“Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the warrant. 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. 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. Iverson. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. 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. Judge Laura Viar Wikipedia, Political Party Judge with a history of DUI charges authorized the raid on the Kansas newspaper. She emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment in. She will take her new position after being sworn in and follows current judge Margaret White, who is retiring on New Year’s Day. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. From the story in the Kansas Reflector, another source rarely mentioned in the paper of record. 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. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. 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. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. 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. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Geary County Courthouse 138 E 8th St. 2. It appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists, requiring law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. D. "Laura Viar probably doesn’t understand this," Meyer said. Iverson. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. 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. 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 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. 18, at 9 a. She served as Morris County attorney from 2005 to 2022 and as the city attorney for Cottonwood Falls. 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. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. 2. It wasn’t clear what evidence would support such a search warrant, or if Cody and Viar understood the significance of raiding a newsroom. on Friday. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. m. 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. 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 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar’s sweeping warrant cited “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers” as grounds 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 alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. 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. Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. 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. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at. 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. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. Joan Meyer, the 98-year-old co-owner of the Marion County Record, finally had her say Monday. 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. "On August 11, 2023, law enforcement officers with the Marion Police Department (MPD) executed a search. 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. Sometime before 11 a. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 11. "Normally, with a search warrant. Junction City, KS 66441 Phone: 785-762-5221 Fax: 785-762-4420 Clerk of the District Court: Katrina Adams. 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 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. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. (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. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. 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. Image credit Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. m. 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. About. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. She was allegedly unable to eat or sleep. Sometime before 11 a. 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. 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. In the first arrest,. The alleged crimes. 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 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 least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. Wednesday, August 18, at:Kansas Governor Laura Kelly called the raids "concerning. It appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists, requiring law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 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. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the warrant she. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released an update on the criminal investigation and police raid at a newspaper in Marion County. 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. ”The alleged crimes. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 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. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. Courtroom Live Streams. m. Nominees are Morris County Attorney Laura Viar, Tiptoz Dance Company owner and Chief Financial Officer Jay Troxell and Morris County Detective Sgt. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. 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 authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. The warrant was approved and cited probable. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 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. Phone: 620-767-6838. 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. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. 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 Laura Viar authorized the raid. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. - Ryan Young, White City, detective. Laura Viar, Morris County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt, an attorney in private practice The Commission said it will meet on Wednesday, Aug. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Education. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local restaurant owner as the reason for the raid. 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. View Lori’s full profile. Special Requirements in the 8th. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. Join Facebook to connect with Laura Viar and others you may know. on Friday. Kansas House Minority Leader. 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. 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’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. 6 in Morris County. Laura Viar — OfficialUSA. Courtesy IversonLawOffice. 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. 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 a Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner. The alleged crimes. Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. 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 influence. S. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. — 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. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. 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. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least. Here are the latest developments in the case. Loyce Smith - Geary County. Viar or the. com. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. 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. 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 first is the two crimes listed on the warrant: “identity theft. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. 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. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Magistrate Judge Laura E. Magistrate Judge. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. "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. 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, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. 9:30 a. 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 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. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. According to reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. Magistrate Judge. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Cody ignored federal and state laws that prohibit authorities from taking journalists’ materials as he and his four police officers, aided by two. 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. 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. Judge Laura Viar has been arrested at least twice for driving under the influence in two different Kansas counties, according to an investigation by The Wichita. Judge who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. 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. 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 Council Grove attorney pleaded guilty Tuesday to eight counts stemming largely. View requirements by county. View requirements by county. “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. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the warrants. on Friday. 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. 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. 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. 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. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. 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. Viar. . Jan 3, 2023 Updated Jan 4, 2023. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. As the newspaper noted Saturday: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. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. Viar or the. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. 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 Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Laura Kelly says questions should be. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. — 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. 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. 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 on our offices. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Viar, who was appointed as magistrate judge in November 2022, has displayed either a lack of knowledge or a blatant disregard for the law. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. TOPEKA — The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct requested Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar explain her decision to authorize. KANSAS CITY, Mo. B. 1998 Emporia State University; J. Viar, at the time, entered a diversion agreement but had trouble following the court-mandated requirements, including that she seek an alcohol and drug. 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. 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. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. Term expires June 30, 2026. A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself. 501 W Main St. In 2022, Viar was named magistrate judge by the 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission. " The Society of Professional Journalists pledged $20,000 toward the newspaper's legal defense. Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. Laura Viar selected for magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. Last week, Viar signed a warrant to search the Marion County Record, a local Kansas paper, after a local businesswoman. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. 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. First Amendment attorneys say the reporter committed no crime and Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should have known the search warrants were. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. Michelle Terry, Tecumseh. A warrant for the raid – performed by the entire police department and sheriff’s deputies – was signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. 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. There is no official word on when the county will select Viar’s replacement. ” But Viar approved search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom, Meyer’s home and Herbel’s home. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Judge who. But Judge Viar has a DUI history of her own. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. 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. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. 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. 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. Morris County District Court. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. 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. 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. Liar Liar is a UK VHS release by CIC and Universal on 17th November 1997, 4th May 1998 and 22nd March 1999. She currently is county attorney for Morris County. Officers. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. 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. View the profiles of people named Laura Viar. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the paper. Indeed, it is unclear if Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey saw the affidavits before they were signed by Viar. 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. 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 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. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. Dozens of U. 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. District Court Administrator. 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. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Contact Laura. 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. Viar, who the Wichita. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. Leads agency side search and performance media. The alleged crime was identity theft. 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. , 25, 2012 – an incident that was previously unreported. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Viar. Laura is a thirty-one-year-old. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 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. Viar. 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. Magistrate Judge. Magistrate Judge Laura E. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. "Normally, with a search warrant. 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. A printed issue of the Marion County Record sits in a display in its office, in. The title track on the album,. 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 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. 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. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Laura Ethel Viar is a lawyer serving Council Grove in Criminal Defense and Criminal Defense cases. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. In 2012,. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. S. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Days later, Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search warrant at Cody’s request. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. The local judge who reportedly signed the warrant authorizing the raids, Laura Viar, hasn’t publicly commented. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the warrant. Succeeds Jade Ramsdell. 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. However, federal law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials from journalists rather than seize it through a search warrant. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. 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 raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. 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. 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. 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. , to interview nominees. Judge who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. Cody applied for and obtained search warrants signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Kansas State Board of Nursing. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. The Marion County Record now has all of the devices police seized in a raid. . Judge Laura Viar, a prominent figure in the 8th Judicial District, has been following the developments closely. " An attorney for the newspaper deemed the searches and seizures illegal and said the police department's action "offends the constitutional protections the founding fathers gave the free press. On Aug. 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. Laura uses alternative name, for example, Laura Reynoso, Laura A. Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. 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. The incident at the Marion County. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed four new members and reappointed two current members to the Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning . . 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. 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. 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. D. com Records. “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. 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. ”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. m. Courtesy. com. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. SAM BAILEY/KANSAS REFLECTOR. It is improbable that the Record or any of its reporters were engaged in 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. m. 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. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local restaurant owner as the reason for the raid. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. It wasn’t clear what evidence would support such a search warrant, or if Cody and Viar understood the significance of raiding a newsroom. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. 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. It alleged identity theft of the woman and. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement. m. TheKansas 8th District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. The Kansas Reflector reported: “The search warrant, signed by Marion county district court magistrate judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that. m.