Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. 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. Education. View the profiles of people named Laura Viar. (note: the dying bird is randomly NOT supplying the full tweet, so you may have to click through to see images. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 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. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local restaurant owner as the reason for the raid. 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 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, said law enforcement was allowed to search for and seize items including “documents and records pertaining. Judge Laura Viar has previously been arrested for two DUI incidents in 2012. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. 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. She currently is county attorney for Morris County. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. on Friday. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. WICHITA, Kan. 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. . Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 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. The timetable for that decision hasn’t been announced. 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. Cody applied for and obtained search warrants signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. TOPEKA — The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct requested Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar explain her decision to authorize. August 23, 2023. Apologies). Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. 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. Geary County Courthouse 138 E 8th St. 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. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. "Laura Viar probably doesn’t understand this," Meyer said. 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. 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. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. 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. Courtesy. TheKansas 8th District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. 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. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. MARION — In an unprecedented raid Friday, local law enforcement seized computers, cellphones a 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. m. 11 raids on the newspaper office, the publisher’s home, and the home of a city councilwoman after small-town drama erupted over a restaurant owner’s quest for a liquor license. Ensey acknowledged Cody sent him the warrants. Loyce Smith - Geary County. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Cody accused the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Ensey of knowing he was seeking warrants. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. 25 […]It’s unclear if the bureau is investigating the police department, the newspaper or both. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Over the weekend and into Monday morning, journalists have been trying to obtain records that would detail Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar's decision to sign off on the search warrant. Michelle Terry, Tecumseh. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "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. Public interviews The nominating commission will convene to interview nominees at 9 a. 18, at 9 a. 90 is the birth date of Laura. Laura Viar — OfficialUSA. Succeeds Gita Noble. m. The Marion County Record now has all of the devices police seized in a raid. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. 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. Judge who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the paper. 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. The incident at the Marion County. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. In the first arrest, Viar "was charged and entered a diversion agreement — which was. Live streams for the Morris County District Court can be viewed online at the link below. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at. Term expires June 30, 2026. 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. S. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. ” But Viar approved search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom, Meyer’s home and Herbel’s home. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. 2. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the warrant she. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local restaurant owner as the reason for the raid. After a resident filed a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar for authorizing the raid, a state commission wants the judge to explain herself. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. @ruralindexing. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. 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. 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. Days later, Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search warrant at Cody’s request. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Officials conducted the raid after Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant Friday morning, which alleges violations of identity. Term expires June 30, 2023. 501 W Main St. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. m. “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. 25 […]Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. (KWCH)Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. - Laura Viar, Council Grove, county attorney, Morris County 10 a. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 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 alleged crimes. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. According to reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. District Court Administrator. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. SAM BAILEY/KANSAS REFLECTOR. MARION COUNTY, Kan. Applicants just need a high school diploma, or equivalent, and be able to pass 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. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. 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. 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 Gov. Personally, I think Police Chief Gideon Cody, Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, and drunk driver Kari Newell are about to go through some things. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. ”The alleged crimes. MARION — In an unprecedented raid Friday, local law enforcement seized computers, cellphones aMagistrate 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. 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. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. m. 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. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said guardrails and an independent review are needed but did not specify what form that should take. 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. Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. 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. Kansas Protection Order Portal (KS POP) County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Jan 3, 2023 Updated Jan 4, 2023. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who authorized the police raid on the Marion County Record newsroom over its probe into a local restaurateur’s drunken-driving record, has her own history of driving under the influence (DUI). The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. 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. ” But Viar approved search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom, Meyer’s home and Herbel’s home. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. 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. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. . Succeeds Jade Ramsdell. Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector. Courtroom Live Streams. m. 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. 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. She emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment in. 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. on Friday. TOPEKA, Kansas — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach says state authorities reviewing alleged crimes associated with the raid of a Marion newspaper are interested in whether someone breached the. Image credit Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. 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. Viar, at the time, entered a diversion agreement but had trouble following the court-mandated requirements, including that she seek an alcohol and drug. Viar or the. Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. 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 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. Attempts to contact Ensey to determine if he saw the affidavits before they were submitted to the court have been unsuccessful. Education. 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. 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. "This Court is unable to respond to this request as there is not a probable cause affidavit filed. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. The warrant was approved and cited probable. 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. About. 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. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. Kansas House Minority Leader. Judge Laura Viar Kansas Eighth Judicial District According to the Eagle, Viar was first charged with DUI in Coffey County on Jan. news organizations on Sunday condemned last week's raid by Kansas police on a local newspaper and publisher's home in what critics called an unconstitutional search they say contributed to the death of the paper's co-owner. “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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. WICHITA, Kan. It said her new position will be effective upon her. 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. 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. Magistrate Laura Viar authorized the raid. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. 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. "Normally, with a search warrant. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. m. m. 9:30 a. 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. com. 11. 14 — three days after the search was conducted. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. MARION COUNTY, Kan. 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. 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. 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. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. Dozens of U. Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. 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. Education. m. 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. m. 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. 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 warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. Results-driven marketing professional with nearly 15 years of experience in paid search and integrated marketing. m. 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. B. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. 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. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. 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. Visit Site ». Laura uses alternative name, for example, Laura Reynoso, Laura A. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. From the story in the Kansas Reflector, another source rarely mentioned in the paper of record. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. "Laura Viar probably doesn’t understand this," Meyer said. The local judge who reportedly signed the warrant authorizing the raids, Laura Viar, hasn’t publicly commented. Act as cross-functional liaison between research. (KWCH) 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 council member’s residence. “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 first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 11 raids on the newspaper office, the publisher’s home, and the home of a city councilwoman after small-town drama erupted over a restaurant owner’s quest for a liquor license. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. TOPEKA -- The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The Marion County Record now has all of the devices police seized in a raid. 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. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the warrant. Eric Meyer, owner and publisher of the newspaper, said police were motivated by a. Live streams for the Morris County District Court. She currently is the county attorney for 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. TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed four new members and reappointed two current members to the Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning . Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Under Kansas law, there is no requirement for a magistrate to be a licensed attorney. Brenda Sharpe, Overland Park. A Council Grove attorney pleaded guilty Tuesday to eight counts stemming largely. The search warrant, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, allowed authorities to look for evidence of identity theft and evidence of criminal use of a computer. 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. Dickinson County District Court Dickinson County Courthouse 109 E 1st St. View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. 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. 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. 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. The alleged crime was identity theft. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. 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 alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. 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. D. Ryan Young. The search warrant, which included the locations of the publication, as well as the homes of the publisher and the vice mayor, was signed by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. . “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released an update on the criminal investigation and police raid at a newspaper in Marion County. Morris County. 11 raids on the newspaper office, the publisher’s home, and the home of a city councilwoman after small-town drama erupted over a restaurant owner’s quest for a liquor license. Laura Viar - Morris County . She died the next day, something Eric Meyer attributes in part to the raid, saying she died of “shock and grief. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Steve Leben, former judge and professor of law at University of Missouri-Kansas City said neither Cody nor Magistrate Judge Laura Viar who signed the warrant took state and federal laws into. 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 police department in Marion, Kansas — a town of about 2,000 — raided the Marion County Record under a search warrant signed by a county judge. 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. 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. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. Kansas House Minority Leader. Judge Viar did not respond to a request for comment from a local media. 1998 Emporia State University; J. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Sometime before 11 a. It wasn’t clear what evidence would support such a search warrant, or if Cody and Viar understood the significance of raiding a newsroom. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. Viar. Judge Laura Viar, a prominent figure in the 8th Judicial District, has been following the developments closely. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant: “identity theft. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. 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. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. 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. 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. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. authorized by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar). Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner. Click to resize. The Record’s publisher,. It alleged identity theft of the woman and. 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. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. 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. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. "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. Viar or the. The local judge who reportedly signed the warrant authorizing the raids, Laura Viar, hasn’t publicly commented. It alleged identity theft of the woman and unlawful use of a computer. 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. 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. She was allegedly unable to eat or sleep. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. Morris County District Court. m. “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. m. 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 local restaurant owner applying for a liquor license, the world would never have learned from our sister paper, the Wichita Eagle, that Viar just. Steve Leben, former judge and professor of law at University of Missouri-Kansas City said neither Cody nor Magistrate Judge Laura Viar who signed the warrant took state and federal laws into. TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach says state authorities reviewing alleged crimes associated with the raid of a Marion newspaper are interested in whether someone breached the Kansas. 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. A search warrant, posted online by the nonprofit news site the Kansas Reflector was signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself. 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 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. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. com Records. 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. 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. 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. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. Develop innovative learning opportunities to enhance clinical knowledge and science-based selling. Over the weekend and into Monday morning, journalists have been trying to obtain records that would detail Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar's decision to sign off on the search warrant. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. 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. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. 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 newspaper in Marion, Kansas. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 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. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Wednesday, August 18, at:Kansas Governor Laura Kelly called the raids "concerning. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 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. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner. On Aug. Eric Meyer's 98-year-old mother, Joann Meyer, was at the house she shared with her son when the police raided it.