Leavenworth man pleads guilty to bank robbery

A Leavenworth, Kansas, man pleaded guilty Monday to armed bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Damon Hammeke, 26, Leavenworth, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Nov. 21, 2017, he robbed the Country Club Bank at 2310 S. 4th St. in Leavenworth.

He entered the bank wearing a white jacket and black mask and carrying a handgun. He left the bank with money.

Two days later, an officer in Tonganoxie attempted to stop him for a traffic offense.

Hammeke fled, leading police on a high-speed chase through Tonganoxie, Basehor, Lansing, Leavenworth, Platte County, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, before they were able to stop him.

Sentencing is set for July 22. He faces a penalty of up to 25 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge as well as not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge.

McAllister commended the FBI, the Tonganoxie Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Platte County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.

Leavenworth inmate sentenced for attack on prisoner

An inmate at Leavenworth federal prison was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for attacking another prisoner with a metal pipe, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Jimmy A. Eastep Jr., 49, pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. In his plea, he admitted he was working in prison electrical shop when he attacked another inmate.

Prison staff found the victim lying on the floor in a pool of blood. The victim suffered a skull fracture and other serious injuries. He was transferred to U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.

McAllister commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, USP Leavenworth SIS, Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.

Pioneers top Bears 85-35 in UKC opener

Turner senior Reneaux Jackson (12) went up for a finger roll in the first half of Friday night’s game against Leavenworth. (Photo copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Turner Bears got a rude welcome to United Kansas Conference basketball, falling 85-35 to the visiting Leavenworth Pioneers on Friday night.

The Pioneers held a significant height advantage and used their length in a crushing press defense that limited the Bears’ offense throughout the game.

The Bears saw some success in breaking the Leavenworth press, especially early in the second half, with outlet passes down the side to Reneaux Jackson, who used his speed to finish those plays at the rim.

The loss drops the Bears to 0-5 on the season. They will play next at Lansing on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

Junior Jalen Nelson (10) was defended by Leavenworth senior Nathan Dalby (12). (Photo copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)

 

Jackson took a steal back for a drive in the lane, but was called for a charge against Leavenworth junior JaHawn Byrd (15). (Photo copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)

 

Leavenworth junior Reece Williams (33) went up for a dunk. (Photo copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)

 

Sophomore guard Chris Pursley (3) drove the ball against a Leavenworth defender. (Photo copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)

 

The Turner Goldenettes dance group performed at halftime. (Photo copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)

 

Junior Nick Gordon (20) brought the ball up court. (Photo copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)

 

Senior Chris Burch (22) took a short-range jump shot in the lane. (Photo copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)

 

Jalen Nelson went up for a layup on a fast break. (Photo copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)

 

Junior TyRay Washington (14) dribbled in for a score in the second half. (Photo copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)