On Nov. 13, Hakeem W. Malik entered a no-contest plea to a single count of criminal damage to property, which the court accepted, finding him guilty.

According to court documents, the crime occurred on Apr. 9, 2020, in the C2 cell house of the Lansing Correctional Facility at 301 E. Kansas Ave., Lansing.

Inmates had control of the living unit for approximately eight hours, during which they destroyed windows, computers and other equipment. The damage was estimated at $30,000. After the riot ended, Malik admitted to damaging property, and investigators reviewing security footage observed him carrying a chain with a lock attached, according to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.

“These situations are extremely dangerous for everyone involved,” Thompson said. “I’m thankful that no one, including the officers, was physically injured.

Sentencing in the case is scheduled for Dec. 13, 2024.

Man faces sentencing after fraudulently inflating tip amounts to boost earnings

A 29-year-old former restaurant employee has been found guilty of inflating tip amounts to fraudulently increase his earnings.

During a plea hearing on Nov. 12, Taylor Roy, of Kansas City, Mo., entered a no-contest plea to a single count of theft. The court accepted his plea and found him guilty.

Between Dec. 18, 2020, and Feb. 11, 2021, Roy entered fraudulent tip amounts on credit card transactions. At the end of each shift, he received cash payments based on the inflated tip amounts he had entered.

The victim, a national chain restaurant located south of downtown Leavenworth, ultimately did not receive payment from the credit card companies, resulting in a loss of $7,839.56.

Pursuant to Roy’s plea agreement, he agreed to pay restitution in the full amount of $7,839.56.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 18, according to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.

“Unfortunately scams can and do happen,” Thompson said. “Inflating tip amounts on a receipt is just one of many ways a restaurant employee might scheme their employer out of money.

“Training, supervision and monitoring of credit card receipts for inconsistencies are a few ways businesses can protect themselves from falling victim.”