Both Aaron Christian, 18, and James Vandenberg, 19, are students of Wichita State University in Wichita, Sedgwick County, United States. In October 2026, they were accused of rape and arrested by university police. Their allegations are not related.
Wichita, Kansas’s James Wells, Brett Eck, James Vandenberg arrested
James Watson Wells Jr., 50, and Brett Patrick Eck, 35, were arrested in October 2026 and booked into Sedgwick County Jail in Wichita, Kansas. Both faces separate charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14. Additionally, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu's threat suspect, Griffin Cornejo, pleaded guilty in October 2026.
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Former Leawood, Kansas priest Richard Storey accused of stealing $160K
Richard Storey, a former pastor of the Curé of Ars Church in Kansas, surrendered to police on May 23, 2026, facing felony theft charges for misappropriating $160,000 in parish funds. This investigation, initiated during a routine financial review, follows a previous criminal inquiry involving Storey. The Archdiocese is cooperating with authorities.
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13 things about Miss Kansas USA 2025 Asia Cymone Smith
Asia Cymone Smith, a Korean-American sports reporter and beauty queen from Kansas, represented her state at the 2025 Miss USA pageant. A San Diego State University and University of Florida alumna, she made history as Miss Greater San Diego Teen USA and has held various media positions, showcasing her athletic and entertainment talents.
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10 things about Larned, Kansas native Sonja Dee Ritter
Sonja Dee Hanken Ritter, born in Larned, Kansas, was a dedicated mother and dental office manager. She graduated from Hoisington High School and Barton County Community College. Active in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, she enjoyed singing, sewing, and cooking. Sonja passed away at 49 in 2013, leaving behind her family and cherished memories.
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13 things about Great Bend, Kansas native Ray Hanken
Raymond Lee Hanken, born in Great Bend, Kansas, was an American farmer and construction project manager. He married Patricia Freeburg in 1963 and had three children. Hanken lived in various U.S. cities before retiring to Holyrood, where he passed away in 2017 at age 73, leaving behind a legacy of family and community involvement.
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Baxter Springs, Kansas’s Kenneth Baker accused of possessing CSAM
Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, from Baxter Springs, Kansas, faces charges of receiving, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse materials. The U.S. Department of Justice is leading the prosecution through Project Safe Childhood. The investigation involves the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, highlighting efforts against child exploitation in the U.S.
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Wichita, Kansas teacher Nicole Hernandez posts $50K bond
Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez, a 30-year-old art teacher from Wichita, Kansas, was arrested on May 22, 2025, for four counts of unlawful sexual relations with a student aged over 16. Following her arrest, she was placed on paid administrative leave and released after posting a $50,000 bond.
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Nickerson, Kansas’s Whitney Shull bonds out of jail
Reno County, Kansas substitute teacher Whitney Shull is accused of abusing three juveniles. The alleged victims are either 16 or 17 years old.
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13 things about Great Bend, Kansas native Jerry Moran
Gerald Wesley "Jerry" Moran, born in Kansas, is a Republican politician and lawyer. He served in various roles, including member of the Kansas Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. With a background in economics, he has also chaired the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. He resides with his wife and two daughters.
