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

Just before 10:30p.m. April 19, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 1986 Ford Bronco near the intersection of 150th Road and Q Road for multiple alleged traffic infractions, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver, Diane M. Johnson, 64, of Mayetta, was arrested and transported to the Jackson County Jail. She was subsequently booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776607568979.png" alt="Johnson photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 10:30p.m. April 19, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 1986 Ford Bronco near the intersection of 150th Road and Q Road for multiple alleged traffic infractions, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver, Diane M. Johnson, 64, of Mayetta, was arrested and transported to the Jackson County Jail. She was subsequently booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of an open container.

Sheriff: Kan. driver had open container and was transporting meth

JOHNSON COUNTY —A member of the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff made a court appearance Thursday afternoon for alleged domestic battery, according to online jail records.

Just before 9p.m. on Wednesday, police in Overland Park arrested 54-year-old David Lee Merritt Sr. on requested charges of misdemeanor domestic battery.  He was booked into jail at 10:12p.m. Wednesday.

The Chiefs said they were aware of the arrest but had no comment.

Merritt was released from custody after meeting the requirement of a $2,500 personal recognizance bond. He is scheduled to return to court June 24.

JOHNSON COUNTY —A member of the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff was&nbsp; scheduled for a court appearance Thursday afternoon, according to online jail records in Johnson County.

Just before 9p.m. on Wednesday, police in Overland Park arrested 54-year-old David Lee Merritt Sr. on requested charges of misdemeanor domestic battery.&nbsp; He was booked into jail at 10:12p.m. Wednesday and was still in custody ahead of his court appearance.

Merritt was entering his eighth season as the defensive backs coach with the Chiefs, according to his online bio. He had a four-year playing career as a linebacker and played college football at North Carolina State.

The Chiefs have the ninth pick in the first round of the NFL draft that begins Thursday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776975083229.png" alt="Merritt photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Merritt photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A member of the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff made a court appearance Thursday afternoon for alleged domestic battery, according to online jail records.Just before 9p.m. on Wednesday, police in Overland Park arrested 54-year-old David Lee Merritt Sr. on requested charges of misdemeanor domestic battery. He was booked into jail at 10:12p.m. Wednesday.The Chiefs said they were aware of the arrest but had no comment.Merritt was released from custody after meeting the requirement of a $2,500 personal recognizance bond. He is scheduled to return to court June 24.-------------------JOHNSON COUNTY —A member of the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff was&nbsp; scheduled for a court appearance Thursday afternoon, according to online jail records in Johnson County.Just before 9p.m. on Wednesday, police in Overland Park arrested 54-year-old David Lee Merritt Sr. on requested charges of misdemeanor domestic battery.&nbsp; He was booked into jail at 10:12p.m. Wednesday and was still in custody ahead of his court appearance.The Chiefs said they were aware of the arrest but had no comment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776969298524.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Merritt was entering his eighth season as the defensive backs coach with the Chiefs, according to his online bio. He had a four-year playing career as a linebacker and played college football at North Carolina State.The Chiefs have the ninth pick in the first round of the NFL draft that begins Thursday night.

Chiefs assistant coach arrested ahead of NFL draft

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of sex crimes was to return to court Thursday

An arraignment hearing for 31-year-old Savana King, 31, Wichita was postponed, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On January 29, an 18-year-old woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by her former softball coach Savanah King over several years, between 2021 and 2024, before she reached the age of consent, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Police arrested King on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child; fondling, criminal sodomy with a child under the age of 14 and unlawful sexual relations, according to Sedgwick County arrest records. After spending a weekend in jail, King met the requirement of a $250,00 bond and was released from jail.

<a href="https://friendsathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savana-king/2824">King played softball for</a>&nbsp;Friends University, according to the school's website.&nbsp; The DA's office has not released details on the next court appearance for King.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739222315038.png" alt="King-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>King-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of sex crimes was to return to court ThursdayAn arraignment hearing for 31-year-old Savana King, 31, Wichita was postponed, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On January 29, an 18-year-old woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by her former softball coach Savanah King over several years, between 2021 and 2024, before she reached the age of consent, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.Police arrested King on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child; fondling, criminal sodomy with a child under the age of 14 and unlawful sexual relations, according to Sedgwick County arrest records. After spending a weekend in jail, King met the requirement of a $250,00 bond and was released from jail.<a href="https://friendsathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savana-king/2824">King played softball for</a>&nbsp;Friends University, according to the school's website.&nbsp; The DA's office has not released details on the next court appearance for King.

Hearing delayed: Former coach accused of sex assault of player 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A registered Kansas violent offender accused of attacking two woman in downtown Wichita&nbsp; is due back in court Thursday.

Ishara Samson, 35, Wichita is scheduled for an arraignment hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's offic.e

Samson is charged with two counts of battery and&nbsp; an offender registration violation.

On May 3, 2025 two women reported a suspect, later identified as Samson, attacked them while they were walking near Douglas and St. Francis in downtown Wichita, according to police.&nbsp; Samson was arrested at a homeless shelter.

He has been listed as a registered violent offender in Kansas since October 2022 after conviction on charges of&nbsp; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause great body harm/disfigure/death after an&nbsp;attack with a sword.&nbsp;

He’s being held in the Sedgwick County Jail on bonds totaling over $100,000, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748381720990.png" alt="Samson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Samson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A registered Kansas violent offender accused of attacking two woman in downtown Wichita&nbsp; is due back in court Thursday.Ishara Samson, 35, Wichita is scheduled for an arraignment hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's offic.eSamson is charged with two counts of battery and&nbsp; an offender registration violation.On May 3, 2025 two women reported a suspect, later identified as Samson, attacked them while they were walking near Douglas and St. Francis in downtown Wichita, according to police.&nbsp; Samson was arrested at a homeless shelter.He has been listed as a registered violent offender in Kansas since October 2022 after conviction on charges of&nbsp; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause great body harm/disfigure/death after an&nbsp;attack with a sword.&nbsp;He’s being held in the Sedgwick County Jail on bonds totaling over $100,000, according to online jail records.

Kan. registered offender due back in court for attack on 2 women

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred October 23 at Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichita.&nbsp; Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward in the case.  Police indicated they have only received very few tips on the investigation since the crime occurred.

At approximately 7:03 p.m. an off-duty WPD detective working secondary employment at&nbsp; the park heard multiple gunshots from another area of the park. The detective immediately ran toward the scene and found 32-year-old Travon Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds.

The detective called for backup and emergency medical services, then began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Stewart was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Preliminary findings indicate that around 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the football games. Stewart was at the park selling concessions as a fundraiser for a football team not affiliated with the Wichita Junior Football League.

Homicide investigators responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses who remained in the area. Detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and not connected to the youth football games.

Anyone who attended the games or may have information is urged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at 316-268-4407.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761331970728.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation in October -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation in October -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred October 23 at Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichita.&nbsp; Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward in the case. Police indicated they have only received very few tips on the investigation since the crime occurred.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762985053767.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CRIME STOPPERS APPROVES $10,000 REWARD ***PRESS RELEASE*** WICHITA, Kan. – Crime Stoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County has approved an increased reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the homicide of Trayvon Stewart. <a href="https://t.co/sgNgtHlJHj">pic.twitter.com/sgNgtHlJHj</a>&mdash; Crime Stoppers ICT (@crimestoppers) <a href="https://twitter.com/crimestoppers/status/1988667731865211043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At approximately 7:03 p.m. an off-duty WPD detective working secondary employment at&nbsp; the park heard multiple gunshots from another area of the park. The detective immediately ran toward the scene and found 32-year-old Travon Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds.The detective called for backup and emergency medical services, then began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Stewart was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and later died from his injuries.Preliminary findings indicate that around 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the football games. Stewart was at the park selling concessions as a fundraiser for a football team not affiliated with the Wichita Junior Football League.Homicide investigators responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses who remained in the area. Detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and not connected to the youth football games.Anyone who attended the games or may have information is urged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at 316-268-4407.&nbsp;

After 6  months, no arrest in deadly Kan. youth football game shooting

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a series of bomb threats at schools across the state.

On Wednesday morning, Central Christian School,  1910 E 30th Ave, Hutchinson, received a bomb threat, according to a statement from Superintendent John Walker.

 Out of an abundance of caution, the school immediately evacuated all students and staff and contacted local authorities. "While we had no indication that the threat was credible, the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority, and we acted accordingly."

​"The Hutchinson Police Department responded quickly and conducted a comprehensive sweep of the entire campus, including all classrooms and facilities. No device or evidence of a threat was found. We are deeply grateful for their prompt and thorough response, as well as for the strong partnership we share in keeping our school community safe."

​"All relevant information has been provided to the Hutchinson Police Department, and they will continue a full investigation."

A similar incident occurred Wednesday afternoon at&nbsp;Southeast High School,&nbsp;2641 S 127th St E, Wichita, on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

On Tuesday afternoon,. the Garden City High School received a phone call also reporting a bomb threat. School resource officers along with other responding officers from the Garden City Police Department and Finney County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the immediate evacuation of students and staff. Bomb detection dogs from the Kansas Highway Patrol later assisted in clearing the school. No threats were found. The school and immediate area around the school were locked down until 9:00 p.m.

Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776812702782.png" alt="Police at Garden City High School on Tuesday-photo Garden City Police" />
 <figcaption>Police at Garden City High School on Tuesday-photo Garden City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a series of bomb threats at schools across the state.On Wednesday morning, Central Christian School, 1910 E 30th Ave, Hutchinson, received a bomb threat, according to a statement from Superintendent John Walker. Out of an abundance of caution, the school immediately evacuated all students and staff and contacted local authorities. "While we had no indication that the threat was credible, the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority, and we acted accordingly."​"The Hutchinson Police Department responded quickly and conducted a comprehensive sweep of the entire campus, including all classrooms and facilities. No device or evidence of a threat was found. We are deeply grateful for their prompt and thorough response, as well as for the strong partnership we share in keeping our school community safe."​"All relevant information has been provided to the Hutchinson Police Department, and they will continue a full investigation."A similar incident occurred Wednesday afternoon at&nbsp;Southeast High School,&nbsp;2641 S 127th St E, Wichita, on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;On Tuesday afternoon,. the Garden City High School received a phone call also reporting a bomb threat. School resource officers along with other responding officers from the Garden City Police Department and Finney County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the immediate evacuation of students and staff. Bomb detection dogs from the Kansas Highway Patrol later assisted in clearing the school. No threats were found. The school and immediate area around the school were locked down until 9:00 p.m.Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

More Kansas schools investigating bomb threats

Osage County—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.

Just before 10a.m. April 19, a Sheriff’s Deputy patrolling in Scranton, Kansas, observed an individual known to have active warrants for his arrest, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

As deputies attempted to coordinate additional resources, the individual fled the area in a vehicle, resulting in a brief pursuit. The suspect later abandoned the vehicle and ran. A coordinated search was conducted involving multiple agencies.

At approximately 11:01 a.m., deputies located 42-year-old Tommy L. Marshall of Topeka and took him into custody without further incident.

&nbsp;Marshall was transported to the Osage County Jail and is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated battery on law enforcement, Flee or attempt to elude, Criminal damage to property, Interference with law enforcement, Criminal possession of a firearm by a felon and Osage County arrest warrants.

The sheriff thanked the Kansas Wildlife &amp; Parks - Game Wardens and the KHP for their assistance in the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776766361315.png" alt="Marshall-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Marshall-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>Osage County—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.Just before 10a.m. April 19, a Sheriff’s Deputy patrolling in Scranton, Kansas, observed an individual known to have active warrants for his arrest, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.As deputies attempted to coordinate additional resources, the individual fled the area in a vehicle, resulting in a brief pursuit. The suspect later abandoned the vehicle and ran. A coordinated search was conducted involving multiple agencies.At approximately 11:01 a.m., deputies located 42-year-old Tommy L. Marshall of Topeka and took him into custody without further incident.&nbsp;Marshall was transported to the Osage County Jail and is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated battery on law enforcement, Flee or attempt to elude, Criminal damage to property, Interference with law enforcement, Criminal possession of a firearm by a felon and Osage County arrest warrants.The sheriff thanked the Kansas Wildlife &amp; Parks - Game Wardens and the KHP for their assistance in the arrest.Osage County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff: Kan. game wardens help capture wanted suspect

The Junction City Police Department is receiving reports of a phone scam targeting members of the community.

The caller spoofs a local law enforcement phone number so it appears legitimate on the caller ID, then claims to be a detective with either the Junction City Police Department or the Geary County Sheriff's Office. They tell the recipient that Homeland Security has issued a warrant for their arrest and demand immediate payment to avoid being taken into custody. Some callers threaten that officers are already en route if payment is not made.

JCPDThe Junction City Police Department is receiving reports of a phone scam targeting members of the community.The caller spoofs a local law enforcement phone number so it appears legitimate on the caller ID, then claims to be a detective with either the Junction City Police Department or the Geary County Sheriff's Office. They tell the recipient that Homeland Security has issued a warrant for their arrest and demand immediate payment to avoid being taken into custody. Some callers threaten that officers are already en route if payment is not made.It is a scam.

Police issue a scam alert

EDWARDS COUNTY&nbsp;– Two men have been arrested following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Edwards County Sheriff’s Office connected to a violent assault in December 2025.

On Dec. 8, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI assist with a sexual assault and battery investigation that occurred Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, at a residence in Belpre, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

Following the investigation, the Wichita Police Department assisted by arresting the suspects.

Just before 11a.m. Monday,&nbsp; police arrested 31-year-old Colin M. Welch of Wichita, on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder, rape, aggravated battery and criminal threat. Just before 9a..m. Monday police arrested 54-year-old Jeffrey T. Diederich of Wichita for one count of attempted first-degree murder.

The investigation indicated Welch strangled and raped one adult victim. Diederich is alleged to have been present during the incidents.

Both suspects were booked into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.&nbsp;

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776793143485.png" alt="Diederich photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Diederich photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>EDWARDS COUNTY&nbsp;– Two men have been arrested following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Edwards County Sheriff’s Office connected to a violent assault in December 2025.On Dec. 8, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI assist with a sexual assault and battery investigation that occurred Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, at a residence in Belpre, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.Following the investigation, the Wichita Police Department assisted by arresting the suspects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776793168301.png" alt="Welch photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Welch photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 11a.m. Monday,&nbsp; police arrested 31-year-old Colin M. Welch of Wichita, on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder, rape, aggravated battery and criminal threat. Just before 9a..m. Monday police arrested 54-year-old Jeffrey T. Diederich of Wichita for one count of attempted first-degree murder.The investigation indicated Welch strangled and raped one adult victim. Diederich is alleged to have been present during the incidents.Both suspects were booked into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.&nbsp;Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

Kansas man accused of violent sex assault 

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The fraud trial of the former CEO of a company with a unique Kansas bank charter was to begin Tuesday in the wake of a judge’s ruling that the defendant couldn’t shield AI-generated documents from prosecutors by claiming attorney-client privilege.

Brad Heppner, founder of Texas-based Beneficient and at one time the leader of a Kansas subsidiary issued the bank charter on orders of the Kansas Legislature, goes on trial in New York for securities fraud, wire fraud, making false statements, falsifying records and conspiracy. He entered a plea of not guilty on all charges.

He was accused of syphoning at least $150 million from now-bankrupt GWG Holdings by shifting cash to Beneficient and Highland Consolidated Limited Partnership. Heppner was simultaneously chairman of GWG and Beneficient while secretly controlling the partnership’s shell company.

Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York, said Heppner abused executive leadership roles to “funnel money into his own pockets.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/04/former-beneficient-ceo-who-acquired-unique-kansas-bank-charter-indicted-on-fraud-charges/">federal indictment asserted&nbsp;</a>Heppner devoted $40 million to a Texas mansion and ranch. He was accused of using $20 million to pay tax expenses and bought jewelry worth more than $500,000.

Before his arrest in November, court records say, Heppner responded to a grand jury subpoena by turning to the internet for legal insights. The 31 documents produced by Heppner with assistance of a publicly available generative artificial intelligence tool were forwarded to his attorneys and discovered by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on electronic devices seized with a search warrant.

Court records showed Heppner made use of Anthropic’s Claude, which had a term-of-service policy warning consumers not to expect confidentiality for a user’s queries or Claude’s responses. Anthropic’s policy said workshopping through the chatbot shouldn’t be viewed as the equivalent of consulting an attorney, because the company reserved the right to disclose data to government regulators and other third parties.

Heppner’s lawyers said they didn’t advise Heppner to make use of AI, but sought to keep his documents from prosecutors because they “outlined defense strategy” and revealed “what he might argue with respect to the facts and the law” in relation to the fraud indictment.

In New York City, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff said he couldn’t find the “basis for any claim of attorney-client privilege” by Heppner. Nor did the judge believe Heppner’s AI documents were covered by the work-product doctrine — even if the material was subsequently shared with legal counsel.

“The AI documents do not merit the protections Heppner has claimed,” Rakoff said in a written order. “The AI documents are not communications between Heppner and his counsel. Heppner does not, and indeed could not, maintain that Claude is an attorney.”

Heppner persuaded the Kansas Legislature five years ago to direct state regulators to issue a bank charter to a Beneficient subsidiary. It was sought to facilitate the company’s work to attract wealthy clients eager to create liquidity from assets not easily traded or transferred. The bank charter, unique to Kansas, was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/31/kansas-bank-commissioner-to-tighten-screws-on-subsidiary-of-troubled-beneficient-company/">opposed by the state banking commissioner</a>.

The scandal engulfing Heppner proved embarrassing to members of the Legislature, especially those who for years touted Beneficient as an economic development miracle that would bring&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/10/hesston-foundation-downsizing-20m-grocery-store-plan-conceived-by-indicted-businessman/">prosperity to Heppner’s hometown</a>&nbsp;of Hesston.

Before adjourning the 2026 session, the House and Senate passed a bill forbidding any state agency in Kansas from serving as receiver of a failed Beneficient entity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776788683375.png" alt=" Brad Heppner, who served as CEO of Dallas-based Beneficient, was scheduled to go on trial Tuesday in New York City on federal charges of financial fraud. He was accused of looting $150 million from a business that invested heavily in Beneficient. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Brad Heppner, who served as CEO of Dallas-based Beneficient, was scheduled to go on trial Tuesday in New York City on federal charges of financial fraud. He was accused of looting $150 million from a business that invested heavily in Beneficient. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The fraud trial of the former CEO of a company with a unique Kansas bank charter was to begin Tuesday in the wake of a judge’s ruling that the defendant couldn’t shield AI-generated documents from prosecutors by claiming attorney-client privilege.Brad Heppner, founder of Texas-based Beneficient and at one time the leader of a Kansas subsidiary issued the bank charter on orders of the Kansas Legislature, goes on trial in New York for securities fraud, wire fraud, making false statements, falsifying records and conspiracy. He entered a plea of not guilty on all charges.He was accused of syphoning at least $150 million from now-bankrupt GWG Holdings by shifting cash to Beneficient and Highland Consolidated Limited Partnership. Heppner was simultaneously chairman of GWG and Beneficient while secretly controlling the partnership’s shell company.Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York, said Heppner abused executive leadership roles to “funnel money into his own pockets.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/04/former-beneficient-ceo-who-acquired-unique-kansas-bank-charter-indicted-on-fraud-charges/">federal indictment asserted&nbsp;</a>Heppner devoted $40 million to a Texas mansion and ranch. He was accused of using $20 million to pay tax expenses and bought jewelry worth more than $500,000.Before his arrest in November, court records say, Heppner responded to a grand jury subpoena by turning to the internet for legal insights. The 31 documents produced by Heppner with assistance of a publicly available generative artificial intelligence tool were forwarded to his attorneys and discovered by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on electronic devices seized with a search warrant.Court records showed Heppner made use of Anthropic’s Claude, which had a term-of-service policy warning consumers not to expect confidentiality for a user’s queries or Claude’s responses. Anthropic’s policy said workshopping through the chatbot shouldn’t be viewed as the equivalent of consulting an attorney, because the company reserved the right to disclose data to government regulators and other third parties.Heppner’s lawyers said they didn’t advise Heppner to make use of AI, but sought to keep his documents from prosecutors because they “outlined defense strategy” and revealed “what he might argue with respect to the facts and the law” in relation to the fraud indictment.In New York City, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff said he couldn’t find the “basis for any claim of attorney-client privilege” by Heppner. Nor did the judge believe Heppner’s AI documents were covered by the work-product doctrine — even if the material was subsequently shared with legal counsel.“The AI documents do not merit the protections Heppner has claimed,” Rakoff said in a written order. “The AI documents are not communications between Heppner and his counsel. Heppner does not, and indeed could not, maintain that Claude is an attorney.”Heppner persuaded the Kansas Legislature five years ago to direct state regulators to issue a bank charter to a Beneficient subsidiary. It was sought to facilitate the company’s work to attract wealthy clients eager to create liquidity from assets not easily traded or transferred. The bank charter, unique to Kansas, was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/31/kansas-bank-commissioner-to-tighten-screws-on-subsidiary-of-troubled-beneficient-company/">opposed by the state banking commissioner</a>.The scandal engulfing Heppner proved embarrassing to members of the Legislature, especially those who for years touted Beneficient as an economic development miracle that would bring&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/10/hesston-foundation-downsizing-20m-grocery-store-plan-conceived-by-indicted-businessman/">prosperity to Heppner’s hometown</a>&nbsp;of Hesston.Before adjourning the 2026 session, the House and Senate passed a bill forbidding any state agency in Kansas from serving as receiver of a failed Beneficient entity.

Former executive of company with unique Kansas bank charter goes on trial for fraud charges

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on new allegations after a second arrest this month.

On April 17, sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at 206 Ohio Avenue in the City of Holton in connection with an ongoing drug investigation, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Tim Morse.

As a result of the search, 61-year-old Lisa Ann Guffey of Holton was arrested at the scene. She was transported to and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was also booked on a Jackson County District Court warrant for possession of oxycodone, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Just after 6p.m. April 4, Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a free air sniff with a K-9 around a Chrysler Sebring that was parked in the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Jail parking lot, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Tim Morse.

The K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics. Deputies seized illegal drug contraband from the vehicle. The registered owner of the vehicle, Lisa Ann Guffey, 61, of Holton, who came to the jail for visitation purposes, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776449198072.png" alt="Guffey photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Guffey photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on new allegations after a second arrest this month.On April 17, sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at 206 Ohio Avenue in the City of Holton in connection with an ongoing drug investigation, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Tim Morse.As a result of the search, 61-year-old Lisa Ann Guffey of Holton was arrested at the scene. She was transported to and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was also booked on a Jackson County District Court warrant for possession of oxycodone, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.Just after 6p.m. April 4, Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a free air sniff with a K-9 around a Chrysler Sebring that was parked in the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Jail parking lot, according to&nbsp;Sheriff Tim Morse.The K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics. Deputies seized illegal drug contraband from the vehicle. The registered owner of the vehicle, Lisa Ann Guffey, 61, of Holton, who came to the jail for visitation purposes, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kan. woman jailed for 2nd time this month on drug allegations

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — A stunned Louisiana city struggled to come to grips Monday with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shreveport-mass-shooting-louisiana-15098626d4c868b2bbc8a957a6a6ead8">massacre of eight children</a>&nbsp;carried out by a father who was separating from his wife and used an assault-style weapon despite a 2019 felony firearms conviction.

The violence&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/louisiana-mass-shooting-photos-a14eb009b640dbc0957331431896ed8f">reverberated across Shreveport</a>&nbsp;a day after one of the nation’s deadliest mass shootings in recent years. Schools brought in counselors for the victims' young classmates and neighbors grieved at a growing memorial. Community leaders called for a city-wide reckoning about how to stop domestic violence.

“We can not afford to wait until the next crisis,” said Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn. “This is the responsibility of all of us. We owe it to the eight children who were lost.”

The shooter, identified as Shamar Elkins, killed seven of his children and another child, police said. His wife also was shot and wounded.

His wife's sister, who called police minutes after the shooting started, escaped with a child by jumping from the roof, police and family members said Monday.

“She said she was running for her life,” said Lionel Pugh, an uncle of the two women shot. “The only ones he didn’t kill was the ones who got away.”

Elkins died after fleeing and a police pursuit that ended with officers firing on him. It was not clear whether he was killed by officers or from a self-inflicted gunshot, Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said.

Officials said the children who died — three boys and five girls — ranged in age from 3 to 11 years old.

Elkins and his wife, identified by family members as Shaneiqua Elkins, were separating and had been due in court Monday, said Crystal Brown, a cousin of a woman shot in the attack. She said the couple had been arguing about the separation before the shooting.

Family members described Shaneiqua Elkins as a doting mother, who celebrated her children’s success in school and carefully dressed them before family events.

“She raised those kids right,” Pugh said. “They were the center of her universe.”

Gunman had no recent arrests for domestic violence, police say

While the shooter did not appear to have an extensive criminal history, court records showed Elkins was placed on probation in 2019 after pleading guilty to illegal use of weapons. In that case, Elkins fired five rounds at a vehicle and told police that someone inside it had pulled a gun on him, according to a police report.

Based on Louisiana law, a person convicted of certain violent felonies — including illegal use of weapons — are banned from having a gun for at least 10 years after completing their sentence and probation.

Investigators were not aware of other domestic violence issues involving Elkins, said police spokesperson Chris Bordelon.

Elkins had served in the Louisiana National Guard from 2013 to 2020 as a signal support system specialist and a fire support specialist, said guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins. Elkins held the rank of private and had no deployments, Collins said.

The violence started before sunrise Sunday

Authorities said the shooting erupted before dawn at two homes.

Elkins shot a woman in a neighborhood south of downtown and a few blocks away at a home where the children were found, police said. Elkins' nephew was among the slain children, according to the Caddo Parish coroner’s office.

Mourners lit candles for the victims Sunday night in a nearby parking lot.

“It just makes you take your children and hug them and hold them and tell them how much you love them because you just don’t know,” said Kimberlin Jackson, who attended the vigil and is an advocate at the Head Start program where one of the victims was a student. She said the last time she saw him was Friday.

A relative says they were a joyful family

Francine Monro Brown, a cousin of Shaneiqua Elkins, said she would often see the children playing in the yard on Sunday mornings when she drove past the house on her way to church.

“Happy children, joyful children. Shaneiqua is a great mother, She provided a great home for the kids,” Brown said as she stood near a growing memorial of stuffed teddy bears, flowers and pink and blue balloons.

Betty Pugh, another cousin of Shaneiqua Elkins, said she was always with her children. “That was the way we were taught: to love our kids, to take care of our kids. And that’s what she did,” Pugh said.

The mayor of Shreveport, a city of about 180,000 residents in northwestern Louisiana, called it one of the city's worst days.

The shooting was the deadliest in the U.S. since January 2024, when eight people were killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-joliet-shootings-suspect-girlfriend-charged-7f9005d25174304543d2a87f794a31dd">in a Chicago suburb</a>, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/mass-killings/index.html">a database</a>&nbsp;maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

Contributing were Associated Press reporters Jack Brook in New Orleans; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Jake Offenhartz in New York; Jeff Martin in Atlanta; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Terry Tang in Phoenix, and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776628819828.png" alt="View near the crime scene -photo courtesy KSLA" />
 <figcaption>View near the crime scene -photo courtesy KSLA</figcaption>
 </figure>SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — A stunned Louisiana city struggled to come to grips Monday with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shreveport-mass-shooting-louisiana-15098626d4c868b2bbc8a957a6a6ead8">massacre of eight children</a>&nbsp;carried out by a father who was separating from his wife and used an assault-style weapon despite a 2019 felony firearms conviction.The violence&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/louisiana-mass-shooting-photos-a14eb009b640dbc0957331431896ed8f">reverberated across Shreveport</a>&nbsp;a day after one of the nation’s deadliest mass shootings in recent years. Schools brought in counselors for the victims' young classmates and neighbors grieved at a growing memorial. Community leaders called for a city-wide reckoning about how to stop domestic violence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776712080731.png" alt="Shamar Elkins. photo Shreveport Police" />
 <figcaption>Shamar Elkins. photo Shreveport Police</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshreveportpolice%2Fvideos%2F1633030631310424%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“We can not afford to wait until the next crisis,” said Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn. “This is the responsibility of all of us. We owe it to the eight children who were lost.”The shooter, identified as Shamar Elkins, killed seven of his children and another child, police said. His wife also was shot and wounded.His wife's sister, who called police minutes after the shooting started, escaped with a child by jumping from the roof, police and family members said Monday.“She said she was running for her life,” said Lionel Pugh, an uncle of the two women shot. “The only ones he didn’t kill was the ones who got away.”Elkins died after fleeing and a police pursuit that ended with officers firing on him. It was not clear whether he was killed by officers or from a self-inflicted gunshot, Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said.Officials said the children who died — three boys and five girls — ranged in age from 3 to 11 years old.Elkins and his wife, identified by family members as Shaneiqua Elkins, were separating and had been due in court Monday, said Crystal Brown, a cousin of a woman shot in the attack. She said the couple had been arguing about the separation before the shooting.Family members described Shaneiqua Elkins as a doting mother, who celebrated her children’s success in school and carefully dressed them before family events.“She raised those kids right,” Pugh said. “They were the center of her universe.”<h2>Gunman had no recent arrests for domestic violence, police say</h2>While the shooter did not appear to have an extensive criminal history, court records showed Elkins was placed on probation in 2019 after pleading guilty to illegal use of weapons. In that case, Elkins fired five rounds at a vehicle and told police that someone inside it had pulled a gun on him, according to a police report.Based on Louisiana law, a person convicted of certain violent felonies — including illegal use of weapons — are banned from having a gun for at least 10 years after completing their sentence and probation.Investigators were not aware of other domestic violence issues involving Elkins, said police spokesperson Chris Bordelon.Elkins had served in the Louisiana National Guard from 2013 to 2020 as a signal support system specialist and a fire support specialist, said guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Collins. Elkins held the rank of private and had no deployments, Collins said.<h2>The violence started before sunrise Sunday</h2>Authorities said the shooting erupted before dawn at two homes.Elkins shot a woman in a neighborhood south of downtown and a few blocks away at a home where the children were found, police said. Elkins' nephew was among the slain children, according to the Caddo Parish coroner’s office.Mourners lit candles for the victims Sunday night in a nearby parking lot.“It just makes you take your children and hug them and hold them and tell them how much you love them because you just don’t know,” said Kimberlin Jackson, who attended the vigil and is an advocate at the Head Start program where one of the victims was a student. She said the last time she saw him was Friday.<h2>A relative says they were a joyful family</h2>Francine Monro Brown, a cousin of Shaneiqua Elkins, said she would often see the children playing in the yard on Sunday mornings when she drove past the house on her way to church.“Happy children, joyful children. Shaneiqua is a great mother, She provided a great home for the kids,” Brown said as she stood near a growing memorial of stuffed teddy bears, flowers and pink and blue balloons.Betty Pugh, another cousin of Shaneiqua Elkins, said she was always with her children. “That was the way we were taught: to love our kids, to take care of our kids. And that’s what she did,” Pugh said.The mayor of Shreveport, a city of about 180,000 residents in northwestern Louisiana, called it one of the city's worst days.The shooting was the deadliest in the U.S. since January 2024, when eight people were killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-joliet-shootings-suspect-girlfriend-charged-7f9005d25174304543d2a87f794a31dd">in a Chicago suburb</a>, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/mass-killings/index.html">a database</a>&nbsp;maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.___Contributing were Associated Press reporters Jack Brook in New Orleans; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Jake Offenhartz in New York; Jeff Martin in Atlanta; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Terry Tang in Phoenix, and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles.

New details on nation’s deadliest mass shooting  in 2-years

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A former Kansas mayor&nbsp;and immigrant&nbsp;charged with voting illegally pleaded guilty to lesser charges Monday, a move expected to allow him to remain in the United States.&nbsp;

Former Coldwater Mayor Joe Ceballos reached a plea agreement with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office to drop the severity of charges related to voting illegally from six felony counts to three counts of disorderly election conduct, each a class B nonperson misdemeanor, court documents said.

Ceballos is a legal permanent resident of the United States and a citizen of Mexico. During the interview process in 2025 to become an American citizen, Ceballos said he had voted in the past, which triggered his arrest.&nbsp;

The plea agreement, finalized in Comanche County District Court, means deportation proceedings aren’t likely, although in immigration, that’s never off the table, said Ceballos’ attorney, Jess Hoeme.&nbsp;

“Normally a felony or a crime of moral turpitude punishable by up to a year in jail would be the kinds of dispositions in a case that would prompt removal proceedings,” he said. “We were able to completely avoid that.”

Ceballos won’t serve jail time and will pay a fine of $2,000, Hoeme said. He was given a six-month underlying sentence on each count, which was suspended, according to the plea agreement.&nbsp;

Hoeme said his client is happy with the outcome.&nbsp;

“Imagine you’ve been in the country since you’re 4, and you’ve been in Coldwater since you were 14, and now this?” Hoeme said. “He’s incredibly relieved.”

Ceballos’ arrest shocked his community, where he had just&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-man-charged-with-election-fraud-resigns-his-position-as-mayor/">been elected mayor</a>&nbsp;for his second term.&nbsp;

Since then, the Coldwater community has turned out to support Ceballos, and the courtroom Monday morning was packed, Hoeme said.&nbsp;

Ceballos indicated he is going to continue pursuing U.S. citizenship, and Hoeme said he is hopeful the election charges won’t interfere with that process.

Hoeme credited Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach for his willingness to consider the situation, which initially seemed as if it could end with Ceballos’ deportation.&nbsp;

“The attorney general finally looked at the man instead of the politics of the situation and did the right thing,” Hoeme said.&nbsp;

Kobach and Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/05/small-town-kansas-mayor-charged-with-alleged-voter-fraud-state-leader-says-hundreds-more-cases-expected/">Ceballos’ arrest in November</a>, saying there would be hundreds more as the state began using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, database. Kobach has announced one more case of alleged voter fraud since then.

Kansas Reflector questions to Kobach’s communications staff about whether other arrests have been made regarding voting illegally weren’t answered.

The case against Ceballos was not compiled using the database. Hoeme said it was questions asked during the citizenship interview process that found Ceballos had voted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762377337825.png" alt="Joe Ceballos-photo City of Colwater" />
 <figcaption>Joe Ceballos-photo City of Colwater</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A former Kansas mayor&nbsp;and immigrant&nbsp;charged with voting illegally pleaded guilty to lesser charges Monday, a move expected to allow him to remain in the United States.&nbsp;Former Coldwater Mayor Joe Ceballos reached a plea agreement with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office to drop the severity of charges related to voting illegally from six felony counts to three counts of disorderly election conduct, each a class B nonperson misdemeanor, court documents said.Ceballos is a legal permanent resident of the United States and a citizen of Mexico. During the interview process in 2025 to become an American citizen, Ceballos said he had voted in the past, which triggered his arrest.&nbsp;The plea agreement, finalized in Comanche County District Court, means deportation proceedings aren’t likely, although in immigration, that’s never off the table, said Ceballos’ attorney, Jess Hoeme.&nbsp;“Normally a felony or a crime of moral turpitude punishable by up to a year in jail would be the kinds of dispositions in a case that would prompt removal proceedings,” he said. “We were able to completely avoid that.”Ceballos won’t serve jail time and will pay a fine of $2,000, Hoeme said. He was given a six-month underlying sentence on each count, which was suspended, according to the plea agreement.&nbsp;Hoeme said his client is happy with the outcome.&nbsp;“Imagine you’ve been in the country since you’re 4, and you’ve been in Coldwater since you were 14, and now this?” Hoeme said. “He’s incredibly relieved.”Ceballos’ arrest shocked his community, where he had just&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-man-charged-with-election-fraud-resigns-his-position-as-mayor/">been elected mayor</a>&nbsp;for his second term.&nbsp;Since then, the Coldwater community has turned out to support Ceballos, and the courtroom Monday morning was packed, Hoeme said.&nbsp;Ceballos indicated he is going to continue pursuing U.S. citizenship, and Hoeme said he is hopeful the election charges won’t interfere with that process.Hoeme credited Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach for his willingness to consider the situation, which initially seemed as if it could end with Ceballos’ deportation.&nbsp;“The attorney general finally looked at the man instead of the politics of the situation and did the right thing,” Hoeme said.&nbsp;Kobach and Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/05/small-town-kansas-mayor-charged-with-alleged-voter-fraud-state-leader-says-hundreds-more-cases-expected/">Ceballos’ arrest in November</a>, saying there would be hundreds more as the state began using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, database. Kobach has announced one more case of alleged voter fraud since then.Kansas Reflector questions to Kobach’s communications staff about whether other arrests have been made regarding voting illegally weren’t answered.The case against Ceballos was not compiled using the database. Hoeme said it was questions asked during the citizenship interview process that found Ceballos had voted.<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/plugins/republisher/assets/img/ccwhite.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Republish

Former mayor of Kan. town enters plea to election crimes, hopes to avoid deportation

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on crimes involving children in Riley County.

Just after 6:30p.m. Sunday,&nbsp; officers filed a report of two counts aggravated endangering of a child at approximately 6:38 p.m. on April 19 in the 6400 block of Fort Riley Blvd, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Two children under the age of 18 were listed as the victims when it was reported a known 39-year-old woman endangered them.&nbsp; Kimberly Anne Williams, 39, of Junction City, was arrested at 7:16 p.m. on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated endangering of a child. 

Williams was issued a total bond of $8,000 and is no longer confined in the Riley County Jail.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on crimes involving children in Riley County.Just after 6:30p.m. Sunday,&nbsp; officers filed a report of two counts aggravated endangering of a child at approximately 6:38 p.m. on April 19 in the 6400 block of Fort Riley Blvd, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Two children under the age of 18 were listed as the victims when it was reported a known 39-year-old woman endangered them.&nbsp; Kimberly Anne Williams, 39, of Junction City, was arrested at 7:16 p.m. on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated endangering of a child. Williams was issued a total bond of $8,000 and is no longer confined in the Riley County Jail.

Junction City woman accused of endangering two children

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing a sawed off, Winchester 12-gauge shotgun.

Christopher W. Abrams, 52, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to fifty-four months in prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possession of an unregistered firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.

On Feb. 10, 2024, officers were called to the area of Independence Avenue and Van Brunt Boulevard regarding a possible armed robbery.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers encountered Abrams.&nbsp;During a frisk of Abrams, officers located a sawed off, Winchester, Model 37, 12-gauge, single-shot shotgun inside the front waistline of his jeans.&nbsp; The shotgun’s stock had been cut down to a wood pistol grip, with black duct tape.&nbsp; The barrel had multiple saw marks and appeared to have been cut short.&nbsp; The shotgun was loaded with a live shotgun shell.

Abrams, who is a convicted felon, had been found guilty of twelve prior felony offenses before this week's hearing.

KANSAS CITY – A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court last week for illegally possessing a sawed off, Winchester 12-gauge shotgun.Christopher W. Abrams, 52, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to fifty-four months in prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possession of an unregistered firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.On Feb. 10, 2024, officers were called to the area of Independence Avenue and Van Brunt Boulevard regarding a possible armed robbery.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers encountered Abrams.&nbsp;During a frisk of Abrams, officers located a sawed off, Winchester, Model 37, 12-gauge, single-shot shotgun inside the front waistline of his jeans.&nbsp; The shotgun’s stock had been cut down to a wood pistol grip, with black duct tape.&nbsp; The barrel had multiple saw marks and appeared to have been cut short.&nbsp; The shotgun was loaded with a live shotgun shell.Abrams, who is a convicted felon, had been found guilty of twelve prior felony offenses before this week's hearing.

Police found sawed off shotgun during Kansas City robbery arrest

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a shooting that injured a girl at a home in Atchison have now made three arrests.

Just after 11:45p.m. on Thursday police responded to the 1400 block Commercial in Atchison to investigate a shooting that had just occurred, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Multiple shots had been fired at a residence where four persons were on and near a porch. The gunfire struck a 12-year-old girl.&nbsp; EMS transported her to Amberwell Hospital and subsequently airlifted to a Kansas City hospital.

On Friday afternoon, police took 20-year-old Blackthunder R. Dorsch into custody in Horton Kansas, according to Wilson. He is being held on a requested charge of attempted murder.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;At 9p.m. on Friday two more arrests were made in Horton. Ollie G. Horned-Eagle, 18, Horton, and a 16 year old juvenile male from Horton have also been charged with attempted murder. Horned-Eagle was taken to the Brown County Jail. The 16 year old juvenile was transported to a juvenile detention facility.

Atchison Police detectives have conducted numerous interviews, executed several search warrants, located handguns, seized a number items of evidence, impounded a vehicle, and worked with Horton law enforcement officers in locating and arresting the three suspects.

The 12 year old victim continues to be hospitalized in a Kansas City hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776529590866.png" alt="Dorsch-photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Dorsch-photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a shooting that injured a girl at a home in Atchison have now made three arrests.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/4/1776529835402.png" alt="Horned Eagle -photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Horned Eagle -photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11:45p.m. on Thursday police responded to the 1400 block Commercial in Atchison to investigate a shooting that had just occurred, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Multiple shots had been fired at a residence where four persons were on and near a porch. The gunfire struck a 12-year-old girl.&nbsp; EMS transported her to Amberwell Hospital and subsequently airlifted to a Kansas City hospital.On Friday afternoon, police took 20-year-old Blackthunder R. Dorsch into custody in Horton Kansas, according to Wilson. He is being held on a requested charge of attempted murder.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At 9p.m. on Friday two more arrests were made in Horton. Ollie G. Horned-Eagle, 18, Horton, and a 16 year old juvenile male from Horton have also been charged with attempted murder. Horned-Eagle was taken to the Brown County Jail. The 16 year old juvenile was transported to a juvenile detention facility.Atchison Police detectives have conducted numerous interviews, executed several search warrants, located handguns, seized a number items of evidence, impounded a vehicle, and worked with Horton law enforcement officers in locating and arresting the three suspects.The 12 year old victim continues to be hospitalized in a Kansas City hospital.

2 adults, teen jailed for shooting that injured 12-year-old

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Police arrested a man Saturday who says he killed his grandmother by strangling her.

Just after 2a.m., police were dispatched to a home just southwest of Clinton Parkway and Crestline Drive, according to a media release from police. Dispatchers told officers the man confessed to the killing over the phone.

When they arrived, officers knocked on the door.  25-year-old Marcus Cassella eventually opened it and was arrested without incident.  Inside, officers found the 70-year-old victim unresponsive in bed.  Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical declared her deceased at the scene.

Officers found the suspect’s 24-year-old brother unharmed in a bedroom with the door shut.

After being interviewed at Lawrence Police HQ, Marcus Cassella was transported to the Douglas County Correctional Facility and booked on suspicion of First-Degree Murder.  The younger brother is working now to notify extended family.

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Police arrested a man Saturday who says he killed his grandmother by strangling her.Just after 2a.m., police were dispatched to a home just southwest of Clinton Parkway and Crestline Drive, according to a media release from police. Dispatchers told officers the man confessed to the killing over the phone.When they arrived, officers knocked on the door. 25-year-old Marcus Cassella eventually opened it and was arrested without incident. Inside, officers found the 70-year-old victim unresponsive in bed. Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical declared her deceased at the scene.Officers found the suspect’s 24-year-old brother unharmed in a bedroom with the door shut.After being interviewed at Lawrence Police HQ, Marcus Cassella was transported to the Douglas County Correctional Facility and booked on suspicion of First-Degree Murder. The younger brother is working now to notify extended family.

Police: Kan. man killed his grandmother by strangling her

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Denver, Colorado, man was sentenced in federal court this week for trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing firearms.

Jason S. Thompson, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms. Thompson was found guilty on Jan. 6, 2026, after a two-day jury trial.

In the early morning hours of Aug. 30, 2024, officers contacted Thompson, who was camping in a minivan in a Walmart parking lot in Nixa, Missouri. Thompson initially provided officers with false identification. When officers attempted to arrest him, Thompson fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Once Thompson gave officers correct identifying information, they learned he had a federal probation and parole warrant for his arrest.

Officers searched Thompson and found a small bag of cocaine and more than $1,000 cash. When officers searched the minivan they located drug paraphernalia, a large plastic bag containing nearly 140 grams of fentanyl pills, and two loaded firearms: a Glock model 19 and a HS Produkt Hellcat.

According to court documents, Thompson has an extensive criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to distribute multiple controlled substances, and theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664309962436.png" alt="File photo DEA" />
 <figcaption>File photo DEA</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Denver, Colorado, man was sentenced in federal court this week for trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing firearms.Jason S. Thompson, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms. Thompson was found guilty on Jan. 6, 2026, after a two-day jury trial.In the early morning hours of Aug. 30, 2024, officers contacted Thompson, who was camping in a minivan in a Walmart parking lot in Nixa, Missouri. Thompson initially provided officers with false identification. When officers attempted to arrest him, Thompson fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Once Thompson gave officers correct identifying information, they learned he had a federal probation and parole warrant for his arrest.Officers searched Thompson and found a small bag of cocaine and more than $1,000 cash. When officers searched the minivan they located drug paraphernalia, a large plastic bag containing nearly 140 grams of fentanyl pills, and two loaded firearms: a Glock model 19 and a HS Produkt Hellcat.According to court documents, Thompson has an extensive criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to distribute multiple controlled substances, and theft.

Fentanyl dealer was camping in van in Walmart parking lot

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated Press

Relatives of a jail inmate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charles-adair-jail-death-kansas-4ebb4efc5674f0dea65544f800009d03">whom investigators determined</a>&nbsp;died after a Kansas sheriff's deputy shoved his knee into the cuffed man's back for one minute and 26 seconds have filed a federal lawsuit.

Attorneys for the family of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jail-death-homicide-kansas-11eb41bc670e83577c0f4f8c9afef3dc">Charles Adair</a>&nbsp;renewed their demand Friday that video of what happened be released publicly in announcing the wrongful death lawsuit.

Filed earlier this month, the lawsuit names the Wyandotte County sheriff, the unified government for the county and Kansas City, Kansas, and Richard Fatherley, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jail-death-homicide-kansas-f600aa3e3d67ac67fdc92dddb26a3ad7">was charged last year</a>&nbsp;with second-degree murder in Adair's death.

“The public has a right to transparency when someone dies in custody in this manner,” Ben Crump, an attorney who is representing the family, said in a news release.

Crump and another civil rights attorney, Harry Daniels, were allowed to view video of what happened. The sheriff’s office has declined a records request from The Associated Press seeking the video.

Adair was arrested last July on misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on multiple traffic violations. At the time, Adair’s leg needed to be amputated and was so badly infected that he was taken straight to the hospital, a Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent wrote in the affidavit.

Before Adair was cleared to return to the jail, he was diagnosed with a type of bone infection that sometimes develops in people with diabetes. A medical screening also found he was schizophrenic, the affidavit said.

The lawsuit said he was incoherent and that deputies believed Adair’s medical condition “was affecting his brain.”

After having his leg rewrapped the following evening, he got into an argument with the deputy who was wheeling him back his cell. Adair ultimately threw himself out of the wheelchair, the affidavit said.

Once he was back in his cell, he was placed on his stomach on the bottom bunk, with his legs and knees on the ground. He repeatedly yelled “Help!” the lawsuit and court records said.

The lawsuit noted that Adair was complying with commands but that Fatherley “pressed his body weight onto Mr. Adair's back.” Other deputies then removed Adair's handcuffs while Fatherley shifted his weight forward.

The lawsuit said none of the other law enforcement officers who were present intervened and that the deputies failed to modify their tactics to account for Adair’s apparent mental health impairment.

The lawsuit also said that Fatherley, who is on administrative leave and free on bond, wasn't cut off from his sheriff's office email after he was charged, allowing him to communicate with other members of the sheriff's office and employees that he knew were witnesses.

Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Capt. Michael Kroening said Fatherley's email was deactivated on April 13 after the litigation was filed. He declined to comment further because the litigation is pending. A county spokesperson didn't immediately return an email seeking comment.

A status conference in the criminal case against Fatherley is set for next month. His attorney, James Spies, has said that Adair’s death was “a tragic accident” but it was not a result of Fatherley’s actions. A phone message left at Spies' law firm Friday wasn't immediately returned.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751825756436.png" alt="Inmate Charles Adair died July 5-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Inmate Charles Adair died July 5-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated PressRelatives of a jail inmate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charles-adair-jail-death-kansas-4ebb4efc5674f0dea65544f800009d03">whom investigators determined</a>&nbsp;died after a Kansas sheriff's deputy shoved his knee into the cuffed man's back for one minute and 26 seconds have filed a federal lawsuit.Attorneys for the family of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jail-death-homicide-kansas-11eb41bc670e83577c0f4f8c9afef3dc">Charles Adair</a>&nbsp;renewed their demand Friday that video of what happened be released publicly in announcing the wrongful death lawsuit.Filed earlier this month, the lawsuit names the Wyandotte County sheriff, the unified government for the county and Kansas City, Kansas, and Richard Fatherley, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jail-death-homicide-kansas-f600aa3e3d67ac67fdc92dddb26a3ad7">was charged last year</a>&nbsp;with second-degree murder in Adair's death.“The public has a right to transparency when someone dies in custody in this manner,” Ben Crump, an attorney who is representing the family, said in a news release.Crump and another civil rights attorney, Harry Daniels, were allowed to view video of what happened. The sheriff’s office has declined a records request from The Associated Press seeking the video.Adair was arrested last July on misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on multiple traffic violations. At the time, Adair’s leg needed to be amputated and was so badly infected that he was taken straight to the hospital, a Kansas Bureau of Investigation agent wrote in the affidavit.Before Adair was cleared to return to the jail, he was diagnosed with a type of bone infection that sometimes develops in people with diabetes. A medical screening also found he was schizophrenic, the affidavit said.The lawsuit said he was incoherent and that deputies believed Adair’s medical condition “was affecting his brain.”After having his leg rewrapped the following evening, he got into an argument with the deputy who was wheeling him back his cell. Adair ultimately threw himself out of the wheelchair, the affidavit said.Once he was back in his cell, he was placed on his stomach on the bottom bunk, with his legs and knees on the ground. He repeatedly yelled “Help!” the lawsuit and court records said.The lawsuit noted that Adair was complying with commands but that Fatherley “pressed his body weight onto Mr. Adair's back.” Other deputies then removed Adair's handcuffs while Fatherley shifted his weight forward.The lawsuit said none of the other law enforcement officers who were present intervened and that the deputies failed to modify their tactics to account for Adair’s apparent mental health impairment.The lawsuit also said that Fatherley, who is on administrative leave and free on bond, wasn't cut off from his sheriff's office email after he was charged, allowing him to communicate with other members of the sheriff's office and employees that he knew were witnesses.Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Capt. Michael Kroening said Fatherley's email was deactivated on April 13 after the litigation was filed. He declined to comment further because the litigation is pending. A county spokesperson didn't immediately return an email seeking comment.A status conference in the criminal case against Fatherley is set for next month. His attorney, James Spies, has said that Adair’s death was “a tragic accident” but it was not a result of Fatherley’s actions. A phone message left at Spies' law firm Friday wasn't immediately returned.

Family sues over Kansas jail death after deputy allegedly knelt on inmate's back

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in a deadly home-invasion shooting on Christmas weekend was scheduled to return to court Friday.

A prelinary hearing for Matthew D. Morgan, 54, Wichita,&nbsp; before Judge Tyler Roush was moved to May 8, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge is expected to determine if there is enough evidence to move the case to a trial.

&nbsp;On New Year's Eve, Matthew D. Morgan, 54, was charged with second-degree murder, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just before 8:30 p.m. December 27, police responded to a home&nbsp;in the 100 block of North Ash in Wichita, according to a media release. When officers arrived, they found a 52-year-old man and 67-year-old man inside the home with gunshot wounds. Both were transported to a local hospital, the 52-year-old was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The 67-year-old remained in critical but stable condition.

Police arrested a neighbor identified in booking records as 54-year-old Matthew D. Morgan. An unknown suspect fled the residence on foot. The motive for the home invasion remains under investigation.

Morgan remains jailed on a&nbsp;$1 million bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767007817776.png" alt="Morgan photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Morgan photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in a deadly home-invasion shooting on Christmas weekend was scheduled to return to court Friday.A prelinary hearing for Matthew D. Morgan, 54, Wichita,&nbsp; before Judge Tyler Roush was moved to May 8, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge is expected to determine if there is enough evidence to move the case to a trial.&nbsp;On New Year's Eve, Matthew D. Morgan, 54, was charged with second-degree murder, according to the District Attorney's office.Just before 8:30 p.m. December 27, police responded to a home&nbsp;in the 100 block of North Ash in Wichita, according to a media release. When officers arrived, they found a 52-year-old man and 67-year-old man inside the home with gunshot wounds. Both were transported to a local hospital, the 52-year-old was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The 67-year-old remained in critical but stable condition.Police arrested a neighbor identified in booking records as 54-year-old Matthew D. Morgan. An unknown suspect fled the residence on foot. The motive for the home invasion remains under investigation.Morgan remains jailed on a&nbsp;$1 million bond, according to online jail records.