LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A federal trial has been scheduled in Nebraska for a man suspected of being the “AK-47 bandit,” who investigators believe robbed banks in five states.

Court records show Richard Gathercole pleaded not guilty last week to robbery and other charges in U.S. District Court. Gathercole is accused of stealing more than $90,000 in August 2014 from a bank in Nebraska City, which sits about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Omaha. His trial is set to begin Oct. 23 in Lincoln.

FBI officials believe the bandit carried an AK-47 while robbing banks in California, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska and Washington.

Gathercole, of Montana, was arrested near Lexington, Nebraska, after a sheriff’s deputy spotted a pickup truck that Kansas authorities had reported stolen by a man who fired at a state trooper.

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities believe a suspect who passed nine counterfeit $50 bills at Dillon’s Saturday passed another at a north Salina general store Monday.

Just after 8:30 p.m. Monday, a man matching the suspect description at Dillon’s, passed a fake $50 bill at the Casey’s General Store at 1100 East Iron in Salina, according to Salina Police Capt. Paul Forrester.

On August 26, a black male in his 20’s purchased a Visa Gift Card for $400 at the Dillon’s 2350 Planet Avenue. In Salina. The suspect gave the teenage cashier nine, $50 bills. The cashier gave the suspect the gift card and some change.

An employee discovered the bills were fake after running them through a counting machine. Capt. Paul Forrester said the bills were slightly bluer and did not have a security strip.

If you have any information concerning who committed this crime, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637), or visit www.pd.salina.org and follow Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 and you are not required to give your name.

WALLACE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Wallace County Sheriff’s Office, and the Greeley County Sheriff’s Office announced numerous arrests following an over two month investigation into narcotics distribution focused on several northwest Kansas counties, and along the Colorado border, according to a media release.

The majority of the arrests occurred Monday, Aug. 28 through Wednesday, Aug. 30 after two months of coordination and planning by the KBI, the Wallace County Sheriff’s Office, and the Greeley County Sheriff’s Office. Approximately 41 arrests were made for suspected crimes including distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, multiple weapons violations and several other drug related crimes. The arrests occurred in the Kansas counties of Cheyenne, Ellis, Greeley, Logan, Rawlins, Sherman, Thomas, and Wallace, and in the Colorado counties of Cheyenne and Kit Carson. Additional arrests are expected.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit, the Colby Police Department, the Hays Police Department, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office, the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, the Atwood Police Department, the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kit Carson County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office Law are among the law enforcement agencies who assisted with the arrests in this operation.

The Wallace County Attorney’s Office, Sherman County Attorney’s Office, and Greeley County Attorney’s Office are also assisting

The majority of the subjects arrested are awaiting formal charges to be filed in the Wallace County District Court.

 

 

TOPEKA—Governor Sam Brownback on Wednesday issued an executive order that will lift regulations on motor carriers traveling through Kansas en route to aid in recovery from widespread damage left by Hurricane Harvey.

Executive Order 17-03 applies to commercial vehicles directly particpating in relief and restoration of areas in Texas recovering from the destruction of the hurricane and resulting floods. Under the order, certain motor carrier fees and regulations will be waived.

 

It has been a long day with strong emotions. We are still here working in our community. There was even a glimmer of Sun #HoustonStrong pic.twitter.com/1nzhF9NMiE

— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) August 30, 2017

 

 

“There’s no doubt the people of Houston and the surrounding communities are facing historic devastation,” Governor Brownback said. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Texas. Their neighbors here in Kansas are ready to assist.”

Separately, the Kansas National Guard is on standby to deploy to the areas impacted when called by disaster operations command. Resources such as high-water vehicles, communications teams, and Guardsmen, among others, are available when called upon to relieve troops currently in the area.

Kansas is also the coordinating state for the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), in charge of coordinating relief efforts with other states.

“The stories coming out of the hurricane zone prove the power of what happens when neighbors work together,” said Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer. “We will continue working together to help the victims long after the floodwaters recede.”

The executive order is in immediate effect. Read the full text of the EO 17-03 document.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking the public for help to identify a suspect.

Police reported the burglary occurred at the Gordman’s Department Store in the 7000 Block of West Central on Monday. Police released the security camera images Wednesday.

This the second time the store has been victimized this month. On August 8, a suspect held up the store at gunpoint and wounded one employee.

Anyone who can help identify the suspect, call Crime Stoppers at 267-2111.

TOPEKA –  Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for fraud in the food stamp assistance or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

On August 24, The  Kansas Department for Children and Families’ (DCF) Anti-Fraud Unit’s work paid off. Stephanie Hessling of Clay County, pleaded guilty to defrauding the State of more than $50,000 worth of  SNAP program benefits.

DCF Special Investigator Laura Lindsey led the investigation on the Hessling’s case. As a special investigator, some of her duties include speaking to employers, neighbors, co-workers or anyone else with knowledge of the accused person. She also examines documents, such as bank records and wages. Lindsey says working fraud cases is gratifying, especially when it leads to a conviction.

“There is only so much money available for government-funded programs, such as food and cash assistance,” said Lindsey. “Assuring that these resources are in fact given to Kansans in need, versus those who are misrepresenting their situations for personal gain, is very important to me.”

In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2017, the Anti-Fraud Unit obtained more than 249 fraud judgments in the SNAP program. These DCF fraud findings resulted in more than $1.4 million in judgments. Additionally, in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2014, Kansas ranked second in the nation in the number of SNAP judgments obtained. Then again in FFY 2015, Kansas ranked third nationwide in the number of SNAP judgments. FFY 2016 and FFY 2017 rankings are not currently available.

“Protecting the integrity of our public assistance programs is a priority for this Administration, and I am proud of the diligent efforts of our Anti-Fraud Unit,” said DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore. “I especially want to commend Special Investigator Laura Lindsey for her efforts to end this specific crime in Clay County.”

In July, the Anti-Fraud Unit strengthened its efforts to combat welfare benefits by offering an online submission form to report suspected incidents of fraud. Those who suspect benefits fraud are encouraged to fill out the “Fraud Report Form” online at www.dcf.ks.gov. You can also call 800-432-3913. Those who report fraud may remain anonymous.

WICHITA — A Kansas woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of embezzling more than $213,000 from the bank where she worked, according to U.S. Attorney Tom Beall.

Debra J. Nading, 59, Oswego, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft by a bank employee. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she worked as an assistant cashier and bookkeeping supervisor for the Labette Bank in Parsons, Kan.

She used her access to the bank’s credit card accounts to make false entries to cover up the theft.

 

KANSAS CITY  (AP) — Jackson County officials charged a 22-year-old man in the shooting deaths of two men and say he is suspected in three other killings along south Kansas City trails.

Fredrick Demond Scott was charged Tuesday with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action in the deaths of 57-year-old Steven Gibbons and 54-year-old John Palmer. Prosecutors said DNA evidence connected him to the victims.

Gibbons was shot and killed August. Prosecutors say police found surveillance video showing Scott follow Gibbons off a Kansas City trail. Palmer was found dead Aug. 19, 2016 in a wooded area near the Indian Creek Trail.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said Scott is also a suspect in three other killings along the Indian Creek and Blue River trail systems.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Beauties and Beasts, Inc., a state-licensed 501c3 volunteer animal rescue group located in Wichita is leaving for Houston Friday to deliver supplies and bring animals home from the overflowing shelters in the Texas flood, according to the firm’s social media page.

The organization reported they need many foster families for animals. Boarding dogs need to be relocated to make room for the intake and distribution of incoming Harvey dogs. Harvey Dogs and cats will need placement with approved fosters on arrival.

You will need to be an approved dedicated Foster to help, please Submit an application ASAP www.beautiesandbeasts.org

Rescues or Shelters that can intake some of the incoming animals and help make room for more.

SUPPLIES: Kennels, Plastic & Wire of all sizes, Blankets, small throw type, Food (Dog & Cat) Can & Dry, Gallon Jugs of Water, Cat Litter, Bleach/Disinfectant, Paper Towels

Items can be Dropped off items through Thursday at Beauties & Beasts Building, 136 S Pattie, Wichita Ks 67211

 

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri couple is suing a television station over its coverage of a man charged with duping dozens of women into having sex with him on camera by telling them they were rehearsing for roles in pornographic movies.

The Kansas City Star reports that the lawsuit filed Monday says KSHB-TV used archive footage of Chyleina and Cory Herron when Mario Ambrose Antoine was charged last year in the porn fraud case. They had been interviewed in 2012 about a financial fraud case involving Antoine.

The suit says the old footage falsely made it appear they were involved in the porn fraud case, which culminated in Antoine pleading guilty to wire fraud.

David Giles, an attorney for KSHB-TV parent company E.W. Scripps, says the company doesn’t comment on ongoing litigation.