K-CAT Hits the Ground
On July 31, 2019 Parsons Police officers were given an anonymous tip about illegal drug activity in the 300 block of North 27th. Officers followed up on the tip and on August 2, 2019 the Kansas Combined Anti-Drug Taskforce (K-CAT) secured a search warrant for the house.
The warrant was served, and two arrest were made in connection to the investigation. Johnny Leon Baker, male age 44, and Matthew Ryan Baker, male age 19, both of Parsons were arrested and charged with Unlawful cultivation or distribution of control substance, unlawful possession of distribution Paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The distribution charge is a felony and was with in 1000 feet of a school which in the state of Kansas is a multiplier for the severity of the crime.
Johnny Baker was a violent sex offender who was released from prison on December 21st, 2018 and was on parole according to Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER).
Commander Mike Powell from K-CAT started his position as the taskforce just a few short weeks ago but is wasting no time in getting the ball moving. Powell said, "we will not wait for the perfect scenario, we are cops and we will be proactive in our investigations and our response to tips. We are going to be doing much more of this in Parsons and Labette County. When we no longer have a drug problem in Parsons and Labette County, I will have done my job and can sit back, until then, my team and I will track down leads and continue to crack down on the death dealers in Labette County. Putting violent sex offenders turn drug dealer back in prison is what I was hired to do and will keep doing."
Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "I cannot be happier with the performance of our new K-CAT team. They received good information, followed up on it and made two very good arrest. To the neigh Sayers of the community who claim there is no need for a taskforce in our area, I will be waiting to hear your response to this bust."
There were 30 separate containers of marijuana ready for repackaging and distribution in the house. Initial investigation would lead to believe that the product was purchased in Colorado and smuggled into Kansas for illegal distribution after the identifiers were removed.
Spinks said, "this father and son operation is done. If there are any others out there who are thinking about making up lost time from being in prison, pick up a ball and a glove and play catch, go fishing or find a legal hobby. This is not acceptable and will only end with you in jail."
This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.
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