Morris County District Court. It is improbable that the Record or any of its reporters were engaged in identity theft. The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected current County Attorney Laura Viar as the county’s next magistrate judge. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. The local cops, under new chief Gideon Cody (who came to Marion a few months ago after more than 20 years with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department), ran with Newell’s complaints and, with some help from the local prosecutor, obtained a search warrant from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Attempts to contact both Marion’s police chief – Gideon Cody – and the judge who authorized his agency to conduct the raids aimed at the Record, Laura Viar, for comment on Meyer’s sudden. S. 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. 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. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. According to a search warrant signed by Marion County Magistrate Laura Viar, the raid is related to an ongoing dispute between the paper and local restaurateur Kari Newell. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. The Kansas Reflector reported: “The search warrant, signed by Marion county district court magistrate judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that. 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. 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. 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 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. The search warrant, requested by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody and signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, sought newsroom computers that may have been used to access Kansas Department of Revenue. The article the Record published covered the council meeting and Newell’s accusation against the newspaper. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. TOPEKA -- The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 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. . authorized by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar). 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. 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. Critics and legal experts say the search warrant signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar and used to seize the newspaper’s equipment violates federal law that provides protections against. Leben said Cody would need to inform Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar of any conflicts that may need further evaluation before issuing a search warrant. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. Enable Google Translate. Magistrate Judge. on Friday. 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. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. "My computer —you're removing my ability to work. "It's an abuse of power by the police and it's a serious dereliction of duty by the judge who signed off on it," White said. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. 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. B. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local restaurant owner as the reason for the raid. Applicants just need a high school diploma, or equivalent, and be able to pass a. The Marion County Record now has all of the devices police seized in a raid. Dozens of U. Geary County Courthouse 138 E 8th St. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. SAM BAILEY/KANSAS REFLECTOR. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. Ensey acknowledged Cody sent him the warrants. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Kari Newell, a local restaurant owner, had recently claimed at a city council meeting that the Marion County Record used “illegal methods” to learn of her past DUI conviction. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. Boy, did we get a talking-to. 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. According to a search warrant signed by Marion County Magistrate Laura Viar, the raid is related to an ongoing dispute between the paper and local restaurateur Kari Newell. Viar didn't respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had improperly obtained information about a local restaurant owner. - Ryan Young, White City, detective. The Record’s publisher,. Magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant under the pretense that Cody, the police chief, had reason to believe a newspaper reporter committed identity theft and unlawful use of a computer. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. Days later, Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search warrant at Cody’s request. She said there needs to be a “thorough investigation” into why the Marion Police Department presented the search warrant and why it was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Facebook gives people the power to share. T he last album from Portlandian folk-rocker Laura Veirs, 2020’s My Echo, unconsciously charted the disintegration of her marriage: it was written prior to her split from husband and longtime. com Records. "On August 11, 2023, law enforcement officers with the Marion Police Department (MPD) executed a search. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. MARION COUNTY, Kan. The warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. Attempts to contact both Marion’s police chief – Gideon Cody – and the judge who authorized his agency to conduct the raids aimed at the Record, Laura Viar, for comment on Meyer’s sudden. The local judge who reportedly signed the warrant authorizing the raids, Laura Viar, hasn’t publicly commented. m. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. She said there needs to be a “thorough investigation” into why the Marion Police Department presented the search warrant and why it was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. According to reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. Magistrate Judge Laura E. Cody ignored federal and state laws that prohibit authorities from taking journalists’ materials as he and his four police officers, aided by two. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. Moreover, the first two pages of the nine-page application are nearly identical to the warrant itself. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Apparently this sort of work isn’t appreciated by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who OK’d the raid on the Marion County Record and Meyer’s home — where, according to the Record, the zealous. ”. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. Those 2012 arrests came months apart in two counties — and it's not clear how much information was shared between officials at the time, The. 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. Education. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will appoint her choice later. 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 materials. Term expires June 30, 2026. Education. Viar earned a law license from Washburn University in 2003 and became a magistrate last year. 06. 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. She currently is county attorney for Morris County. , PO Box 127 Abilene, KS 67410 Phone: 785-263-3142 Fax: 785-263-4407 Clerk of the District Court: Cindy MacDonaldKansas 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. Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. on Friday. MARION COUNTY, Kan. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. More interesting is reporting from MSNBC contributor Marisa Kabas published in her Substack blog, who says Eric Meyer told her the computers also include names of former co-workers of Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, hired by the city a few months ago, who told the newspaper Cody. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. B. " The police officer who served the warrant responds, "That's something you'll have. If Magistrate Judge Laura Viar hadn’t signed the warrant authorizing the illegal raid, supposedly because of allegations that the newspaper had improperly obtained information about the DUI of a. “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. 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. The timetable for that decision hasn’t been announced. Apparently this sort of work isn’t appreciated by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who OK’d the raid on the Marion County Record and Meyer’s home — where, according to the Record, the zealous. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar’s sweeping warrant cited “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers” as grounds for the raid. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. After Marion County Judge Laura Viar signed the search warrant, Marion police officers went to the newspaper’s office and two private homes, including the home of newspaper co-owner Joann Meyer. It is improbable that the Record or any of its reporters were engaged in identity theft. — 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. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. Critics and legal experts say the search warrant signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar and used to seize the newspaper’s equipment violates federal law that provides protections against. The EP consists of five tracks and one instrumental all of which are written and composed by either Ravi or Leo as the composer duo of VIXX. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity. 6 in Morris County. m. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. The 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. Magistrate Judge Laura E. The Wichita Eagle reported that Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed earlier this year and signed off on the controversial search warrant, has her own history of DUI arrests. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. In 2012,. 17, Keri Strahler. 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 Reflector explained Friday that the search warrant appears to violate a federal law intended to protect journalists and the Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed it, did not respond to a request for comment. Junction City, KS 66441 Phone: 785-762-5221 Fax: 785-762-4420 Clerk of the District Court: Katrina Adams. D. Michelle Terry, Tecumseh. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. View Lori’s full profile. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had improperly obtained information about a local restaurant owner’s past DUI conviction. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar’s sweeping warrant cited “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers” as grounds for the raid. Special Requirements in the 8th. County Attorney Laura Viar says Logan Callahan, 18, was found in violation of probation after he was convicted of unlawful sexual relations last October and was. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. 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, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. m. The search warrant, requested by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody and signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, sought newsroom computers that may have been used to access Kansas Department of Revenue. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. Eric Meyer, who is Joan Meyer’s son, told the Kansas Reflector on Friday that “basically, all the law enforcement officers on duty in Marion County, Kansas, descended. 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 investigation found. . 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. A search warrant signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar stated she determined there was probable cause that the Record and its reporters were violating the Kansas law prohibiting identity theft. 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 investigation found. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. Judge Laura Viar Kansas Eighth Judicial District According to the Eagle, Viar was first charged with DUI in Coffey County on Jan. Cody applied for and obtained search warrants signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. 104. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the warrant she. She will take her new position after being sworn in and follows current judge Margaret White, who is retiring on New Year’s Day. 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 investigation found. Viar. 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. 1998 Emporia State University; J. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. According to media reporting, the raid followed the Record having received information from a source, attempting to verify that information through a state website available to the public, and thereafter, alerting your department out ofMARION — Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody enlisted the support of local and state law enforcement officials in the days before he led raids on the local newspaper office, theExecution of the first search warrant at the newspaper's offices unfolded less than two hours after Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. No one has heard. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant that authorized Marion police to raid the Marion County Record’s newsroom and the home of the editor. 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. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. Magistrate Laura Viar authorized the raid. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. Develop innovative learning opportunities to enhance clinical knowledge and science-based selling. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. 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. TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed four new members and reappointed two current members to the Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning . Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had improperly obtained information about a local restaurant owner. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant that authorized Marion police to raid the Marion County Record’s newsroom and the home of the editor. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. 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. A Council Grove attorney pleaded guilty Tuesday to eight counts stemming largely. Term expires June 30, 2023. There is no official word on when the county will select Viar’s replacement. authorized by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar). 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had improperly obtained information about a local restaurant owner. —. Kari Newell, a local restaurant owner, had recently claimed at a city council meeting that the Marion County Record used “illegal methods” to learn of her past DUI conviction. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant that authorized Marion police to raid the Marion County Record’s newsroom and the home of the editor. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. A search warrant signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar claimed probable cause over alleged violations related to identity theft and unlawful acts concerning computers. Viar, at the time, entered a diversion agreement but had trouble following the court-mandated requirements, including that she seek an alcohol and drug. m. 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 search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Apologies). 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 search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Chief Court Services Officer. The affidavits authorizing the searches and seizures at the paper and the publisher’s house were signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, and while her signature was dated Aug. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. m. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. No one has heard. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released an update on the criminal investigation and police raid at a newspaper in Marion County. The Kansas Professional Chapter of SPJ Board of Directors is particularly disappointed with the actions of Viar, which we assert violate established federal law protecting journalists. Join Facebook to connect with Laura Viar and others you may know. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. The alleged crimes. ”The alleged crimes. 501 W Main St. During the raid, Cody, along with four police officers and two sheriff’s deputies, took cell phones and other electronic devices. Viar. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 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. Fax: 620-767-6488. It got re-released by 4 Front Video and Universal on 22nd May. It said her new position will be effective upon her. “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. At a town meeting to determine Newell's liquor license eligibility, the restaurant owner reportedly admitted to having the DUI charge but accused the Record of obtaining the information illegally by stealing her mail. Live streams for the Morris County District Court. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. As a respected advocate for upholding the Constitution, Judge Viar believes that the raid raises serious concerns about the government's role in suppressing journalism. The raid came on a search warrant that challengers want opened to show the reasoning by county District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. m. Kansas Courts says the 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has chosen Laura Viar to fill an open magistrate judge position in Morris Co. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. Indeed, it is unclear if Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey saw the affidavits before they were signed by Viar. However, law enforcement could not have executed this illegal raid without the signing of a warrant by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. A printed issue of the Marion County Record sits in a display in its office, in. 501 W Main Street. At the time, Viar’s last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor 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. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at. Laura uses alternative name, for example, Laura Reynoso, Laura A. First Amendment attorneys say the reporter committed no crime and Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should have known the search warrants were. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. " The police officer who served the warrant responds, "That's something you'll have. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. Courtesy. “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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. 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. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. 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. Laura Kelly says questions should be. A Council Grove attorney pleaded guilty Tuesday to eight counts stemming largely. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the warrant. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. 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. 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. 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. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. m. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. Laura Viar, Council Grove, county attorney, Morris County; Ryan Young, White City, detective sergeant, Morris County Sheriff’s Office; To be considered for a district magistrate judge, the Court. About. Viar’s approval of the search has already led to calls from Democratic lawmakers to take away the ability of magistrate judges to sign off on search warrants. , to interview nominees. 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. 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. Iverson. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. In the first arrest, Viar "was charged and entered a diversion agreement — which was. Viar, who was appointed as magistrate judge in November 2022, has displayed either a lack of knowledge or a blatant disregard for the law. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. The incident at the Marion County. It alleged identity theft of the woman and unlawful use of a computer. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. 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. Judge Viar was allegedly arrested at least twice for driving under the influence (DUI) in two different Kansas counties in 2012 while she was lead prosecutor for Morris County, according to local reports. . Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. She currently is county attorney for Morris County. . 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. 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 Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. 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. @ruralindexing. 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. 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. Facebook gives people the power to share. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. According to a search warrant signed by Marion County Magistrate Laura Viar, the raid is related to an ongoing dispute between the paper and local restaurateur Kari Newell. (note: the dying bird is randomly NOT supplying the full tweet, so you may have to click through to see images. TOPEKA, Kansas — The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct requested Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to explain her decision to authorize search warrants used in controversial raids of the Marion newspaper office, the publisher’s home and a city council member’s residence. Todd Heitschmidt, court. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. It’s unclear if the bureau is investigating the police department, the newspaper or both. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. 2. 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 materials. Liar Liar is a UK VHS release by CIC and Universal on 17th November 1997, 4th May 1998 and 22nd March 1999. Magistrate Judge. After Marion County Judge Laura Viar signed the search warrant, Marion police officers went to the newspaper’s office and two private homes, including the home of newspaper co-owner Joann Meyer. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Snip 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. 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. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. The first federal lawsuit has been filed in relation to the Marion Police Department raid on the Marion County Record in mid-August. 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. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey 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. m. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow a police raid on the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a local business owner. 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 investigation found. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. View the profiles of people named Laura Viar. The 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. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. 6 in Morris County. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Laura Ethel Viar is a lawyer serving Council Grove in Criminal Defense and Criminal Defense cases. Jan 3, 2023 Updated Jan 4, 2023. 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. m. m. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. The Marion County Record now has all of the devices police seized in a raid. Laura Viar, Morris County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt, an attorney in private practice The Commission said it will meet on Wednesday, Aug. The alleged crime was identity theft. The search warrant used by authorities was signed by a local judge, Laura Viar, who ordered the seizure of equipment and information used in “the identity theft of Kari Newell,” a local. She served as Morris County attorney from 2005 to 2022 and as the city attorney for Cottonwood Falls. 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. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Kari Newell, a local restaurant owner, had recently claimed at a city council meeting that the Marion County Record used “illegal methods” to learn of her past DUI conviction. View the profiles of people named Laura Viar. Under Kansas law, there is no requirement for a magistrate to be a licensed attorney. The warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. 9:30 a. 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 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. Laura Viar — OfficialUSA. 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. 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 materials. Laura Ethel Viar is a lawyer serving Council Grove in Criminal Defense and Criminal Defense cases. Kobach: KBI looking into possible data breach in Kansas newspaper case - Kansas ReflectorThere 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.