“Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. 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. Apologies). 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. 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. View Lori’s full profile. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Facebook Tweet Email. 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. 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. 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. Brenda Sharpe, Overland Park. Officers hauled away computers, hard drives and reporters’. Courtesy IversonLawOffice. 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. View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. Viar or the. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at. A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself. Enable Google Translate. "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. It turns out Viar reportedly has two DUIs of her own. Meyer’s previous. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar’s sweeping warrant cited “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers” as grounds for the raid. The article the Record published covered the council meeting and Newell’s accusation against the newspaper. 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. Education. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. m. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. 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. A search warrant, posted online by the nonprofit news site the Kansas Reflector was signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar 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. The search warrant for the raid, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, was to look for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. "My computer —you're removing my ability to work. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement to. Viar - (620) 767-6838, Option 1. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. 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. She will take her new position after being sworn in and follows current judge Margaret White, who is retiring on New Year’s Day. It appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from journalists, requiring law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. The judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. View the profiles of people named Laura Viar. Laura uses alternative name, for example, Laura Reynoso, Laura A. D. 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 only identifies Zorn as a suspect. The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected current County Attorney Laura Viar as the county’s next magistrate judge. A few details stand out in this two-page document, which was signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar around 9 a. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the county attorney. The Record’s publisher,. View requirements by county. 11 raids on the newspaper office, the publisher’s home, and the home of a city councilwoman after. 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. 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. Cody accused the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Ensey of knowing he was seeking warrants. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. The affidavits, which were obtained by CBS News, claim to have been signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar on Aug. The raid came on a search warrant that challengers want opened to show the reasoning by county District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Special Requirements in the 8th. She fills a vacancy created when Judge Margaret White retires January 1. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. District Court Administrator. 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. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. 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. 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. “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. 104. B. 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. "Normally, with a search warrant. on Friday. There is no official word on when the county will select Viar’s replacement. Chief Court Services Officer. “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, a prominent figure in the 8th Judicial District, has been following the developments closely. Eric Meyer's 98-year-old mother, Joann Meyer, was at the house she shared with her son when the police raided it. The alleged crimes. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. Morris County. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. m. Junction City, KS 66441 Phone: 785-762-5221 Fax: 785-762-4420 Clerk of the District Court: Katrina Adams. 90 is the birth date of Laura. 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. 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 warrant in Marion, signed by county magistrate judge Laura Viar on Friday morning, allowed officers to confiscate a wide range of items, from computers. 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, 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). Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. 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. 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. 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. Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court 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. 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. 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. 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 search warrant only identifies Zorn as a suspect. on Friday. 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. Contact Laura. Facebook gives people the power to share. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. After a resident filed a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar for authorizing the raid, a state commission wants the judge to explain herself. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Judge who. 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. New members are: District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, serving in Morris County of the 8th Judicial District, to serve through June 30, 2025. View requirements by county. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. 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. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 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. (KSNW) – The publisher of the long-standing Marion County Record said his paper was raided this week by the Marion Police Department, who took. 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. Morris County District Court. 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. According to Meyer, his newspaper has been investigating potentially questionable. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the warrant authorizing Friday’s raid, did so because of allegations that the newspaper had. Iverson. Eighth Judicial District Magistrate Judge Laura Viar has two DUI arrests on her record. In another development, news emerged that Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who signed the search warrant allowing police to seize the equipment, was arrested at least twice for driving under the influence. 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the warrant. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. At the time, Viar’s last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. Phone: 620-767-6838. Police then raided the Kansas newspaper after obtaining a search warrant from Viar citing a criminal investigation into "identity theft. 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. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement. The warrant, signed by local Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, authorized the search on suspicion of “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers. Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 08:30 AM CDT. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant authorizing the police raid of the newspaper office. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. . She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. Term expires June 30, 2026. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Officers. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. The search warrant used by authorities was signed by a local judge, Laura Viar, who ordered the seizure of equipment and information used in “the identity theft of Kari Newell,” a local. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. 1998 Emporia State University; J. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. View the profiles of people named Laura Viar. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. " The police officer who served the warrant responds, "That's something you'll have. m. 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. 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. Laura Viar selected for magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. m. 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. 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. Friday, officers showed up simultaneously at Meyer’s home and the newspaper office. Contact Laura. Cody applied for and obtained search warrants signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. Viar. 11. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. Fax: 620-767-6488. View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. Cody ignored federal and state laws that prohibit authorities from taking journalists’ materials as he and his four police officers, aided by two. Cody ignored federal and state laws that prohibit authorities from taking journalists’ materials as he and his four police officers, aided by two. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. The local cops, under new chief Gideon Cody (who came to Marion a few months ago after more than 20 years with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department), ran with Newell’s complaints and, with some help from the local prosecutor, obtained a search warrant from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. No one has heard. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. 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). —. Courtesy. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. 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. 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 police officer who served the warrant responds, "That's something you'll have. The Kansas Reflector reported: “The search warrant, signed by Marion county district court magistrate judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that. Laura Viar, Morris County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt, an attorney in private practice The Commission said it will meet on Wednesday, Aug. com. 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. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on. Viar didn't respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. The title track on the album,. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at. , 25, 2012 – an incident that was previously unreported. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. m. " But Viar approved search warrants for the. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local. Joan Meyer, the 98-year-old co-owner of the Marion County Record, finally had her say Monday. Kansas Gov. 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. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen. . The first is the two crimes listed on the warrant. Judge Laura Viar, who signed off on a search warrant authorizing the searches, is facing a complaint about her decision and has been asked by a judicial body to respond, records shared with CNN by. The alleged victim is Kari Newell, who owns a restaurant in Marion and was trying to obtain a liquor license. . It said her new position will be effective upon her. Judge Laura Viar, a prominent figure in the 8th Judicial District, has been following the developments closely. Last week, Viar signed a warrant to search the Marion County Record, a local Kansas paper, after a local businesswoman. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. Judge Viar approved the search warrants. — 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. Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed the warrant. Laura Ethel Viar is a lawyer serving Council Grove in Criminal Defense and Criminal Defense cases. 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. 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. 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 judge was arrested twice in 2012 — once on Jan. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. Judge who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. com. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. A Topeka woman, Keri Strahler, filed a complaint. Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. 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. . authorized by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar). TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 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 who signed the warrant has her own DUI history. 9:30 a. S. By Richard Burkard richard@emporia. . (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. Dickinson County District Court Dickinson County Courthouse 109 E 1st St. 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, 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. Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector The law requires law enforcement. Geary County Courthouse 138 E 8th St. 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. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. 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. Viar’s DUI history could face scrutiny because the warrant she. Boy, did we get a talking-to. 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 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 influence. She was the lead prosecutor for Morris County at the time. 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. 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. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector) Sometime before 11 a. on Friday. They obtained a search warrant, signed by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, for evidence of identity theft and criminal use of a computer. 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. Gruver says Cody. Magistrate Judge Laura E. 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. 6 in Morris County. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. 24. 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. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. Jan 3, 2023 Updated Jan 4, 2023. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar signed off on the search warrant. Shortly after the August 11th raid, a Topeka woman submitted a complaint against Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. 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. The search warrant, which included the locations of the publication, as well as the homes of the publisher and the vice mayor, was signed by Marion County Magistrate Judge Laura Viar. 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. Prior to her appointment. County magistrate judge Laura Viar signed a search warrant on Friday morning, authorizing the Marion police department to raid the Record. TOPEKA — The Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct requested Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar explain her decision to authorize. 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. Seven months later, she was arrested again for a DUI in Morris County while she was the. Magistrate Laura Viar authorized the raid. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. D. See biographical information on Judge Laura E. Viar, who went by Laura Allen at the time, was put on diversion for an arrest in Coffey County. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. 18, at 9 a. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. 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. MARION COUNTY, Kan. At the time, Viar's last name was Allen and she was working as the top prosecutor in Morris County. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat, was arrested at least twice for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012, a Wichita Eagle investigation found. Magistrate Judge Laura Viar’s sweeping warrant cited “identity theft” and “unlawful acts concerning computers” as grounds for the raid. In 2012,. 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. Police Chief Gideon Cody received approval from Magistrate Judge Laura Viar to conduct the Aug. Act as cross-functional liaison between research. " 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. Sometime before 11 a. 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. m. 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 — OfficialUSA. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. The incident at the Marion County. She currently is county attorney for Morris County. Both incidents happened in 2012 in Morris and Coffey counties. 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. TOPEKA—The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission has selected Laura Viar to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in Morris County. September 6, 2023 · 3 min read. Judge Laura Viar Wikipedia, Political Party Judge with a history of DUI charges authorized the raid on the Kansas newspaper. 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. They presented a search warrant that alleges identity theft and. She currently is the county attorney for Morris County. It alleged identity theft of the woman and unlawful use of a computer. Before the raid, Meyer had reported last week that Marion restaurant owner Kari Newell kicked his newspaper employees out. “Basically,” Eric Meyer said, “all the law enforcement officers on duty in Marion County, Kansas, descended on our offices today and seized our server and computers and personal cellphones of staff members. The 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. Viar didn’t respond to a request to comment for this story or explain. 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. 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. Judge Laura Viar, who was appointed on Jan. 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. 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. Dozens of U. 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. 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. 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. Days later, Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search warrant at Cody’s request. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will appoint her choice later. 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 raids on the family-owned newspaper occurred after a warrant was issued and signed by local Kansas Judge Laura Viar. Video Access to Courtroom Hearings. Join Facebook to connect with Laura Viar and others you may know. 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. Judge Laura Viar signed a warrant to allow police to raid the newspaper over claims it illegally obtained DUI information about a business owner. Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. Magistrate Laura Viar authorized the raid. She emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment 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. Police who searched Meyer’s home also took photos of his personal bank records. m. The search warrant, signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, appears to violate federal law that provides protections against searching and seizing materials from. The warrant cites suspected "identity theft" of a local restaurant owner as the reason for the raid. Viar’s new position will be effective on her swearing-in. 2. Under Kansas law, there is no requirement for a magistrate to be a licensed attorney. The law requires law enforcement to subpoena materials instead. The local judge who reportedly signed the warrant authorizing the raids, Laura Viar, hasn’t publicly commented. Nothing in the affidavit or search warrant connects Gruver or her cellphone to the alleged crime. B.