—. Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. D. Magistrate Laura Viar authorized the raid. Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. 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. She emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment in. A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself. Joan Meyer had been undergoing severe stress and emotional distress in the hours before her death, the Marion County Record reported. 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. 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. After Marion County Judge Laura Viar signed the search warrant, Marion police officers went to the newspaper’s office and two private homes, including the home of newspaper co-owner Joann Meyer. The 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Contact Laura. 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. 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, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. 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). 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. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. com. 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. (KWCH)Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. m. According to reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Sometime before 11 a. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. Phone: 620-767-6838, Option 1. ”The Kansas Bureau of. Phone: 620-767-6838. 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. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. 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. m. Chief Court Services Officer. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. Judge Laura Viar Kansas Eighth Judicial District According to the Eagle, Viar was first charged with DUI in Coffey County on Jan. 8/12/2023 10:36 AM PT. Officials conducted the raid after Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant Friday morning, which alleges violations of identity. No one has heard. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Ryan Young. m. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. The alleged crimes. 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 Viar approved the search warrants. Cody applied for and obtained search warrants signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. The affidavits, which were obtained by CBS News, claim to have been signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar on Aug. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. 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. 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. According to Meyer, his newspaper has been investigating potentially questionable. Prior to her appointment. 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. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. “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. She died the next day, something Eric Meyer attributes in part to the raid, saying she died of “shock and grief. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. 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. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. Junction City, KS 66441 Phone: 785-762-5221 Fax: 785-762-4420 Clerk of the District Court: Katrina Adams. S. B. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. 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. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at. 18, at 9 a. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Michelle Terry, Tecumseh. View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. Act as cross-functional liaison between research. Laura Viar — OfficialUSA. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. 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 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. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released an update on the criminal investigation and police raid at a newspaper in Marion County. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. 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. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. . Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. S. Iverson. 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. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. 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. Leads agency side search and performance media. 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. A Topeka woman, Keri Strahler, filed a complaint. 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. Succeeds Gita Noble. 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. The warrant was approved and cited probable. 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. Enable Google Translate. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. Jan 3, 2023 Updated Jan 4, 2023. The Marion County Record now has all of the devices police seized in a raid. S. m. " The police officer who served the warrant responds, "That's something you'll have. 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. September 6, 2023 · 3 min read. “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. 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. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. No one has heard. Judge who. 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, 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. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at. 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. 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 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. 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. Judge Laura Viar, a prominent figure in the 8th Judicial District, has been following the developments closely. The alleged crime was identity theft. on Friday. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. Fax: 620-767-6488. Apologies). 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. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Laura Viar - Morris County . Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. "This Court is unable to respond to this request as there is not a probable cause affidavit filed. Join Facebook to connect with Laura Viar and others you may know. 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. 2. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. 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. 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. com. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. WICHITA, Kan. Cody applied for and obtained search warrants signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. She was allegedly unable to eat or sleep. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. m. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. Facebook gives people the power to share. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Council Grove, KS 66846. on Friday. 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. MARION COUNTY, 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. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. The warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. m. 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 alleged identity theft of the woman and unlawful use of a computer. 6 in Morris County. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. Laura Viar selected for magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 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. TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court appointed four new members and reappointed two current members to the Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning . August 23, 2023. 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. “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. 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. 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. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. The Marion County Record now has all of the devices police seized in a raid. 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. - Jay Troxell, Council Grove, owner and CFO, Tiptoz Dance Company LLC 9:45 a. However, federal law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials from journalists rather than seize it through a search warrant. 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 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 requirements by county. m. Iverson. 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. 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. @ruralindexing. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Education. 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. The title track on the album,. 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 [email protected] Viar, Morris County Attorney 2 p. 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. Under Kansas law, there is no requirement for a magistrate to be a licensed attorney. 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. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. Dickinson County District Court Dickinson County Courthouse 109 E 1st St. 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. 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 reports, Viar had been arrested twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012 — once on Jan. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Wednesday, August 18, at:Kansas Governor Laura Kelly called the raids "concerning. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Local newspapers report that the judge who signed the search warrant had two drunken driving arrests within a year. 25 […]It’s unclear if the bureau is investigating the police department, the newspaper or both. Cody ignored federal and state laws that prohibit authorities from taking journalists’ materials as he and his four police officers, aided by two. Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney with the Kansas Coalition for Open Government, said the organization condemned the searches and. . 11. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will appoint her choice later. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. There is no official word on when the county will select Viar’s replacement. 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. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the warrants. D. 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. Council Grove, KS, 66846-1701. 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. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. “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. Dozens of U. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. 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. Magistrate Judge. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. 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. Special Requirements in the 8th. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. 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. 11, the court did not receive the affidavits until Monday, Aug. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer's home and the newspaper office. 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 Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had improperly obtained information about a local restaurant owner’s past DUI conviction. The search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. SAM BAILEY/KANSAS REFLECTOR. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. Gruver says Cody. TheKansas 8th District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Moreover, the first two pages of the nine-page application are nearly identical to the warrant itself. A printed issue of the Marion County Record sits in a display in its office, in. Judge who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. ” But Viar approved search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom, Meyer’s home and Herbel’s home. 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. Visit Site ». A search warrant, posted online by the nonprofit news site the Kansas Reflector was signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. MARION COUNTY, Kan. In another development, news emerged that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant allowing police to seize the equipment, was arrested at least twice for driving under the influence. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. "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. She will take her new position after being sworn in and follows current judge Margaret White, who is retiring on New Year’s Day. 17, Keri Strahler. Education. 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. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. A printed issue of the Marion County Record sits in a display in its office, in. Judge who signed warrant is under scrutiny. The Record’s publisher,. 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. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey 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. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 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. 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. " An attorney for the newspaper deemed the searches and seizures illegal and said the police department's action "offends the constitutional protections the founding fathers gave the free press. 25 in Coffey County and again on Aug. Judge Viar did not respond to a request for comment from a local media. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. 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. Eric Meyer, owner and publisher of the newspaper, said police were motivated by a. 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. 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. 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 warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has released an update on the criminal investigation and police raid at a newspaper in Marion County. S. 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 photo from the Kansas 8th Judicial District website shows Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed a search warrant authorizing police to raid a local. m. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. Public interviews The nominating commission will convene to interview nominees at 9 a. Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on that search warrant. Judge Laura Viar, a prominent figure in the 8th Judicial District, has been following the developments closely. During the raid, Cody, along with four police officers and two sheriff’s deputies, took cell phones and other electronic devices. 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 time. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. . "Laura Viar probably doesn’t understand this," Meyer said. Viar. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement. 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. , to interview nominees. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain 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. 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. 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. 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. 1998 Emporia State University; J. Special Requirements in the 8th. com Records. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. The raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least. 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. 06. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement officers on duty in Marion County, Kansas, descended on our offices today and seized our server and computers and personal cellphones of staff members. ” But Viar approved search warrants for the Marion County Record newsroom, Meyer’s home and Herbel’s home. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. CNN has reached out to Marion County Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, who oversees the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that. " The Society of Professional Journalists pledged $20,000 toward the newspaper's legal defense. " The police officer who served the warrant responds, "That's something you'll have. 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. View the profiles of people named Laura Viar. It appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists, requiring law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. At the time, Viar’s last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. 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. 24. Judge Viar did not respond to a request for comment from a local media. 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. 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. 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. But Judge Viar has a DUI history of her own. Laura Viar, Morris County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt, an attorney in private practice The Commission said it will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 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 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. 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. Term expires June 30, 2026. Results-driven marketing professional with nearly 15 years of experience in paid search and integrated marketing. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. 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. He lived with his 98-year-old mother, who co-owned the. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain why she.