A federal grand jury in Topeka, Kansas, returned a six-count indictment, unsealed today, charging former Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department detective Roger Golubski with federal civil rights crimes for sexually assaulting two victims while acting under color of law.
According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice, kidnapping also was alleged.
The first three counts of the indictment charged Golubski with sexually assaulting and raping the first victim on multiple occasions between 1998 and 2001. These allegedly occurred in and next to his vehicle.
The remaining three counts of the indictment charged Golubski with sexually assaulting the second victim on multiple occasions between 1999 and 2002 by raping and sexually assaulting her. Those allegedly took place in her home and in his vehicle.
The indictment alleged Golubski’s conduct included aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping.
If convicted, Golubski, who pleaded not guilty, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard for the district of Kansas, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division and Special Agent in Charge Charles Dayob of the FBI Kansas City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Kansas City Field Office investigated the case in conjunction with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting of the district of Kansas and trial attorney Tara Allison of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The investigation is ongoing, according to a spokesman. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE2) issued a statement Thursday on this case.
David Grummon, an attorney who is the Criminal Justice Task Force chair and board member of MORE2, stated: “The arrest of Roger Golubski is a long overdue message to the community that the police are not immune from prosecution when they break the law. More importantly, it signals that it’s now safe for the rest of his victims to come forward, report what he did, and, hopefully, finally have an opportunity to pursue justice.”
The Rev. Rick Behrens, of Grandview Park Presbyterian Church and board member of MORE2, stated: “This is a huge step toward justice for victims of Golubski. Those who enabled and sheltered him including the criminal court system, KCKPD and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County should also be held accountable. The arrest of Golubski is huge, but our community is still faced with the need for truth and reconciliation in light of all the pain, injustice and evil we have allowed under our watch in this Beloved Community of God’s Children.”
A statement from Kansas City, Kansas, Police Chief Karl Oakman: “I was notified this morning that former KCKPD officer Roger Golubski was indicted by a federal grand jury and arrested by the FBI. This indictment is an example that no individual is above the law. The department will continue to cooperate and offer any assistance needed by the FBI as this case moves forward. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is committed to building community ties through transparency, integrity, engagement and safety.”
A statement from Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree: “The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office was notified about the arrest of Roger Golubski this morning. While it is important to note this is a federal case, the impact of Golubski’s alleged acts are local. Since 2017, this office has worked continuously with multiple agencies, including the FBI in an ongoing effort to bring about justice in this matter. It is our hope that today’s arrest is the start of the healing and closure process for the affected families who may feel that justice delayed is justice denied. This arrest shows that no one is above the law.”
A statement from Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Tyrone Garner: “Today’s arrest may bring comfort in the short-term but this is not the end. I stand by my commitment to support and welcome any independent outside investigations into any allegations of criminal misconduct by anyone within the Unified Government. While we never comment on ongoing investigations to protect the integrity of these efforts, I maintain my commitment to bring greater transparency and accountability to all aspects of local government, including public safety. As a former police officer and resident, I will continue to champion improvements in police-community relations to restore trust, particularly among our most vulnerable.”
A longer statement from Mayor Garner on public safety:
“Mayor Tyrone Garner stands by his commitment to support and welcome any independent outside investigations from authorities into any allegations of criminal misconduct, by anyone within the Unified Government.
“Within his first 90 days, Mayor Garner proactively reached out to the Wyandotte County law enforcement community to include the Wyandotte County District Attorney and the KCK Police Department Chief of Police for the purpose of clarification and reinforcement of the shared vision our community has for forward thinking equitable 21st Century criminal justice best practices.
“As such, Mayor Garner left confident that the relevant matters of concern were at the appropriate level of awareness. Mayor Garner believes that a unified approach to confront some of our most challenging community concerns has occurred in a manner that aligns with the shared values of those seeking clarity, equitable change, and a disposition that can allow for healing to occur form closure. Mayor Garner has noted that it would be irresponsible for him to discuss any matters that may compromise or politicize the integrity of any law enforcement matters of interest. Therefore, Mayor Garner will never publicly discuss any local matters that may be of a law enforcement interest or concern.
“Mayor Garner will continue to be intentionally when he seeks and refers inquiries into all matters of a law enforcement interest to the appropriate criminal justice authorities for discussion, clarity, direction, and disposition. “Mayor Garner is confident, that these professionals will work to ensure that justice is facilitated in a manner that coincides with the obligations and expectations they are sworn to uphold.
“In support of addressing community concerns, Mayor Garner has proactively leveraged his years of expertise and experience in law enforcement by taking the necessary steps within his scope of authority, to bring about actionable results driven initiatives to both improve community police relations, bring recommendations for reforms to the forefront, as well as initiate the checks and balance that better reflect the values and expectations of our residents. These initiatives are community driven and coincide with others that stand
firmly with the commitment we all must help facilitate making Wyandotte County a safe and great place to live, work and raise a family.
- “Mayor Garner launched a Task Force on Community Safety and Justice to
recommend actionable reforms within the criminal justice system Chaired by
Commissioner Christian Ramirez. - “Mayor Garner appointed Rev. Rick Behrens, a law enforcement reform advocate, as Chair of the Law Enforcement Advisory Board to collaborate with the local law enforcement authorities in a manner designed to improve transparency and accountability.
- “Mayor Garner supported a team that investigated opportunities for fines and fees reductions in the criminal justice system to deter any inequitable impact to
residents and their families. - “WYCO District Attorney Mark Dupree has implemented a Community Integrity
Unit – Independent Investigatory Body within the District Attorney’s office, that is fully supported by Mayor Garner to bring about confidence and trust into
matters pertinent to community complaints. - “KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman has formed a Cold Case Squad to facilitate seeking
justice and closure in unsolved homicide cases. Chief Oakman has ramped up his eight-point plan that includes improving police community relations as well as enhancing accountability initiatives that better reflect 21st century policing recommendations. Mayor Garner fully supports Chief Oakman’s initiatives and stands firmly with our new Police Chief as he navigates through the challenges of addressing items of community concern. - “Sheriff Daniel Soptic has taken bold steps to begin his seizing upon his
commitments to provide leadership in collaboration with Wyandotte County
criminal justice stakeholders to improve and enhance service that can build upon his commitment to community oriented policing principles. Mayor Garner will continue to stands with the WYCO Sheriff in this regard. - “Mayor Garner has enhanced outreach to victims of crime.
- “Mayor Garner has spearheaded a policy consideration initiative for the
depenalization of marijuana that focus on education, prevention, treatment,
rehabilitation, and drug dependency resistance. - “Mayor Garner has spearheaded a policy consideration initiative to bring about
equitable fines and fees pertinent to municipal courts. - “Mayor Garner has advocated for diversity within the criminal justice system of
Wyandotte County to better reflect the demographics of the community.
“In short Wyandotte County’s new leadership is actively working to insure the public that concerns have not gone unnoticed and will never be overlooked. As a new Mayor, Garner respectfully ask that those concerned find ways to support the new initiatives put in place and to give these new reform initiatives time to work in a manner that he hopes will not only meet but exceed the expectations we all have for equity, accountability, and improved collaborative partnerships.”