Arson suspect scheduled for arraignment
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 37-year-old man arrested back in April for a series of arson fires is expected back in court Friday where he’ll be arraigned on nine counts of arson.
The fires are alleged to have occurred on two different dates on April 7 and April 23. Deputy Andrew Soule had testified at the preliminary hearing that he was sent to the fires on April 23 and noticed shoe prints at two locations he believed matched each other. When they made contact with James Farra, they asked to see his shoes. The defendant provided a pair of work boots and a pair of tennis shoes. The work boots, according to the deputy, matched what he saw at two locations where fires were set. Farra was arrested and later interviewed by Sheriff Detective Richard Jennings. During that interview, Farra allegedly admitted setting as many as six of the fires.
Allegedly someone also saw Farra setting some of the fires and that he gave that person a false name. The fires were all in pastures in the county and in at least nine different locations.
The arraignment is scheduled in front Judge Trish Rose.
Hutch area man scheduled for sentencing in theft case involving thousands of dollars
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson area man who entered a “guilty” plea to one count of felony theft is scheduled for sentencing Friday.
Mahlon Stutzman admitted that between Jan. 1, 2011, and Jan. 1, 2014, he scammed five men out of $493,000. The state says he gave false representation to the victims to deprive them of their money.
The charge has a sentencing range between two years, seven months, to eleven years and four months in prison, not to mention any request for restitution.
He remains jailed on a bond of $100,000 and sentencing will be in front of Judge Joe McCarville.
Teen arrested on unlawful sex charge
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – An 18-year-old Hutchinson man made a first appearance in court this morning on a single charge of unlawful voluntary sexual relations.
Darion A. Maxey is alleged to have sex numerous times with a girl 14-years-old. In court, Judge Joe McCarville indicated from the police affidavit that it may have happened as many as 10-times.
Maxey was arrested Wednesday and jailed on a bond of only $1,500. He’ll be back in court on July 23, or whenever the state files formal charges.