Reporter Deb Gruver has filed against Police Chief Gideon Cody, alleging violations of First Amendment rights to free press and Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful search and seizure. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. Judges: Magistrate Judge Laura E. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. Susan Robson - Marion County Courtney D. Police in Kansas have returned cellphones, computers and other equipment to the Marion County Record, less than a week after a raid on the small-town newspaper was widely criticized as a likely violation of federal law. Search Query Show SearchThe warrant, signed by Judge Laura Viar, provided for seizure of a virtually limitless range of records and devices, and made no effort to protect confidential source communications. “This commitment must remain steadfast and unbiased, unaffected by political or media influences, in order to uphold the. Term expires June 30, 2026. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. Rosauer - Geary County Keith Collett - Geary County . the raid was “illegal” despite a warrant by a local magistrate judge, Laura Viar, which may or may not have had a probable cause predicate, grounded in the complaint of a local restaurant owner who threw Marion County Record reporters out of a. Judge Laura Viar asked to respond to ethics claim leveled by Topekan. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in. Local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar issued a search warrant citing possible identity theft and illegal use of a computer, authorizing police to seize files relating to Newell. Mr. CNN has reached out to Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who oversees the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that. By: Tim Carpenter - September 6, 2023 9:22 am. The 8th Judicial District is composed of Dickinson, Geary, Marion and Morris counties. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. She’s escaped the harshest possible coverage so far, but her approval cleared the way for this gross. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, citing possible identity theft and illegal use of a computer, authorized the search of the newspaper’s offices and the Meyers’ residence Friday morning. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. Courtroom Live Streams. The raid appears to have stemmed from an accusation by a restaurant owner, Kari Newell. According to a Wichita Eagle investigation, Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on January 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was detained at least twice in 2012 for DUI in two distinct Kansas counties. The Kansas magistrate judge who authorized a police raid of the Marion County Record newsroom over its probe into a local restaurateur’s drunken-driving record has her own hidden history of driving under the influence. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. At the time, Viar’s last. Judge Steven Hornbaker retired June 1 from his position serving Geary County. Judge Laura Viar, who signed off on a search warrant authorizing the searches, is facing a complaint about her decision and has been asked by a judicial body to respond, records shared with CNN by. An investigation by The Wichita Eagle published Wednesday revealed that Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has been arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas. The judge who signed off on a search warrant authorizing the raid of a newspaper office in Marion, Kansas, is facing a complaint about her decision and has been asked by a judicial body to respond, records shared with CNN by the complainant show. Keri Strahler, a Topeka resident, filed a complaint against the judge following the search with the. Additionally, the signature block on the affidavit shows where Magistrate Judge Laura Viar — who signed off on the warrants — had scratched through “notary” and wrote in “Magistrate Viar” instead, suggesting the affidavits were not on a standard form. An investigation by The Wichita Eagle published Wednesday revealed that Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has been arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas. In another development, news emerged that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant allowing police to seize the equipment, was arrested at least twice for driving under the influence. Viar’s new position will. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the local newspaper over claims they illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner, but turns out she has two DUI charges herse… Party Affiliation. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. m. Meyer takes a quick swipe at the Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who legal experts say did not take press protection laws into account before she signed Cody's warrants. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. . Meyer’s previous. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. It publishes Wednesdays. She signed them. Adams, arises from a challenge to the provision of Delaware’s Constitution which only allows. Viar’s. Honorable Laura E. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in. The Eighth District serves Morris, Dickinson,. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. unaffected by political or media influences, in order to. During the raid, Cody, along with four police officers and two sheriff’s deputies, took cell phones and other electronic devices. His group called on the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation into the raid, including why a magistrate judge, Laura Viar, signed the search warrant. However, the paper did cover a city council meeting where Newell admitted, on the record, that she had been given a DUI citation in 2008. Each has faced newfound scrutiny: Cody over his departure from the Kansas City police force and Viar over her driving record. The Committee to Protect Journalists is calling for an investigation into the raid at the Marion County Record, the Kansas newspaper at the center of a sharply criticized police investigation. Fax: 620-767-6488. Zoom Meeting ID: 920 1538 9098Laura Crane: Candidate for D. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. Judges in each state are generally bound to uphold moral and ethical codes of conduct, part of which include refraining from an appearance of political bias from the bench — even if elected in a. In nonpartisan elections, however, a judge is specifically prohibited from disclosing party affiliation. Judge who signed Kansas newspaper search warrant had 2 DUI arrests, reports say. 20. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from. District Court AdministratorThe warrant, signed by Judge Laura Viar, provided for seizure of a virtually limitless range of records and devices, and made no effort to protect confidential source communications. Republicans and Democrats differ drastically in their assessment of female judges, minority judges, research finds. Interviews are coming next month as Morris County District Court fills a judge position. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. This story was originally published August 19, 2023, 10:18 PM. At 9:05 a. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. Kansas resident Keri Strahler filed the complaint against Judge Laura Viar about a week after police raided the office of the Marion County Record, the home of the paper’s publisher and a county. Court records show the driving force behind the ongoing criminal investigation is Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, who applied for and obtained the search warrants signed by Marion County District. Legislators and executives campaign explicitly on their political beliefs, and once elected they are expected to make decisions based on these beliefs. Attorneys Catherine Block, Laura Lavey and Dawn Sabel, as well as. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time. Boehm - Geary County Ryan W. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Live streams for the Morris County District Court can be viewed online at the link below. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, of the 8th Judicial District, was charged at least twice for DUI in two Kansas counties in 2012, including in August that year when she allegedly drove off the road. During the raid, Cody, along with four police officers and two sheriff’s deputies, took cell phones and other electronic devices. A 98-year-old co-owner of a small Kansas newspaper died Saturday, one day after a police raid on her home and the Marion County Record’s office building. John Carney because as a political independent, Adams didn’t meet political affiliation requirements to apply for certain judgeships. Even in the absence of a federal statute it seems like a crazy step to take. Local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar issued a search warrant citing possible identity theft and illegal use of a computer, authorizing police to seize files relating to Newell. %. 18 Sep 2023. Kansas resident Keri Strahler filed the complaint against Judge Laura Viar about a week after police raided the office of the Marion County Record, the home of the paper’s publisher and a county. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the search warrant that Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody used to seize the newspaper’s equipment, records about the restaurant owner, utility bills, and other. Live streaming will include jury trials, as space will be limited in the courtrooms to allow plenty of social distancing space for jurors, parties, witnesses, attorneys, and judicial staff. A Kansas newspaper was raided by cops after leaked DUI intel made its way to the publisher -- and many are calling it a chilling attempt at censorship over. The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Judge Laura Viar Wikipedia, Political Party Judge with a history of DUI charges authorized the raid on the Kansas newspaper. Aug 13, 2023. " Leben said Judge Viar should not have approved the search warrants. m. 11, local law enforcement seized computers, cellphones and reporting materials from the Marion County Record office, the newspaper’s reporters and the publisher’s home. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. The city council will meet at 4:30 p. In sharp contrast to the prior literature relying on court-level variation, we find economically meaningful and statistically significant evidence that judge political affiliation is a source of disparities in federal sentencing. m. 14 — three days after the search was conducted. Interviews are coming next month as Morris County District Court fills a judge position. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. “The police department just did what the judge allowed them to do,” Mayfield said. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. [2] As of December 2020, five judges on the court were appointed by a Democratic governor and two judges were appointed by a Republican governor. In another development, news emerged that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant allowing police to seize the equipment, was arrested at least twice for driving under the influence. Judge Courtney D. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. C. 11 minutes; comment; Now Playing (Clips). Magistrate Judge. Joan Meyer, the 98-year-old co-owner of the Marion County Record, finally had her say Monday. Laura E. This story was originally published August 18, 2023, 3:32 PM. The warrant was approved and cited probable. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Viar approved Cody’s requests to search the Record, Meyer’s home and the councilwoman’s — setting in motion the raid that would make. A judge rejected it, he said, but he’s not sure why. Jerry Lambe Dec 7th, 2019, 12:27 pm. Succeeds Jade Ramsdell. August 18, 2023. Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey withdrew the warrant last. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. The 8th Judicial District is composed of Dickinson, Geary, Marion and Morris counties. Name: Richard Dietz Age: 45 Immediate family: I am happily married to Kelley Dietz. The only other explanation is that Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar is not malicious, but incompetent to the point of needing to be removed from ever holding a judgeship again. Viar. The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct says Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should explain her decision to sign search warrants relied on by police to raid the Marion newspaper office in August. The warrant, signed by Magistrate Viar specifically targeted ownership of computers capable of being used to “participate in the identity theft of Kari Newell. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. 17, Keri. 913-735-3689. a political prisoner since 2011 who participated in the strike. She currently is county attorney for Morris County. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Personal electronics used by the paper’s 98-year-old co-owner Joan Meyer, including a smart speaker she uses to ask for assistance, were among the items. The 8th Judicial District is made up of Dickinson, Geary, Marion and Morris counties. Judge Laura Viar may have not disclosed her past DUI's properly before authorizing the raid on the Marion County Record newsroom. Bill Chappell | August 17, 2023 A stack of the latest edition of the weekly Marion County Record sits in the back of the newspaper’s building in Marion, Kansas, on Wednesday. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed off on the search warrants, is scheduled to go before the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct next month for a complaint filed against her following the raid. COUNCIL GROVE — Some attorneys boast in TV ads about going after reckless drivers of big rigs, but a Council Grove attorney is accused of taking the wheel of aJudge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The nominees for one vacancy, which was created by Judge. Live streams for the Morris County District Court can be viewed online at the link below. The vacancies are due to two retirements. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Coppola (M03) Honorable Benjamin J. Robson – ZOOM Meeting ID 299 290 8566 District Judge Courtney D. Judge Laura Viar Wikipedia, Political Party Judge with a history of DUI charges authorized the raid on the Kansas newspaper. Kansas Courts says the 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has chosen Laura Viar to fill an open magistrate judge position in Morris Co. Questions have been raised about the legality of the search warrant, which was signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, as there are protections in federal law against searching and seizing materials from journalists. m. Last week, Viar signed a warrant to search the Marion County Record, a local Kansas paper, after a local businesswoman. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. Judge Laura Viar has previously been arrested for two DUI incidents in 2012. GuglerThe warrant, which was signed by 8th Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized a search for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Judge Steven Hornbaker, who served in Geary County, retired June 1. Susan Robson - Marion County Courtney D. 3(B) ABA Model Code of Judicial. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement officers on duty in Marion County, Kansas, descended on our offices today and seized our server and computers and personal cellphones of staff members. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. The next step should occur Monday in the case of a Council Grove attorney accused of trying to run over a City Council member. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Two experiments reveal that Democrats tend to see female and minority judges as less biased than white male judges. Joseph Superior Court Judicial Nominating Commission was “improperly politically biased. He also repeated statements made by Mayfield: someone from the Marion county attorney’s office delivered the warrant to Magistrate Judge Laura Viar for approval and Viar denied an additional. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Nov. According to a lawsuit filed against him by his former attorneys. Kansas Protection Order Portal (KS POP)Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Keith Collett, district magistrate judge, Dickinson County; and. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the local newspaper over claims they illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner, but turns out she has two DUI charges herse…Party Affiliation. Education. A photo from the Kansas 8th Judicial District website shows Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed a search warrant authorizing police to raid a local. Coppola (M03) Honorable Benjamin J. Criminal Court. They targeted the news outlet with impunity. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. Marla Luckert. New members are: District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, serving in Morris County of the 8th Judicial District, to serve through June 30, 2025. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, said law enforcement was allowed to search for and seize items including “documents and records pertaining. Too little, too late on the part of Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who approved the raid despite having a complicated background that might have clouded her decision. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed four new members and reappointed two current members to the Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning . Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. KANSAS CITY, Mo. These decisions may stem from the candidate’s own moral values, or a cost/benefit analysis of the possible solutions to a problem, or simply what seems to be best for the. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. m. From the story in the Kansas Reflector, another source rarely mentioned in the paper of record. 509,486. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. The Kansas Reflector reported: “The search warrant, signed by Marion county district court magistrate judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Skip to Main Content. Council Grove, KS 66846. Interviews will take place at the Morris County Courthouse. The Kansas magistrate judge who authorized a police raid of the Marion County Record newsroom over its probe into a local restaurateur’s drunken-driving record has her own hidden history of driving under the influence. According to a Wichita Eagle investigation, Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed Jan. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, said law enforcement was allowed to search for and seize items including “documents and records pertaining. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Iverson. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. Loading. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from. Kansas resident Keri Strahler filed the complaint against Judge Laura Viar about a week after police raided the office of the Marion County Record, the home of the paper’s publisher and a county. Personal electronics used by the paper’s 98-year-old co-owner Joan Meyer, including a smart speaker she uses to ask for assistance, were among the items. MARION — In an unprecedented raid Aug. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says on Friday, Oct. Two, we know the affidavits supporting search warrants were approved by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Friday, August 11: Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed search warrant that alleges violations of identity theft and “unlawful acts concerning computers” regarding Newell. Laura Kelly, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancies. ” Joan Meyer “collapsed Saturday afternoon and died at her. S. Samantha Angell, an attorney in private practice. Boy, did we get a talking-to. Interviews will take place at the Morris County Courthouse. Friday, officers showed up. There are pending requests from news organizations for release by Marion County District Court of the probable cause affidavit relied upon by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to grant the search warrant. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Laura Viar, Council Grove, county attorney, Morris County . TOPEKA -- The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. According to a Wichita Eagle investigation, Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on January 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was detained at least twice in 2012 for DUI in two distinct. 42,238. CNN has reached out to Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who. Others are also calling into question whether the search warrant signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar adhered to the federal law protecting journalists from searches. She died the following day. Was sued for $1. 459,229. Ensey acknowledged Cody sent him the warrants. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. , who served for 24 years and was consistently rated as one of the court's best judges in Columbus Bar Association polls, created the most. CPJ. Joan Meyer was unable to eat or sleep after the raid; she. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Chief Judge Michael Powers, who serves Marion Co. Superior Court Laura Cranehas served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia since 2014. m. Abigail Jo Shry was arrested for allegedly leaving a threatening voicemail to Judge Tanya Chutkan, the judge overseeing election. The search warrant for the raid, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, was to look for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Published: Nov. Jessica Corbett. Even in the absence of a federal statute it seems like a crazy step to take. 104. Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. Judge Keith L. The article the Record published covered the council meeting and Newell’s accusation against the newspaper. In 2022, Viar was named magistrate judge by the 8th Judicial District. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from. Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. Brenda Sharpe, Overland Park. Cody told the KBI that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar “scrutinized the evidence and decided it was not enough for me to get Pam Maag’s electronic devices. 78. Read More 576 Words. They seized computers, cell phones, and other equipment. Photo by DARREN STONE / PNG. Judges desiring appointment to the bench by a governor or legislature may “seek endorsements for the appointment from any person or organization other than a partisan political organization” (Rule 4. Friday, officers showed up. Others are also calling into question whether the search warrant signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar adhered to the federal law protecting journalists from searches. It said her new. Keith Collett, district magistrate judge, Dickinson County Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Live. Alan Mullen, a political advisor to Speaker Darryl Plecas, talks to the media at the BC legislature in Victoria, B. 19-309, concerns a provision of Delaware’s Constitution that says judges affiliated with any one political party can make up no more than a “bare majority” on the state’s. Laura Viar, Morris County Attorney;That includes Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, who oversaw the raid, and Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who approved the application for a search. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. The first federal lawsuit has been filed in relation to the Marion Police Department raid on the Marion County Record in mid-August. TOPEKA — Affidavits signed by a police chief and magistrate to warrant the raid on the Marion County Record were supposed to provide evidence that a reporter committed a crime. Nevertheless, the federal judiciary is split about evenly between the parties, with 51 percent of active judges appointed by Democrats and 49 percent appointed by Republicans: There’s a bigger. "A source close to Karrin Taylor Robson [who ran against Lake in 2022's GOP primary for Arizona governor nominee] confirmed Lake has contacted her former opponent — the one she savaged last year. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. The 8th District Nominating Commission has announced Nov. Boehm – ZOOM Meeting ID 459 437 2998 District Judge Keith L. 50,257. 6 in Morris County. 2020. Joseph County Republican Party, also claims the St. If this is your profile, please reach out to us - we'll help get your profile filled out to start making a big impression on Voterly. m. Special Requirements in the 8th. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has sent the names of nominees for two district judge vacancies to Gov. Steve Leben, former judge and Professor of Law at University of Missouri-Kansas City referred to Cody's affidavits as "weak. Civil Scandal. COUNCIL GROVE, Kan. SAM BAILEY/KANSAS REFLECTOR. the Clerk of the Court will send each party an order for divorce impact class attendance. Laura Viar, Morris County Attorney. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. First Amendment attorneys say the reporter committed no crime and Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should have known the search warrants were unconstitutional when she signed them. Download original document: Document text This text is machine-read, and may contain errors. 18 Sep 2023. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. 6 in Morris County. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. Special Requirements in the 8th. In another development, news emerged that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant allowing police to seize the equipment, was arrested at least twice for driving under the influence. The current chief of the court is Marla Luckert. That warrant was approved by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who spent nearly 18 years as a prosecutor before being appointed to the bench in 2022. Its offices are across the street from the Marion County Courthouse. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. As a respected advocate for upholding the. No corporations, political party,. The position is opening as Judge Margaret White retires. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity. September 6, 2023 · 3 min read. Fax: 620-767-6488. Sexton – ZOOM Meeting ID 646 694 5873 District Judge Susan C. CNN has reached out to Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who oversees the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that. COUNCIL GROVE, Kan. Judge Laura Viar, who signed off on the warrant, is now the subject of a misconduct complaint. They have to do it, and they are very good at it. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Photo Illustration by Erin O’Flynn/The Daily Beast/Getty Images, Marion County Police DepartmentA Kansas newspaper whose offices were raided by an entire police department on Friday says its 98-year-old co-owner has now died after she was left “stressed beyond her limits. — Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant allowing police to raid a Marion newspaper, is being asked by the state to respond to a complaint. Kansas judge who signed off on 'Gestapo-style' raid of small-town newspaper has two DUIs. The proposal would strip power from Judge Laura Viar, the Kansas magistrate judge that authorized the Marion Police Department’s raid. It soon moved to Marion, as it went. Mayfield said he’s “perplexed” that people are more upset with Cody, a newly hired police chief, than with Ensey and Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, the two people with law licenses who he said were supposed to make sure the warrants were legally sound. TOPEKA — The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct requested Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar explain her decision to authorize search warrants used in controversial raids of the Marion newspaper office, the publisher’s home and a city. Sometime before 11 a. Amy C. Sometime before 11 a. Melissa Standridge. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. Instead, they serve as evidence that the local officials abused their power. . Wow, unreal that she could approve such a warrant. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the warrants. According to a Wichita Eagle investigation, Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on January 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was detained. Reporting on the 2012 charges this week, the Wichita Eagle said it was unclear how Viar's DUI cases were resolved or whether officials in either county were aware of her arrest in another jurisdiction. Courtesy. Bill Chappell. Ensey acknowledged Cody sent him the warrants. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed off on the search warrants, is scheduled to go before the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct next month for a complaint filed against her following the raid. MEYER SAYS THE RAIDS TOOK PLACE AS HIS NEWSPAPER HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING CHIEF CODY AFTER NUMEROUS TIPS, HE LEFT THE KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI POLICE DEPARTMENT. Legislators and executives campaign explicitly on their political beliefs, and once elected they are expected to make decisions based on these beliefs. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. No one has heard. Viar. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen. Special Requirements in the 8th. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. ". Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Coppola. Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector. The Marion County Record now has all of the devices police seized in a raid. The newspaper’s front page was dedicated to two stories about a raid by. Democrats tend to be less skeptical of female and minority. Chief Judge. A Topeka woman, Keri Strahler, filed a complaint. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. The local prosecutor, Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey, revoked the warrants less than a week later after finding insufficient evidence linking the seized devices to the alleged crimes. ahead. Kansas Protection Order Portal (KS POP) Chief Judge Michael Powers will retire August 20. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. Robson; Honorable Keith L. The Kansas magistrate judge who authorized a police raid of the Marion County Record newsroom over its probe into a local restaurateur’s drunken-driving record has her own hidden history of driving under the influence. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. Court records show the driving force behind the ongoing criminal investigation is Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, who applied for and obtained the search warrants. Chris Mann Democratic. This commitment must remain steadfast and unbiased, unaffected by political or media influences, in order to uphold the principles of justice, equal protection, and the rule of law for everyone in the. Civil Scandal. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody and Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey have come under intense scrutiny for their handling of the situation. — Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant allowing police to raid a Marion newspaper, is being asked by the state to respond to a complaint. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least. D. The search warrant in Marion, signed by county magistrate judge Laura Viar on Friday morning, allowed officers to confiscate a wide range of items, from computers and hardware to reporting documents. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing a raid on the Marion County Record after the newspaper used a public database to confirm a restaurant owner’s drunk-driving record.