Here’s a look at some of the top stories for Tuesday, July 7 with Eagle Radio’s Nadia Thacker.
Author: Post Staff
FBI looking to identify victims in one of largest sextortion cases in the Nation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance to identify additional victims of convicted online predator Lucas Michael Chansler. Chansler, 31, formerly of St. Johns, Florida, was sentenced to 105 years in federal prison for engaging in an extortion scheme to produce child pornography. On August 13, 2014, Chansler pleaded guilty to nine counts of producing child pornography.
According to court testimony, Chansler targeted 350 minor victims in 26 different states throughout the United States, three Canadian provinces, and the United Kingdom. One hundred and nine victims have been positively identified.
The FBI is actively working to identify Chansler’s remaining victims. A list of 135 known screen names, including Myspace, Stickam, and AIM, he used while sexually extorting victims. To see the list click here.
Court documents, from 2007 and continuing through January 8, 2010, show that Chansler transmitted threatening communications to hundreds of teen girls over the Internet. He transmitted these threats with the intent to extort photographs and webcam videos showing the victims exposing themselves and engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Chansler pretended to be a friend, acquaintance, or admirer of the victims on various social networking websites.
After gaining some measure of trust from a particular victim, Chansler would invite her to engage in a live video chat, and later would ask her to expose herself. Unbeknownst to the victim, he was recording the video session. Chansler often enticed his victims to expose themselves by showing a streaming video of a minor male exposing himself or engaging in sexually explicit behavior. If a victim did expose herself, he recorded it, and then demanded additional and more graphic images or webcam videos. He would inform the victim that if she did not comply, he would distribute the images and videos online, or send them to her family and friends.
Using information received from the parents of one victim and working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), agents were able to identify Chansler and locate his residence. A federal search warrant was executed at the residence on January 8, 2010.
During an interview, Chansler stated that he used social networking sites to meet girls who ranged in age from 13 to 18. He stated that he targeted underage girls because adult women were “too smart” to fall for his scheme.
Forensic analysis of Chansler’s computer media revealed hundreds of folders labeled with the name of each victim. These folders contained personal information specific to the victims, as well as related chat logs and videos or digital photos. Many of the chat logs contained the threats Chansler had made to the victims. In several of the videos, the victims are seen crying and pleading with Chansler. In total, he had approximately 80,000 images and videos in his possession.
Assistant Director Joseph S. Campbell explains, “Sextortion is a growing threat both domestically and internationally. The devastating impact of these crimes on the victims, their families, and friends cannot be ignored. The FBI is committed to using our resources and leveraging law enforcement partnerships around the world to identify and arrest these criminals.”
“This case serves as an example that children anywhere can be targeted for sextortion and that the FBI remains committed to stopping this cycle of victimization and holding the criminals accountable,” said Campbell.
If you have information that may help identify victims of Lucas Michael Chansler or believe you have been victimized by him you can send a confidential e-mail to FBI.VICTIMASSISTANCE@IC.FBI.GOV or call toll-free at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
Gov. Nixon signs executive order regarding same-sex marriage
(Missourinet) Governor Jay Nixon (D) has ordered all departments, agencies, boards and commissions in his administration to do what is necessary to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.
Nixon says the order makes clear that local governments must comply with the ruling as well. One Missouri county, Schuyler, is still not issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Nixon also called again on the Missouri legislature to pass the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act, which would bar discrimination against LGBT Missourians in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
“Same-sex couples now have the right to get married, but here in Missouri, individuals can still be fired for being gay. That’s wrong, it’s not who we are, and it must change,” Nixon said.
Nixon’s order today also rescinds an executive order issued in November, 2013, that directed the Department of Revenue to accept jointly-filed state tax returns from same-sex couples legally married in other states. His order today makes it unnecessary.
Bridge rehab will impact drivers heading to Truman Sports Complex
JACKSON COUNTY – An extensive bridge rehabilitation project on the Stadium Road Bridges over I-435 and I-70 begins July 10. MoDOT crews will restrict lanes on Stadium Road Bridges to one lane each direction. This project will extend through the end of November.
Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs fans, or attendees of local events at the Truman Stadium Complex will encounter this construction zone and should plan accordingly. Both bridges are located at Gates 6 and 7 (Bus/RV Exit) near Arrowhead.
This is a full 24/7 lane closure but all work will be performed during daytime, work hours. All work is weather dependent.
For project updates, follow MoDOT Kansas City on Facebook. Also reference http://www.kcscout.net/ for congestion updates and camera views of traffic.
156 tickets issued along I-35 over Independence Day
The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued more than 150 tickets in the Troop H region over the 4th of July holiday.
As a result of the 20-mile troop program along I-35 from the Clinton County line to the Iowa state line officers issued 156 tickets and 242 warnings from July 2 to July 5.
There were four additional arrests made including one for driving while intoxicated and three drug arrests.
“Troop H trooper’s vigorous enforcement efforts this July Fourth weekend helped keep everyone traveling through Troop H safe,”said Capt. James McDonald, commanding officer of Troop H, St. Joseph.
10 people were killed in crashes on Missouri highways over Independence Day weekend, including one in the Troop H region.
Boil Order for Maysville Public Water
A boil water order has been issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for customers of the Maysville Public Water System in DeKalb County.
The department declared the boil order due to possible contamination of the water system effective Tuesday morning.
The order remains in effect until water samples indicate the contamination is no longer present.
Customers should take the following precautions:
– Boil water vigorously for three minutes prior to use for cooking or drinking.
– Disinfect food contact surfaces (Dishes) by immersing them for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
– Dispose of ice cubes and remake with water that has been boiled.
– Continue boiling all water that is to be used for cooking and drinking until the cause of the contamination has been found and corrected.
– Water used for bathing does not need to be boiled.
For more information contact the City of Maysville at (816) 449-2185 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Regional Office at (816) 251-0700.
Spring runoff up, river releases down, but reservoirs “well positioned”
Spring runoff in the Missouri River Basin was 125% of normal last month, but officials insist the reservoirs can handle it. That’s despite reductions in water releases to reduce flood risk.
In a news release, the US Army Corps of Engineers reported runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa for the month of June was 6.8 million acre feet (MAF).
That’s 125 percent of normal. The 2015 runoff forecast is 26.6 MAF, 105 percent of normal. Average annual runoff is 25.2 MAF
“In response to repeated rains in the lower basin, releases from Gavins Point Dam were reduced to 22,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to reduce flood risk along the Missouri River,” said Jody Farhat, chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. “Following the flood crest, Gavins Point releases were gradually increased to meet the navigation flow targets.”
June precipitation was above normal across much of the Missouri River Basin, most notably in the western Dakotas, eastern Montana and eastern Wyoming. Heavy rain also fell in eastern Nebraska, northeastern Kansas and much of Missouri. The total volume of water stored in the Mainstem Reservoir System is currently 61.9 MAF.
“The reservoirs are currently utilizing 35 percent of the available flood control storage and remain well positioned to capture additional runoff should further reductions in releases become necessary,” stated Farhat.
Route 59 to close for bridge tie in
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – U.S. Route 59 south of St. Joseph is set to close for up to a month in order to tie in a new bridge to the roadway.
The Missouri Department of Transportation said travelers on U.S. Route 59 south of St. Joseph have probably seen the new Bankers Crossing Bridge construction over the past several months beside the old bridge. In order to tie in the new bridge to the existing roadway, U.S. Route 59 will be closed up to 30 calendar days beginning July 14, 2015.
Traffic will be directed over a signed detour on Routes 752, 371 and 116.
MoDOT said while this closure will be a brief inconvenience for many, it brings much needed updates to the roadway. The old bridge, built in 1936, carries more than 5,000 cars per day and is structurally deficient. It is 24-feet wide with no shoulders and has limited sight distance, due to the curve of the highway. The new bridge is wider, provides shoulders for safety and realigns the roadway.
Teen charged with murder to remain in custody
A teen charged with murder in Buchanan County will remain in custody.
According to court reports, a 16-year-old boy charged with two counts of second degree murder in connection with the shooting deaths of James Johnson, 72 and Beverly Johnson, 76 continues to remain detained as a result of a detention hearing Tuesday morning.
The Johnsons where found dead outside their home at 8610 NE Hurlingen Road early Saturday morning.
The teen did not appear in court for the hearing. Judge Daniel Kellogg uttered the defendant’s name into the record and ordered him to remain in custody.
Further information is not being released about the case at this time because the suspect is a juvenile.
A certification hearing to determine if he will be tried as an adult is set for July 30 at 2:30 p.m.
Judge Kellogg identified the suspect on the court record, but until such time as he’s certified as an adult neither the St. Joseph Post nor Eagle Communications will name the teen. It’s our policy to not identify minors accused of crimes, unless they’re certified as adults.
…and the winner is: “Pass on Left, Drive on Right”
Transportation officials would like to hear what you think they should put on those signs.
MoDOT posts safety message on 250 signs on interstates and major highways across Missouri. From mid-May to mid-June, more than 830 people voted on their favorite message out of a list of 16 messages used on Missouri’s signs. The top three messages to receive votes are:
1. Pass on Left, Drive on Right
2. Put Down Your Phone and Drive
3. Turn Signals The Original Instant Message
The primary purpose of the dynamic message signs is to convey critical information to motorists about lane closures or complete road closures. When the roads are clear of incidents, the signs convey safety messages to get motorists’ attention.
“The results of the vote show us the messages regarding driver behavior concerns are the ones motorists like the most including passing, distracted driving and use of turn signals,” said MoDOT Traffic Management and Operations Engineer Jon Nelson. “We also received many ideas for new messages from our customers, which we will incorporate into our messaging over the coming months.”
Each month MoDOT staff develops a set of messages related to certain themes suited for a particular month or time of year. For example, July includes a DWI enforcement effort by the Missouri State Highway Patrol as well as heavy summer vacation travel and hot temperatures. Messages during July are focused on not drinking and driving, buckling up, proper use of the passing lane and reminders not to leave kids in hot cars. The message themes change each month.
“Our goal is to find ways to get the safety message to drivers so people will stop, think and make the right safety choice before they drive without a seatbelt or pick up their phone and text while they drive,” said Nelson.
Missourians are invited to continue to submit their ideas for new messages. The space on the sign is limited to three lanes with 16 spaces on each line. Message topics and ideas can be emailed to MoDOT at MoMessageBoards@modot.mo.gov.