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. 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. Viar earned a law license from Washburn University in 2003 and became a magistrate last year. 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 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 who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. New members are: District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, serving in Morris County of the 8th Judicial District, to serve through June 30, 2025. 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 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. MARION — In an unprecedented raid Aug. Laura Kelly says questions should be. 11 raids on the newspaper office, the publisher’s home, and the home of a city councilwoman after. The incident at the Marion County. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. Cody ignored federal and state laws that prohibit authorities from taking journalists’ materials as he and his four police officers, aided by two. 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. 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. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at. 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. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. She emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment in. B. The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected current County Attorney Laura Viar as the county’s next magistrate judge. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. m. - Ryan Young, White City, detective. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. A printed issue of the Marion County Record sits in a display in its office, in. 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. 11, the court did not receive the affidavits until Monday, Aug. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. The raid came on a search warrant that challengers want opened to show the reasoning by county District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. 90 is the birth date of Laura. 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. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. Laura is a thirty-one-year-old. Ryan Young. Iverson. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. 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. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 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. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. Visit Site ». 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. First Amendment attorneys say the reporter committed no crime and Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should have known the search warrants were. 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. — 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. Term expires June 30, 2026. “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. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the warrants. A Kansas county prosecutor is withdrawing the search warrant used to raid a local newspaper and the judge who signed the warrant has a history of DUI arrests. Indeed, it is unclear if Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey saw the affidavits before they were signed by 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. It wasn’t clear what evidence would support such a search warrant, or if Cody and Viar understood the significance of raiding a newsroom. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. Judge Laura Viar Wikipedia, Political Party Judge with a history of DUI charges authorized the raid on the Kansas newspaper. "Laura Viar probably doesn’t understand this," Meyer said. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. —. 2003. 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. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. 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. 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 position is opening as Judge Margaret White retires. 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. Brenda Sharpe, Overland Park. TOPEKA -- The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 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. 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. Boy, did we get a talking-to. In the first arrest,. 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. Enable Google Translate. 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. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. 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. 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. 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. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. 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. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. But Judge Viar has a DUI history of her own. m. 25 […]It’s unclear if the bureau is investigating the police department, the newspaper or both. Applicants just need a high school diploma, or equivalent, and be able to pass a. m. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Viar or the. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 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. It wasn’t clear what evidence would support such a search warrant, or if Cody and Viar understood the significance of raiding a newsroom. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. The search warrant 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. 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. Sometime before 11 a. 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). m. However, federal law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials from journalists rather than seize it through a search warrant. D. The article the Record published covered the council meeting and Newell’s accusation against the newspaper. Judge Viar did not respond to a request for comment from a local media. The affidavits, which were obtained by CBS News, claim to have been signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar on Aug. TOPEKA — The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct requested Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar explain her decision to authorize. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. 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. The warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. 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. m. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Courtesy. Meyer’s previous. "Laura Viar probably doesn’t understand this," Meyer said. 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. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. More interesting is reporting from MSNBC contributor Marisa Kabas published in her Substack blog, who says Eric Meyer told her the computers also include names of former co-workers of Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, hired by the city a few months ago, who told the newspaper Cody. The title track on the album,. " The police officer who served the warrant responds, "That's something you'll have. 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. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. Image credit Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Jan 3, 2023 Updated Jan 4, 2023. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. The alleged crimes. TheKansas 8th District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Courtesy IversonLawOffice. m. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. m. 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. According to reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. In another development, news emerged that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant allowing police to seize the equipment, was arrested at least twice for driving under the influence. However, the paper did cover a city council meeting where Newell admitted, on the record, that she had been given a DUI citation in 2008. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. 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. ” But Viar approved search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom, Meyer’s home and Herbel’s home. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. The raid came on a search warrant that challengers want opened to show the reasoning by county District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. September 6, 2023 · 3 min read. 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. 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. During the raid, Cody, along with four police officers and two sheriff’s deputies, took cell phones and other electronic devices. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. Magistrate Laura Viar authorized the raid. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. Education. 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. 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. Judge Viar did not respond to a request for comment from a local media. . 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. 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. 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. A Council Grove attorney pleaded guilty Tuesday to eight counts stemming largely. m. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed four new members and reappointed two current members to the Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning . Magistrate Judge Laura E. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. 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. Viar didn't respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. 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. Develop innovative learning opportunities to enhance clinical knowledge and science-based selling. S. 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. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. The alleged crime was identity theft. 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. com. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 2003. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Apparently this sort of work isn’t appreciated by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who OK’d the raid on the Marion County Record and Meyer’s home — where, according to the Record, the zealous. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local restaurant owner as the reason for the raid. Succeeds Jade Ramsdell. “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 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. "My computer —you're removing my ability to work. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. Morris County. Judge who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. The alleged crimes. . “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. 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 warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity. It appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists, requiring law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 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. 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. It’s unclear if the bureau is investigating the police department, the newspaper or both. "Normally, with a search warrant. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 1998 Emporia State University; J. The warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. Leads agency side search and performance media. 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 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. In 2022, Viar was named magistrate judge by the 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission. 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. D. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. According to the Reflector, the search warrant signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and. 14 — three days after the search was conducted. S. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. 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. “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. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow a police raid on the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a local business owner. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. The local judge who reportedly signed the warrant authorizing the raids, Laura Viar, hasn’t publicly commented. Magistrate Judge. authorized by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar). 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. m. It got re-released by 4 Front Video and Universal on 22nd May. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. 2003. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. 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 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. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the warrant she. Officials conducted the raid after Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant Friday morning, which alleges violations of identity. m. "My computer —you're removing my ability to work. "While the affidavits purport to be signed before Magistrate Viar on the day of the illegal searches, no explanation has been provided why they were not filed prior to the execution of the illegal searches," Rhodes said in a. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. Apologies). Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. (note: the dying bird is randomly NOT supplying the full tweet, so you may have to click through to see images. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. 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. 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. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. 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. Michelle Terry, Tecumseh. Joan Meyer had been undergoing severe stress and emotional distress in the hours before her death, the Marion County Record reported. 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. By Richard Burkard richard@emporia. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. m. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. KANSAS CITY, Mo. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Phone: 620-767-6838. 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 was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. 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. In 2012,. (KWCH)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. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. 24. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. 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. 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. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. 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. 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. The EP consists of five tracks and one instrumental all of which are written and composed by either Ravi or Leo as the composer duo of VIXX. com. Kansas House Minority Leader. It alleged identity theft of the woman and unlawful use of a computer. Viar or the. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. 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. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. . m. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself. 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. After Marion County Judge Laura Viar signed the search warrant, Marion police officers went to the newspaper’s office and two private homes, including the home of newspaper co-owner Joann Meyer. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant: “identity theft. 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. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. 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. Viar. , 25, 2012 – an incident that was previously unreported. - Jay Troxell, Council Grove, owner and CFO, Tiptoz Dance Company LLC 9:45 a. 17, Keri Strahler. 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, 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). Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Dickinson County District Court Dickinson County Courthouse 109 E 1st St. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. 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. Here are the latest developments in the case. on Friday. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. “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. Joan Meyer, the 98-year-old co-owner of the Marion County Record, finally had her say Monday. However, federal law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials from journalists rather than seize it through a search warrant. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Public interviews The nominating commission will convene to interview nominees at 9 a. 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. She served as Morris County attorney from 2005 to 2022 and as the city attorney for Cottonwood Falls. 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. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least. 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 who. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Prior to her appointment. Judge Laura Viar has previously been arrested for two DUI incidents in 2012. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. Kansas House Minority Leader. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. 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 COUNTY, Kan. 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. 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. Facebook Tweet Email. 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. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 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. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office.