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 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. 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 Laura Viar authorized the raid. Viar. 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. ”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. ”The alleged crimes. 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. 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. on Friday. 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. B. 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. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. 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, who was appointed on Jan. CNN has reached out to Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who oversees the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released an update on the criminal investigation and police raid at a newspaper in Marion County. 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. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. m. , to interview nominees. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. 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. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Kansas Courts says the 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has chosen Laura Viar to fill an open magistrate judge position in Morris Co. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the warrant she. Succeeds Gita Noble. m. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. Judge who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. Applicants just need a high school diploma, or equivalent, and be able to pass a. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. - Jay Troxell, Council Grove, owner and CFO, Tiptoz Dance Company LLC 9:45 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. m. Viar or the. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. 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. Viar, at the time, entered a diversion agreement but had trouble following the court-mandated requirements, including that she seek an alcohol and drug. 1998 Emporia State University; J. 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 few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. , 25, 2012 – an incident that was previously unreported. The Marion County Record now has all of the devices police seized in a raid. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. Michelle Terry, Tecumseh. 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. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. August 23, 2023. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. 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. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. m. 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. 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. Judge Laura Viar Kansas Eighth Judicial District According to the Eagle, Viar was first charged with DUI in Coffey County on Jan. CNN has reached out to Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who oversees the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that. She served as Morris County attorney from 2005 to 2022 and as the city attorney for Cottonwood Falls. WICHITA, Kan. Boy, did we get a talking-to. 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. Geary County Courthouse 138 E 8th St. Judge Laura Viar, a prominent figure in the 8th Judicial District, has been following the developments closely. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. . - Laura Viar, Council Grove, county attorney, Morris County 10 a. 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. Nikki Davenport - Geary County . Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. View requirements by 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. Laura is a thirty-one-year-old. 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. S. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 104. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. 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 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. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement to. 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. 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. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. m. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. The affidavits, which were obtained by CBS News, claim to have been signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar on Aug. Jan 3, 2023 Updated Jan 4, 2023. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. However, federal law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials from journalists rather than seize it through a 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. 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. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. Laura Viar, Morris County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt, an attorney in private practice The Commission said it will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 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. Live streams for the Morris County District Court. 6 in Morris County. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. Liar Liar is a UK VHS release by CIC and Universal on 17th November 1997, 4th May 1998 and 22nd March 1999. She emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment in. ”The Kansas Bureau of. 06. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Magistrate Laura Viar authorized the raid. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 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. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. MARION COUNTY, Kan. on Friday. It wasn’t clear what evidence would support such a search warrant, or if Cody and Viar understood the significance of raiding a newsroom. 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 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 didn't respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. m. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Viar. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. View Lori’s full profile. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. 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. 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. 8/12/2023 10:36 AM PT. 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. Apologies). A search warrant, posted online by the nonprofit news site the Kansas Reflector was signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. View requirements by county. Click to resize. —. —. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. 25 […]Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. S. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity. Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. 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 raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. 24. 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. Junction City, KS 66441 Phone: 785-762-5221 Fax: 785-762-4420 Clerk of the District Court: Katrina Adams. "This Court is unable to respond to this request as there is not a probable cause affidavit filed. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. Courtesy IversonLawOffice. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. 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. ”. 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. Contact Laura. A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself. Laura Viar, Council Grove, county attorney, Morris County; Ryan Young, White City, detective sergeant, Morris County Sheriff’s Office; To be considered for a district magistrate judge, the Court. A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself. 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. 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. com. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. authorized by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar). TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. 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. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. m. 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 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. TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed four new members and reappointed two current members to the Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning . About. 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. 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. 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. 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. Phone: 620-767-6838. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local restaurant owner as the reason for the raid. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. 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 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. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. The first federal lawsuit has been filed in relation to the Marion Police Department raid on the Marion County Record in mid-August. 2003. 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 a search warrant that authorized Marion police to raid the Marion County Record’s newsroom and the home of the editor. Courtroom Live Streams. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. Facebook Tweet Email. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. m. 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). 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 warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. 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. 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. 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. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 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. No one has heard. It said her new position will be effective upon her. New members are: District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, serving in Morris County of the 8th Judicial District, to serve through June 30, 2025. 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. 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. com. She died the next day, something Eric Meyer attributes in part to the raid, saying she died of “shock and grief. 2003. 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, which included the locations of the publication, as well as the homes of the publisher and the vice mayor, was signed by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Magistrate Judge. 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. She was allegedly unable to eat or sleep. Gruver says Cody. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar’s sweeping warrant cited “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers” as grounds for the raid. 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. 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. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura E. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. 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. 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. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. com Records. 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 who. 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. m. "On August 11, 2023, law enforcement officers with the Marion Police Department (MPD) executed a search. In 2022, Viar was named magistrate judge by the 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission. 9:30 a. - Ryan Young, White City, detective. 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. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. "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. 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. 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 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. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. 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 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. "My computer —you're removing my ability to work. 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. 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. 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. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. MARION COUNTY, Kan. At a town meeting to determine Newell's liquor license eligibility, the restaurant owner reportedly admitted to having the DUI charge but accused the Record of obtaining the information illegally by stealing her mail. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. — 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. — 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. It wasn’t clear what evidence would support such a search warrant, or if Cody and Viar understood the significance of raiding a newsroom. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. 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. Morris County. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. At the time, Viar’s last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. 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. First Amendment attorneys say the reporter committed no crime and Magistrate Judge Laura Viar should have known the search warrants were. D. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. 18, at 9 a. Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. Term expires June 30, 2026. D. The Reflector explained Friday that the search warrant appears to violate a federal law intended to protect journalists and the Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed it, did not respond to a request for comment. Facebook gives people the power to share. Cody accused the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Ensey of knowing he was seeking warrants. 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. Laura Viar — OfficialUSA. S. . Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 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. According to a Wichita Eagle investigation, Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on January 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was detained at least twice in 2012 for DUI in two distinct. Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant, 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. " The police officer who served the warrant responds, "That's something you'll have. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. Wednesday, August 18, at:Kansas Governor Laura Kelly called the raids "concerning. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. 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. Eric Meyer, owner and publisher of the newspaper, said police were motivated by a. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Cody ignored federal and state laws that prohibit authorities from taking journalists’ materials as he and his four police officers, aided by two. TOPEKA -- The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 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. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. Kansas House Minority Leader. According to reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement. 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 signed off on the warrants. 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. m. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris 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 investigation found. The local judge who reportedly signed the warrant authorizing the raids, Laura Viar, hasn’t publicly commented. Chief Court Services Officer. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. 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. District Court Administrator. m. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. 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. She will take her new position after being sworn in and follows current judge Margaret White, who is retiring on New Year’s Day. 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 Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. The raid came on a search warrant that challengers want opened to show the reasoning by county District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. 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. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The alleged crimes. During the raid, Cody, along with four police officers and two sheriff’s deputies, took cell phones and other electronic devices. 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. According to reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. The Record’s publisher,. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. 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. 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. Joan Meyer had been undergoing severe stress and emotional distress in the hours before her death, the Marion County Record reported. 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. 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, citing possible identity theft and illegal use of a computer, authorized the search of the newspaper’s offices and the Meyers’ residence Friday morning. 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. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Joan Meyer, the 98-year-old co-owner of the Marion County Record, finally had her say Monday. S. 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. 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. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. 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. on Friday. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties.