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Leavenworth man convicted for using jail phone to make over 30 calls to witness

By Staff | Jan 29, 2025

Joel Walsh

The Leavenworth County Justice Center at 601 S. Third St., Leavenworth

A 21-year-old Leavenworth man has been convicted of using a jail phone system to make more than 30 calls to a woman who was set to testify against him, according to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.

On Oct. 8, 2024, Christian M. Harris was served with a protection order while in jail, prohibiting him from contacting, stalking, harassing, threatening, abusing or interfering with the protected party.

According to court documents, Harris violated this order 31 times by using the jail’s phone system, HomeWAVE, through accounts belonging to other inmates. This included an account registered to Kaden Bentley, who was convicted earlier this month for using Snapchat to post a threat targeting a Leavenworth school. Of the 31 calls Harris made, he successfully contacted the victim on seven occasions.

During a court hearing on Jan. 24 in Leavenworth County District Court, Christian M. Harris entered a no-contest plea to a charge of attempted aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim. The judge accepted the plea, resulting in a guilty verdict.

In addition to that case, Harris has multiple Leavenworth County convictions, including felony criminal possession of a firearm and felony interference with law enforcement.

“Attempting to intimidate a witness or victim undermines the integrity of the justice system and threatens public safety,” Thompson said. “Victims have the right to seek justice and face the accused without fear.

“As prosecutors, we aim to ensure everyone has the right to a fair trial. Those who attempt to obstruct that process will most likely be held accountable and face prosecution.”

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 7 at Leavenworth County District Court.