Duston J. Slinkard Acting United States Attorney for the District of Kansas | Department of Justice
Duston J. Slinkard Acting United States Attorney for the District of Kansas | Department of Justice
A federal grand jury in Topeka has indicted a Kansas man for allegedly committing an assault on Tribal land. According to court documents, Wesley Reel Bennett, 23, from Topeka, faces one count of assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. The incident reportedly occurred in June 2025 when Bennett is accused of assaulting and seriously injuring a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation within its Tribal territory.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting is prosecuting the case.
In related indictments, Hector Alvarado, 55, also from Topeka, was charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. This case is under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting handling prosecution.
Additionally, Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, from Baxter Springs was indicted on charges including receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography. The FBI is investigating this case as well, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart leading prosecution efforts.
It should be noted that an indictment represents only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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