• Oct 25, 2013
  • KSNW TV

WICHITA  – A motions hearing tomorrow will determine whether or not the identity of a Crime Stoppers tipster can be revealed for the trial of an accused murderer.

The ruling could have a big impact on a successful crime fighting program in Wichita.

This past April, the body of 19 year-old Jordan Turner was found in a field in southeast Wichita.

Three people are charged with his murder: Ebony Nguyen, Erick Jackson and Kristoffer Wright.

A motion filed by the attorney representing Nguyen asks the state to disclose the name and contact information for their confidential Crime Stoppers informant.

“The problem with every informant is what is their motivation? Is it to work off their own case? Their own crime?” asks criminal defense attorney Dan Monnat.

He says if the anonymous information is in the possession of the prosecutor, the prosecutor may have a duty to make the identity of the tipster known.

The catch here is that no one has that information.

“If we are subpoenaed for information and the judge allows it through the only thing they’re gonna get is gonna be info about the informant,” explains head of the Wichita Crime Commission Gordon Bassham.

Bassham says not even Crime Stoppers knows who that caller was.

And he says regardless – he’s not giving out the information.

“There’s a lot of case law not only from Kansas but around the country that will not allow that to happen,” assures Bassham. “It’s just a way to get information from Crime Stoppers and as I said we’re not going to let that happen.”

Monnat adds, as history dating back to World War II shows, a successful defense doesn’t have to rely on anonymous tipsters or informants.

“Their testimony or evidence was deemed inadmissible in court it’s really only since then that the use of informants has crescendoed to the level that it now exists,” explains Monnat.

KSN will be at that hearing Friday morning.

See video at KSN

KSNW TV


  • Oct 16, 2013
  • KSN News
  • -
  • by Ashley Arnold

DERBY, Kansas – It was Colby Liston’s first few days as a freshman at KU when a crash left him pinned between two cars.

It cost him both his legs and left his family hoping for justice.

“This should follow him for the rest of his life. I think he should have been a convicted felon,” said Matt Liston, Colby’s father.

Now, a Douglas County judge is suppressing some evidence against the driver.

Namely, a blood test that the prosecution said proved Julian Kuszmaul’s blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit.

Citing a Supreme Court ruling out of Missouri, the judge said that because Kuszmaul refused to consent to the blood test and a search warrant for that blood was never obtained, the results can’t be used in court.

Attorneys say that from a legal standpoint, the judge made the right call.

“There was no warrant. There was no consent, and the state had wholly failed to demonstrate emergency circumstances excusing the need to get a search warrant,” said Attorney Dan Monnat.

But for the Liston’s family, it isn’t enough, and they say the situation at hand is far from over.

“I think something is wrong with the Douglas County system. I don’t know if the attorney general needs to investigate it or something else needs to happen. They have failed not only Colby, but my family in more ways than I can tell you,” said Liston.

Kuszmaul is due back in court on October 22nd when a trial date will be set.

He currently faces charges of second offense DUI, marijuana possession, following too closely and refusing to submit to drug or alcohol testing all misdemeanors.

See video at KSN

KSN News – Ashley Arnold

  • Oct 14, 2013
  • Monnat & Spurrier

Dan Monnat, of Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, was inducted into the American Board of Criminal Lawyers at ABCL’s annual meeting in Atlanta last week.  Monnat is the first Kansas attorney to be selected for the ABCL, whose members include lawyers in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Founded in 1978, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers is an exclusive legal society for outstanding criminal trial lawyers, with admission to fellowship by invitation only. Fellows must have at least 10 years of criminal trial experience, and have tried at least 50 trials, including at least 35 felony jury trials.

“The primary concern of the ABCL is the preservation and the free exercise of fundamental freedoms for all those accused of criminal conduct,” Monnat said. “Over the years, ABCL Fellows have become regularly involved in high profile criminal cases throughout the country. I am honored to be included among this group of distinguished legal practitioners, whose collective hard work and dedication to criminal defense have made such worthwhile contributions to our American system of justice.”

Monnat has practiced in Wichita for more than 36 years.  A graduate of California State University, Monnat holds a Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law and is a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College.

A frequent national lecturer and editorial contributor on criminal defense topics, Monnat is the author of “Sentencing, Probation, and Collateral Consequences,” a chapter of the Kansas Bar Association’s Kansas Criminal Law Handbook, 4th edition.  Appointed by then-Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Monnat served on the Kansas Sentencing Commission from 2007 – 2012.

Monnat currently sits on the Kansas Association of Justice’s Board of Editors and is the Criminal Law Chair.  He has also been designated a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Litigation Counsel of America and the Kansas Bar Foundation.

Monnat served as a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Board of Directors from 1996 – 2004, and is a two-term past president of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Sep 18, 2013
  • The Wichita Eagle
  • -
  • by Tim Potter and Stan Finger

Prosecutors have dismissed charges against a Sedgwick County detention deputy accused of fondling two male inmates. The district attorney and the sheriff said it’s possible that charges could be re-filed.

In November 2012, prosecutors charged James Conklin, 54, with two counts of unlawful sexual relations, both felonies. The charges accused him of “lewd fondling” of two inmates in September and October of 2012. In the past, authorities said that the charges involved incidents at the work release center; according to the charges, the alleged victims were jail inmates.

One of the charges was dismissed in July and the other on Sept. 10, court records show.

In a statement Wednesday, Conklin’s defense attorney, Sal Intagliata said: “James Conklin honorably served his department and his community for almost 20 years as a deputy jailer. He and his family appreciate the willingness of the District Attorney’s Office to listen and review his case closely and on its own. We are most thankful for that office’s decision to dismiss the case. It was the right decision.”

Later, Intagliata added: “We continue to maintain that James Conklin did not commit these offenses.”

In a statement, District Attorney Marc Bennett said that the case against Conklin “was dismissed because a key witness is in custody in another jurisdiction and is unavailable to testify. The case was dismissed without prejudice which means it can be re-filed at a later time.”

Sheriff Jeff Easter said an alleged victim in the case is in a federal penitentiary and can’t get to Wichita to testify. When that person is available to testify, it’s possible the charges could be refiled, Easter said.

Conklin remains on unpaid suspension, and he has filed for retirement, Easter said.

“We are conducting an internal investigation” into the circumstances that led to the charges, Easter said.

That internal investigation had to wait until the criminal case was completed, he said.

Conklin was the second deputy within a year to be charged with sex crimes against inmates. Former Sedgwick County detention Deputy David Kendall is still facing multiple charges, ranging from aggravated sodomy to misdemeanor sexual battery.

Read full story at Kansas.com

The Wichita Eagle – By Tim Potter and Stan Finger

  • Sep 13, 2013
  • Monnat & Spurrier

For the second time, Best Lawyers has named Dan Monnat, of Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, a Wichita Lawyer of the Year. In 2012, Monnat earned the distinction specifically for his white-collar criminal defense work. This year, Monnat has been recognized for his success in other criminal cases as the 2014 Wichita Criminal Defense: Non-White-Collar Lawyer of the Year. 

Monnat has been honored by The Best Lawyers in America® for 26 consecutive years.  For this 2014 edition, Monnat is listed in the fields of criminal defense; white-collar criminal defense; and appellate defense. Selection is based on a confidential, nationwide peer survey that rates attorneys on professional competency, legal scholarship, pro bono service, and achievement.

“For more than a quarter of a century, I’ve been honored to be recognized among this revered group of lawyers,” Monnat said. “Every day, they make our American justice system stronger by upholding the principles of the Constitution and protecting liberty for all of us,” Monnat said.

Monnat has practiced in Wichita for more than 36 years. A graduate of California State University, Monnat received his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law and is a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College.

A frequent national lecturer and editorial contributor on criminal defense topics, Monnat is the author of “Sentencing, Probation, and Collateral Consequences,” a chapter of the Kansas Bar Association’s Kansas Criminal Law Handbook, 4th edition. Appointed by then-Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Monnat served on the Kansas Sentencing Commission from 2007 – 2012.

Chosen in 2002 as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Monnat currently sits on the Kansas Association of Justice’ Board of Editors and is the Criminal Law Chair. He has also been designated a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Litigation Counsel of America and the Kansas Bar Foundation.

Monnat served as a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Board of Directors from 1996 – 2004, and is a two-term past president of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Sep 12, 2013
  • KSN TV
  • -
  • by Laura McMillan

DERBY, Kansas — Derby High School already has random drug testing. Add the AlcoBlow to the list.

“They blow onto the end of the wand and it has three indicators to see if they’ve been drinking,” says Derby High Principal Tim Hamblin. “We are doing this. It’s already been deployed at the first football game. We have two.”

“Teenage drinking happens. I’m not about to believe that does not go on at Derby High School or any other school in the USA. But with drinking, sometimes, bad things can happen. The consequences can be life-altering or the tragic loss of life.”

Derby says it will only use the “AlcoBlow” system on a student, if someone comes forward and states a student may be drinking or intoxicated.

“We won’t be roaming the stands at games,” says Hamblin.

The idea is met with mixed reviews from students, who wonder if the idea is a good one.

“It’s kind of yes and no,” says Derby Junior Courtney Anderson. “If you’re not doing it (drinking) then you shouldn’t worry at all. ”

“It’s known. Teenagers do drink,” says student Jackson Howard. “In some circumstances I think it would be necessary if you know they are intoxicated at a sporting event like that.”

Mixed reviews. But, is it legal?

Law analysts say rights of students have been through the courts when it comes to students and drug and alcohol testing.

“Maybe the bigger question here is how will the school do this?” asks legal analyst and Wichita attorney Dan Monnat. “Might we find that a disproportionate number of students with face metal and tattoos are being tested? Or, might we find that a disproportionate number of students who wear hoodies are being tested? The school has to be very careful to administer such constitutionally permissible procedures as these in a non-discriminatory manner.”

Some parents are onboard, saying it’s a good idea.

“I think it’s a good thing,” says parent Sean Larson. “It will keep our kids responsible and let them know there is some consequences for that.”

School leaders say they will be judicial in their use of the AlcoBlow device.

“If there is a positive test, we will call the police,” says Hamblin. “Teen drinking is just not legal. Also, we will not test a suspected student in public. They will be pulled aside and two administrators will view the procedure.”

If a students tests positive, and the subsequent police breathalyzer test confirms the AlcoBlow test, there could be a student suspension.

The system is already in use, and will be available for all extra-curricular activities. There are no plans to have parents tested.

See video at KSN

KSN TV – By Laura McMillan

  • Aug 20, 2013
  • The Wichita Eagle
  • -
  • by Tim Potter and Amy Renee Leiker

A Derby man’s sex crime against a 5-year-old boy was unrelated to a youth soccer program the man had coordinated, the child’s mother said Thursday.

The woman said her son is a relative of the man, identified by authorities as Leon James Knabe, 57.

From what she knows of the investigation, Knabe is not suspected of other crimes, she said. To protect the identity of her child, The Eagle is not naming her.

The District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that Knabe had been sentenced that afternoon to almost three years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated indecent solicitation of a 5-year-old boy. After his release from prison, Knabe must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, the office said.

The DA’s office also said Knabe is a former coordinator of youth soccer for his Derby church.

On Thursday, district attorney spokesman Dan Dillon, responding to questions from The Eagle about Knabe’s church role, said the victim was not a member of the church-affiliated soccer teams. Dillon said that Knabe knew the victim.

Also Thursday, Knabe’s defense attorney, Trevor Riddle, said: “The allegations against Mr. Knabe in this case had nothing to do, nor any connection, with his church nor with his participation in any church activities.

“This case is now resolved, and we would ask everyone to respect the privacy of those involved,” Riddle said, declining to comment further.

Knabe had been arrested and originally charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child, a crime that can be prosecuted under Jessica’s Law, leading to a mandatory life sentence without parole for 25 years. The original charge accused him of “lewd fondling or touching” of the boy around Oct. 12. But in June, shortly before his trial, Knabe accepted a plea deal for a less serious felony crime — aggravated indecent solicitation, which is enticing or persuading a child to commit a sex act, according to court documents.

The prosecutor discussed the plea with the boy’s family, and “we were satisfied with the plea agreement,” the boy’s mother said Thursday.

She said the crime and fallout have “been very difficult on the family, but we have all handled it.”

Her child is doing well, she said.

“We’re grateful to the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center,” which has provided free therapy, she said.

On Aug. 6, Knabe’s attorney, Riddle, filed a document in court arguing for probation, describing Knabe as a “doting husband, loving father, devoted church member, and trusted friend. He also comes before this Court a humbled and remorseful man.”

Knabe has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and had been employed at the same engineering business since 1993, the attorney said.

Read full story at Kansas.com

The Wichita Eagle – By Tim Potter and Amy Renee Leiker

  • Jun 13, 2013
  • Monnat & Spurrier

WICHITA, Kan. – Dan Monnat, of Monnat & Spurrier, Chartered, has been listed by Chambers USA 2013 as one of Kansas’ most notable litigators.  According to the publication’s editorial report, Monnat “is hailed as a really good criminal defense attorney… and recognized as a talented trial and appellate lawyer.”

Lawyers are independently researched by Chambers USA. Rankings are based on legal ability, client service, business acumen, diligence, professional conduct and pre-eminence in the attorney’s key practice area in the past year.

Monnat has practiced in Wichita for more than 36 years.  A graduate of California State University, Monnat received his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law.  He also is a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College.

A frequent national lecturer and editorial contributor on criminal defense topics, Monnat is the author of “Sentencing, Probation, and Collateral Consequences,” a chapter of the Kansas Bar Association’s Kansas Criminal Law Handbook, 4th edition.  He was a member of the Kansas Sentencing Commission from 2007 – 2011.

Monnat has earned distinction as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the Litigation Counsel of America.  He currently sits on the Kansas Association of Justice’s Board of Editors and is the Criminal Law Chair.

Monnat is a member of the National Trial Lawyers and served as a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Board of Directors from 1996 – 2004.  He is a two-term past president of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a member of the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association.

  • Jun 12, 2013
  • Kansas.com

Former Garden Plain football coach Todd Puetz, who was facing a possible sentence of five years in prison for electronic solicitation of a minor, has avoided jail time by reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Puetz pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of patronizing a prostitute and was given a 30-day suspended sentence by District Judge Ben Burgess. Puetz was not required to appear in court when Burgess signed the agreement on Friday.

Puetz was one of seven men arrested in October 2011 during a Wichita police sting that targeted men willing to pay to have sex with underage girls.

A Sedgwick County jury found Puetz not guilty in April of attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child and attempted criminal sodomy. But the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the third and most serious count: electronic solicitation of a child under 16. Puetz faced a possible sentence of 55 to 61 months in prison on that charge.

During the trial, the jury heard recordings of several calls Puetz made to a phone being answered by an undercover police detective posing as a 15-year-old prostitute. Puetz testified that he innocently called the number looking for a massage after seeing an ad that the detective had placed on the backpage.com Internet website.

Burgess, the trial judge, declared a mistrial on the third count, and the case was placed back on the jury trial docket. The retrial was scheduled to begin June 24.

When asked why the agreement was reached, District Attorney Marc Bennett issued a statement through a spokesman that said, “After a lengthy discussion with law enforcement and careful consideration, the parties arrived at this appropriate resolution.”

Defense lawyer Dan Monnat said he was limited in what he could say about the case.

“After a great deal of consideration, all parties agree this is an appropriate resolution,” he said. “We are grateful to the Sedgwick County district attorney and the jury for permitting this resolution of the case.”

Of the seven men charged in the sting operation, it appears that only one will face prison time. The case against one of the seven was dismissed by prosecutors and another suspect was found not guilty by a jury. Puetz and three other defendants accepted plea agreements that allowed them to plead guilty to misdemeanor charges and avoid prison time. The seventh defendant pleaded guilty to a felony and is awaiting sentencing. That final plea agreement also involved an unrelated case that accused the defendant of soliciting sex from a child under 14 through an Internet chat room.
Read full story at Kansas.com

  • Jun 04, 2013
  • Monnat & Spurrier

The Wichita Business Journal today announces its annual 40 Under 40 winners, and — as usual — they’re an outstanding bunch.

“The caliber was very high. It was a tough decision on many,” says one of the judges, Patrick Harbert, executive vice president-community markets for Equity Bank and a 2007 40 Under 40 honoree.

A defining characteristic of the winners?

“As a group, even though they have high-paced, very busy jobs, the community service and community involvement that all the applicants had” was impressive, Harbert says. “It makes living in Wichita something to be proud of.”

Wichita Business Journal Publisher John Ek said the roughly 300 nominees and 169 participants were both record numbers.

“I’m surprised and pleased that the 40 Under 40 program continues to grow and thrive,” Ek says.

This year also marked the largest number of honorees from one organization, with six from Koch Industries Inc. or its affiliates.

Harbert called the judging process fascinating.

“The 40 Under 40 has become an honor to earn it,” he says. “Unlike other communities, I think that’s really neat about Wichita. People want to be honored and be one of the 40 Under 40.”

Harbert remembers the feeling when he was chosen six years ago.

“One, it was an honor just to be recognized,” he says. “And two, it made me feel like all my hard work and accomplishments, people had noticed it. That was the neatest thing.”

This year’s winners represent a good cross-section of industry, including from marketing, finance, real estate, startups, the whole gamut, Harbert says.

Other judges and past 40 Under 40 winners were: Chris Wolgamott, Meritrust Credit Union, Class of 2010; Kara Hunt, The Arnold Group, Class of 2009; and Laura Fent, Hinkle Law Firm LLC, Class of 2010.