Jan 3, 2023 Updated Jan 4, 2023. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. 6 in Morris County. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. Laura Viar, Morris County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt, an attorney in private practice The Commission said it will meet on Wednesday, Aug. m. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Leads agency side search and performance media. KANSAS CITY, Mo. View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. B. September 6, 2023 · 3 min read. 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. Junction City, KS 66441 Phone: 785-762-5221 Fax: 785-762-4420 Clerk of the District Court: Katrina Adams. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. 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. Cody applied for and obtained search warrants signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. 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. View the profiles of people named Laura Viar. Todd Heitschmidt, court. Facebook Tweet Email. However, federal law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials from journalists rather than seize it through a search warrant. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. 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 Kansas Eighth Judicial District According to the Eagle, Viar was first charged with DUI in Coffey County 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. 17, Keri Strahler. 1998 Emporia State University; J. 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. 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. Fax: 620-767-6488. 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. Moreover, the first two pages of the nine-page application are nearly identical to the warrant itself. on Friday. m. 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. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. The Kansas Reflector reported: “The search warrant, signed by Marion county district court magistrate judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. 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 Meyer, his newspaper has been investigating potentially questionable. S. Courtesy IversonLawOffice. First Amendment attorneys say the reporter committed no crime and Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should have known the search warrants were. 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 first is the two crimes listed on the warrant: “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. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner. 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. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. Image credit Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. Click to resize. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. —. 90 is the birth date of Laura. ” But Viar approved search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom, Meyer’s home and Herbel’s home. 6 in Morris County. 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. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. 9:30 a. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. com. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. Courtroom Live Streams. Gruver says Cody. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. 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. 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). 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. m. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. 2. Term expires June 30, 2023. 8/12/2023 10:36 AM PT. 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. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity. 2003. 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. It appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists, requiring law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. (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. 25 […]Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. 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. It is improbable that the Record or any of its reporters were engaged in identity theft. View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. 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. 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. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least. 11, the court did not receive the affidavits until Monday, Aug. Eric Meyer's 98-year-old mother, Joann Meyer, was at the house she shared with her son when the police raided it. WICHITA, Kan. m. 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. The first federal lawsuit has been filed in relation to the Marion Police Department raid on the Marion County Record in mid-August. 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). (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. Cody accused the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Ensey of knowing he was seeking warrants. 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 Aug. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. 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. Education. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas. At the time, Viar’s last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. D. The local judge who reportedly signed the warrant authorizing the raids, Laura Viar, hasn’t publicly commented. 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. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer's home and the newspaper office. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. Loyce Smith - Geary County. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. Applicants just need a high school diploma, or equivalent, and be able to pass 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 investigation found. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. In 2022, Viar was named magistrate judge by the 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the warrant. 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 alleged crimes. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the paper. Facebook gives people the power to share. 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. m. 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. The title track on the album,. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. 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. 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. 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. Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. 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. Brenda Sharpe, Overland Park. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. 6 in Morris County. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Viar earned a law license from Washburn University in 2003 and became a magistrate last year. 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. Eric Meyer, owner and publisher of the newspaper, said police were motivated by a. Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. 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. Kansas Gov. 11 raids on the newspaper office, the publisher’s home, and the home of a city councilwoman after. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. 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. 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 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, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. 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. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Laura Kelly says questions should be. m. By Richard Burkard [email protected] Viar, Morris County Attorney 2 p. She was allegedly unable to eat or sleep. Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. TOPEKA, Kansas — Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody has resigned, less than two months after he instigated a widely covered raid on a local newspaper that culminated in a federalAfter a resident filed a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar for authorizing the raid, a state commission wants the judge to explain herself. 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. "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. Judge Viar did not respond to a request for comment from a local media. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. 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. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. She currently is county attorney for Morris County. The raid came on a search warrant that challengers want opened to show the reasoning by county District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. 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. 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. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. 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. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. However, federal law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials from journalists rather than seize it through a search warrant. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Dozens of U. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. 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 authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had improperly obtained information about a local restaurant owner. 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. Viar or the. m. Viar. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. Morris County District Court. Image credit Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector. The warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. Special Requirements in the 8th. The police obtained a two-page warrant from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, saying the police were acting on probable cause to believe that “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning. 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. MARION — In an unprecedented raid Aug. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. Phone: 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. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 1998 Emporia State University; J. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody. Laura uses alternative name, for example, Laura Reynoso, Laura A. 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. 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, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. 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 will take her new position after being sworn in and follows current judge Margaret White, who is retiring on New Year’s Day. 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. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. According to reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. Judge Laura Viar Wikipedia, Political Party Judge with a history of DUI charges authorized the raid on the Kansas newspaper. 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. Days later, Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search warrant at Cody’s request. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. Attempts to contact Ensey to determine if he saw the affidavits before they were submitted to the court have been unsuccessful. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. 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. 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. Viar didn't respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. The alleged crime was identity theft. 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. 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, 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. 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 journalists. 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. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. In 2022, Viar was named magistrate judge by the 8th Judicial District. It is improbable that the Record or any of its reporters were engaged in identity theft. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. on Friday. The affidavits, which were obtained by CBS News, claim to have been signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar on Aug. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. WICHITA, Kan. Magistrate Laura Viar authorized the raid. Laura is a thirty-one-year-old. . 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. 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. 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. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura E. SAM BAILEY/KANSAS REFLECTOR. com. She died the next day, something Eric Meyer attributes in part to the raid, saying she died of “shock and grief. A printed issue of the Marion County Record sits in a display in its office, in. 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 Kansas Bureau of. Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. 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. A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself. She emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment in. TOPEKA -- The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. Magistrate Judge Laura E. A search warrant, posted online by the nonprofit news site the Kansas Reflector was signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. 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. authorized by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar). 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. From the story in the Kansas Reflector, another source rarely mentioned in the paper of record. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. 2. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. 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 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. 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. Iverson. 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 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, 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. . Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. 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. According to Meyer, his newspaper has been investigating potentially questionable. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and 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. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. By Richard Burkard richard@emporia. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the warrant she. 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. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. 501 W Main St. Meyer’s previous. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. authorized by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar). "This Court is unable to respond to this request as there is not a probable cause affidavit filed. The incident at the Marion County. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. 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 position is opening as Judge Margaret White retires. Join Facebook to connect with Laura Viar and others you may know. Phone: 620-767-6838. com. Viar, who was appointed as magistrate judge in November 2022, has displayed either a lack of knowledge or a blatant disregard for the law. 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 Viar, Council Grove, county attorney, Morris County 10 a. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. Judge who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. 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. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen. Nominees are Morris County Attorney Laura Viar, Tiptoz Dance Company owner and Chief Financial Officer Jay Troxell and Morris County Detective Sgt. 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. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. 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 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. 14 — three days after the search was conducted. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. 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. 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. "Normally, with a search warrant. Morris County. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Days later, Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search warrant at Cody’s request. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft 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. Term expires June 30, 2026. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. View Lori’s full profile. 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, who was appointed on Jan. Viar. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement to. 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. 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. 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. 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 has been arrested at least twice for driving under the influence in two different Kansas counties, according to an investigation by The Wichita Eagle. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the warrant. 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. “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 paper’s publisher and a county. "My computer —you're removing my ability to work. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. Prior to her appointment. The alleged crimes. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. Kansas House Minority Leader. 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 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. 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. 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. “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. A Council Grove attorney pleaded guilty Tuesday to eight counts stemming largely. Jennifer Wyatt, an attorney in a private practice The commission received an incomplete nomination, and if accepted, will interview that nominee at 2:20 p. 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. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office.