KANSAS CITY, KAN. - The former technology director for the City of Lenexa was sentenced Tuesday to a year and a day in federal prison for wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The defendant also was ordered to pay more than $103,000 in restitution.
Andrew L. Davey, 44, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. In his plea, he admitted the crime occurred from 2010 to 2012 while he was the director of technology for the City of Lenexa.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Thursday, December 18, 2014
STATE NEWS: Topeka man indicted on federal carjacking charge
U.S. Department of Justice
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was indicted Wednesday on a federal carjacking charge in connection with a November incident in which a man was stabbed, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Raymond Ryan Campa, 31, Topeka, Kan., was charged with one count of carjacking.
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was indicted Wednesday on a federal carjacking charge in connection with a November incident in which a man was stabbed, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Raymond Ryan Campa, 31, Topeka, Kan., was charged with one count of carjacking.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
STATE NEWS: Seven-Foot Man Sentenced For Bank Robbery in Franklin County
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A seven-foot man was sentenced Monday to 30 months in federal prison for robbing a Franklin County Bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Caleb Jeffcoat, 26, Quenemo, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on March 19, 2014, he robbed the Goppert State Service Bank at 118 East Franklin Street in Pomona, Kan.
During the robbery, he wore a black ninja mask belonging to a co-defendant’s son and carried a BB gun modified to make it look more like a real gun.
Investigators used surveillance photos and other information to identify Jeffcoat, who is seven feet tall. He was arrested two days after the robbery.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask for their work on the case.
Caleb Jeffcoat, 26, Quenemo, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on March 19, 2014, he robbed the Goppert State Service Bank at 118 East Franklin Street in Pomona, Kan.
During the robbery, he wore a black ninja mask belonging to a co-defendant’s son and carried a BB gun modified to make it look more like a real gun.
Investigators used surveillance photos and other information to identify Jeffcoat, who is seven feet tall. He was arrested two days after the robbery.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask for their work on the case.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
STATE NEWS: LaCrosse Woman Pleads Guilty To Embezzling More than $500,000
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A LaCrosse woman pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling more than $500,000 from the company where she worked, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Crystal Lynn Jones, 34, LaCrosse, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen money. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred from 2008 to 2013 while she was officer manager for Teel’s Trucks at 1200 Vine Street in Hays, Kan.
She wrote unauthorized checks from Teel’s company accounts at Commerce Bank and the Bank of Hays for her personal benefit.
She also conducted transfers on the Automated Clearing House electronic network from Teel’s accounts for her own personal benefit. She hid the thefts by altering entries on the company’s accounting software and by forging checks.
Sentencing is set for March 2. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Crystal Lynn Jones, 34, LaCrosse, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen money. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred from 2008 to 2013 while she was officer manager for Teel’s Trucks at 1200 Vine Street in Hays, Kan.
She wrote unauthorized checks from Teel’s company accounts at Commerce Bank and the Bank of Hays for her personal benefit.
She also conducted transfers on the Automated Clearing House electronic network from Teel’s accounts for her own personal benefit. She hid the thefts by altering entries on the company’s accounting software and by forging checks.
Sentencing is set for March 2. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
STATE NEWS: Pratt man sentenced to 2 life sentences for murders
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- A Pratt man was sentenced today to consecutive life terms for the premeditated murders of Alexandria Duran and her unborn child, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.
Bryant Alan Seba, 22, Pratt, was sentenced by District Judge Francis Meisenheimer to two consecutive life sentences and an additional 272 months for attempted premeditated murder to run concurrently. Seba was found guilty of the charges by a Pratt County jury in October.
Seba was also found guilty of one count of attempted first degree premeditated murder of Brandon Wright. He will not be eligible for parole for at least 50 years.
Deputy Attorney General Vic Braden and Assistant Attorney General C.W. Klebe of Schmidt’s office prosecuted the case. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation worked with the Pratt Police Department on the investigation.
Bryant Alan Seba, 22, Pratt, was sentenced by District Judge Francis Meisenheimer to two consecutive life sentences and an additional 272 months for attempted premeditated murder to run concurrently. Seba was found guilty of the charges by a Pratt County jury in October.
Seba was also found guilty of one count of attempted first degree premeditated murder of Brandon Wright. He will not be eligible for parole for at least 50 years.
Deputy Attorney General Vic Braden and Assistant Attorney General C.W. Klebe of Schmidt’s office prosecuted the case. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation worked with the Pratt Police Department on the investigation.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
STATE NEWS: Former Bank Employee Sentenced For Stealing More Than $2.5 Million from Bank
WICHITA, KAN. ----- A former employee of a bank in Crawford County was sentenced Thursday to 70 months in federal prison for stealing more than $2.5 million from the bank, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Cynthia Bright, 54, Girard, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In her plea, she admitted she stole the money over a period of 10 years while working as operations supervisor at Girard National Bank.
Bright used several different methods to steal the money. In some cases, she wrote checks on her own accounts and altered electronic bank records so the checks would clear but the money would not be taken out of her account. In other cases she removed paper checks and altered records to post checks to other accounts.
She diverted funds from the bank’s accounts to her own accounts, and she wrote large counter checks to conceal losses.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Cynthia Bright, 54, Girard, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. In her plea, she admitted she stole the money over a period of 10 years while working as operations supervisor at Girard National Bank.
Bright used several different methods to steal the money. In some cases, she wrote checks on her own accounts and altered electronic bank records so the checks would clear but the money would not be taken out of her account. In other cases she removed paper checks and altered records to post checks to other accounts.
She diverted funds from the bank’s accounts to her own accounts, and she wrote large counter checks to conceal losses.
Grissom commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Friday, November 14, 2014
STUDY: Workplace deaths decrease in Kansas
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Kansas had 76 workplace fatalities in 2012 compared to 78 recorded in 2011, according to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, conducted by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL), Workers Compensation Division in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some of the statistics include:
These source documents include death certificates, workers compensation reports, motor vehicle accident reports, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports, news accounts, coroner’s reports, obituaries, employer questionnaires, and other federal and state records.
Each fatality is counted in the state where the incident occurs regardless of the state of employment. This ensures there is no duplication of reporting by the states.
It should also be noted that although states are required to keep records of heart attack and illness victims, they are excluded from the count.
Some of the statistics include:
- Transportation incidents in Kansas accounted for 65.8 percent of the fatal work-related injuries in 2012 with 50 fatalities. Of the 50 transportation-related fatal injuries, 33 fatalities or 66 percent were roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles. Non-roadway incidents, such as a tractor overturned in a farm field, accounted for another six fatalities or 12 percent of the transportation-related fatal injuries. Transportation incidents that involved pedestrians accounted for three fatalities or 6 percent of the total.
- Within the goods producing industry group, the natural resources and mining industry had the most work-related fatalities for 2012 with 20 or 26.3 percent of the total. This industry includes the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sector.
- May had the highest number of fatal work-related injuries with a total of 12 or 15.8 percent of the 76 fatalities.
- Fatal workplace injuries in 2012 occurred most frequently on Monday with 18 or 23.7 percent of the 76 fatalities occurring on that day of the week. Friday was the second highest with 16 fatalities.
These source documents include death certificates, workers compensation reports, motor vehicle accident reports, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports, news accounts, coroner’s reports, obituaries, employer questionnaires, and other federal and state records.
Each fatality is counted in the state where the incident occurs regardless of the state of employment. This ensures there is no duplication of reporting by the states.
It should also be noted that although states are required to keep records of heart attack and illness victims, they are excluded from the count.
Kansas Attorney General announces support for 228 crime victims
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board yesterday awarded financial assistance to 228 victims of violent crime at its November meeting, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.
Awards were made in 108 new cases. Additional expenses were paid in 120 previously submitted cases. The awards totaled $267,429.90.
The Division of Crime Victims Compensation in Schmidt’s office administers the Crime Victims Compensation program, which was established in 1978 to help victims of violent crime pay for their unexpected expenses such as medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, dependent support and funeral expenses.
The state’s three-member Crime Victims Compensation Board determines claims that are eligible for payment and how much money will be awarded to each claimant. Awards are limited to a maximum total amount of $25,000 with limitations of $5,000 for funeral expense, $5,000 for outpatient mental health counseling, $10,000 for inpatient mental health treatment and $1,500 for grief counseling for family survivors of homicide victims.
A portion of assessed court costs and fines, inmate wages, parole fees and restitution paid by convicted offenders provides funding to the program.
For more information about the Crime Victims Compensation Program call (785) 296-2359 or visit the Attorney General’s website at www.ag.ks.gov.
Awards were made in 108 new cases. Additional expenses were paid in 120 previously submitted cases. The awards totaled $267,429.90.
The Division of Crime Victims Compensation in Schmidt’s office administers the Crime Victims Compensation program, which was established in 1978 to help victims of violent crime pay for their unexpected expenses such as medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, dependent support and funeral expenses.
The state’s three-member Crime Victims Compensation Board determines claims that are eligible for payment and how much money will be awarded to each claimant. Awards are limited to a maximum total amount of $25,000 with limitations of $5,000 for funeral expense, $5,000 for outpatient mental health counseling, $10,000 for inpatient mental health treatment and $1,500 for grief counseling for family survivors of homicide victims.
A portion of assessed court costs and fines, inmate wages, parole fees and restitution paid by convicted offenders provides funding to the program.
For more information about the Crime Victims Compensation Program call (785) 296-2359 or visit the Attorney General’s website at www.ag.ks.gov.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
AG Schmidt appeals Carr, Gleason death penalty decisions to the U.S. Supreme Court
TOPEKA, KAN. – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today formally appealed the Kansas Supreme Court’s decisions that vacated the death sentences of Reginald Carr, Jonathan Carr and Sidney Gleason.
On July 18, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld the capital murder conviction of Sidney Gleason but vacated Gleason’s death sentence.
One week later, on July 25, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld a single capital murder conviction each for Reginald and Jonathan Carr but similarly vacated both of their death sentences.
Gleason's conviction arose out of Barton County and both Carr convictions arose out of Sedgwick County.
Schmidt announced in August his intention to appeal the Kansas Supreme Court’s decisions, and today he formally asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the cases.
A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court whether to hear the state’s appeal in any or all of these three cases is expected before the end of the Court’s current term in June 2015.
On July 18, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld the capital murder conviction of Sidney Gleason but vacated Gleason’s death sentence.
One week later, on July 25, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld a single capital murder conviction each for Reginald and Jonathan Carr but similarly vacated both of their death sentences.
Gleason's conviction arose out of Barton County and both Carr convictions arose out of Sedgwick County.
Schmidt announced in August his intention to appeal the Kansas Supreme Court’s decisions, and today he formally asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the cases.
A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court whether to hear the state’s appeal in any or all of these three cases is expected before the end of the Court’s current term in June 2015.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Kansas to be active in U.S. Supreme Court term
TOPEKA, KAN. – When the U.S. Supreme Court convenes today for its 2013-14 term, Kansas will be an active participant on its docket.
Kansas is involved in 11 of the 53 cases currently pending on the Court’s docket, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.
“We are fully engaged in protecting our state’s interests in matters before the nation’s highest court,” Schmidt said. “Kansas has a strong stake in the outcome of several cases that will directly affect us.”
The state’s most active role will come October 16 when the Court hears arguments surrounding the 2005 murder of Greenwood County Sheriff Matt Samuels. The Kansas Supreme Court overturned the conviction in the case, and the U.S. Supreme Court will review that decision. The case is Kansas v. Cheever.
Kansas is a party in a second case scheduled for argument December 10. In that matter, Kansas and several other states sued the United States Environmental Protection Agency to block new air-quality regulations that were imposed without due process of law.
The federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., agreed with Kansas, and the Supreme Court has agreed to review the matter. The case is EPA v. EME Homer City Generation.
In nine other cases, Kansas has joined in a “friend of the court” brief to help influence the outcome of the litigation even though the state is not itself a party. Those cases are:
Kansas is involved in 11 of the 53 cases currently pending on the Court’s docket, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.
“We are fully engaged in protecting our state’s interests in matters before the nation’s highest court,” Schmidt said. “Kansas has a strong stake in the outcome of several cases that will directly affect us.”
The state’s most active role will come October 16 when the Court hears arguments surrounding the 2005 murder of Greenwood County Sheriff Matt Samuels. The Kansas Supreme Court overturned the conviction in the case, and the U.S. Supreme Court will review that decision. The case is Kansas v. Cheever.
Kansas is a party in a second case scheduled for argument December 10. In that matter, Kansas and several other states sued the United States Environmental Protection Agency to block new air-quality regulations that were imposed without due process of law.
The federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., agreed with Kansas, and the Supreme Court has agreed to review the matter. The case is EPA v. EME Homer City Generation.
In nine other cases, Kansas has joined in a “friend of the court” brief to help influence the outcome of the litigation even though the state is not itself a party. Those cases are:
- Madigan v. Levin. The Court will decide the procedure that a plaintiff must follow to successfully bring an age-discrimination lawsuit against a state or local government employer. Kansas is urging an outcome that strengthens the state’s ability to defend its treasury against such lawsuits. The case will be argued October 7.
- Burt v. Titlow. The Court will decide issues related to federal habeas corpus actions. Kansas is urging an outcome that streamlines such actions. The case will be argued October 8.
- Bond v. United States. The Court will decide whether the federal government, by implementing an international treaty, can encroach on a state’s power to enact and enforce criminal laws. Kansas is urging that the federal government not be allowed to do so. The case will be argued November 5.
- Mississippi v. AU Optronics. The Court will decide whether a federal law governing class action lawsuits limits the ability of state attorneys general to bring actions in the public interest. Kansas is urging that state suits not be limited by the federal law. The case will be argued November 6.
- Town of Greece v. Galloway. The Court will decide what limits apply to prayers that open legislative sessions. Kansas is urging that traditional opening prayers, such as those used in the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives, continue to be allowed. The case will be argued November 6.
- Burrage v. United States. The Court will decide what showing of causation is required under a federal law that holds illegal drug dealers responsible for the deaths of those who use their drugs. Kansas enacted a similar law earlier this year, and the state will be defending that law. The case will be argued November 12.
- Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Country. The Court will decide the extent to which Indian tribes may build casinos outside the boundaries of reservations. Kansas is urging that no off-reservation casinos be allowed. The case will be argued December 2.
- White v. Woodall. The Court will decide additional issues related to federal habeas corpus actions. Kansas is urging an outcome that streamlines such actions. The case will be argued December 11.
- McCullen v. Coakley. The Court will decide whether a Massachusetts law that prohibits some, but not all, people from speaking within a buffer zone outside an abortion clinic violates the free-speech guarantee of the First Amendment. Kansas is urging that the government not be allowed to pick and choose who may speak in a circumstance like this. The case has not yet been scheduled for oral argument.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Economic well-being of children in Kansas getting worse, according to new study
By SCOTT ROTHSCHILD, The Lawrence Journal-World
The economic well-being of children in Kansas is getting worse, according to data released Monday.
The percentage of children living in poverty, children whose parents lack secure employment, and teens who are not in school and aren't working have all increased from 2005 to 2011, according to the 2013 KIDS COUNT Data Book, released by the Annie Casey Foundation.
Kansas ranked 16th among states in overall child well-being in categories covering health, economics, education and family and community.
That is the same rank Kansas had last year, but Shannon Cotsoradis, president and chief executive officer of Kansas Action for Kids, said drilling down into the statistics shows some disturbing trends, especially in the area of economic security.
From 2005 to 2011, the number of children living in poverty has increased from 15 percent to 19 percent.
And the number of children living in areas of concentrated poverty has increased from 2 percent to 7 percent, which is a significantly higher increase than the national rate.
"It's a pretty bleak picture. One in five Kansas kids is living in poverty," Cotsoradis said. They will less likely have adequate nutrition, access to health care and a high quality of early childhood learning, she said.
The economic well-being of children in Kansas is getting worse, according to data released Monday.
The percentage of children living in poverty, children whose parents lack secure employment, and teens who are not in school and aren't working have all increased from 2005 to 2011, according to the 2013 KIDS COUNT Data Book, released by the Annie Casey Foundation.
Kansas ranked 16th among states in overall child well-being in categories covering health, economics, education and family and community.
That is the same rank Kansas had last year, but Shannon Cotsoradis, president and chief executive officer of Kansas Action for Kids, said drilling down into the statistics shows some disturbing trends, especially in the area of economic security.
From 2005 to 2011, the number of children living in poverty has increased from 15 percent to 19 percent.
And the number of children living in areas of concentrated poverty has increased from 2 percent to 7 percent, which is a significantly higher increase than the national rate.
"It's a pretty bleak picture. One in five Kansas kids is living in poverty," Cotsoradis said. They will less likely have adequate nutrition, access to health care and a high quality of early childhood learning, she said.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
AROUND THE STATE: Topeka men charged with making, possessing pipe bomb
U.S. Department of Justice
TOPEKA, KAN. – One Topeka man is charged in a federal indictment with making a pipe bomb and another is charged with possessing a pipe bomb, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Joseph E. Rogers, 35, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of making a destructive device. The device is described as a length of metal tubing inserted into a PVC pipe, which was then inserted into a cardboard tube.
A length of pyrotechnic fuse was inserted through a hole in the wall of the pipes, and paper and lead end plugs were added along with a quantity of explosives identified as smokeless powder.
The indictment says the device was capable of causing serious injury or death to persons near it if it exploded.
TOPEKA, KAN. – One Topeka man is charged in a federal indictment with making a pipe bomb and another is charged with possessing a pipe bomb, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Joseph E. Rogers, 35, Topeka, Kan., is charged with one count of making a destructive device. The device is described as a length of metal tubing inserted into a PVC pipe, which was then inserted into a cardboard tube.
A length of pyrotechnic fuse was inserted through a hole in the wall of the pipes, and paper and lead end plugs were added along with a quantity of explosives identified as smokeless powder.
The indictment says the device was capable of causing serious injury or death to persons near it if it exploded.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Kansas drivers could face $2 fee
The state's new computer DMV system has been a fiasco for Kansans. Long-lines have been a feature of many DMV locations, including Wyandotte County.
Now, drivers in the state could have to pay an additional $2 fee.
From KMBC Channel 9 News:
Now, drivers in the state could have to pay an additional $2 fee.
From KMBC Channel 9 News:
The new $2 fee would be used to recover the $500,000 spent on overtime at DMV offices after the new computer system was implemented. Another option the state is considering would be to use an existing fee that's helping pay for the new computer system: once the system is paid off, the money would be used to offset the overtime.
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