Week 3 - Recognizing and Combatting Cybercrime

As technology advances, the impact of cybercrime is becoming more costly and frequent. Law enforcement, government, industry, and individual citizens all play a vital role in mitigating adverse impact to our schools, communities, and personal well-being.

Douglas County Courthouse elevator is planned to be out of service Wednesday, October 19, 2016 through Monday, October 24, 2016.  The first, second and third floors of the Douglas County Courthouse, at 1100 Massachusetts St. in Lawrence, will not be accessible by elevator during that time period.  All services will be available for citizens with disabilities on the lower level from October 19th through the 24th.  The project is planned to be completed by Tuesday, October 25th. 

Week 2 - Cyber Security from the Break Room to the Board Room

Cyber Security is a shared responsibility and we each have a role to play.

We are all part of protecting personal and organizational data in the workplace. From Commissioners to incoming entry-level employees, our cybersecurity posture is reliant on a shared level of vigilance and awareness. Week 2 looks at how every person can promote a culture of cybersecurity at work and at home.

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces on Monday, September 26 following a bench trial held in the Division One Courtroom of the Honorable Robert W. Fairchild, the Court found Lawrence resident Cristen D. Lowe, 43, guilty of driving under the influence, second offense. 

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month which is an annual campaign to raise awareness about cybersecurity. We live in a world that is more connected than ever before. The Internet touches almost all aspects of everyone’s daily life, whether we realize it or not.

District Attorney Charles Branson has charged former Lawrence, Kansas Police Officer Frank McClelland, 38, with misdemeanor battery in Douglas County District Court.

The District Attorney was notified on August 17, 2016 by Lawrence Police Chief Tarik Khatib that an incident involving one of his officers had occurred on August 16, 2016. After notification to the District Attorney, Chief Khatib requested the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office conduct a criminal investigation into the alleged incident. 

Lone Star Lake will be closed to all boating activities beginning Friday morning, September 16, through Saturday afternoon, September 17.  The closure is to due to the CSCAA National Collegiate Open Water Swimming Championship being held at the lake.  Race participants will practice on the swim course on Friday, and the races will be held Saturday morning, weather permitting.  If weather prohibits holding the race on Saturday, the race will be held on Sunday, September 18.  All boat ramps will be closed beginning Friday morning through the finish of all race activities.

Jury Trial

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces on Tuesday, September 6 a Douglas County jury convicted Topeka resident Mark J. Bailey, 41, of driving under the influence.

Jury Trial

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that Thursday a Douglas County jury convicted Baldwin City resident Cody Wayne Bruce, 26, of aggravated battery.  

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces this afternoon that Lawrence resident Zachary J. Ortiz, 26, was sentenced to 19 months in prison for the June 2014 aggravated assault of a Lawrence Police Department Officer.  The Court also ordered him to pay a $1,696.20 Johnson County Crime Lab fee, a $400.00 Kansas Bureau of Investigation Lab fee and that he complete 24 months of post-release supervision.  Upon his release from prison, he must register as a violent offender for 15 years.  A jury found Ortiz guilty of the charge on July 22, 2016.

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that today a Douglas County jury convicted Eudora resident Darren Curtis Howe, 47, of criminal sodomy and indecent liberties with a child. 

The case was originally filed in Douglas County District Court on December 24, 2013.  The defense requested many continuances that ultimately delayed the jury trial.  Investigation into the case began on October 17, 2013 when an officer with the Eudora Police Department was contacted by the parents of a 14-year-old girl who had been victimized by a relative. 

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces this afternoon Kansas City, Missouri resident Christopher J.G. McKay, 23, was sentenced today to 100 months (8.33 years) prison for attempted first-degree murder.  The Court also ordered upon his eventual release from prison that he register as a violent offender for 15 years and he complete 36 months of post-release supervision.  The original criminal case was filed in Douglas County District Court on March 14, 2014 and McKay pleaded guilty as charged on January 5, 2016.