Kansas Protection Order Portal (KS POP) County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. 11, the court did not receive the affidavits until Monday, Aug. It wasn’t clear what evidence would support such a search warrant, or if Cody and Viar understood the significance of raiding a newsroom. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Magistrate Judge. 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. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. 501 W Main Street. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. 11. The alleged crime was identity theft. 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. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. WICHITA, Kan. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said guardrails and an independent review are needed but did not specify what form that should take. m. 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. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local restaurant owner as the reason for the raid. on Friday. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. (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. "This Court is unable to respond to this request as there is not a probable cause affidavit filed. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. Succeeds Gita Noble. September 6, 2023 · 3 min read. New members are: District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, serving in Morris County of the 8th Judicial District, to serve through June 30, 2025. That warrant was approved by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who spent nearly 18 years as a prosecutor before being appointed to the bench in 2022. The first federal lawsuit has been filed in relation to the Marion Police Department raid on the Marion County Record in mid-August. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. —. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Special Requirements in the 8th. 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. 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. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. m. 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. 25 […]Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. ” But Viar approved search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom, Meyer’s home and Herbel’s home. . 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. 1998 Emporia State University; J. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from. - Ryan Young, White City, detective. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the warrant. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas. The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected current County Attorney Laura Viar as the county’s next magistrate judge. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. Cody applied for and obtained search warrants signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. , 25, 2012 – an incident that was previously unreported. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. Dozens of U. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Days later, Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search warrant at Cody’s request. Morris County District Court. com. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. According to reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. Laura Viar — OfficialUSA. Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. 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. m. However, federal law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials from journalists rather than seize it through a search warrant. The Record’s publisher,. It said her new position will be effective upon her. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. ”. 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, federal law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials from journalists rather than seize it through a search warrant. Laura Ethel Viar is a lawyer serving Council Grove in Criminal Defense and Criminal Defense cases. 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. Judge who. 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. By Richard Burkard richard@emporia. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. Cody applied for and obtained search warrants signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. m. 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. In another development, news emerged that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant allowing police to seize the equipment, was arrested at least twice for driving under the influence. The Kansas Reflector reported: “The search warrant, signed by Marion county district court magistrate judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. 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. 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 has been arrested at least twice for driving under the influence in two different Kansas counties, according to an investigation by The Wichita Eagle. Image credit Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector. 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. Contact Laura. Officers. View the profiles of people named Laura Viar. The warrant was approved and cited probable. Laura Viar, Morris County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt, an attorney in private practice The Commission said it will meet on Wednesday, Aug. Sometime before 11 a. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. 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 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. 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 authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Viar. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the search warrant that Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody used to seize the newspaper’s equipment, records about the restaurant owner, utility bills, and other materials. 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 first is the two crimes listed on the warrant: “identity theft. 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, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. On Aug. — 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. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the paper. 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. “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. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. It appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists, requiring law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. Under Kansas law, there is no requirement for a magistrate to be a licensed attorney. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. com Records. 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. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. 06. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. 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. 501 W Main St. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. MARION COUNTY, Kan. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. According to reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. She will take her new position after being sworn in and follows current judge Margaret White, who is retiring on New Year’s Day. Ryan Young. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released an update on the criminal investigation and police raid at a newspaper in Marion 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. D. 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. 25 […]It’s unclear if the bureau is investigating the police department, the newspaper or both. Wednesday, August 18, at:Kansas Governor Laura Kelly called the raids "concerning. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. Laura Kelly says questions should be. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. Fax: 620-767-6488. 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. She currently is county attorney for Morris County. About. 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 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 search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. 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. 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, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists. 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. 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. 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. 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 that authorized Marion police to raid the Marion County Record’s newsroom and the home of the editor. From the story in the Kansas Reflector, another source rarely mentioned in the paper of record. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. m. "Normally, with a search warrant. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. T he last album from Portlandian folk-rocker Laura Veirs, 2020’s My Echo, unconsciously charted the disintegration of her marriage: it was written prior to her split from husband and longtime. She served as Morris County attorney from 2005 to 2022 and as the city attorney for Cottonwood Falls. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local restaurant owner as the reason for the raid. TheKansas 8th District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. The local judge who reportedly signed the warrant authorizing the raids, Laura Viar, hasn’t publicly commented. 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. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity. It got re-released by 4 Front Video and Universal on 22nd May. Judge Laura Viar Kansas Eighth Judicial District According to the Eagle, Viar was first charged with DUI in Coffey County on Jan. 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. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. A Council Grove attorney pleaded guilty Tuesday to eight counts stemming largely. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. "My computer —you're removing my ability to work. The alleged crimes. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. 2003. "On August 11, 2023, law enforcement officers with the Marion Police Department (MPD) executed a search. 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. 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. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 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. Phone: 620-767-6838. m. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. 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. B. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. 501 W Main St. 14 — three days after the search was conducted. But Judge Viar has a DUI history of her own. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Gruver says Cody. on Friday. There is no official word on when the county will select Viar’s replacement. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar’s sweeping warrant cited “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers” as grounds for the raid. 1998 Emporia State University; J. Eric Meyer, owner and publisher of the newspaper, said police were motivated by a. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. Judge Laura Viar Wikipedia, Political Party Judge with a history of DUI charges authorized the raid on the Kansas newspaper. m. In another development, news emerged that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant allowing police to seize the equipment, was arrested at least twice for driving under the. Judge Laura Viar, a prominent figure in the 8th Judicial District, has been following the developments closely. 24. Magistrate Judge. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. 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. 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. 2003. Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. Laura Ethel Viar is a lawyer serving Council Grove in Criminal Defense and Criminal Defense cases. "This Court is unable to respond to this request as there is not a probable cause affidavit filed. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. 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. Judge Viar did not respond to a request for comment from a local media. Viar. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey 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. Join Facebook to connect with Laura Viar and others you may know. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 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. Indeed, it is unclear if Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey saw the affidavits before they were signed by Viar. 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. 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. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. 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. 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. 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. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. The position is opening as Judge Margaret White retires. 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 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. "Laura Viar probably doesn’t understand this," Meyer said. Viar or the. The warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. 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. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. m. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. MARION COUNTY, Kan. m. 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. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. 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. 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. 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. 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. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Kansas House Minority Leader. 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. By Richard Burkard [email protected] Viar, Morris County Attorney 2 p. At the time, Viar’s last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. 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. - Jay Troxell, Council Grove, owner and CFO, Tiptoz Dance Company LLC 9:45 a. Joan Meyer, the 98-year-old co-owner of the Marion County Record, finally had her say Monday. 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. ”The alleged crimes. 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. authorized by Marion County 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. Laura Viar - Morris County . Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. A Kansas newspaper was raided by cops after leaked DUI intel made its way to the publisher -- and many are calling it a chilling attempt at censorship over. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the 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. It’s unclear if the bureau is investigating the police department, the newspaper or both. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. It is improbable that the Record or any of its reporters were engaged in identity theft. m. 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. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. 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. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. 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. Magistrate Laura Viar authorized the raid. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. Personally, I think Police Chief Gideon Cody, Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, and drunk driver Kari Newell are about to go through some things. Jan 3, 2023 Updated Jan 4, 2023. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the warrant she. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. m. 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. Moreover, the first two pages of the nine-page application are nearly identical to the warrant itself. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. . 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. Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. S. 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. Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. 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. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. 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. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Meyer’s previous. Judge Viar did not respond to a request for comment from a local media. 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. She emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment in. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar’s sweeping warrant cited “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers” as grounds for the raid. 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 why she. The article the Record published covered the council meeting and Newell’s accusation against the newspaper. 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. S. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. She died the next day, something Eric Meyer attributes in part to the raid, saying she died of “shock and grief. View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. 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). The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. 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 alleged crime was identity theft. Viar. 11 raids on the newspaper office, the publisher’s home, and the home of a city councilwoman after small-town drama erupted over a restaurant owner’s quest for a liquor license. The search warrant in Marion, signed by county magistrate judge Laura Viar on Friday morning, allowed officers to confiscate a wide range of items, from computers and hardware to reporting documents. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 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. 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. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. "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. — 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 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 that authorized Marion police to raid the Marion County Record’s newsroom and the home of the editor. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Education. TOPEKA -- The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. See biographical information on Judge Laura E.