades of arrests that disproportionately pulled in people of color.

“Schedule III is going to leave it in this kind of amorphous, mucky middle where people are not going to understand the danger of it still being federally illegal,” he said.

___ Peltz reported from New York. Associated Press writers Colleen Long in Washington and Carla K. Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698668144157.png" alt="Photo Rebecca Rivas" />
 <figcaption>Photo Rebecca Rivas</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-drug-enforcement-administration">The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration</a>&nbsp;is moving toward reclassifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/marijuana">marijuana</a>&nbsp;as a less dangerous drug. The Justice Department proposal would recognize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-health-schumer-becerra-dea-c00db5dabbeb9efd94cf17baff241e85">the medical uses of cannabis</a>, but wouldn't legalize it for recreational use.The proposal would move marijuana from the “Schedule I” group to the less tightly regulated “Schedule III."So what does that mean, and what are the implications?WHAT HAS ACTUALLY CHANGED? WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?Technically, nothing yet.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-biden-dea-criminal-justice-pot-f833a8dae6ceb31a8658a5d65832a3b8">The proposal</a>&nbsp;must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, and then undergo a public-comment period and review from an administrative judge, a potentially lengthy process.Still, the switch is considered “paradigm-shifting, and it’s very exciting,” Vince Sliwoski, a Portland, Oregon-based cannabis and psychedelics attorney who runs well-known legal blogs on those topics, told The Associated Press when the federal Health and Human Services Department recommended the change.“I can’t emphasize enough how big of news it is,” he said.It came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-marijuana-government-and-politics-2d5e3d9e2cfbbbe3ee114536738894a8">President Joe Biden asked</a>&nbsp;both HHS and the attorney general, who oversees the DEA, last year to review how marijuana was classified. Schedule I put it on par, legally, with heroin, LSD, quaaludes and ecstasy, among others.Biden, a Democrat, supports legalizing medical marijuana for use “where appropriate, consistent with medical and scientific evidence,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday. “That is why it is important for this independent review to go through.”IF MARIJUANA GETS RECLASSIFIED, WOULD IT LEGALIZE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS NATIONWIDE?No. Schedule III drugs — which include ketamine, anabolic steroids and some acetaminophen-codeine combinations — are still controlled substances.They're subject to various rules that allow for some medical uses, and for federal criminal prosecution of anyone who traffics in the drugs without permission.No changes are expected to the medical marijuana programs now licensed in 38 states or the legal recreational cannabis markets in 23 states, but it's unlikely they would meet the federal production, record-keeping, prescribing and other requirements for Schedule III drugs.There haven't been many federal prosecutions for simply possessing marijuana in recent years, even under marijuana’s current Schedule I status, but the reclassification wouldn't have an immediate impact on people already in the criminal justice system.“Put simple, this move from Schedule I to Schedule III is not getting people out of jail,” said David Culver, senior vice president of public affairs at the U.S. Cannabis Council.But rescheduling in itself would have some impact, particularly on research and marijuana business taxes.WHAT WOULD THIS MEAN FOR RESEARCH?Because marijuana is on Schedule I, it's been very difficult to conduct authorized clinical studies that involve administering the drug. That has created something of a Catch-22: calls for more research, but barriers to doing it. (Scientists sometimes rely instead on people’s own reports of their marijuana use.)Schedule III drugs are easier to study, though the reclassification wouldn't immediately reverse all barriers to study.“It’s going to be really confusing for a long time,” said Ziva Cooper, director of the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids. “When the dust has settled, I don’t know how many years from now, research will be easier.”Among the unknowns: whether researchers will be able to study marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries and how the federal Food and Drug Administration might oversee that.Some researchers are optimistic.“Reducing the schedule to schedule 3 will open up the door for us to be able to conduct research with human subjects with cannabis,” said Susan Ferguson, director of University of Washington’s Addictions, Drug &amp; Alcohol Institute in Seattle.WHAT ABOUT TAXES (AND BANKING)?Under the federal tax code, businesses involved in “trafficking” in marijuana or any other Schedule I or II drug can't deduct rent, payroll or various other expenses that other businesses can write off. (Yes, at least some cannabis businesses, particularly state-licensed ones, do pay taxes to the federal government, despite its prohibition on marijuana.) Industry groups say the tax rate often ends up at 70% or more.The deduction rule doesn't apply to Schedule III drugs, so the proposed change would cut cannabis companies' taxes substantially.They say it would treat them like other industries and help them compete against illegal competitors that are frustrating licensees and officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-new-york-unlicensed-pot-shops-crackdown-343e14fd9e95dd15fb9bb4ebb74da9c6">places such as New York</a>.“You’re going to make these state-legal programs stronger,” says Adam Goers, an executive at medical and recreational cannabis giant Columbia Care. He co-chairs a coalition of corporate and other players that’s pushing for rescheduling.It could also mean more cannabis promotion and advertising if those costs could be deducted, according to Beau Kilmer, co-director of the RAND Drug Policy Center.Rescheduling wouldn't directly affect another marijuana business problem: difficulty accessing banks, particularly for loans, because the federally regulated institutions are wary of the drug's legal status. The industry has been looking instead to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-us-news-ap-top-news-bills-wa-state-wire-ffd7b57255054696bcf96b1a8033268a">measure called the SAFE Banking Act</a>. It has repeatedly passed the House but stalled in the Senate.ARE THERE CRITICS? WHAT DO THEY SAY?Indeed, there are, including the national anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana. President Kevin Sabet, a former Obama administration drug policy official, said the HHS recommendation “flies in the face of science, reeks of politics” and gives a regrettable nod to an industry “desperately looking for legitimacy.”Some legalization advocates say rescheduling weed is too incremental. They want to keep the focus on removing it completely from the controlled substances list, which doesn't include such items as alcohol or tobacco (they're regulated, but that's not the same).Paul Armentano, the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said that simply reclassifying marijuana would be “perpetuating the existing divide between state and federal marijuana policies.” Minority Cannabis Business Association President Kaliko Castille said rescheduling just "re-brands prohibition," rather than giving an all-clear to state licensees and putting a definitive close to decades of arrests that disproportionately pulled in people of color.“Schedule III is going to leave it in this kind of amorphous, mucky middle where people are not going to understand the danger of it still being federally illegal,” he said.___ Peltz reported from New York. Associated Press writers Colleen Long in Washington and Carla K. Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report.

What marijuana reclassification means for the United States

SEDGWICK COUNT—A suspect charged in a crash that killed a Kansas woman is out of jail.&nbsp;

&nbsp;On April 18, Austin Hedges, 24, Greeley, Colorado, was charged with reckless involuntary manslaughter and arrested in Colorado, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. On April 30, Hedges was extradited from Colorado and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online booking records.

On March 16, a vehicle driven by Hedges was northbound on Rock Road in Wichita and struck a vehicle driven by 82-year-old Kathy Knorr who was turning from Killarney Court onto southbound Rock Road, according to Wichita Police.

EMS transported Knorr to a local hospital. She died on March 30.&nbsp; Hedges met the conditions of a $100,000 bond for his release from jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714590780723.png" alt="Hedges-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Hedges-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNT—A suspect charged in a crash that killed a Kansas woman is out of jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;On April 18, Austin Hedges, 24, Greeley, Colorado, was charged with reckless involuntary manslaughter and arrested in Colorado, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. On April 30, Hedges was extradited from Colorado and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to online booking records.On March 16, a vehicle driven by Hedges was northbound on Rock Road in Wichita and struck a vehicle driven by 82-year-old Kathy Knorr who was turning from Killarney Court onto southbound Rock Road, according to Wichita Police.EMS transported Knorr to a local hospital. She died on March 30.&nbsp; Hedges met the conditions of a $100,000 bond for his release from jail.&nbsp;

Man charged in crash that killed Kansas woman is out of jail

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

Just after 11:30p.m. April 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2016 Toyota Camry for a traffic infraction near U.S. Highway 75 and Columbine Drive north of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 During the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.&nbsp; During the search of the vehicle, approx. 3.7 ounces of methamphetamine, a hallucinogenic drug, drug paraphernalia and a firearm were located.

The driver, Thomas Len Myers, 35, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons and criminal possession of weapon by felon

The passenger, Rashad Kamen Holloway, 35, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Holloway was also arrested for a felony warrant out of Geary Co, Kansas for a probation violation stemming from a previous distribution of methamphetamine charge from 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714745661486.png" alt="Holloway-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Holloway-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 11:30p.m. April 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2016 Toyota Camry for a traffic infraction near U.S. Highway 75 and Columbine Drive north of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.&nbsp; During the search of the vehicle, approx. 3.7 ounces of methamphetamine, a hallucinogenic drug, drug paraphernalia and a firearm were located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714745640569.png" alt="Myers photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Myers photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, Thomas Len Myers, 35, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons and criminal possession of weapon by felonThe passenger, Rashad Kamen Holloway, 35, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.Holloway was also arrested for a felony warrant out of Geary Co, Kansas for a probation violation stemming from a previous distribution of methamphetamine charge from 2022.

Two Kansas men accused of selling methamphetamine

RENO COOUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged violent attack on a woman and have made an arrest.

Just before 5 p.m.,&nbsp; Friday, police were dispatched to a residence in the 1300 block of North Arthur in Hutchinson for a stabbing, according to a media release from police.

First responders located a woman with life threatening injuries. The victim was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and later to a Wichita hospital where she remains in serious, but stable condition.

A suspect was identified and at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Saturday,&nbsp; Joseph D. Castorena, 41, of Hutchinson, was arrested for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Sexual Battery, and Parole Violation.

Castorena has previous convictions for robbery. counterfeiting, aggravated battery, aiding a felon, criminal possession of firearm and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714856836546.png" alt="Castorena photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Castorena photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COOUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged violent attack on a woman and have made an arrest.Just before 5 p.m.,&nbsp; Friday, police were dispatched to a residence in the 1300 block of North Arthur in Hutchinson for a stabbing, according to a media release from police.First responders located a woman with life threatening injuries. The victim was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and later to a Wichita hospital where she remains in serious, but stable condition.A suspect was identified and at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Saturday,&nbsp; Joseph D. Castorena, 41, of Hutchinson, was arrested for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Sexual Battery, and Parole Violation.Castorena has previous convictions for robbery. counterfeiting, aggravated battery, aiding a felon, criminal possession of firearm and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. man with history of violent crime jailed for alleged attack on a woman

CREVE COEUR, Mo. (AP) — A 79-year-old Missouri man is accused of killing a woman in her suburban Chicago home — a crime that happened nearly six decades ago.

James Barbier was arrested Monday at his St. Louis County home and charged with first-degree murder in the November 1966 death of 18-year-old Karen Snider in Cook County, Illinois.

The break came when police reopened the cold case and sent blood evidence to a lab in December 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/st-louis-county-man-charged-with-1966-chicago-killing-stabbing-woman-125-times/article_dbbe0e1e-098a-11ef-b8a5-1bd0bd09a715.html#tracking-source=mp-homepage">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported. The blood matched Barbier's. Following his arrest, he was extradited to Cook County.

The state's attorney office said Barbier was released Thursday — prosecutors didn't seek to keep him in jail because of his age and “physical infirmity.” He is prohibited from leaving Missouri or Illinois and was required to give up his passport and firearms. He faces another court hearing May 21.

It wasn't clear if Barbier had an attorney. Phone calls to his home on Saturday went unanswered.

Snider's body was found by her husband, Paul, on the night of Nov. 12, 1966, after he came home late to their house in Calumet City, Illinois, prosecutors wrote in court documents. The couple's 2-month-old daughter was in a crib, unharmed.

Karen Snider was stabbed about 125 times, according to the medical examiner. Barbier, who worked with Paul Snider at a railroad yard, was arrested in 1966 but never charged. Authorities didn't say why.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714839995710.png" alt="Barbier- photo Calumet City PD" />
 <figcaption>Barbier- photo Calumet City PD</figcaption>
 </figure>CREVE COEUR, Mo. (AP) — A 79-year-old Missouri man is accused of killing a woman in her suburban Chicago home — a crime that happened nearly six decades ago.James Barbier was arrested Monday at his St. Louis County home and charged with first-degree murder in the November 1966 death of 18-year-old Karen Snider in Cook County, Illinois.The break came when police reopened the cold case and sent blood evidence to a lab in December 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/st-louis-county-man-charged-with-1966-chicago-killing-stabbing-woman-125-times/article_dbbe0e1e-098a-11ef-b8a5-1bd0bd09a715.html#tracking-source=mp-homepage">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported. The blood matched Barbier's. Following his arrest, he was extradited to Cook County.The state's attorney office said Barbier was released Thursday — prosecutors didn't seek to keep him in jail because of his age and “physical infirmity.” He is prohibited from leaving Missouri or Illinois and was required to give up his passport and firearms. He faces another court hearing May 21.It wasn't clear if Barbier had an attorney. Phone calls to his home on Saturday went unanswered.Snider's body was found by her husband, Paul, on the night of Nov. 12, 1966, after he came home late to their house in Calumet City, Illinois, prosecutors wrote in court documents. The couple's 2-month-old daughter was in a crib, unharmed.Karen Snider was stabbed about 125 times, according to the medical examiner. Barbier, who worked with Paul Snider at a railroad yard, was arrested in 1966 but never charged. Authorities didn't say why.

Missouri man charged in 1966 killing of 18-year-old

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff at a Kansas home.

Just before 7:30a.m. April 27,&nbsp; the Caney, Kansas Police Department requested assistance from the Montgomery County Emergency Response Team (SERT) to address a barricaded individual inside a home, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

The person in question, identified as 33-year-old Nathan Valdez of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, had reportedly threatened Caney Police Officers with a blunt object and made death threats against them.

Valdez had entered his family's residence on the 300 block of South Wood Street and subsequently barricaded himself inside. Upon the arrival of the Montgomery County SERT team, the residence was already surrounded by Caney Police, Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers who attempted to communicate with Valdez to encourage him to exit the premises peacefully.

Despite the initial efforts to establish dialogue, Valdez remained inside and refused to comply with orders to come out. The SERT team then requested additional support from the Coffeyville Police Department SOT team to assist in the operation. 

After several hours on the scene with Valdez refusing to exit, the decision was made to deploy less-lethal gas munitions into the residence to encourage his surrender. Following the deployment of these munitions, Valdez eventually exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.

Upon his arrest, Valdez was examined by Caney EMS and then transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections by the Caney Police Department. The operation concluded with no serious injuries to law enforcement personnel or other individuals involved.

Valdez remains jailed on requested charges of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714581330698.png" alt="Valdez-photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Valdez-photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff at a Kansas home.Just before 7:30a.m. April 27,&nbsp; the Caney, Kansas Police Department requested assistance from the Montgomery County Emergency Response Team (SERT) to address a barricaded individual inside a home, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.The person in question, identified as 33-year-old Nathan Valdez of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, had reportedly threatened Caney Police Officers with a blunt object and made death threats against them.Valdez had entered his family's residence on the 300 block of South Wood Street and subsequently barricaded himself inside. Upon the arrival of the Montgomery County SERT team, the residence was already surrounded by Caney Police, Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers who attempted to communicate with Valdez to encourage him to exit the premises peacefully.Despite the initial efforts to establish dialogue, Valdez remained inside and refused to comply with orders to come out. The SERT team then requested additional support from the Coffeyville Police Department SOT team to assist in the operation. After several hours on the scene with Valdez refusing to exit, the decision was made to deploy less-lethal gas munitions into the residence to encourage his surrender. Following the deployment of these munitions, Valdez eventually exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.Upon his arrest, Valdez was examined by Caney EMS and then transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections by the Caney Police Department. The operation concluded with no serious injuries to law enforcement personnel or other individuals involved.Valdez remains jailed on requested charges of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer.

Police used less-lethal gas munitions to end Kansas standoff

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas, man was arrested last week while crossing the border from Mexico back into the United States after being indicted by a federal grand jury for stealing 41 firearms from a gun store in Raytown, Missouri, according to the United State's Attorney.

“We are committed to stanching the flow of illegal firearms on the black market, whether they’re trafficked within the United States or smuggled into Mexico,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore of the Western District of Missouri. “Stolen firearms often supply black market dealers and fuel more crime and violence. It’s critical that we hold to account everyone involved along this chain of criminal activity.”

“The charges demonstrate the power of crime gun intelligence and cooperation with Mexican law enforcement to stem the flow of firearms from the U.S. into Mexico — where they arm the violent cartels that flood our communities with deadly drugs,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “By submitting information about recovered firearms to ATF’s eTrace system, Mexican law enforcement helped us link the alleged theft of firearms in Missouri to their international transport and recovery in Mexico.”

“Mexican organized crime groups use firearms to commit heinous crimes against civilians and rival criminal groups,” stated Bernard G. Hansen, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Kansas City. “There is no safe hiding place for anyone engaged in illegal firearms trafficking to Mexico.&nbsp; Stemming the flow of illegal guns to Mexico is of the highest priority for ATF and we will work relentlessly to investigate firearm thefts in order to prevent and dismantle the flow of illegal firearms.”

Frank Guereca, 22,&nbsp; Olathe, was charged with one count of stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee in an indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, April 24. The indictment was unsealed and made public today. Guereca is scheduled for his initial court appearance today at 2:30 p.m. in El Paso, Texas (3:30 p.m. CST) before U.S Magistrate Judge Miguel Torres of the Western District of Texas.

The federal indictment alleges that Guereca, aiding and abetting others, stole the firearms on June 16, 2023. All of the stolen firearms were pistols of various manufacturers and calibers.

According to court documents, Guereca and at least two others used a stolen U-Haul to conduct the firearms theft. One of the stolen pistols from the gun store was recovered in Tracy, Calif., on Nov. 14, 2023. A second stolen pistol was recovered in Chihuahua, Mexico, on Dec. 19, 2023. A third stolen pistol was recovered in Juarez, Mexico, on Feb. 6, 2024.

Guereca was arrested on Thursday, April 25, as he attempted to cross back into the United States from Mexico. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection records, Guereca had previously crossed the border approximately 20 times since the burglary and theft on June 16, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702505915425.png" alt="Photo Aristide Economopoulos&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo Aristide Economopoulos&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas, man was arrested last week while crossing the border from Mexico back into the United States after being indicted by a federal grand jury for stealing 41 firearms from a gun store in Raytown, Missouri, according to the United State's Attorney.“We are committed to stanching the flow of illegal firearms on the black market, whether they’re trafficked within the United States or smuggled into Mexico,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore of the Western District of Missouri. “Stolen firearms often supply black market dealers and fuel more crime and violence. It’s critical that we hold to account everyone involved along this chain of criminal activity.”“The charges demonstrate the power of crime gun intelligence and cooperation with Mexican law enforcement to stem the flow of firearms from the U.S. into Mexico — where they arm the violent cartels that flood our communities with deadly drugs,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “By submitting information about recovered firearms to ATF’s eTrace system, Mexican law enforcement helped us link the alleged theft of firearms in Missouri to their international transport and recovery in Mexico.”“Mexican organized crime groups use firearms to commit heinous crimes against civilians and rival criminal groups,” stated Bernard G. Hansen, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Kansas City. “There is no safe hiding place for anyone engaged in illegal firearms trafficking to Mexico.&nbsp; Stemming the flow of illegal guns to Mexico is of the highest priority for ATF and we will work relentlessly to investigate firearm thefts in order to prevent and dismantle the flow of illegal firearms.”Frank Guereca, 22,&nbsp; Olathe, was charged with one count of stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee in an indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, April 24. The indictment was unsealed and made public today. Guereca is scheduled for his initial court appearance today at 2:30 p.m. in El Paso, Texas (3:30 p.m. CST) before U.S Magistrate Judge Miguel Torres of the Western District of Texas.The federal indictment alleges that Guereca, aiding and abetting others, stole the firearms on June 16, 2023. All of the stolen firearms were pistols of various manufacturers and calibers.According to court documents, Guereca and at least two others used a stolen U-Haul to conduct the firearms theft. One of the stolen pistols from the gun store was recovered in Tracy, Calif., on Nov. 14, 2023. A second stolen pistol was recovered in Chihuahua, Mexico, on Dec. 19, 2023. A third stolen pistol was recovered in Juarez, Mexico, on Feb. 6, 2024.Guereca was arrested on Thursday, April 25, as he attempted to cross back into the United States from Mexico. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection records, Guereca had previously crossed the border approximately 20 times since the burglary and theft on June 16, 2023.

Kan. man caught at Mexico border accused in theft of 41 firearms

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Topeka Police Department (TPD) arrested a man for his role in an officer-involved shooting that occurred April 20, in Topeka.

Just before noon Friday, Terrell D. Hayes-Osby, 34, of Topeka, was arrested on a requested charge of attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and unlawfully tampering with electronic monitoring equipment, according to a media release from the KBI.

Hayes-Osby was arrested as he was released from Stormont Vail Hospital where he was recovering from injuries sustained in the shooting.

The attempted capital murder charge was secured by the KBI who is investigating the officer-involved shooting near 16th&nbsp;St. and Tyler St., where Hayes-Osby fired a pistol multiple times toward TPD officers. The remaining felony charges were secured by TPD in their investigation into the theft at gunpoint of a pickup truck, occurring prior to the shooting at the gas station at 2740 SE California Ave.

Following the arrest, Hayes-Osby was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714762892804.png" alt="Hayes-Osby-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Hayes-Osby-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Topeka Police Department (TPD) arrested a man for his role in an officer-involved shooting that occurred April 20, in Topeka.Just before noon Friday, Terrell D. Hayes-Osby, 34, of Topeka, was arrested on a requested charge of attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and unlawfully tampering with electronic monitoring equipment, according to a media release from the KBI.Hayes-Osby was arrested as he was released from Stormont Vail Hospital where he was recovering from injuries sustained in the shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713660808243.png" alt="Photo of the police investigation courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo of the police investigation courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The attempted capital murder charge was secured by the KBI who is investigating the officer-involved shooting near 16th&nbsp;St. and Tyler St., where Hayes-Osby fired a pistol multiple times toward TPD officers. The remaining felony charges were secured by TPD in their investigation into the theft at gunpoint of a pickup truck, occurring prior to the shooting at the gas station at 2740 SE California Ave.Following the arrest, Hayes-Osby was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Kan. carjacking suspect shot by police moved from hospital to jail

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man who tried to kill a woman and shot at a car with her and their children in it pleaded guilty on Thursday, before his trial was scheduled to start Monday.

According to Reno County Senior Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh, on Thursday Kamden Campos plead guilty to one count of aggravated kidnapping, no contest to four separate attempts to kill the woman, guilty to knowingly causing great bodily harm to the 22 month old in the car, as a&nbsp;bullet had entered the license plate, gone through the car seat and entered the back of the minor child.

Campos also plead no contest to attempted murder in the first degree of a baby who was also in the back seat when the car was shot at and plead guilty to two counts of criminal threat.

The pleas of guilty were admission of guilt. The no contest pleas were admissions that the State of Kansas had sufficient evidence to prove his guilt and that evidence was not contested.&nbsp;

The prosecution informed the Court of the factual basis to support the counts and he was then found guilty.

Sentencing is set in Division I on June 7, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.

In July of 2022, Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;

The woman drove into Sedgwick County and called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669822978225.jpeg" alt="Kamden Campos photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Kamden Campos photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man who tried to kill a woman and shot at a car with her and their children in it pleaded guilty on Thursday, before his trial was scheduled to start Monday.According to Reno County Senior Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh, on Thursday Kamden Campos plead guilty to one count of aggravated kidnapping, no contest to four separate attempts to kill the woman, guilty to knowingly causing great bodily harm to the 22 month old in the car, as a&nbsp;bullet had entered the license plate, gone through the car seat and entered the back of the minor child.Campos also plead no contest to attempted murder in the first degree of a baby who was also in the back seat when the car was shot at and plead guilty to two counts of criminal threat.The pleas of guilty were admission of guilt. The no contest pleas were admissions that the State of Kansas had sufficient evidence to prove his guilt and that evidence was not contested.&nbsp;The prosecution informed the Court of the factual basis to support the counts and he was then found guilty.Sentencing is set in Division I on June 7, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.In July of 2022, Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County and called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.

Man enters plea in abduction, shooting of Kan. toddler

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the burglary and theft of a law enforcement vehicle and equipment made an arrest.

The burglary occurred April 17, in the overnight hours at the Spring Hill Suites,  2745 SW Fairlawn Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Police later located the vehicle unoccupied in the 1800 block of SE Maryland Street.

Investigators identified a suspect and have been working to find him. Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, located and arrested Vashawn M. Fitzpatrick, 36, of Topeka, in the 4400 block of SE Michigan Avenue in Topeka.

Fitzpatrick was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Theft $25,000 &lt;$100,000 Motor Vehicle, Theft of Firearm with value less than $25,000 (From Motor Vehicle), Possession of stolen property; Felony Theft &gt;$1,500 &lt;$25,000 Motor Vehicle and 8 warrants. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714693812722.png" alt="Fitzpatrick-Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Fitzpatrick-Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the burglary and theft of a law enforcement vehicle and equipment made an arrest.The burglary occurred April 17, in the overnight hours at the Spring Hill Suites, 2745 SW Fairlawn Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.Police later located the vehicle unoccupied in the 1800 block of SE Maryland Street.Investigators identified a suspect and have been working to find him. Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, located and arrested Vashawn M. Fitzpatrick, 36, of Topeka, in the 4400 block of SE Michigan Avenue in Topeka.Fitzpatrick was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Theft $25,000 &lt;$100,000 Motor Vehicle, Theft of Firearm with value less than $25,000 (From Motor Vehicle), Possession of stolen property; Felony Theft &gt;$1,500 &lt;$25,000 Motor Vehicle and 8 warrants. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of burglary, theft of law enforcement vehicle

James Innes, Failure to appear, arrested 05/02

Yance Woody, Failure to appear, arrested 05/02

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/2024/5/1714752003391.jpeg" alt="Ashley Janes, Probation violation, arrested 05/02" />
 <figcaption>Ashley Janes, Probation violation, arrested 05/02</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.James Innes, Failure to appear, arrested 05/02Yance Woody, Failure to appear, arrested 05/02Recent 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 May 3

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another fentanyl related death and have made an arrest.

On Thursday, officers with the Riley County Police Department secured the arrest of Luke Patrick Johnson,21, of Manhattan, in cooperation with the Pottawattamie County Sherriff’s Office, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

Johnson was located in Pottawattamie County and taken into custody on the Riley County District Court warrant by the Pottawattamie County Sherriff’s Office.&nbsp;

Johnson was arrested on four separate warrants. The requested charges include distribution of a controlled substance causing death, aggravated battery, distribution of opiate/opium/ narcotic/ stimulant/ heroin dosage &lt;10 units x2, use of a communication facility, distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm and aggravated endangering a child.

Johnson’s charges are linked to the death of an 18-year-old female in May of 2023. &nbsp;Other charges stem from 2022 and 2023 cases involving controlled substances which resulted in bodily harm and an aggravated battery incident which occurred in Aggieville in late 2022.

Johnson is being held in Riley County on a bond of $1,575,000.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another fentanyl related death and have made an arrest.On Thursday, officers with the Riley County Police Department secured the arrest of Luke Patrick Johnson,21, of Manhattan, in cooperation with the Pottawattamie County Sherriff’s Office, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.Johnson was located in Pottawattamie County and taken into custody on the Riley County District Court warrant by the Pottawattamie County Sherriff’s Office.&nbsp;Johnson was arrested on four separate warrants. The requested charges include distribution of a controlled substance causing death, aggravated battery, distribution of opiate/opium/ narcotic/ stimulant/ heroin dosage &lt;10 units x2, use of a communication facility, distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm and aggravated endangering a child.Johnson’s charges are linked to the death of an 18-year-old female in May of 2023. &nbsp;Other charges stem from 2022 and 2023 cases involving controlled substances which resulted in bodily harm and an aggravated battery incident which occurred in Aggieville in late 2022.Johnson is being held in Riley County on a bond of $1,575,000.&nbsp;

Manhattan man accused in teen's fentanyl death

JERUSALEM (AP) —Dror Or, a 49-year-old held captive in Gaza, has died, the Hostages Families Forum said Friday. Or marks the 38th hostage killed, the forum said.

He was one of about 250 people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-displaced-hamas-dead-sea-beeri-hotel-94d57fc34dd18a73e38eea8437d15801">abducted when Hamas attacked</a>&nbsp;southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel says militants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostage-families-ceasefire-ramadan-d1b0da2f7bd2e9882f79ebae874561be">still hold around 100 hostages</a>&nbsp;and the remains of more than 30 others.

Dozens of people demonstrated Thursday night outside Israel’s military headquarters in Tel Aviv, demanding a deal to release the hostages. Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-gaza-palestinian-authority-israel-war-ed7018dbaae09b81513daf3bda38109a">Hamas</a>&nbsp;said it would send a delegation to Cairo as soon as possible to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-05-02-2024-0699ef663cba7318c375c0ee5bbf20ae">keep working on cease-fire talks</a>. A leaked truce proposal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-ceasefire-negotiations-7cec005ccd59dbd817ef9614a8611ca4">hints at compromises by both sides</a>&nbsp;after months of talks languishing in a stalemate.

Across the United States, tent encampments and demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/college-protests-Palestine-updates">spread across university campuses</a>. More than 2,000 protesters have been arrested over the past two weeks as students rally against the war’s death toll and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-protest-gaza-war-arrest-amnesty-ae235703d6a9b99114078fca13a530a0">call for universities to separate themselves</a>&nbsp;from any companies that are advancing Israel’s military efforts in Gaza.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;has driven around 80% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million from their homes, caused vast destruction in several towns and cities, and pushed northern Gaza&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-18-2024-eefc526aec97821fe5f1e845801a6640">to the brink of famine</a>. The death toll in Gaza has soared to more than 34,500 people,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">according to local health officials</a>, and the territory's entire population has been driven into a humanitarian catastrophe.

Meanwhile, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, while at a news conference Thursday in Hawaii, was asked by a reporter what consequences Israel would face from the U.S. if Israel conducted an offensive operation in Rafah without “appropriately taking into account” civilians in the area.

Austin said it would be up to President Joe Biden and he wouldn’t speculate on that, but that currently, "conditions are not favorable to any kind of operation."

“What we’ve highlighted for the Israelis is that it’s really important to make sure that the civilians that are in that battle space move out of that battle space before any activity is conducted. And that if and when they return to any kind of operation that it be conducted in a more much more precise fashion,” Austin said.

He noted there were about 275,000 people living in and around Rafah before the conflict started but there are now about 1.4 million.

“That’s a lot of people in a very small space. There’s a good chance that without taking the right measures that we’ll see a lot more civilian casualties going forward. So before anything happens, we certainly want to see them address that threat to the civilians,” Austin said.

“Right now, the conditions are not favorable to any kind of operation. And we’ve been clear about that. It is necessary to take care of the civilian population that’s in that area before anything else happens,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714731047165.png" alt="Dror Or- photo Hostage and Missing Families" />
 <figcaption>Dror Or- photo Hostage and Missing Families</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) —Dror Or, a 49-year-old held captive in Gaza, has died, the Hostages Families Forum said Friday. Or marks the 38th hostage killed, the forum said.He was one of about 250 people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-displaced-hamas-dead-sea-beeri-hotel-94d57fc34dd18a73e38eea8437d15801">abducted when Hamas attacked</a>&nbsp;southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel says militants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-hostage-families-ceasefire-ramadan-d1b0da2f7bd2e9882f79ebae874561be">still hold around 100 hostages</a>&nbsp;and the remains of more than 30 others.Dozens of people demonstrated Thursday night outside Israel’s military headquarters in Tel Aviv, demanding a deal to release the hostages. Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-gaza-palestinian-authority-israel-war-ed7018dbaae09b81513daf3bda38109a">Hamas</a>&nbsp;said it would send a delegation to Cairo as soon as possible to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-05-02-2024-0699ef663cba7318c375c0ee5bbf20ae">keep working on cease-fire talks</a>. A leaked truce proposal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-ceasefire-negotiations-7cec005ccd59dbd817ef9614a8611ca4">hints at compromises by both sides</a>&nbsp;after months of talks languishing in a stalemate.Across the United States, tent encampments and demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/college-protests-Palestine-updates">spread across university campuses</a>. More than 2,000 protesters have been arrested over the past two weeks as students rally against the war’s death toll and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-protest-gaza-war-arrest-amnesty-ae235703d6a9b99114078fca13a530a0">call for universities to separate themselves</a>&nbsp;from any companies that are advancing Israel’s military efforts in Gaza.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;has driven around 80% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million from their homes, caused vast destruction in several towns and cities, and pushed northern Gaza&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-18-2024-eefc526aec97821fe5f1e845801a6640">to the brink of famine</a>. The death toll in Gaza has soared to more than 34,500 people,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">according to local health officials</a>, and the territory's entire population has been driven into a humanitarian catastrophe.Meanwhile, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, while at a news conference Thursday in Hawaii, was asked by a reporter what consequences Israel would face from the U.S. if Israel conducted an offensive operation in Rafah without “appropriately taking into account” civilians in the area.Austin said it would be up to President Joe Biden and he wouldn’t speculate on that, but that currently, "conditions are not favorable to any kind of operation."“What we’ve highlighted for the Israelis is that it’s really important to make sure that the civilians that are in that battle space move out of that battle space before any activity is conducted. And that if and when they return to any kind of operation that it be conducted in a more much more precise fashion,” Austin said.He noted there were about 275,000 people living in and around Rafah before the conflict started but there are now about 1.4 million.“That’s a lot of people in a very small space. There’s a good chance that without taking the right measures that we’ll see a lot more civilian casualties going forward. So before anything happens, we certainly want to see them address that threat to the civilians,” Austin said.“Right now, the conditions are not favorable to any kind of operation. And we’ve been clear about that. It is necessary to take care of the civilian population that’s in that area before anything else happens,” he said.

U.S. confirms another hostage held in Gaza has died 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A pair of Kansas brothers will serve time in prison for opening fire on law enforcement officers as the officers were investigating an earlier, related shooting.

According to court documents, G’Ante Butler, 24, and Zarion Butler, 26, of Kansas City, Kansas, were both sentenced to 190 months’ imprisonment.

In December 2023, a federal jury found G’Ante Butler guilty of one count of forcible assault on a federal law enforcement officer and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Zarion Butler subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault of a federal law enforcement officer and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Co-defendants Nadarius Barnes, 24, Chase Lewis, 23, and Donnell L. Hall, 28, all of Kansas City, Kansas, each pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault on a federal law enforcement officer and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Barnes was sentenced to 156 months’ imprisonment, Lewis (a driver who did not shoot at officers) was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment, and Hall is awaiting sentencing.

On August 3, 2020, Kansas City, Kansas police officers responded to a “shots fired” call at a house where the Butler brothers’ parents lived on Farrow Avenue. In response to the investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agents and federally deputized Task Force Officers (TFOs) went to North Allis Street and arrested a suspect in the Farrow Avenue shooting. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704406464075.png" alt="G’Ante Butler-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>G’Ante Butler-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A pair of Kansas brothers will serve time in prison for opening fire on law enforcement officers as the officers were investigating an earlier, related shooting.According to court documents, G’Ante Butler, 24, and Zarion Butler, 26, of Kansas City, Kansas, were both sentenced to 190 months’ imprisonment.In December 2023, a federal jury found G’Ante Butler guilty of one count of forcible assault on a federal law enforcement officer and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714511230399.png" alt="Zarion Butler" />
 <figcaption>Zarion Butler</figcaption>
 </figure>Zarion Butler subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault of a federal law enforcement officer and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.Co-defendants Nadarius Barnes, 24, Chase Lewis, 23, and Donnell L. Hall, 28, all of Kansas City, Kansas, each pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault on a federal law enforcement officer and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Barnes was sentenced to 156 months’ imprisonment, Lewis (a driver who did not shoot at officers) was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment, and Hall is awaiting sentencing.On August 3, 2020, Kansas City, Kansas police officers responded to a “shots fired” call at a house where the Butler brothers’ parents lived on Farrow Avenue. In response to the investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agents and federally deputized Task Force Officers (TFOs) went to North Allis Street and arrested a suspect in the Farrow Avenue shooting. As the officers were returning to their vehicles, multiple shooters began firing at them. The officers tried to immediately take cover, however, not before an officer and a civilian bystander were struck by gunfire.The Butlers, Barnes, and Hall shot at the North Allis Street house in retaliation for the earlier shooting on Farrow Avenue. Officers later recovered numerous spent shell casings (including 9mm, .40 caliber, .45 caliber, 5.56 caliber, and 7.62 caliber casings) from an alley west of the targeted North Allis Street home.“Numerous brave Law Enforcement Officers started their day in August of 2020 doing their job by executing a lawful search warrant when they were ambushed by four individuals. No one can be allowed to shoot at law enforcement. This sentence sends a clear warning to anyone who thinks they can shoot at Law Enforcement and get away with it – they cannot. If they try, we will tirelessly work with the United States Attorney’s Office and our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute them to the fullest extent provided by law,” stated Bernard G. Hansen, Special Agent in Charge, Kansas City Field Division. “The actions of the ATF Special Agents and officers from our partner agencies that day are truly commendable as they acted with high regard not only for their safety but those of the surrounding community. I am both grateful for, and inspired by, the professionalism shown by the ATF agents who risked their lives that morning.”The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the case.