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. Viar or the. m. 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. 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. 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. Contact Laura. 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. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. "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. 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. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Phone: 620-767-6838. the raid was “illegal” despite a warrant by a local magistrate judge, Laura Viar, which may or may not have had a probable cause predicate, grounded in the complaint of a local restaurant owner who threw Marion County Record reporters out of a. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because 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. "Normally, with a 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. Laura Viar, Morris County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt, an attorney in private practice The Commission said it will meet on Wednesday, Aug. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. The first federal lawsuit has been filed in relation to the Marion Police Department raid on the Marion County Record in mid-August. Geary County Courthouse 138 E 8th St. 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. No one has heard. 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. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas. CNN has reached out to Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who oversees the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. However, law enforcement could not have executed this illegal raid without the signing of a warrant by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. The 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. 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 printed issue of the Marion County Record sits in a display in its office, in. 1998 Emporia State University; J. m. (KWCH)Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Courtroom Live Streams. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. Wednesday, August 18, at:Kansas Governor Laura Kelly called the raids "concerning. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. 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. Morris County. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. 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 authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar’s sweeping warrant cited “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers” as grounds for the raid. Officials conducted the raid after Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant Friday morning, which alleges violations of identity. Boy, did we get a talking-to. Laura Ethel Viar is a lawyer serving Council Grove in Criminal Defense and Criminal Defense cases. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. Kansas House Minority Leader. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer's home and the newspaper office. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. 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. authorized by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar). 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. The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected current County Attorney Laura Viar as the county’s next magistrate judge. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Laura Viar — OfficialUSA. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 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. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement. D. m. She emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment in. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, 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. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. She emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment in. com. 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. Applicants just need a high school diploma, or equivalent, and be able to pass a. Cody applied for and obtained search warrants signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. It alleged identity theft of the woman and. com. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. Judge Laura Viar Kansas Eighth Judicial District According to the Eagle, Viar was first charged with DUI in Coffey County on Jan. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. 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. @ruralindexing. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. The Record’s publisher,. 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 presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. Results-driven marketing professional with nearly 15 years of experience in paid search and integrated marketing. on Friday. m. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. —. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. 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. 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. 2. 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). Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. Kansas Gov. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. 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. 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). View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. 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. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. The article the Record published covered the council meeting and Newell’s accusation against the newspaper. According to Meyer, his newspaper has been investigating potentially questionable. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity. Laura Ethel Viar is a lawyer serving Council Grove in Criminal Defense and Criminal Defense cases. 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. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. The title track on the album,. Eric Meyer's 98-year-old mother, Joann Meyer, was at the house she shared with her son when the police raided it. Term expires June 30, 2023. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. 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. She served as Morris County attorney from 2005 to 2022 and as the city attorney for Cottonwood Falls. 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. 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 the first arrest,. WICHITA, Kan. 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. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released an update on the criminal investigation and police raid at a newspaper in Marion County. 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. Kansas Gov. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. 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, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. “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, who was appointed on Jan. S. Kansas State Board of Nursing. 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 judge was arrested twice 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. Term expires June 30, 2026. 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. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. View the profiles of people named Laura Viar. In 2022, Viar was named magistrate judge by the 8th Judicial District. 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. 06. 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. 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. Dickinson County District Court Dickinson County Courthouse 109 E 1st St. , 25, 2012 – an incident that was previously unreported. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar’s sweeping warrant cited “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers” as grounds for the raid. Laura Viar - Morris County . The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. County Attorney Laura Viar says Logan Callahan, 18, was found in violation of probation after he was convicted of unlawful sexual relations last October and was. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement to. 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Council Grove, KS 66846. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. 14 — three days after the search was conducted. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. According to 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. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Laura Viar and others you may know. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the warrant she. Viar earned a law license from Washburn University in 2003 and became a magistrate last year. Live streams for the Morris County District Court. She was allegedly unable to eat or sleep. New members are: District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, serving in Morris County of the 8th Judicial District, to serve through June 30, 2025. The alleged crime was identity theft. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. Judge Viar did not respond to a request for comment from a local media. 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. TheKansas 8th District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura 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. m. 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. ” But Viar approved search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom, Meyer’s home and Herbel’s home. 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 only identifies Zorn as a suspect. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. Viar or the. m. 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. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. Magistrate Laura Viar authorized the raid. Ryan Young. "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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. 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. 501 W Main St. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. “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 has been arrested at least twice for driving under the influence in two different Kansas counties, according to an investigation by The Wichita. 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. 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. 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, 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. 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. 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 obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists. View Lori’s full profile. TOPEKA -- The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 2003. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. “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. 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. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. According to Meyer, his newspaper has been investigating potentially questionable. By Richard Burkard richard@emporia. September 6, 2023 · 3 min read. 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. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. Attempts to contact Ensey to determine if he saw the affidavits before they were submitted to the court have been unsuccessful. Judge Viar was allegedly arrested at least twice for driving under the influence (DUI) in two different Kansas counties in 2012 while she was lead prosecutor for Morris County, according to local reports. The position is opening as Judge Margaret White retires. "Normally, with a search warrant. Clay Wirestone, Kansas Reflector. 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. Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. The warrant was approved and cited probable. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. TOPEKA, Kansas — Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody has resigned, less than two months after he instigated a widely covered raid on a local newspaper that culminated in a federalAfter a resident filed a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar for authorizing the raid, a state commission wants the judge to explain herself. The search warrant, 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 local judge who reportedly signed the warrant authorizing the raids, Laura Viar, hasn’t publicly commented. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Judge Laura Viar, a prominent figure in the 8th Judicial District, has been following the developments closely. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. August 23, 2023. Join Facebook to connect with Laura Viar and others you may know. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. Officers. Viar. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Gruver says Cody. Education. Moreover, the first two pages of the nine-page application are nearly identical to the warrant itself. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. 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. m. Click to resize. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. (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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. 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. 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. 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. The law requires 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. Iverson. Facebook gives people the power to share. 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, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 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. 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. 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. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. During the raid, Cody, along with four police officers and two sheriff’s deputies, took cell phones and other electronic devices. The affidavits authorizing the searches and seizures at the paper and the publisher’s house were signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, and while her signature was dated Aug. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The article the Record published covered the council meeting and Newell’s accusation against the newspaper. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. 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. Facebook gives people the power to share. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. 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. She will take her new position after being sworn in and follows current judge Margaret White, who is retiring on New Year’s Day. , PO Box 127 Abilene, KS 67410 Phone: 785-263-3142 Fax: 785-263-4407 Clerk of the District Court: Cindy MacDonaldKansas 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. 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. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. 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. 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. 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. MARION COUNTY, Kan. No one has heard. 25 […]It’s unclear if the bureau is investigating the police department, the newspaper or both. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. It’s unclear if the bureau is investigating the police department, the newspaper or both. Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. Judge who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. 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 investigation found. 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. 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 alleged crime was identity theft. Judge Laura Viar Wikipedia, Political Party Judge with a history of DUI charges authorized the raid on the Kansas newspaper. 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. 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. Cody ignored federal and state laws that prohibit authorities from taking journalists’ materials as he and his four police officers, aided by two. 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. Nominees are Morris County Attorney Laura Viar, Tiptoz Dance Company owner and Chief Financial Officer Jay Troxell and Morris County Detective Sgt. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. 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. 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. m. S. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and 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. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner.