Six indicted in alleged heroin ring in KCK

A federal grand jury indictment unsealed here today charged six men with an alleged conspiracy to distribute heroin in Kansas City, Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Named in the 16-count indictment are the following defendants:

 George Bush, Jr., 28, Kansas City, Kansas.
 Albert Brown, 29, Kansas City, Kansas.
 Isaiah Lewis, 21, Kansas City, Kansas.
 Maurice Bluett, 24, Kansas City, Missouri.
 Markelo Paden, 23, in custody in the Johnson County Jail.
 Benjamin Mims, 30, Lawrence, Kansas.

All six defendants are charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute heroin, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. Other counts include possession with intent to distribute heroin, unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The defendants are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty.

If there is a conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:

Conspiracy to distribute heroin: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million.

Possession with intent to distribute heroin: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.

Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.

Maintaining a drug involved premises: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $500,000.

The FBI and the Internal Revenue Service investigated with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department and the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Zabel are prosecuting.

No charges to be filed in case involving commissioner

Commissioner Ann Brandau Murguia

No charges will be filed in a domestic case involving Unified Government Commissioner Ann Brandau Murguia, according to the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s spokesman.

The case was investigated and it was determined no charges would be filed, the spokesman confirmed on Monday.

On Feb. 16, police were called in a dispute between the commissioner and a long-time friend, according to information the commissioner posted on her social media page shortly after the incident.

The commissioner posted a news release from her attorneys on her social media page within the past week about no charges being filed. She thanked others for their support, and stated on the page that she does not intend to make any further public comment.

Today, Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree released this statement on the case:

“The District Attorney’s Office has reviewed all of the evidence and subsequently determined that no criminal charges could ethically be filed in this matter, given information revealed by further investigation by the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department.

“In order to charge a case, this office has to believe that there is evidence that proves a crime has been committed beyond a reasonable doubt. No such evidence exists in this matter, as additional injuries and inconsistent statements came to light in the days following the arrest.

“No person will get any more or less justice than any other under this administration. This follows the evidence and the evidence determines the filing of charges in all matters. The evidence does not support the filing of charges in this matter.”

Wyandotte County students’ tuition rate drops $4 per credit hour at KCKCC

New tuition rates also announced for other students at KCKCC

In a time where many colleges and universities are raising tuition prices, to a point where some students are being priced out of higher education, Kansas City Kansas Community College is either maintaining or in some cases decreasing tuition rates to retain and attract new students.

The KCKCC Board of Trustees approved new tuition rates during its March 20 meeting. These tuition rates are in effect for the fall 2018 semester.

“We wanted to take a strategic approach that included reaching out to students and parents in our own community, while also appealing to other student groups that afford the college additional potential growth opportunities,” said Dr. Jacqueline Vietti, president of KCKCC. “It also was important to recognize the support of our taxpayers in Wyandotte County.”

The new tuition rates at KCKCC, effective fall 2018:
• Wyandotte County: $82
• High school: $80
• In-state: $88
• KC metro: $113
• Out of state: $195
• International: $195

The KC metro rate is a special tuition rate for residents of Jackson, Johnson, Platte, Clay and Cass counties in Missouri who attend KCKCC.

The online tuition rate is $88 per credit hour.

A student and technology fee of $22 per credit hour is added onto the tuition rates, with the high school student category paying a $7 per credit hour technology fee only.

The greatest decrease is for out-of-state and international students, which sees a drop of $51 per credit hour. In addition, Wyandotte County students will see a decrease of $4 per credit hour. In-state tuition as well as the KC metro rate will see a slight increase of $2 per credit hour.

“This provides an option for us to remain competitive in this market of educating our students, while also giving a value to our Wyandotte County residents,” said Board of Trustees member Tyrone Garner during the March board meeting. “This will allow us to become a better value when you look at the cost and quality of the education you can get here at KCKCC.”

In addition to the new tuition rates, the Board of Trustees approved a restructuring to the current student fees. While the total fees will remain at $22 per credit hour, the original technology fee of $3.50 will be reallocated to Student Activities and Board Scholarships. The current $7 per credit hour technology fee will remain as part of the total fees.

Tuition rates at Metro Community College on the Missouri side of the state line are currently $103 a credit hour for residents, which includes students who live in the Kansas City, Missouri, Public Schools district and some other districts on the Missouri side, including Independence and North Kansas City, according to the MCC website. Out-of-district tuition is $183 per credit hour, which includes some Missouri side residents who live in school districts that do not pay into the support of the colleges. Non-resident tuition rate is $237 per credit hour for Kansas residents at Metro Community College. These rates include $7 per credit hour in fees. Fall tuition rates at MCC have not been announced yet.

The Johnson County Community College tuition rate, according to its website, is $93 per credit hour for Johnson County residents, and $110 per credit hour for other Kansas county residents. Metro area students, including those from Kansas City, Missouri, pay $135 per credit hour at Johnson County Community College. Out-of-state students pay $220 per credit hour there. These rates include fees. Fall semester tuition rates at JCCC are the same as the current rates there.

For more information about enrolling at KCKCC, call the Admissions Office, 913-288-7600.