WICHITA, KAN. – A convicted Kansas felon will remain in jail pending trial on a federal firearm charge, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Mashaney -photo Sedgwick Co.
Justin Mashaney, 29, Wichita, Kan., appeared in federal court Monday for a hearing on whether he would be released pending trial. U.S. Magistrate Judge Gwynne E. Birzer granted the government’s motion to keep him in jail. Mashaney is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.
According to an affidavit filed in the case, law enforcement officers were investigating the murder of Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Kunze by Cody Greeson when they encountered Mashaney.
Deputy Robert KunzeGreeson-photo Sedgwick County.
They were investigating information they received that Mashaney and Greeson had been committing crimes together. Greeson and Deputy Kunze died Sept. 16 in an exchange of fire.
If convicted, Mashaney faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett is prosecuting.
COLBY, Kan.-Christin Nunnery’s Hays High Lady Indians continued their mid-season roll with three straight set victories on Monday in Colby. The head coach has switched a few things up with her rotation over the past couple of weeks and it has solidified the 5A Lady Indians.
The opening match against Phillipsburg was dominated early and often as Hays High won 25-7, 25-20 for their second victory over the Lady Panthers in the last three days. Up next the Lady Indians dispatched Western Athletic Conference foe Liberal in straight sets, 25-23 and 25-18. Hays finished the evening sweep by taking care of business against Colby in the nightcap, 25-11 and 25-23.
Hays High has now won nine straight matches and they have not lost a single set during that stretch. With the wins they improve to 18-9 on the season and will host Larned and LaCrosse in a triangular on Thursday.
BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities have broken up a major drug ring after months of investigation, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
Photos courtesy Barton County Sheriff
Early Monday, the Barton County Sheriff’s office and several other agencies executed a total of nine search warrants in Barton County in what Bellendir called “Operation Snowplow.”
The investigation began as a cocaine distribution case. Detectives had used undercover techniques to purchase illicit drugs. The case mushroomed drastically into a major distribution case involving all types of drugs, according to Bellendir.
Of particular concern was the fact the detectives came into possession of imitation hydrocodone tablets. The tablets had been manufactured to look like 5 mg hydrocodone prescription drugs. Upon analysis it was discovered the tablets contained fentanyl, an extremely powerful painkiller, more powerful than morphine.
Fentanyl is far more likely to cause an overdose leading to death. Further lab analysis showed these tablets to be some of the strongest ever analyzed in the State of Kansas. Also, during the course of the investigation detectives obtained quantities of black tar heroin. Heroin has not been common in western Kansas for nearly 2 decades. Heroin is particularly dangerous due to it’s addictive qualities and tendency to cause overdoses. Investigation indicates a very strong likelihood most of these drugs originated in Mexico and were smuggled into the United States. Evidence of money order and wire transfers of money to Mexico were also discovered by law enforcement.
Substantial quantities of illicit drugs were seized during the operation. Deputies are in the initial stages of weighing and processing the evidence. The following are estimated total amounts.
200 doses of LSD, 10 kilos of high-grade marijuana, 1.5 kilos marijuana wax, 2 ounces of black tar heroin, 160 fluid ounces of liquid codeine, 1 kilo of methamphetamine, 2 kilos suspected china white heroin, 8 oz. cocaine,6 oz. suspected Fentanyl
Estimated street value of the drugs is believed to be in excess of $500,000.00
Along with the drugs sheriff’s deputies seized three firearms. One rifle and two shotguns. One of these shotguns had been sawed off to approximately 12 inches. Multiple rounds of 00 buckshot were found with the gun.
The Sheriff’s Office also seized more than $25,000 cash and three vehicles. It is anticipated that asset forfeiture proceedings will be filed on the cash and vehicles. The Sheriff’s Office is also considering the seizure of real estate related to the case.
Authorities also arrested Iban Martinez – Enrique Age 21 of Great Bend for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, distribution of marijuana, distribution of heroin, possession of paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon, and no drug tax stamp bond is set at $100,000.00
Miguel Gonzalez age 22 of Great Bend for possession of cocaine, possession of paraphernalia, and criminal use of a firearm bond $10,000.00
Candice Johnson age 42 of Great Bend for distribution of Methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia Bond is set at $100,000.00
Kennedy Beakey age 19 of Great Bend for distribution of a Hallucinogenic and possession of paraphernalia. Bond is set at $50,000.00
Pedro Garcia age 20 of Great Bend for possession of a stimulant, and possession of paraphernalia bond was set at $10,000.00 He has bonded out of jail.
Vincente Espino age 51 of Great Bend for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine, distribution of heroin, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of LSD and distribution of marijuana. Bond set at $100000.00
Amador -photo Barton Co.
Deputies were unable to locate one suspect and seek the public’s assistance in finding Murel Dean Amador. Amador is a Hispanic male, 63 years of age, 5-foot-11, 230 pounds, brown eyes, black hair, which is balding and graying. Amador is wanted for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Warrants from the Barton County District Court have been issued. If you have information as to Amador’s location, please call 911.
Monday’s investigation netted the widest variety and largest quantity of drugs seized by the Sheriff’s Office in approximately the last 30 years, according to Bellendir.
Officers from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office, Rush County Sheriff’s Office and the Rice County Sheriff’s Office assisted with Monday’s drug bust. Command officers from the Great Bend Fire Department were present in the event of accidental overdose or injuries during the operation.
OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Court records say a Kansas woman plotted to kill her ex-husband when she was in jail on suspicion of trying to poison their three children.
Roever -Photo Johnson County
Therese Roever, of Olathe, was charged in February in the attempted capital murder of her children and last month in the attempted capital murder of her ex-husband.
Court records released last week say Roever’s former husband was contacted by a relative of another Johnson County jail inmate who told him his ex-wife was trying to find someone who would kill him. He then contacted police.
The documents say Roever told another inmate she would rather die in prison or have the children go to foster care, than have her ex-husband get custody.
SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman on burglary charges.
Williams -photo Saline Co.
Just before 5a.m. Sunday, police responded to a call at a home in the 600 Block of West Iron in Salina, according to Police Detective Sergeant David Villanueva.
The 45-year-old homeowner told police he noticed someone inside his residence as he arrived home. He heard a door open and close and noticed a woman coming from the residence. The man told the woman to stop, but she continued, so he chased her, tackled her, and held her on the ground until police arrived, according to Villanueva.
The 32-year-old suspect identified as Allison Williams was in possession of two purses from an earlier burglary in the 100 block of South 12th Street and a flashlight and cellphone from the West Iron residence. She also had several knives and a dachshund with her, according to Villanueva.
Police arrested Williams and she is being held on requested charges of burglary, criminal damage to property, and two counts of theft. The dog was transported to the Salina Animal Shelter.
SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a second suspect in custody.
Glass -photo Shawnee Co.Arterberry-Riley-photo Shawnee County
Just after 1:30 a.m. September 18, officers responded to a report of a shooting at Abigail’s, 3701 SW Plaza Drive in Topeka, according to Lt. John Trimble.
Upon arrival, officers were unable to locate a victim, but did locate numerous shell casings and firearms in the parking lot and street.
While investigating this incident a man identified as 34-year-old Damario Brooks arrived at a local hospital with what was to be determined a critical gunshot wound. Officers were able to get a brief statement from the victim.
On Monday, police reported the arrest of 31-year-old Damon R. Glass in connection to the shooting.
Glass was apprehended in Riley County and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on charges of aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm.
On September 20, police reported Damien S. Arterberry-Riley was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on aggravated battery charges in connection with the shooting.
There were multiple witnesses to the shooting and police are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact them.
Although his injury were critical, Brooks is expected to survive, according to police.
WICHITA, KAN. – Tyler Barriss, 25, Los Angeles, Calif., was arraigned in federal court in Wichita Monday on a superseding indictment charging him in connection with a Dec. 28, 2017, swatting incident in Wichita, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.
Barriss- photo courtesy Glendale, Calif. police
Barriss, who is being held on state charges in Sedgwick County District Court, including involuntary manslaughter, waived his right to a hearing on whether he could be released while awaiting trial on the federal charges. Trial in the state case is set for Jan. 7. Barriss is accused of making a hoax call to Wichita police. In the resulting confusion, police shot and killed 28-year-old Andrew Finch.
A superseding indictment filed in federal court charges Barriss with making false/hoax reports to emergency services, cyberstalking, making interstate threats, making interstate threats to harm by fire, wire fraud and conspiracy to make false/hoax reports. Also charged in the superseding indictment are co-defendants Casey Viner,18, North College Hill, Ohio, and Shane Gaskill, 20, Wichita Kan.
Currently, the three defendants are scheduled for trial on the federal charges Nov. 6 before U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren, but the date is likely to change.
The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 167 new intent-to-drill notices filed across the state last month, compared to 140 in September of last year. The total so far this year is 1,470 intents, compared to 1,177 through September of last year. There are six new intents filed in Barton County, four in Ellis county, one in Russell County and three in Stafford County.
Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson closed out the month of September at $63.50/bbl after gaining a quarter on Friday. The average price for the month was $60.30/bbl, compared to an average price of $39.86 last September.
Independent Oil & Gas Service reported 32 drilling rigs moving in, rigging up, drilling or relocating across western Kansas Friday, down two, and 15 east of Wichita, up two. Three Kansas operators took out-of-state work, dropping the available rig count to 81 statewide. Baker Hughes reports 1,054 active rigs across the U.S., noting a drop of three oil rigs and an increase of three seeking natural gas. The counts in New Mexico and Texas each dropped two, while Oklahoma added five to its active list. Canada reports 178 active drilling rigs, down 19 from last week.
Kansas operators filed 50 new drilling permits across the state last week, including two in Barton County, two in Ellis County, and three in Stafford County.
Independent Oil & Gas Service said there were 24 new well completions statewide last week, including one in Barton County, three in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. So far this year, Kansas operators have completed 1,141 wells. The weekly report shows 11 dry holes out of 18 wells completed west of Wichita. That included one dry hole in Ellis County and one in Stafford County.
The Energy Information Administration reported U.S. crude oil production reached 11,072,000 barrels per day last week, an increase of 102,000 barrels per day over the week before, and 1.55 million bpd more than last year at this time. The government says U.S. crude oil inventories increased by 1.9 million barrels last week. Stockpiles are about two percent below the five-year average. Crude imports are down 222,000 barrels per day from the week before, but are nearly ten percent higher than last year at this time. Saudi oil shipments into the U.S. reached a four-week average of one million barrels a day last week for the first time since late 2017.
The Trump administration is rolling back Obama-era oil-train safety rules. The Transportation Department announced this week that the cost outweigh the benefits of requiring railroads to equip trains with the newest electronic braking systems. Those rules were implemented in the aftermath of oil-by-rail accidents.
The government reported another seasonal build to U.S. gasoline inventories. The Energy Information Administration on Wednesday gasoline stockpiles are up 1.5 million barrels and are about 8% above the five-year average.
A lawyer in Tulsa has filed 22 new lawsuits for 168 plaintiffs claiming damages in connection with an earthquake in Oklahoma two years ago. The allegations are similar to those filed in several other cases, blaming saltwater disposal operations for the state’s strongest recorded earthquake back in 2016 near Pawnee, Oklahoma.
The State of Texas reports continued growth in oil and gas production, adding 90 million barrels of crude production in July, the latest figures available. The Texas Railroad Commission released preliminary numbers this week showing the state pumped an average 2.9 million barrels per day in July. That’s half a million barrels more than last July’s totals.
Husky Energy made an unsolicited bid for oil-sands producer MEG Energy in a $2.6 billion cash-debt-and-stock deal. MEG produces about 100,000 barrels a day of oil, mostly from a process of pumping steam into the underground oil sands formations to heat and liquefy it. Husky operates refineries in Canada and the U.S., and produces about 186,000 barrels a day in western Canada and another 322,900 barrels a day in offshore production in China and Indonesia.
The State Department says the new route for the Keystone Pipeline expansion poses “negligible to minor” threats to natural resources, in marked contrast to an earlier report from the Obama administration. TransCanada repeated earlier announcements that it will begin construction next year on the final leg of the Keystone system. The new environmental report was ordered by a judge in Montana hearing a federal lawsuit against Keystone. The supplemental report issued last week still awaits public comment before being finalized. Written comments are due by Oct. 8, and a public hearing is planned the next day in Lincoln.
Plains All American will begin operations on an expanded West Texas oil pipeline on Nov. 1, which should help ease a bottleneck that has weighed local crude prices for months. Prices in Midland are currently about $18 per barrel below those available on the coast. The company expects to completely fill the Sunrise pipeline by Oct. 31, with full operations starting the next day.
Join the Fort Hays State University Criminal Justice Club Saturday, October 27, 2018, 6 PM – 10 PM at The Venue at Thirsty’s Brew Pub & Grill, 2704 Vine St., Hays.
Tickets are $50/person or $85/couple and include dinner, two drink tickets, and entertainment. In addition to the drink tickets, there will be a cash bar.
Social hour is from 6:00 – 7:00. Dinner will begin promptly at 7:30, followed by an interactive murder mystery.
Attendees are encouraged – but not required – to dress for a 1920s night club and mob setting. There will also be a silent auction to help club members raise funds to travel to the national conference of the American Criminal Justice Association – Lambda Alpha Epsilon in March, 2019.
For ticket Information contact 785-628-5668 or email [email protected]. We are accepting cash and checks made payable to: Criminal Justice Club. Tickets can be purchased beginning September 4 in Rarick Hall 233 on the Fort Hays campus, at Thirsty’s, or mailed to: Attention of Tamara Lynn, Criminal Justice Department 233 Rarick, 600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601.
Our previous murder mystery was a tremendous success, and we expect tickets to this event to sell out fast!
FORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on domestic violence and kidnapping charges after a weekend arrest.
On Friday, Ford County Deputies responded to a domestic violence call in rural Ford County, according to a media release.
The suspect fled the scene just before deputies arrived. They did locate the suspect vehicle was a few miles from the residence and a search was conducted throughout the night and into the early morning hours of Saturday before a deputy spotted the suspect near a milo field.
The deputy pursued the suspect into the field at which time the suspect laid down.
A security perimeter was set up and assistance was requested from the Dodge City Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks & the Gray County Sheriff’s Office to aid in a search of the suspect.
Three separated K-9’s were deployed and an unmanned air unit but they were unable to find the suspect.
A local farmer offered the use of a spray rig to aid in the search. As a result, law enforcement officers were able to locate the suspect, who ran but was caught and taken into custody without incident.
The male suspect has been booked into the Ford County Detention Center on Domestic Violence charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery & Aggravated Assault.
The case will be sent to the Ford County Attorney for review. Authorities did not release his name on Monday.
TOPEKA — Preliminary figures released today by the Kansas Board of Regents show a slight increase at state universities and a small decrease in systemwide enrollment of full-time equivalent (FTE) students.
“While enrollment results this year are mixed, the Board continues to look at ways we can help more Kansans advance their education beyond high school,” said Blake Flanders, president and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents. “Increasing the number of Kansans who earn a certificate or degree helps increase earnings for families and helps our businesses thrive.”
Across the six state universities, there was an increase of 95 FTE students (0.13 percent) compared to the preliminary census day count in 2017. Increased enrollment was seen at Emporia State University (25 FTE students; 0.57 percent), Fort Hays State University (190 FTE students; 2.05 percent), Kansas State University (102 FTE students; 0.54 percent), and Wichita State University (176 FTE students; 1.58 percent). Pittsburg State University saw a decrease in the number of enrollments (248 FTE students; -3.98 percent), as did the University of Kansas (151 FTE students; -0.62 percent). Washburn University, the state’s municipal university, also had decreased enrollment (79 FTE students; -1.28 percent).
Click here for preliminary fall enrollment figures for each institution.
In the two-year sector, enrollment was down across the state’s 19 community colleges with a reported decrease of 1,112 FTE students (-2.60 percent). Enrollment increased across the state’s technical colleges, where an additional 289 FTE students (5.26 percent) are enrolled this fall compared to the preliminary census day count in 2017.
The Board of Regents opted this summer to transition from the traditional 20th day headcount metric to a full-time equivalency metric for 2018. This change will provide uniform data across the system to the Board, to leaders from across the system, and to the public. The headcount model no longer provides the best analysis of current enrollment patterns. For example, in Academic Year 2017, 63 percent of students were enrolled on a part-time basis.
Full time equivalency is calculated by dividing the total number of undergraduate credit hours taken in a semester by 15 and graduate credit hours by 12.
Come help us harvest our pumpkins and fall crops at Bethesda Place,
1571 220th Ave., Hays, Sat., Oct. 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Come right at 10 a.m. to purchase the best for yourself!!
There will be rotten pumpkin chucking with our homemade trebuchet, feeding the sheep and bunnies and a general farm good time to be had by all.
This is a FREE community event. Freewill donations appreciated to support all that the men of Bethesda continue to create.
Bethesda Place is a Christian home for men with mental disabilities that exists to provide these individuals with a loving family atmosphere and a safe work environment in which they can reach their full potential.
