Sunflower State News

A federal grand jury in Wichita has indicted Vicente Rodriguez, 45, of Wichita on one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting.

In separate indictments, John J. Hicks Jr., 38, also of Wichita, faces charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is handling the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting.

Robert D. Veales, 31, from Wichita was indicted on one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and two counts related to ammunition possession as a prohibited person. The ATF is investigating this case as well, with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak.

Jacob Navarrette, 34, also from Wichita, was indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography. The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force is leading the investigation; Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting.

The indictment involving child pornography falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative started in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to address child sexual exploitation and abuse through collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies to find and prosecute offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Authorities emphasize that an indictment is only an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.