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.

Jaun Velasquez, Failure to appear, arrested 02/15

David Galaviz, Parole violation, arrested 02/15

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/2024/2/1708112401587.jpeg" alt="Christopher Patcheak, Failure to appear, arrested 02/15" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Patcheak, Failure to appear, arrested 02/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708112438340.jpeg" alt="Deshawne Gosha, Outside warrant, arrested 02/15" />
 <figcaption>Deshawne Gosha, Outside warrant, arrested 02/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708112474766.jpeg" alt="Robert Burks, Theft-all other (two counts), Criminal trespass, arrested 02/15" />
 <figcaption>Robert Burks, Theft-all other (two counts), Criminal trespass, arrested 02/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708112524200.jpeg" alt="Josya Gomez Sharp, Criminal threat, arrested 02/15" />
 <figcaption>Josya Gomez Sharp, Criminal threat, arrested 02/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708112561884.jpeg" alt="Daniel Williams Mcrae, Aggravated battery, Reckless deadly weapon, cause body harm/disfigurement/death, arrested 02/15" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Williams Mcrae, Aggravated battery, Reckless deadly weapon, cause body harm/disfigurement/death, arrested 02/15</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Jaun Velasquez, Failure to appear, arrested 02/15David Galaviz, Parole violation, arrested 02/15Recent 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 Feb.16

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

After a lengthy investigation by the&nbsp; Brown County Sheriff's Office DrugTask Force, deputies arrested 36-year-old Ray Atlakson of Horton on requested charges of Distribution of Meth, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp.&nbsp; 

Deputies took approximately 30 grams of Meth and various item of drug paraphernalia into evidence.&nbsp; He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707962332879.png" alt="Atlakson-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Atlakson-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707962295385.png" alt="Brown Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Brown Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>After a lengthy investigation by the&nbsp; Brown County Sheriff's Office DrugTask Force, deputies arrested 36-year-old Ray Atlakson of Horton on requested charges of Distribution of Meth, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp.&nbsp; Deputies took approximately 30 grams of Meth and various item of drug paraphernalia into evidence.&nbsp; He is being held without bond, according to online jail records.

Drug task force seized meth during bust at Kansas home

FRANKLIN COUNTY —&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man related to the death of his newborn son.

Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, KBI agents and deputies arrested Jason P. Marnell, 24, of Richmond, Kansas, during a traffic stop near Highway 59 and Clark Road., north of Richmond, according to a media release from the KBI. Marnell was arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and abuse of a child.

Just after 10:30a.m.&nbsp; Jan. 14,&nbsp; Franklin County sheriff’s deputies responded to a medical call at 304 E. Central Street in Richmond. Upon arrival they found an unresponsive infant. Life-saving measures were attempted and the baby was transported to an Ottawa hospital. The infant was later identified as 1-month-old Waylon S. Marnell.

Waylon was later transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in critical condition. The KBI was asked to assist in the investigation on Jan. 17. On Jan. 28, Waylon was removed from life-support, and he died around 3 p.m.

The investigation led agents and deputies to believe Marnell was responsible for the injuries that caused Waylon’s death. Marnell was booked into the Franklin County Jail.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708025967738.png" alt="Marnell-photo Franklin Co." />
 <figcaption>Marnell-photo Franklin Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY —&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man related to the death of his newborn son.Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, KBI agents and deputies arrested Jason P. Marnell, 24, of Richmond, Kansas, during a traffic stop near Highway 59 and Clark Road., north of Richmond, according to a media release from the KBI. Marnell was arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and abuse of a child.Just after 10:30a.m.&nbsp; Jan. 14,&nbsp; Franklin County sheriff’s deputies responded to a medical call at 304 E. Central Street in Richmond. Upon arrival they found an unresponsive infant. Life-saving measures were attempted and the baby was transported to an Ottawa hospital. The infant was later identified as 1-month-old Waylon S. Marnell.Waylon was later transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in critical condition. The KBI was asked to assist in the investigation on Jan. 17. On Jan. 28, Waylon was removed from life-support, and he died around 3 p.m.The investigation led agents and deputies to believe Marnell was responsible for the injuries that caused Waylon’s death. Marnell was booked into the Franklin County Jail.&nbsp;

KBI: Kansas man accused in death of newborn son

Joshua Grilliot, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, arrested 02/14

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/2024/2/1708013366394.jpeg" alt="Gregory Reed, Probation violation, arrested 02/14" />
 <figcaption>Gregory Reed, Probation violation, arrested 02/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708013417195.jpeg" alt="Simon Nyambura, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, Transporting open container of alcohol, arrested 02/15" />
 <figcaption>Simon Nyambura, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, Transporting open container of alcohol, arrested 02/15</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Joshua Grilliot, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, arrested 02/14Recent 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 Feb. 15

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Kansas crash have made an arrest in the case.

According to online booking records, 21-year-old Abygail Emalee Aaron of Wichita was booked into the Saline County Jail just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday on requested&nbsp; charges of&nbsp;second-degree murder, driving under the influence, improper driving on laned roadway and drive on left side of roadway.

On February 15, of 2023, The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Toyota Tundra driven by Aaron was southbound on Interstate 135 just south of Water Well Road at approximately 1a.m.

The pickup crossed the center median and struck a 2016 Ford F150 driven by Jose M.&nbsp;Rodriguez, 41, Salina, on the shoulder of the northbound lanes.

EMS transported Rodriguez and a passenger in the Ford identified as Daisha J. Endsley, 26, Salina, to Salina Regional Health Center where Endsley was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; EMS also transported&nbsp;Aaron to Wesley Medical Center.&nbsp; She remains jailed. Online booking records do not list a bond for her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707920502962.jpeg" alt="Aaron- photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Aaron- photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Kansas crash have made an arrest in the case.According to online booking records, 21-year-old Abygail Emalee Aaron of Wichita was booked into the Saline County Jail just after 12:30p.m. Tuesday on requested&nbsp; charges of&nbsp;second-degree murder, driving under the influence, improper driving on laned roadway and drive on left side of roadway.On February 15, of 2023, The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Toyota Tundra driven by Aaron was southbound on Interstate 135 just south of Water Well Road at approximately 1a.m.The pickup crossed the center median and struck a 2016 Ford F150 driven by Jose M.&nbsp;Rodriguez, 41, Salina, on the shoulder of the northbound lanes.EMS transported Rodriguez and a passenger in the Ford identified as Daisha J. Endsley, 26, Salina, to Salina Regional Health Center where Endsley was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; EMS also transported&nbsp;Aaron to Wesley Medical Center.&nbsp; She remains jailed. Online booking records do not list a bond for her.

Driver arrested for alleged DUI crash that killed Kansas woman

LOGAN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another reported theft of cattle in Kansas.

On Wednesday, the Logan County Sheriff reported approximately 30 weaned calves. black and red angus mix with some baldies, 450 to 500 pounds were missing from Southern Logan County.

Please note the brand. If you have information please contact Logan County, Kansas Sheriff.

On November 17, 2023, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office took a report of five black Angus cattle allegedly stolen from the 17000 block of Onaga Road, Onaga, Kansas, according to a media release.

The cattle are branded on their left hip and also had white ear tags. All five of the stolen cows had calves, and the calves were still present but not the cows.&nbsp;

In October, a dozen calves and a cow were stolen from from rancher Dan Oeding approximately 5 miles southeast of Wamego, according to the Wabaunsee County Sheriff. Livestock missing include Black Angus or Wagyu calves, one red calf and one Black Angus cow.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Wabaunsee County Sheriff at 785-765-3323. There is a reward offered&nbsp; for information that leads to the arrest of those who stole the cattle.

In August, Reno County Sheriff's Office said Circle H Cattle Company reported fifteen 400 to 500 pound calves stolen from the area of US 50 and Sterling Road, according to a social media report. The cattle went missing sometime between July 29, and August 6.

In mid-July, the Kansas Livestock Associated reported 17-head of 200-350 pound calves were stolen ten miles northeast of Atwood, according to a media release from the Rawlins County sheriff's office. The calves&nbsp; carried fresh brands of V arrow high on the right hip.

In April, the Sheridan County Sheriff's Department asked for the public's assistance in a case involving eighty 80 head of cattle missing from South of Hoxie, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708001081009.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOGAN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another reported theft of cattle in Kansas.On Wednesday, the Logan County Sheriff reported approximately 30 weaned calves. black and red angus mix with some baldies, 450 to 500 pounds were missing from Southern Logan County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708001007265.png" alt="Logan County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Logan County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Please note the brand. If you have information please contact Logan County, Kansas Sheriff.On November 17, 2023, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office took a report of five black Angus cattle allegedly stolen from the 17000 block of Onaga Road, Onaga, Kansas, according to a media release.The cattle are branded on their left hip and also had white ear tags. All five of the stolen cows had calves, and the calves were still present but not the cows.&nbsp;In October, a dozen calves and a cow were stolen from from rancher Dan Oeding approximately 5 miles southeast of Wamego, according to the Wabaunsee County Sheriff. Livestock missing include Black Angus or Wagyu calves, one red calf and one Black Angus cow.Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Wabaunsee County Sheriff at 785-765-3323. There is a reward offered&nbsp; for information that leads to the arrest of those who stole the cattle.In August, Reno County Sheriff's Office said Circle H Cattle Company reported fifteen 400 to 500 pound calves stolen from the area of US 50 and Sterling Road, according to a social media report. The cattle went missing sometime between July 29, and August 6.In mid-July, the Kansas Livestock Associated reported 17-head of 200-350 pound calves were stolen ten miles northeast of Atwood, according to a media release from the Rawlins County sheriff's office. The calves&nbsp; carried fresh brands of V arrow high on the right hip.In April, the Sheridan County Sheriff's Department asked for the public's assistance in a case involving eighty 80 head of cattle missing from South of Hoxie, Kansas.

More cattle thefts under investigation in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a pair of alleged school threats at two middle schools in Kansas and have made arrests.

Just after 11 a.m. Wednesday, police received the report of an alleged threat from a student at Robinson Middle School, 1125 SW 14th Street in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Donna Eubanks. The school went into a secure campus out of an abundance of caution.

Investigators responded and determined there was no threat to the school or the public. They also took a student into custody. Following the police investigation police arrested the 13-year-old boy and booked him into the Shawnee County Juvenile Detention Center on the following on a requested charge of Aggravated criminal threat, according to Eubanks.

Meanwhile in Salina, police on Wednesday afternon learned a Lakewood Middle School student had allegedly posted on social media that he was going to "shoot up the school" due to being suspended from school for a school related issue, according to a media release from Salina Police. School resource officers confirmed the information with the school and observed the victim, witness's social media information corroborating the initial report.

Just before 8p.m. officers contacted the student, took them into custody and made an arrest on a requested charge of criminal threat. The juvenile is being transferred to the Saline County Sheriff's office and juvenile intake and assessment&nbsp; with a recommendation of detention at the north Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a pair of alleged school threats at two middle schools in Kansas and have made arrests.Just after 11 a.m. Wednesday, police received the report of an alleged threat from a student at Robinson Middle School, 1125 SW 14th Street in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Donna Eubanks. The school went into a secure campus out of an abundance of caution.Investigators responded and determined there was no threat to the school or the public. They also took a student into custody. Following the police investigation police arrested the 13-year-old boy and booked him into the Shawnee County Juvenile Detention Center on the following on a requested charge of Aggravated criminal threat, according to Eubanks.Meanwhile in Salina, police on Wednesday afternon learned a Lakewood Middle School student had allegedly posted on social media that he was going to "shoot up the school" due to being suspended from school for a school related issue, according to a media release from Salina Police. School resource officers confirmed the information with the school and observed the victim, witness's social media information corroborating the initial report.Just before 8p.m. officers contacted the student, took them into custody and made an arrest on a requested charge of criminal threat. The juvenile is being transferred to the Saline County Sheriff's office and juvenile intake and assessment&nbsp; with a recommendation of detention at the north Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.

Juveniles arrested for alleged threats at Kansas middle schools

JERUSALEM —The U.S. Central Command announced Wednesday that the U.S. military conducted additional self-defense strikes

Just after 2:30p.m., U.S&gt; forces successfully conducted a strike against one mobile anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen, that was prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.

Separately, at approximately 9:20 p.m.(Sanaa time), one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden.  U.S. Navy ships tracked the missile but took no action because the missile was not projected to impact near any ships. There were no reports of injuries or damage from ships in the area.

&nbsp;Meanwhile, explosions struck a natural gas pipeline in Iran early on Wednesday, with an official blaming the blasts on a “sabotage and terrorist action” in the country as tensions remain high in the Middle East amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>.

Details were scarce, though the blasts hit a natural gas pipeline running from Iran's western Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province up north to cities on the Caspian Sea. The roughly 1,270-kilometer (790-mile) pipeline begins in Asaluyeh, a hub for Iran's offshore South Pars gas field.

Saeed Aghli, the manager of Iran's gas network control center, told Iranian state television that a “sabotage and terrorist” action caused explosions along several areas of the line.

There are no known insurgent groups operating in that province, home to the Bakhtiari, a branch of Iran's Lur ethnic group. Aghli did not name any suspects in the blasts.

Iran's Oil Minister Javad Owji, also speaking to state TV, compared the attack to a series of mysterious and unclaimed assaults on gas pipelines in 2011 — including around the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-islamic-revolution-anniversary-tensions-us-israel-c8ebdc3f98fa23a67e570e45b8875bc9">Tehran marked the 45th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of the revolution on Sunday.

“The goal that the enemies were pursuing was to cut the gas in the major provinces of the country and it did not happen,” Owji said. “Except for the number of villages that were near the gas transmission lines, no province suffered a cut.”

In the past, Arab separatists in southwestern Iran have claimed attacks against oil pipelines. However, attacks elsewhere in Iran against such infrastructure are rare.

Since the revolution, Iran has faced low-level separatist unrest from Kurds in the country's northwest, the Baluch in the east and Arabs in the southwest.

However, tensions have risen in recent years as Iran faces an economy hobbled by international sanctions over its nuclear program. The country has faced years of mass demonstrations, most recently in 2022 over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-mahsa-amini-crackdown-f26a5f687d87785841241d266ca3e872">the death of Mahsa Amini</a>, a young woman who died in custody after her arrest allegedly over how she wore her mandatory headscarf.

Meanwhile, Israel has carried out attacks in Iran that have predominantly targeted its nuclear program. On Tuesday, the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog warned that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-iaea-gross-israel-hamas-gaza-war-ee164aefb63a533548a54179c952b5e1">Iran is “not entirely transparent” regarding its atomic program</a>, particularly after an official who once led Tehran’s program announced the Islamic Republic has all the pieces for a weapon “in our hands.”

Tensions over Iran's nuclear program comes as groups that Tehran is arming in the region — Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels — have launched attacks targeting Israel over the war in Gaza.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-missile-houthi-rebels-attack-bab-elmandeb-strait-999b911c916f9266c07a6d29cc020e9e">The Houthis continue to attack commercial shipping</a>&nbsp;in the region, sparking repeated airstrikes from the United States and the United Kingdom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699124273212.png" alt="photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —The U.S. Central Command announced Wednesday that the U.S. military conducted additional self-defense strikesJust after 2:30p.m., U.S&gt; forces successfully conducted a strike against one mobile anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen, that was prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea.Separately, at approximately 9:20 p.m.(Sanaa time), one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. U.S. Navy ships tracked the missile but took no action because the missile was not projected to impact near any ships. There were no reports of injuries or damage from ships in the area.&nbsp;Meanwhile, explosions struck a natural gas pipeline in Iran early on Wednesday, with an official blaming the blasts on a “sabotage and terrorist action” in the country as tensions remain high in the Middle East amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>.Details were scarce, though the blasts hit a natural gas pipeline running from Iran's western Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province up north to cities on the Caspian Sea. The roughly 1,270-kilometer (790-mile) pipeline begins in Asaluyeh, a hub for Iran's offshore South Pars gas field.Saeed Aghli, the manager of Iran's gas network control center, told Iranian state television that a “sabotage and terrorist” action caused explosions along several areas of the line.There are no known insurgent groups operating in that province, home to the Bakhtiari, a branch of Iran's Lur ethnic group. Aghli did not name any suspects in the blasts.Iran's Oil Minister Javad Owji, also speaking to state TV, compared the attack to a series of mysterious and unclaimed assaults on gas pipelines in 2011 — including around the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-islamic-revolution-anniversary-tensions-us-israel-c8ebdc3f98fa23a67e570e45b8875bc9">Tehran marked the 45th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of the revolution on Sunday.“The goal that the enemies were pursuing was to cut the gas in the major provinces of the country and it did not happen,” Owji said. “Except for the number of villages that were near the gas transmission lines, no province suffered a cut.”In the past, Arab separatists in southwestern Iran have claimed attacks against oil pipelines. However, attacks elsewhere in Iran against such infrastructure are rare.Since the revolution, Iran has faced low-level separatist unrest from Kurds in the country's northwest, the Baluch in the east and Arabs in the southwest.However, tensions have risen in recent years as Iran faces an economy hobbled by international sanctions over its nuclear program. The country has faced years of mass demonstrations, most recently in 2022 over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-mahsa-amini-crackdown-f26a5f687d87785841241d266ca3e872">the death of Mahsa Amini</a>, a young woman who died in custody after her arrest allegedly over how she wore her mandatory headscarf.Meanwhile, Israel has carried out attacks in Iran that have predominantly targeted its nuclear program. On Tuesday, the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog warned that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-program-iaea-gross-israel-hamas-gaza-war-ee164aefb63a533548a54179c952b5e1">Iran is “not entirely transparent” regarding its atomic program</a>, particularly after an official who once led Tehran’s program announced the Islamic Republic has all the pieces for a weapon “in our hands.”Tensions over Iran's nuclear program comes as groups that Tehran is arming in the region — Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels — have launched attacks targeting Israel over the war in Gaza.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-missile-houthi-rebels-attack-bab-elmandeb-strait-999b911c916f9266c07a6d29cc020e9e">The Houthis continue to attack commercial shipping</a>&nbsp;in the region, sparking repeated airstrikes from the United States and the United Kingdom.

U.S. warships conduct more self defense strikes in Red Sea

JEFFERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.

According to online jail records, On Feb. 10, deputies booked 49-year-old&nbsp;Billy Ketron of Topeka into the Jefferson County Jail on requested charges of burglary, criminal trespass, aggravated burglary, and aggravated escape from custody.

Ketron allegedly attempted to escape from a deputy during his arrest, according to the sheriff's office.&nbsp; Ketron remains jailed on a $1,500&nbsp; bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707836798942.png" alt="Ketron-photo Jefferson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ketron-photo Jefferson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a suspect in custody.According to online jail records, On Feb. 10, deputies booked 49-year-old&nbsp;Billy Ketron of Topeka into the Jefferson County Jail on requested charges of burglary, criminal trespass, aggravated burglary, and aggravated escape from custody.Ketron allegedly attempted to escape from a deputy during his arrest, according to the sheriff's office.&nbsp; Ketron remains jailed on a $1,500&nbsp; bond.

Sheriff: Kan. burglary suspect tried to escape during arrest

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are moving to impose tougher prison sentences for harming or killing police dogs, and the measure has bipartisan support despite questions elsewhere over how the animals are used in law enforcement.

The state House expected to take a final vote Wednesday on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2583_01_0000.pdf">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow judges to sentence first-time offenders to five years in prison for killing a police, arson, game warden or search and rescue dog, or a police horse, and mandate a fine of at least $10,000. Killing the dogs already is a felony in Kansas, but the maximum prison sentence&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_064_0000_article/021_064_0016_section/021_064_0016_k/">is one year</a>; the maximum fine is $5,000, and the law does not specifically cover horses.

Approval by the Republican-controlled House would send the measure to the GOP-led Senate. When the House took a preliminary voice vote Tuesday after a short debate, only a few members voted no.

The measure is a response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-dog-strangled-memorial-kansas-833d090ca3d030f3e0b83a321ec5fd29">the death in November</a>&nbsp;of Bane, an 8-year-old dog used by the Sedgwick County sheriff in Wichita, the state's largest city. Authorities say a suspect in a domestic violence case took refuge in a storm drain and strangled Bane when a deputy sent the dog in to flush out the suspect.

“These animals are not only tools. They are considered family,” said Rep. Adam Turk, a Kansas City-area Republican. “These animals are of great import to the protection and security of our citizens.”

The bill is sponsored by two prominent Republicans, House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Rep. Stephen Owens, chair of the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee. But it also has the backing of Rep. John Carmichael, the committee's top Democrat. Hawkins and Carmichael are from Wichita.

The federal government and some states already allow longer prison sentences than Kansas. Under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/106th-congress/house-bill/1791/text/pl?overview=closed">a 2000 federal law,</a>&nbsp;a person who kills a police dog can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. In 2019, the possible penalty&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/state/2019/04/27/killing-police-k-9s-in-florida-will-earn-longer-prison-term/5329805007/">in Florida</a>&nbsp;increased from up to five years in prison to up to 15 years.&nbsp;<a href="https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=SB2013&amp;GA=112">Tennessee</a>&nbsp;increased its penalties in 2022, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/acts/23RS/documents/0169.pdf">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;did so last year.

But injuries caused by police dogs also have made headlines.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/k9-dog-attack-circleville-black-trucker-4fd3d4806a71cca6f1667d8dbe58ded0">In rural Ohio in July 2023,</a>&nbsp;a police dog bit a Black truck driver severely enough that he needed hospital treatment after the man was on his knees with his hands in the air.

The Salt Lake City police department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f3b7d0a9d4787e5b2126ac739a0a5e7b">suspended its dog apprehension program</a>&nbsp;in 2020 after a Black man was bitten and an audit found 27 dog bite cases during the previous two years. And the same year, a Black man in Lafayette, Indiana, was placed in a medically induced coma after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-dogs-366bcb7b4433a62fe4bb8af39b042ea4">police dogs mauled him</a>&nbsp;as he was arrested in a battery case.

During Tuesday’s debate in the Kansas House, Democratic Rep. Ford Carr, of Wichita, one of six Black members, mentioned the Ohio case and recalled how during the Civil Rights Movement, authorities turned dogs on peaceful Black protesters.

Carr also suggested the Wichita suspect was defending himself.

“I don't think that there's any one of us here who would sit idly by and let an animal maul you without fighting back," Carr said.

Carmichael, who is white, acknowledged the fraught history surrounding police dogs, but he urged Carr to review testimony during the House committee's hearing on the bill earlier this month. Four law enforcement officers backed the measure, and no one spoke against it.

Bane's handler, Sedgwick County Deputy Tyler Brooks, told the committee that Bane became important to his family.

“It's kind of funny to me that this very large dog who frequently broke things and knocked everything over during a training session would be the one that would be the one that would break my 7-year-old autistic son of his crippling fear of dogs,” Brooks told the committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701304894824.png" alt="Members of law enforcement K9 units from across Kansas traveled to Wichita in November to pay their respects to Sedgwick County Sheriff K9 Bane." />
 <figcaption>Members of law enforcement K9 units from across Kansas traveled to Wichita in November to pay their respects to Sedgwick County Sheriff K9 Bane.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are moving to impose tougher prison sentences for harming or killing police dogs, and the measure has bipartisan support despite questions elsewhere over how the animals are used in law enforcement.The state House expected to take a final vote Wednesday on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2583_01_0000.pdf">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow judges to sentence first-time offenders to five years in prison for killing a police, arson, game warden or search and rescue dog, or a police horse, and mandate a fine of at least $10,000. Killing the dogs already is a felony in Kansas, but the maximum prison sentence&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_064_0000_article/021_064_0016_section/021_064_0016_k/">is one year</a>; the maximum fine is $5,000, and the law does not specifically cover horses.Approval by the Republican-controlled House would send the measure to the GOP-led Senate. When the House took a preliminary voice vote Tuesday after a short debate, only a few members voted no.The measure is a response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-dog-strangled-memorial-kansas-833d090ca3d030f3e0b83a321ec5fd29">the death in November</a>&nbsp;of Bane, an 8-year-old dog used by the Sedgwick County sheriff in Wichita, the state's largest city. Authorities say a suspect in a domestic violence case took refuge in a storm drain and strangled Bane when a deputy sent the dog in to flush out the suspect.“These animals are not only tools. They are considered family,” said Rep. Adam Turk, a Kansas City-area Republican. “These animals are of great import to the protection and security of our citizens.”The bill is sponsored by two prominent Republicans, House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Rep. Stephen Owens, chair of the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee. But it also has the backing of Rep. John Carmichael, the committee's top Democrat. Hawkins and Carmichael are from Wichita.The federal government and some states already allow longer prison sentences than Kansas. Under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/106th-congress/house-bill/1791/text/pl?overview=closed">a 2000 federal law,</a>&nbsp;a person who kills a police dog can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. In 2019, the possible penalty&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/state/2019/04/27/killing-police-k-9s-in-florida-will-earn-longer-prison-term/5329805007/">in Florida</a>&nbsp;increased from up to five years in prison to up to 15 years.&nbsp;<a href="https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=SB2013&amp;GA=112">Tennessee</a>&nbsp;increased its penalties in 2022, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/acts/23RS/documents/0169.pdf">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;did so last year.But injuries caused by police dogs also have made headlines.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/k9-dog-attack-circleville-black-trucker-4fd3d4806a71cca6f1667d8dbe58ded0">In rural Ohio in July 2023,</a>&nbsp;a police dog bit a Black truck driver severely enough that he needed hospital treatment after the man was on his knees with his hands in the air.The Salt Lake City police department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f3b7d0a9d4787e5b2126ac739a0a5e7b">suspended its dog apprehension program</a>&nbsp;in 2020 after a Black man was bitten and an audit found 27 dog bite cases during the previous two years. And the same year, a Black man in Lafayette, Indiana, was placed in a medically induced coma after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-dogs-366bcb7b4433a62fe4bb8af39b042ea4">police dogs mauled him</a>&nbsp;as he was arrested in a battery case.During Tuesday’s debate in the Kansas House, Democratic Rep. Ford Carr, of Wichita, one of six Black members, mentioned the Ohio case and recalled how during the Civil Rights Movement, authorities turned dogs on peaceful Black protesters.Carr also suggested the Wichita suspect was defending himself.“I don't think that there's any one of us here who would sit idly by and let an animal maul you without fighting back," Carr said.Carmichael, who is white, acknowledged the fraught history surrounding police dogs, but he urged Carr to review testimony during the House committee's hearing on the bill earlier this month. Four law enforcement officers backed the measure, and no one spoke against it.Bane's handler, Sedgwick County Deputy Tyler Brooks, told the committee that Bane became important to his family.“It's kind of funny to me that this very large dog who frequently broke things and knocked everything over during a training session would be the one that would be the one that would break my 7-year-old autistic son of his crippling fear of dogs,” Brooks told the committee.

Kansas lawmakers look to increase penalties for harming police dogs

Carwynne Cantero, Outside warrant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt; $25,000 pocket picking, Burglary, Domestic violence or sexually motivated crime, arrested 02/09

Luis Dominguez, Failure to appear, arrested 02/09

Darci Lowe, Outside warrant, arrested 02/09

Robert Humes,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 02/09

Casey Bellamy,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 02/09

Julishia Brewer, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, DUI-Liquor/drugs (2nd offense), arrested 02/10

Damani Bisio, Disorderly conduct, arrested 02/09

Mose Allen, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Felony, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving, arrested 02/10

Amanda Headlee, Possession of opiate, Opium, Narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of stimulant, Interference with LEO, Outside warrant, arrested 02/10

Angle Morgan, Outside warrant (Three counts), Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/10

Sergio Velasquez, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/10

Curtis Williams Balls, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 02/11

Jonathan Estes, Transporting an open container, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 02/11

Terry Cuddy, Reckless driving, Duty of driver to report upon damaging unattended vehicle/ property, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving, arrested 02/11

Jerrica Kirby, Theft-all other, arrested 02/11

Antoinette Stennis, Failure to appear, arrested 02/11

Jordan Prather, Fleeing or attempting to elude LEO, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked, arrested 02/12

Maciek Maker, Regulations on use of controlled-access highways and facilities, arrested 02/12

Paul Mulligan, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Fail to display evidence of financial security, arrested 02/13

Angela Washington, Outside warrant, Probation violation, arrested 02/13

Brandon Geer, Failure to appear, arrested 02/13

Leigha Goff, Arrest by LEO, arrested 02/13

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/2024/2/1707927492816.jpeg" alt="Stanley Schultz, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/10" />
 <figcaption>Stanley Schultz, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/10</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707927527704.jpeg" alt="Rashad Holloway, Possession of Opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Possession of stimulant, arrested 02/10" />
 <figcaption>Rashad Holloway, Possession of Opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Possession of stimulant, arrested 02/10</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707928598509.jpeg" alt="Stacie Sayles, Burglary, Theft, Domestic violence or sexually motivated crime, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt; $25,000 pocket picking, arrested 02/12" />
 <figcaption>Stacie Sayles, Burglary, Theft, Domestic violence or sexually motivated crime, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt; $25,000 pocket picking, arrested 02/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707928675264.jpeg" alt="Aaron Haase, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 02/12" />
 <figcaption>Aaron Haase, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 02/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707928745396.jpeg" alt="Christopher Hunter, Probation violation (Two counts), arrested 02/12" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Hunter, Probation violation (Two counts), arrested 02/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707928814801.jpeg" alt="Jomark Diaz, Aggravated sexual battery, Victim is physically powerless (Two counts), Rape, Sexual intercourse with physically powerless victim, arrested 02/12" />
 <figcaption>Jomark Diaz, Aggravated sexual battery, Victim is physically powerless (Two counts), Rape, Sexual intercourse with physically powerless victim, arrested 02/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707929098249.jpeg" alt="Roseanna Bullard, Battery against a law enforcement officer, Giving false alarm, Notify emergency services knowing not needed, arrested 02/13" />
 <figcaption>Roseanna Bullard, Battery against a law enforcement officer, Giving false alarm, Notify emergency services knowing not needed, arrested 02/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707929216681.jpeg" alt="Wendy Poston, Outside warrant, arrested 02/13" />
 <figcaption>Wendy Poston, Outside warrant, arrested 02/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707929333925.jpeg" alt="Kwami Williams, Outside warrant, arrested 02/13" />
 <figcaption>Kwami Williams, Outside warrant, arrested 02/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707930035629.jpeg" alt="Zachary Laporte, Unlawful damage to property, Domestic battery, arrested 02/13" />
 <figcaption>Zachary Laporte, Unlawful damage to property, Domestic battery, arrested 02/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707930071183.jpeg" alt="Marcus Burrows, Criminal trespass, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution, arrested 02/14" />
 <figcaption>Marcus Burrows, Criminal trespass, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution, arrested 02/14</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Carwynne Cantero, Outside warrant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Theft &gt; $1,500 &lt; $25,000 pocket picking, Burglary, Domestic violence or sexually motivated crime, arrested 02/09Luis Dominguez, Failure to appear, arrested 02/09Darci Lowe, Outside warrant, arrested 02/09Robert Humes,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 02/09Casey Bellamy,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 02/09Julishia Brewer, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, DUI-Liquor/drugs (2nd offense), arrested 02/10Damani Bisio, Disorderly conduct, arrested 02/09Mose Allen, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Felony, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving, arrested 02/10Amanda Headlee, Possession of opiate, Opium, Narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of stimulant, Interference with LEO, Outside warrant, arrested 02/10Angle Morgan, Outside warrant (Three counts), Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/10Sergio Velasquez, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/10Curtis Williams Balls, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 02/11Jonathan Estes, Transporting an open container, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 02/11Terry Cuddy, Reckless driving, Duty of driver to report upon damaging unattended vehicle/ property, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving, arrested 02/11Jerrica Kirby, Theft-all other, arrested 02/11Antoinette Stennis, Failure to appear, arrested 02/11Jordan Prather, Fleeing or attempting to elude LEO, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked, arrested 02/12Maciek Maker, Regulations on use of controlled-access highways and facilities, arrested 02/12Paul Mulligan, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Fail to display evidence of financial security, arrested 02/13Angela Washington, Outside warrant, Probation violation, arrested 02/13Brandon Geer, Failure to appear, arrested 02/13Leigha Goff, Arrest by LEO, arrested 02/13Recent 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 Feb. 10-14

COFFEY COUNTY –&nbsp; Law enforcement authorities have arrested a Kansas wrestling coach and teacher for alleged sex crimes.

Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, KBI agents arrested 31-year-old Michael Vander Linden of Burlington, Kansas, at 401 N. 12th St., in Burlington, according to a media release from the KBI. He was arrested on a warrant for eight counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. 

Vander Linden is <a href="https://bhs.usd244ks.org/119401_2">employed as teacher </a>and wrestling and cross country coach at Burlington High School.&nbsp; He also directed the drama club and theater productions, according to the school web site.

In June 2022, the KBI initiated an investigation after the Coffey County Sheriff’s Office took a report from a former student of Vander Linden’s who reported a sexual relationship that took place in 2012 and 2013, when she was a sophomore and Vander Linden was a student teacher. 

The investigation led to a second former student who reported she also had sexual intercourse with Vander Linden on multiple occasions in 2013, when she was 15-years-old.

After the arrest, Vander Linden was booked into the Coffey County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707879216666.png" alt="Vander Linden " />
 <figcaption>Vander Linden </figcaption>
 </figure>COFFEY COUNTY –&nbsp; Law enforcement authorities have arrested a Kansas wrestling coach and teacher for alleged sex crimes.Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, KBI agents arrested 31-year-old Michael Vander Linden of Burlington, Kansas, at 401 N. 12th St., in Burlington, according to a media release from the KBI. He was arrested on a warrant for eight counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Vander Linden is <a href="https://bhs.usd244ks.org/119401_2">employed as teacher </a>and wrestling and cross country coach at Burlington High School.&nbsp; He also directed the drama club and theater productions, according to the school web site.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707879437207.png" alt="Photo courtesy Burlington High School" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Burlington High School</figcaption>
 </figure>In June 2022, the KBI initiated an investigation after the Coffey County Sheriff’s Office took a report from a former student of Vander Linden’s who reported a sexual relationship that took place in 2012 and 2013, when she was a sophomore and Vander Linden was a student teacher. The investigation led to a second former student who reported she also had sexual intercourse with Vander Linden on multiple occasions in 2013, when she was 15-years-old.After the arrest, Vander Linden was booked into the Coffey County Jail.

Kan. wrestling coach, teacher accused of sex with students

SALINE&nbsp; COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a rural Kansas burglary.

Between February 7th and 9th, two suspects burglarized an unoccupied house in the 4700 block of North Woodward Road in rural Saline County and stole almost more than $1,000 in frozen beef and pork., according to Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes.

After the burglary, the owner installed security cameras on the property..

The Saline County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case over the weekend. At 5 a.m. on Monday, one of the suspects visited the same house and stole another $400 in various household items.

"The security system was alerted to a presence at the property, and by the time deputies arrived there were no suspects on scene," said Sheriff's Office Capt. Jim Hughes. "The house had been entered again and an internet modem, a security camera and a suitcase with books were stolen. The loss of all that property is reported to be about $425."

The suspect, 54-year-old Wallace Holmes took down the security camera, Hughes said but it. had captured footage that led to a search warrant for a residence in central Salina.

Deputies then conducted the search warrant on Monday and found items from the victim's property in the residence in Salina where Holmes and 51-year-old Andrea Randecker live.

The suspects were not present while deputies searched, but deputies found them later and arrested them for the burglaries.

Holmes is being held on requested charges that include two counts of burglary, theft and damage to property and trespass. Requested charges for Randecker include one count of burglary, theft and trespass.

"While deputies were arresting Randecker, she was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and personal paraphernalia, so she picked up those two additional charges," Hughes said."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707856894581.png" alt="Holmes photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Holmes photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE&nbsp; COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a rural Kansas burglary.Between February 7th and 9th, two suspects burglarized an unoccupied house in the 4700 block of North Woodward Road in rural Saline County and stole almost more than $1,000 in frozen beef and pork., according to Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707857014776.png" alt="Randecker-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Randecker-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>After the burglary, the owner installed security cameras on the property..The Saline County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case over the weekend. At 5 a.m. on Monday, one of the suspects visited the same house and stole another $400 in various household items."The security system was alerted to a presence at the property, and by the time deputies arrived there were no suspects on scene," said Sheriff's Office Capt. Jim Hughes. "The house had been entered again and an internet modem, a security camera and a suitcase with books were stolen. The loss of all that property is reported to be about $425."The suspect, 54-year-old Wallace Holmes took down the security camera, Hughes said but it. had captured footage that led to a search warrant for a residence in central Salina.Deputies then conducted the search warrant on Monday and found items from the victim's property in the residence in Salina where Holmes and 51-year-old Andrea Randecker live.The suspects were not present while deputies searched, but deputies found them later and arrested them for the burglaries.Holmes is being held on requested charges that include two counts of burglary, theft and damage to property and trespass. Requested charges for Randecker include one count of burglary, theft and trespass."While deputies were arresting Randecker, she was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and personal paraphernalia, so she picked up those two additional charges," Hughes said."

Kan. burglary suspects allegedly took $1,000 in frozen beef, pork

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have filed charges against a man with a history of crime in connection with the theft and destruction of the Jackie Robinson statue taken from the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park,  1329 E 16th Street N, in Wichita.&nbsp;

On Monday, the Sedgwick County District attorney charged 45-year-0ld&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=251468">Ricky Alderete</a>&nbsp;with Felony Theft – Value over $25,000, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Identity Theft and Making False Information,&nbsp;according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.&nbsp; Alderete has previous convictions for theft and burglary in Sumner County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He is being held&nbsp;on $150,000 bond.

Alerete was in custody after an arrest on&nbsp;February 1, for a probation violation, burglary, kidnapping and criminal damage to property unrelated to the theft of the statue, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=251468">according to online jail records.</a>

Wichita police detectives conducted over 100 interviews both within and outside Sedgwick County to resolve the case.

On January 28, officers from the Wichita Police Department Field Community Response Team located the suspect vehicle used in the theft, unoccupied, at an apartment complex in Wichita.

On January 30, the Wichita Fire Department discovered parts of the statue in a trash can at Garvey Park while responding to a fire call. Investigators continued to persistently pursue leads in the case.

On February 12, Wichita police investigators presented the case details to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

The investigation has not revealed any evidence indicating that this was a hate-motivated crime, instead, police believe this theft was motivated by the financial gain of scrapping common metal, according to Moses. Police detectives remain committed to gathering information to identify and charge all individuals involved in the theft and destruction of the&nbsp; statue.

Donations poured in after the theft, approaching $300,000, said Bob Lutz, executive director of the Little League nonprofit that commissioned the sculpture.

Lutz has said that some of the extra money raised also could enhance some of its programming and facilities. In April, the group opened the Leslie Rudd Learning Center, which includes an indoor baseball facility and a learning lab.

Lutz, whose friend, the artist John Parsons, made the statue before his death, said the mold is still viable and anticipated that a replacement can be erected within a matter of months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707844320270.png" alt="Alderete-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Alderete-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have filed charges against a man with a history of crime in connection with the theft and destruction of the Jackie Robinson statue taken from the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park, 1329 E 16th Street N, in Wichita.&nbsp;On Monday, the Sedgwick County District attorney charged 45-year-0ld&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=251468">Ricky Alderete</a>&nbsp;with Felony Theft – Value over $25,000, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property, Identity Theft and Making False Information,&nbsp;according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.&nbsp; Alderete has previous convictions for theft and burglary in Sumner County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He is being held&nbsp;on $150,000 bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706642235098.jpeg" alt="Jackie Robinson Statue-Courtesy GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Robinson Statue-Courtesy GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Alerete was in custody after an arrest on&nbsp;February 1, for a probation violation, burglary, kidnapping and criminal damage to property unrelated to the theft of the statue, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=251468">according to online jail records.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214143377.png" alt="Photo city of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Photo city of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita police detectives conducted over 100 interviews both within and outside Sedgwick County to resolve the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706562468247.png" alt="Vehicle used in the theft of the statue" />
 <figcaption>Vehicle used in the theft of the statue</figcaption>
 </figure>On January 28, officers from the Wichita Police Department Field Community Response Team located the suspect vehicle used in the theft, unoccupied, at an apartment complex in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706641670170.png" alt="Parts of the burned statue found in a trash bin-photo courtesy KAKE" />
 <figcaption>Parts of the burned statue found in a trash bin-photo courtesy KAKE</figcaption>
 </figure>On January 30, the Wichita Fire Department discovered parts of the statue in a trash can at Garvey Park while responding to a fire call. Investigators continued to persistently pursue leads in the case.On February 12, Wichita police investigators presented the case details to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706281113254.png" alt="Suspects as seen from a security camera loading the statue into the back of the pickup -image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Suspects as seen from a security camera loading the statue into the back of the pickup -image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation has not revealed any evidence indicating that this was a hate-motivated crime, instead, police believe this theft was motivated by the financial gain of scrapping common metal, according to Moses. Police detectives remain committed to gathering information to identify and charge all individuals involved in the theft and destruction of the&nbsp; statue.Donations poured in after the theft, approaching $300,000, said Bob Lutz, executive director of the Little League nonprofit that commissioned the sculpture.Lutz has said that some of the extra money raised also could enhance some of its programming and facilities. In April, the group opened the Leslie Rudd Learning Center, which includes an indoor baseball facility and a learning lab.Lutz, whose friend, the artist John Parsons, made the statue before his death, said the mold is still viable and anticipated that a replacement can be erected within a matter of months.

Man with history of crime charged in theft of Jackie Robinson statue 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas county jail inmate with a history of health issue died on Sunday.

On January 28, EMS transported a Sedgwick County inmate to a local hospital&nbsp; due to chronic medical problems, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

The 36-year-old inmate identified as Kelly Junius Peterson, according to Sedgwick County booking records, was being evaluated by the Detention Facility Medical Clinic for the past three years after reporting difficulties with his chronic medical issues to jail medical staff. He was hospitalized for a total of 25 times since his arrest in October of 2020&nbsp;on felony charges of Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Indecent Liberties and Sexual Exploitation of a child.

The hospital staff had been attempting to treat Peterson, but his condition had a very small chance of survival.&nbsp; Based on medical advice, on February 8, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office contacted Peterson's family and made accommodations for them to visit him. 

Just before 5:30p.m. Sunday Peterson was pronounced deceased. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation Division were notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707701963256.png" alt="PETERSON-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>PETERSON-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas county jail inmate with a history of health issue died on Sunday.On January 28, EMS transported a Sedgwick County inmate to a local hospital&nbsp; due to chronic medical problems, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.The 36-year-old inmate identified as Kelly Junius Peterson, according to Sedgwick County booking records, was being evaluated by the Detention Facility Medical Clinic for the past three years after reporting difficulties with his chronic medical issues to jail medical staff. He was hospitalized for a total of 25 times since his arrest in October of 2020&nbsp;on felony charges of Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Indecent Liberties and Sexual Exploitation of a child.He was hospitalized eight times in 2023.The hospital staff had been attempting to treat Peterson, but his condition had a very small chance of survival.&nbsp; Based on medical advice, on February 8, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office contacted Peterson's family and made accommodations for them to visit him. Just before 5:30p.m. Sunday Peterson was pronounced deceased. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation Division were notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. inmate jailed for child sex crime allegations has died

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Monday shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 57-year-old Ruth A. Bowman.

Just after 12:30.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting at 50th and Bellefontaine, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.

First responders were directed to a shooting victim, later identified as Bown, unresponsive on the sidewalk north of the intersection. Officers began rendering aid and summoned EMS to the scene who declared her deceased.

Responding Officers detained two people who were at the scene when they arrived for further investigation. Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene for evidence and canvassed for witnesses.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Monday shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 57-year-old Ruth A. Bowman.Just after 12:30.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting at 50th and Bellefontaine, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.First responders were directed to a shooting victim, later identified as Bown, unresponsive on the sidewalk north of the intersection. Officers began rendering aid and summoned EMS to the scene who declared her deceased.Responding Officers detained two people who were at the scene when they arrived for further investigation. Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene for evidence and canvassed for witnesses.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Homicide: Police ID Kansas City woman found dead on sidewalk

KANSAS CITY— Two Parsons, Kansas, men and&nbsp;Two Springfield, Missouri men and  have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy after law enforcement officers seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a vehicle being transported from California, as well as several firearms found at a Springfield residence, according to the United State's Attorney.

Dontrell Anthony Powell, 34, and his brother, Dreshawn Powell, 26, both of Springfield, and Willie Murry, Jr., 41, and Mark Monta Logan, 33, both of Parsons, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, on Tuesday Feb. 6. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against the defendants on Jan. 19, 2024, and contains additional charges.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol searched the vehicles on a car hauler at a truck stop in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Jan. 17, 2024. Officers found approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fake pills believed to contain fentanyl hidden in a subwoofer speaker box in the cargo area of one of the cars, a Dodge Magnum. The driver of the car hauler, whom the affidavit says was not involved in the drug shipment, agreed to deliver the Dodge Magnum to its destination at a parking lot in Springfield.

Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled delivery later the same day. Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell arrived together and Dontrell Powell met with the driver of the car hauler. Murry and Logan arrived together soon afterward. Dontrell Powell attempted to start the Dodge Magnum, but it would not start. Murray and Logan helped him jump start the vehicle, which he then drove out of the parking lot as the other defendants followed in their vehicles. Agents followed the three vehicles to Dontrell Powell’s residence, where they were arrested.

Agents searched the residence and found, in addition to the controlled delivery from the Dodge Magnum, an AM-15 pistol, .223 ammunition, several high-capacity magazines with ammunition, more than $100,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Agents also found a loaded Glock pistol in one of the vehicles, eight cell phones, two shards of crystal methamphetamine inside two large subwoofer boxes in the garage, four more large subwoofer boxes, and drug paraphernalia.

The federal indictment alleges that Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell, Murry, and Logan participated in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2024. In addition to the conspiracy, all four defendants are charged together in one count of attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Dontrell Powell is also charged with one count of money laundering, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Powell allegedly possessed an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Jan. 18, 2024. Powell allegedly possessed another Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on June 12, 2022. Dontrell Powell has a prior felony conviction for possession of dangerous drugs for sale.

Murry and Logan are also charged together in one count of traveling across state lines from Kansas to Missouri with the intent to carry on or facilitate an unlawful activity (possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine).

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707703900422.png" alt="Murray-photo Greene Co" />
 <figcaption>Murray-photo Greene Co</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Two Parsons, Kansas, men and&nbsp;Two Springfield, Missouri men and have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy after law enforcement officers seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a vehicle being transported from California, as well as several firearms found at a Springfield residence, according to the United State's Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707703731016.png" alt="Logan photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Logan photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dontrell Anthony Powell, 34, and his brother, Dreshawn Powell, 26, both of Springfield, and Willie Murry, Jr., 41, and Mark Monta Logan, 33, both of Parsons, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, on Tuesday Feb. 6. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against the defendants on Jan. 19, 2024, and contains additional charges.According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol searched the vehicles on a car hauler at a truck stop in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Jan. 17, 2024. Officers found approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fake pills believed to contain fentanyl hidden in a subwoofer speaker box in the cargo area of one of the cars, a Dodge Magnum. The driver of the car hauler, whom the affidavit says was not involved in the drug shipment, agreed to deliver the Dodge Magnum to its destination at a parking lot in Springfield.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707703988242.png" alt="Dreshawn Powell photo Grene Co." />
 <figcaption>Dreshawn Powell photo Grene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled delivery later the same day. Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell arrived together and Dontrell Powell met with the driver of the car hauler. Murry and Logan arrived together soon afterward. Dontrell Powell attempted to start the Dodge Magnum, but it would not start. Murray and Logan helped him jump start the vehicle, which he then drove out of the parking lot as the other defendants followed in their vehicles. Agents followed the three vehicles to Dontrell Powell’s residence, where they were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707704062964.png" alt="Dontrell Powell photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Dontrell Powell photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Agents searched the residence and found, in addition to the controlled delivery from the Dodge Magnum, an AM-15 pistol, .223 ammunition, several high-capacity magazines with ammunition, more than $100,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Agents also found a loaded Glock pistol in one of the vehicles, eight cell phones, two shards of crystal methamphetamine inside two large subwoofer boxes in the garage, four more large subwoofer boxes, and drug paraphernalia.The federal indictment alleges that Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell, Murry, and Logan participated in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2024. In addition to the conspiracy, all four defendants are charged together in one count of attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.Dontrell Powell is also charged with one count of money laundering, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Powell allegedly possessed an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Jan. 18, 2024. Powell allegedly possessed another Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on June 12, 2022. Dontrell Powell has a prior felony conviction for possession of dangerous drugs for sale.Murry and Logan are also charged together in one count of traveling across state lines from Kansas to Missouri with the intent to carry on or facilitate an unlawful activity (possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine).The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol.

2 Kan. men indicted: Officers seized 100 pounds of meth, illegal firearms

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A jury this week convicted a man on parole for murder in the 2019 Christmas Eve murder of his girlfriend.

On Tuesday 43-year-old Ahmad Bey was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 41-year-old Melinda Sprague, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offie.

Just after 2p.m. on Christmas Eve in 2019, a co-worker of&nbsp; Sprague contacted police about her not showing up for work, according to Wichita Police Captain Brett Allred. Police made a missing person report.

During the investigation, police located Sprague's missing 2017 Ford Focus behind a business in the 1500 Block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Allred.&nbsp; They also located her body inside the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police developed information that led to Bey's arrest on a requested charge of first-degree murder and a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant.&nbsp; At the time, police also arrested 34-year-old Vanessa&nbsp; Waner on a requested charge of first-degree murder, according to Allred.

Police investigators learned that Sprague and Bey were in a dating relationship, according to Allred.   Bey and Waner lived together. Charges against Waner were later dismissed. 

At the time of the Sprague's murder, Bey was on parole for 2nd degree intentional murder in Crawford County in 1999.&nbsp; He is set to be sentenced on March 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She was reported missing on December 24, 2019 after she didn't show up for work. Her body was found in her two days later in the 1500 block of East Harry. Bey and a second suspect were booked into jail on December 27.&nbsp;

Police said Bey and Sprague had been in a relationship. A charge of interference with law enforcement against the second suspect was dismissed in February 2020, records show.

Bey is set to be sentenced on March 22. He faces jury trial in April on two counts of violating the Kansas offender registration act. At the time of Sprague's death, Bey was on parole for a second-degree murder conviction in Crawford County. He was paroled in that case on July 1, 2019.

Online jail records show Bey was also charged with trafficking contraband into a correctional facility in August 2021. A hearing in that case is also scheduled for March 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577465236625.png" alt="Bey-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Bey-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A jury this week convicted a man on parole for murder in the 2019 Christmas Eve murder of his girlfriend.On Tuesday 43-year-old Ahmad Bey was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 41-year-old Melinda Sprague, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offie.Just after 2p.m. on Christmas Eve in 2019, a co-worker of&nbsp; Sprague contacted police about her not showing up for work, according to Wichita Police Captain Brett Allred. Police made a missing person report.During the investigation, police located Sprague's missing 2017 Ford Focus behind a business in the 1500 Block of East Harry in Wichita, according to Allred.&nbsp; They also located her body inside the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.Police developed information that led to Bey's arrest on a requested charge of first-degree murder and a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant.&nbsp; At the time, police also arrested 34-year-old Vanessa&nbsp; Waner on a requested charge of first-degree murder, according to Allred.Police investigators learned that Sprague and Bey were in a dating relationship, according to Allred. Bey and Waner lived together. Charges against Waner were later dismissed. At the time of the Sprague's murder, Bey was on parole for 2nd degree intentional murder in Crawford County in 1999.&nbsp; He is set to be sentenced on March 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was reported missing on December 24, 2019 after she didn't show up for work. Her body was found in her two days later in the 1500 block of East Harry. Bey and a second suspect were booked into jail on December 27.&nbsp;Police said Bey and Sprague had been in a relationship. A charge of interference with law enforcement against the second suspect was dismissed in February 2020, records show.Bey is set to be sentenced on March 22. He faces jury trial in April on two counts of violating the Kansas offender registration act. At the time of Sprague's death, Bey was on parole for a second-degree murder conviction in Crawford County. He was paroled in that case on July 1, 2019.Online jail records show Bey was also charged with trafficking contraband into a correctional facility in August 2021. A hearing in that case is also scheduled for March 22.

Kan. man on parole for murder killed his girlfriend on Christmas Eve

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.

On Feb. 4, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on an Acura passenger car for a traffic infraction near 162nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 During the stop the deputy located illegal contraband.  The driver, Paula Louise Michael, 60, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael has three previous convictions for drug possession in 2005 and 2010, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707399598744.png" alt="Michael photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.On Feb. 4, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on an Acura passenger car for a traffic infraction near 162nd and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the stop the deputy located illegal contraband. The driver, Paula Louise Michael, 60, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.Michael has three previous convictions for drug possession in 2005 and 2010, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kansas felon had illegal drugs in her car

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-17A1.pdf">outlawed robocalls</a>&nbsp;that contain voices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-fires-artificial-intelligence-misinformation-26cabd20dcacbd68c8f38610fec39f5b">generated by artificial intelligence</a>, a decision that sends a clear message that exploiting the technology to scam people and mislead voters won’t be tolerated.

The unanimous ruling targets robocalls made with AI voice-cloning tools under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, a 1991 law restricting junk calls that use artificial and prerecorded voice messages.

The announcement comes as New Hampshire authorities are advancing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-robocalls-artificial-intelligence-new-hampshire-texas-a8665277d43d05380d2c7594edf27617">their investigation</a>&nbsp;into AI-generated robocalls that mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice to discourage people from voting in the state's first-in-the-nation primary last month.

Effective immediately, the regulation empowers the FCC to fine companies that use AI voices in their calls or block the service providers that carry them. It also opens the door for call recipients to file lawsuits and gives state attorneys general a new mechanism to crack down on violators, according to the FCC.

The agency's chairwoman,&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-17A2.pdf">Jessica Rosenworcel,</a>&nbsp;said bad actors have been using AI-generated voices in robocalls to misinform voters, impersonate celebrities and extort family members.

“It seems like something from the far-off future, but this threat is already here,” Rosenworcel told The Associated Press on Wednesday as the commission was considering the regulations. “All of us could be on the receiving end of these faked calls, so that’s why we felt the time to act was now.”

Under the consumer protection law, telemarketers generally cannot use automated dialers or artificial or prerecorded voice messages to call cellphones, and they cannot make such calls to landlines without prior written consent from the call recipient.

The new ruling classifies AI-generated voices in robocalls as “artificial” and thus enforceable by the same standards, the FCC said.

Those who break the law can face steep fines, maxing out at more than $23,000 per call, the FCC said. The agency has previously used the consumer law to clamp down on robocallers interfering in elections, including imposing a $5 million fine on two conservative hoaxers for falsely warning people in predominantly Black areas that voting by mail could heighten their risk of arrest, debt collection and forced vaccination.

The law also gives call recipients the right to take legal action and potentially recover up to $1,500 in damages for each unwanted call.

Rosenworcel said the commission started looking at making robocalls with AI-generated voices illegal because it saw a rise in these types of calls. It sought public comment on the issue last November and in January, a bipartisan group of 26 state attorneys general wrote to the FCC urging it to move forward with a ruling.

Sophisticated generative AI tools, from voice-cloning software to image generators, already are in use in elections in the U.S. and around the world.

Last year, as the U.S. presidential race got underway, several campaign advertisements used AI-generated audio or imagery, and some candidates experimented with using AI chatbots to communicate with voters.

Bipartisan efforts in Congress have sought to regulate AI in political campaigns, but no federal legislation has passed, with the general election nine months away.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-17A1.pdf">outlawed robocalls</a>&nbsp;that contain voices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-science-fires-artificial-intelligence-misinformation-26cabd20dcacbd68c8f38610fec39f5b">generated by artificial intelligence</a>, a decision that sends a clear message that exploiting the technology to scam people and mislead voters won’t be tolerated.The unanimous ruling targets robocalls made with AI voice-cloning tools under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, a 1991 law restricting junk calls that use artificial and prerecorded voice messages.The announcement comes as New Hampshire authorities are advancing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-robocalls-artificial-intelligence-new-hampshire-texas-a8665277d43d05380d2c7594edf27617">their investigation</a>&nbsp;into AI-generated robocalls that mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice to discourage people from voting in the state's first-in-the-nation primary last month.Effective immediately, the regulation empowers the FCC to fine companies that use AI voices in their calls or block the service providers that carry them. It also opens the door for call recipients to file lawsuits and gives state attorneys general a new mechanism to crack down on violators, according to the FCC.The agency's chairwoman,&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-17A2.pdf">Jessica Rosenworcel,</a>&nbsp;said bad actors have been using AI-generated voices in robocalls to misinform voters, impersonate celebrities and extort family members.“It seems like something from the far-off future, but this threat is already here,” Rosenworcel told The Associated Press on Wednesday as the commission was considering the regulations. “All of us could be on the receiving end of these faked calls, so that’s why we felt the time to act was now.”Under the consumer protection law, telemarketers generally cannot use automated dialers or artificial or prerecorded voice messages to call cellphones, and they cannot make such calls to landlines without prior written consent from the call recipient.The new ruling classifies AI-generated voices in robocalls as “artificial” and thus enforceable by the same standards, the FCC said.Those who break the law can face steep fines, maxing out at more than $23,000 per call, the FCC said. The agency has previously used the consumer law to clamp down on robocallers interfering in elections, including imposing a $5 million fine on two conservative hoaxers for falsely warning people in predominantly Black areas that voting by mail could heighten their risk of arrest, debt collection and forced vaccination.The law also gives call recipients the right to take legal action and potentially recover up to $1,500 in damages for each unwanted call.Rosenworcel said the commission started looking at making robocalls with AI-generated voices illegal because it saw a rise in these types of calls. It sought public comment on the issue last November and in January, a bipartisan group of 26 state attorneys general wrote to the FCC urging it to move forward with a ruling.Sophisticated generative AI tools, from voice-cloning software to image generators, already are in use in elections in the U.S. and around the world.Last year, as the U.S. presidential race got underway, several campaign advertisements used AI-generated audio or imagery, and some candidates experimented with using AI chatbots to communicate with voters.Bipartisan efforts in Congress have sought to regulate AI in political campaigns, but no federal legislation has passed, with the general election nine months away.The AI-generated robocalls that sought to influence New Hampshire’s Jan. 23 primary election used a voice similar to Biden’s, employed his often-used phrase, “What a bunch of malarkey” and falsely suggested that voting in the primary would preclude voters from casting a ballot in November.New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said Tuesday that investigators had identified the Texas-based Life Corp. and its owner, Walter Monk as the source of the calls, which went to thousands of state residents, mostly registered Democrats. He said the calls were transmitted by another Texas-based company, Lingo Telecom.New Hampshire issued cease-and-desist orders and subpoenas to both companies, while the Federal Communications Commission issued a cease-and-desist letter to the telecommunications company, Formella said. A task force of attorneys general in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., sent a letter to Life Corp. warning it to stop originating illegal calls immediately.According to the FCC, both Lingo Telecom and Life Corp. have been investigated for illegal robocalls in the past. In 2003, FCC issued a citation to Life Corp. for delivering illegal pre-recorded and unsolicited advertisements to residential lines.More recently, the task force of attorneys general has accused Lingo of being the gateway provider for 61 suspected illegal calls from overseas. The Federal Trade Commission issued a cease and desist order against Lingo’s prior corporate name, Matrix Telecom, in 2022. The next year, the task force demanded that it take steps to protect its network.Lingo Telecom said in a statement Tuesday that it “acted immediately” to help with the investigation into the robocalls impersonating Biden and quickly identified and suspended Life Corporation when contacted by the task force. A man who answered the business line for Life Corp. declined to comment on Thursday.