WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man convicted in a woman’s strangulation death and arrested on suspicion of repeatedly sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl whom he had been baby-sitting has made an initial court appearance.

Clifford Eugene Cox, 56, was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Monday on suspicion of child rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecencies with a child.

Cox pleaded guilty in 1984 to strangling 23-year-old Cathryn Kessinger, of Winfield, with a rope. Kansas Department of Corrections records show he was sentenced to life but was let out of prison on parole in 2006.

Police say the 8-year-old was among several children Cox babysat, including the girl’s three siblings and Cox’s children. The girl’s father said Cox began babysitting his daughter because the girl’s mother knew someone in Cox’s family. He said the family wasn’t aware of Cox’s criminal record and information about it is hard to find.

Cox doesn’t show up on the Kansas offender registry website because his 1984 murder conviction occurred before July 1, 1997. Crimes occurring before then don’t qualify for registration, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Even if Cox was a registered offender, Kansas does not have a law banning registered offenders from living near schools, day care centers or anywhere else.

Cox had remained under parole supervision in the murder case when he was arrested Monday, said Samir Arif, spokesman for the Kansas Department of Corrections. Arif said in an email that Cox “was managed in accordance with the level and type of risk of which the Kansas Department of Corrections was aware. . The crime for which he was on parole was not a sex offense, and so he was not managed as a sex offender.”

In 2010, while still on parole for Kessinger’s murder, Cox went to court on felony drug possession and misdemeanor weapons charges. Instead of going back to prison or jail, Cox took a plea deal and was sentenced to one year of probation after the court dropped the felony charge. After eight months, Cox was granted early release from probation in that case, court records show.

It’s unclear if this arrest and conviction had any effect on his parole in the murder case.

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SEDGWICK COUNTY —  Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on parole for murder for alleged child sex crimes.

Parents of an 8-year-old girl contacted police with concerns the child was being sexually assaulted by her 56-year-old baby sitter, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

The sexual assaults reportedly occurred over the past couple of years, according to Davidson.

On Monday, police booked 56-year-old Clifford Eugene Cox on requested charges of rape of a victim under the age of 14, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to Davidson and the Sedgwick County booking report.

Cox was on parole after serving time for a 1984 murder in Cowley County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Plans to demolish a water slide where a 10-year-old Kansas boy died might be delayed.

In July, attorneys for KC Waterpark Management said they were ready to demolish the Verruckt water slide at the Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kansas, shortly after Labor Day.

The demolition might be delayed because of disagreements over which parts of the slide should be preserved as possible evidence in criminal cases filed after Caleb Schwab was decapitated on the ride in August 2016.

The state has asked that experts be allowed to inspect the slide one more time.

The water park’s attorneys filed a response Wednesday, questioning the need for another inspection of the slide.

A court hearing on the issue is scheduled for next week.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita Police Department (WPD) Friday arrested seven individuals for sex related crimes, according to officer Charlie Davidson.

Through the investigation, Police made contact with a 15-year-old female victim of sex trafficking in the area of 29^th and Maize Road and two people were arrested – a 25-year-old Wichita man and a 20-year-old Wichita woman, according to Davidson.

The man was booked into jail for possession of marijuana, possession of narcotics, possession of a firearm by a felon, and aggravated human trafficking.  The woman was booked into jail on aggravated human trafficking. 

Also, investigators were led to a home in the 2400 block of south St. Clair where a search warrant was executed with the assistance of WPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.  At that home, four people were taken into custody.  Two of the individuals were booked into jail.  A 37-year-old Wichita man was booked on five counts of rape, aggravated human trafficking, and unlawful sale of narcotics; a 19-year-old man was a booked on two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and aggravated human trafficking.  The other two individuals were interviewed and released.  The female victim has been taken into police protective custody.

Additionally, in reference to the proactive investigations between police, the sheriff’s department and federal partners, three individuals were arrested in the 400 block of south Webb for sex related crimes, and one was arrested for an outstanding warrant including a 26-year-old woman was arrested and booked on possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and promoting the sale of sexual relations, a 26-year-old woman was arrested and booked on possession of marijuana, promoting the sale of sexual relations, and an outstanding warrant, an 18-year-old woman from Wichita was arrested and booked on sale of sexual relations and  48-year-old man was arrested and booked on an outstanding warrant, according to Davidson.

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WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police have arrested six people in an alleged child sex trafficking case.

Police and federal officials executed a search warrant early Friday at an address in southwest Wichita.

Officer Charley Davidson said a 15-year-old girl led them to the address.

Davidson said two of the six people have been booked into jail and four were arrested at the home. All face possible child sex crime charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

COWLEY COUNTY —City Hall and the Arkansas City Police Department were closed Friday afternoon due to a possible pipe bomb that was brought in to police by a concerned citizen, according to the city’s Facebook page.

Central Avenue was blocked off from Summit to First streets, as well as adjacent alleys. The city advised residents avoid this area until further notice.

The Arkansas City Police Department and a bomb disposal unit out of Wichita transported the suspected pipe bomb north on First Street, away from City Hall and the police department, after it was loaded onto a City of Arkansas City dump truck full of sand transported it to an undisclosed location to be detonated safely there, according to police

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COWLEY COUNTY —City Hall and the Arkansas City Police Department were closed Friday afternoon due to a possible pipe bomb that was brought in to police by a concerned citizen, according to the city’s Facebook page.

Central Avenue was blocked off from Summit to First streets, as well as adjacent alleys. The city advised residents avoid this area until further notice.

The Wichita Police Department’s bomb squad was en route to assist. The area has been evacuated, except for essential personnel.

No injuries were reported. Authorities released no additional details

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Republican super PAC is attacking Democratic 3rd District congressional candidate Sharice Davids for comments she made on a podcast last month in support of abolishing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Congressional Leadership Fund is starting ads online and on television in the Kansas City area featuring Davids saying she’d vote to abolish the federal government’s chief immigration enforcement agency. The ads, in support of Republican incumbent Rep. Kevin Yoder, attempt to contrast Davids’ ICE position with Yoder’s votes in favor of military raises and increased defense spending and against transferring terrorism suspects to Fort Leavenworth from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay.

After Yoder’s campaign ran ads with similar attacks this week, Davids’ spokeswoman told the Kansas City Star that Davids does not support abolishing ICE.

JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a high-speed chase.

Just before 8 p.m. Thursday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a reckless driver northbound on US Hwy 75 near the Shawnee County line, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a silver 2004 Ford Mustang near 134th and US Hwy 75.

The vehicle failed to yield and fled northbound at speeds around 100 mph.

The vehicle continued north to 150th Road where the vehicle headed eastbound to U. Road, went south on U. Road to 142 Road and continued back towards US Hwy 75 when a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy and a Potawatomi Tribal Police Officer deployed stop sticks flattening three of the vehicle’s tires.

The vehicle made its way back to US 75 Hwy and headed north turning westbound on 150th Road.

Deputies, KHP Troopers and Tribal Police brought the vehicle to a stop west of Q. Road on 150th.  Law enforcement attempted to remove the driver from the vehicle when the driver accelerated crashing the Mustang into a Potawatomi Tribal Police vehicle placing law enforcement officers in jeopardy.

The driver identified as Kristen Michael Downs, 38, Overbook, allegedly nearly struck several law enforcement officers with his vehicle while they were attempting to remove him from the vehicle.

Law enforcement officers received only minor injuries. The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody.  Downs was taken to an area hospital for evaluation, according to Morse.

He is being held in the Jackson County Jail for aggravated assault, aggravated battery, felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving under the influence, transporting open container, criminal damage to property, reckless driving and multiple other traffic infractions.

WASHINGTON (AP) — John McCain, the six-term Arizona senator and 2008 Republican presidential nominee, has chosen to discontinue medical treatment for his brain cancer, his family said Friday. Present and past leaders of the Kansas congressional delegation are responding to the news.

Elizabeth and I are saddened to hear the news about our friend, John McCain. John is a great American hero who has spent his entire life serving his country with distinction, selflessness, and honor. We will be praying for @SenJohnMcCain and his family.

— Senator Bob Dole (@SenatorDole) August 24, 2018

My friend @SenJohnMcCain is an American hero and has spent his life serving our country. Franki and I are praying for the entire McCain family and wish them peace and comfort in the coming days.

— Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) August 24, 2018

John McCain is a true patriot, American hero and a genuine friend. Robba and I have John, Cindy and their entire family in our prayers. https://t.co/5n7RCKOYww

— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) August 24, 2018

#OnThisDay 2017: @SenJohnMcCain returned to the Senate and gave remarks.

Full video: https://t.co/a0AQFxbwnP pic.twitter.com/PZM0C4PlF6

— CSPAN (@cspan) July 25, 2018

In a statement, the family said McCain has surpassed expectations for survival, but “the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict.” The family added, “With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment.”

The senator, who would be 82 next week, has been away from the Capitol since December. If he should resign his seat or die soon, Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey would name a replacement, who would serve out the remainder of McCain’s term — through the 2020 election. The GOP currently holds a bare 51-49 Senate majority.

The son and grandson of Navy admirals, McCain is a former Navy pilot and was held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for more than five years. He was elected to Congress in the early 1980s and elected to the Senate in 1986, replacing Barry Goldwater who retired. McCain gained a reputation as a lawmaker who was willing to stick to his convictions rather than go along with party leaders. It is a streak that draws a mix of respect and ire.

He has been a frequent target of criticism from President Donald Trump, especially for his vote against a Republican replacement for “Obamacare,” the health care law approved under President Barack Obama.

Trump signed a military policy bill this month named for McCain, but in a sign of their testy relationship the president made no mention of McCain’s name in remarks at a signing ceremony.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Twitter that he was “very sad to hear this morning’s update” from McCain’s family.

“We are so fortunate to call him our friend and colleague. John, Cindy, and the entire McCain family are in our prayers at this incredibly difficult hour,” McConnell said.

Arizona Gov. Ducey called McCain “an American hero” who always put his country before himself.

Ducey said a “spirt of service and civility” guided McCain’s life, standing as a model for Americans regardless of political affiliation.

McCain’s wife, Cindy, tweeted: “I love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey.”

McCain underwent surgery in July 2017 to remove a blood clot in his brain after being diagnosed with an aggressive tumor called a glioblastoma. It’s the same type of tumor that killed Sen. Edward M. Kennedy at age 77 in 2009.

McCain rebounded quickly, however, returning to Washington and entering the Senate in late July to a standing ovation from his colleagues. In a dramatic turn, he later cast a deciding vote against the Republican health care bill, earning the wrath of Trump, who frequently cites McCain’s vote at campaign events.

McCain’s condition worsened last fall and he has been in Arizona since December. A source close to McCain who asked not to be identified said Friday the senator was at his Arizona ranch with his family.

McCain is a long-term survivor of melanoma, a deadly skin cancer. Doctors classified his brain cancer as a “primary tumor,” meaning it’s not related to his former malignancies.

McCain ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000, then won it in 2008 before losing the general election to Obama.

He returned to the Senate, determined not to be defined by a failed presidential campaign in which his reputation as a maverick had faded.

When Republicans took control of the Senate in 2015, McCain, the scion in a decorated military family, embraced his new influence as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, pushing for aggressive U.S. military intervention overseas and eager to contribute to “defeating the forces of radical Islam that want to destroy America.”

Asked how he wanted to be remembered, McCain said simply: “That I made a major contribution to the defense of the nation.”

Former Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman, a close friend, said Friday that “becoming John McCain’s friend has been one of the great blessings of my life. Today I am praying for him and his family.”

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SABETHA, Kan. (AP) — A  woman has been arrested in a head-on crash that killed the mother, sister and uncle of two Kansas high school football players as the family returned home from watching the boys’ team win a state football championship.

The Jackson County, Kansas, Sheriff’s Office says 48-year-old Maria Perez-Marquez is awaiting extradition to Kansas. She was arrested Thursday in Omaha, Nebraska, on an involuntary manslaughter warrant in the November 2017 deaths of 42-year-old Carmen Ukele, 11-year-old Marlee Ukele and 62-year-old Stephen Ukele.

Coach Garrett Michael says brothers Tanner and Carson Ukele were pulled off the Sabetha High School football team bus after a celebratory dinner. A trooper later told them their father had been hurt and the others had died. Perez-Marquez was passing another vehicle before the crash.

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JACKSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Kansas crash have filed charges against the driver.

Marie Perez-Marquez, 48, Omaha, has been charged with 3 counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving and aggravated battery for the November 25, 2017 crash, according to Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Equinox driven by Perez-Marquez, was southbound on U. S. 75 just north of 318 Road near Holton.

The driver attempted to pass another vehicle, swerved to the shoulder to avoid a collision and struck a northbound 2008 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Carmen K. Ukele, 42, Sabetha, head-on.

Ukele and passengers in the Chevy Marlee G. Ukele, 11 and Stephen M. Ukele, 62, all of Sabetha, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Another passenger in the Chrysler Lee F. Ukele, 59, Sabetha, and Perez-Marquez were transported to KU Medical Center.  A passenger in the Chevy Rosalao G. Perez, 29, St. Joseph, MO., was transported to a Topeka Hospital and later transferred to KU Medical Center.

Ukele and family were returning home from watching Tanner and Carson Ukele play in the Sabetha High School football 3A state championship game.

GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on conspiracy to commit capital murder and violation of a no contact order, according to Police Captain Trish Giordano.

The KBI and Junction City / Geary County Drug Operations Group in a joint investigation arrested Amanda Lynn Edison, 34, Grandview Plaza, Samuel Ibarra-Chu, 28, Grandview Plaza and Gregory Elias Rodriguez, 48, Junction City.

They are all being held without bond at the Geary County Detention Center, pending a first court appearance.

Rodriguez has a previous conviction for theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.