Submitted by Chris Miller
As you may remember, in early 2014, we had an arsonist or arsonists setting fires in rural Ellis County.
This maniac or these maniacs caused a great deal of property loss for numerous residents.
In an effort to stop the fires, some of our local business owners and county residents put up reward money. The money was offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the arsonist/arsonists. The reward was scheduled to be intact for one year but was extended at the request of Deputy Sheriff Ricke.
It is with a heavy heart I must report our efforts were unsuccessful, and the time has come to suspend the reward. In addition, I am in the process of sending those funds to all who donated.
I would, however, like to ask everyone if you know something about the fires, please report it to Detective Ricke.
Chris J Miller
Below is the letter sent to those who donated to the reward fund:
Dear Friends
I am writing this letter regarding the reward fund you all donated to. As I am sure you remember early in 2014 numerous Ellis county residents were victims of arson fires. In an effort to assist the sheriff’s department we started soliciting funds for the reward. It was to be paid out in exchange for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Many of you donated to the fund and it eventually reached $5000.00. As the executor of this reward I decided it would remain intact for one year unless the sheriff’s office was working leads in which case it would remain on the table longer.
In April of this year I visited with Deputy Brad Ricke and at his request I decided to extend the deadline. He told me he was tying up some loose ends and requested more time. I have visited with Brad several times and don’t have anything more to report about the investigation other then it is ongoing.
During a 2014 visit with detective Ricke the reward was sitting at $4500.00. At that time I told Brad I would raise it to $5000.00 hoping that would help provide some new information.
July 8th 2014 the reward amount update was reported on local media as well as the Wichita news. The next day July 9th at 2:27 PM I received a phone call from an adult male who seemed very upset. At this time I won’t discuss the content of that call other then to say he was not happy. Why would someone not want a reward offered????
The caller blocked his number so I contacted the phone company. When I told them what took place a trace was placed on the call and that information was handed over to Detective Ricke. It is my understanding that as of now the phone call issue is not being pursued further. (Not sure why)
With regret I must report it is time to take the reward off the table. Enclose please find your donation refund.
Sincerely
Chris J Miller