Dallas Cowboys’ Randle arrested in Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. — Dallas Cowboys running back and Wichita native Joseph Randle was arrested in Wichita earlier this week, police said. Attorney Dan Monnat tells KAKE TV that because Randle is an NFL star it’s easy for the public to make assumptions about the allegations, but it’s important that, “…when an NFL player is involved, that we or the public, not leap to any conclusion not justified…”

Cell phone technology assists law enforcement in tracking suspects

WICHITA – KSN is asking questions about the quick investigation that led police to an alleged murder suspect after receiving reports that cell phone technology helped Wichita Police. Legal Analyst Dan Monnat tells KSN News, “Fourth amendment reasonableness is always a balancing act between the citizen’s right to privacy and the community or law enforcement’s need for the information….”

Judge nixes bid for disclosure of mass surveillance in plot

Terry Loewen’s intent to pursue an entrapment defense received a setback when a federal judge refused to order the government to disclose whether mass surveillance led to Loewen’s arrest. “The fine line between ‘entrapment’ and the commission of a crime is, ‘whose idea was it?’” asks KSN Legal Analyst Dan Monnat. “Was the idea created by the government…”

DNA was key in deadly Fairmount Park attack arrest

WICHITA — After a sexual assault victim was found in Fairmount Park, evidence entered into the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center showed a preliminary DNA match for the suspect. Dan Monnat tells KSN News: “If another crime comes up that they’re investigating, and you have not expunged your DNA, the DNA is on file to be used…”

Kansan Hispanic community reacts to Kansas joining lawsuit to halt a “stay” on deportations

WICHITA – Kansas has joined a legal challenge to President Obama’s stance on immigration… but KSN Legal Expert Dan Monnat says, “This isn’t really Kansas or any state suing the President. It’s the states suing a number of government agencies like border patrol and homeland security, asking the courts to declare the President’s recent order on immigration, unconstitutional….”

Suspect charged in Fairmount Park attack

WICHITA — Cornell Antoine McNeal was charged with attempted capital murder, rape and two counts of arson, and an alternative charge of attempted first-degree, premeditated murder. DNA samples are collected on some inmates, and Dan Monnat tells KSN News the only other way to get a DNA sample is with a search warrant….

Kansas Supreme Court clears way for more gay marriages

TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court cleared the way for additional gay marriages in the state’s most populous county while declaring that it would defer to the federal courts on whether Kansas’ ban on same-sex marriages is constitutional. Legal Analyst Dan Monnat tells KSN News: ““The Kansas Supreme Court did hint that the Kansas laws against same-sex marriage are probably unconstitutional…”

Same-sex couples eagerly await the opportunity for marriage on Monday

WICHITA, Kansas – Many same-sex couples are eagerly awaiting the chance to get married. KSN’s legal analyst Dan Monnat says that while the State of Kansas appeal to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals will still go ahead, “Kansas officials must start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.”

Supreme Court lifts hold on gay marriage in Kansas

WASHINGTON and WICHITA, Kansas (AP/KSN) — The U.S. Supreme Court said Wednesday that same-sex marriages can go ahead in Kansas. The 7-2 ruling only overrules the stay on the federal court injunction blocking the state’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, while the case is awaiting hearing in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. “But while that decision proceeds, Kansas authorities must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples,” legal analyst Dan Monnat said….