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Prosecutor News

Prosecutor Finds Police Shooting was Justified

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd has determined that Leavenworth, Kansas police officers were justified when they shot a man who had fled from a rape scene. Johnathan Heath-Taylor died after being shot on Highway 92 before Stillings Road in Platte County in the early morning hours of August 10, 2023.

Zahnd said, "This man had just committed a forcible felony, and he repeatedly refused officers' commands. He then quickly reached into a backpack and pulled out what officers believed was a gun and pointed it at them. For the safety of themselves and other motorists, officers fired, and Mr. Heath-Taylor later died from those gunshots. It's a tragic outcome that the officers did everything they could to avoid."

After Heath-Taylor fled the rape scene on August 10, 2023, he led officers on a chase through Leavenworth. Officers successfully stopped his car once, but Heath-Taylor drove away as officers approached with their weapons drawn.

Heath-Taylor later pulled over on Highway 92 before Stillings Road at 1:46 a.m. Officers gave Heath-Taylor multiple commands, which he refused. Instead, Heath-Taylor told officers, “You might as well just do it. Just go ahead and shoot me. Just get it over with. You are going to have to shoot me, I am not going back to jail." Heath-Taylor had also sent a text message to his father prior to the incident, saying,  “Love you papa. . . I’m a lost cause.”

Prior to the shooting, one of the officers told Heath-Taylor, “Please don’t do this.  It is not worth it,” The officer also said, “Please don’t make me do this,” and “We are begging you not to do this. We do not want to hurt you.”

As traffic approached the scene, officers shot two bean bag rounds at Heath-Taylor. Heath-Taylor then quickly pulled his hand from inside a backpack, He pulled his hand out, holding a black object in his hand and pointed it in the direction of the officers. Multiple officers  stated they believed this motion indicated Mr. Heath-Taylor had a gun and was pointing it at them, though the object was likely a cell phone, as no gun was found near Heath-Taylor.

Multiple officers fired their weapons at Mr. Heath-Taylor, and he later died at North Kansas City Hospital.

Zahnd issued a 15-page report explaining his decision and cataloguing the evidence prosecutors reviewed before reaching the decision. Prosecutors reviewed 365 pages of documents, as well as multiple videos and audio interviews, including footage from officers' dash and body cameras.

Zahnd released still photos and video from the moments just before the shooting.

“Leavenworth police officers tried everything possible before discharging their weapons. In the end, to protect themselves and other motorists, they were forced to shoot Mr. Heath-Taylor. Missouri law authorizes law enforcement officers to use deadly force to protect themselves and others, and their actions were reasonable and justifiable given the circumstances.”

Zahnd’s report ends by stating that the matter is considered closed and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will not consider action of any kind against the law enforcement officers involved.

The shooting was investigated by the Platte County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to Zahnd, First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sydney Alizadeh participated in the review and decision-making process related to the officers’ use of force.

A copy of the report can be found here

Father Gets 10 Years After House Fire Kills Three Children

A Platte County man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for child endangerment and possessing methamphetamine after three children--two of them his sons--died in a 2021 house fire. David J. Hardy pleaded guilty to his crimes and received the sentence on February 5.

Hardy, David

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "There is no doubt that the last thing this man wanted was for children to die in a horrible fire. He will have to live with that horrible reality the rest of his life. But he also needed to be held accountable under Missouri law."

In addition to Hardy, four children were in the home on North Avalon Street in the Kansas City portion of Platte County on July 14, 2021, when it caught fire, possibly due to a torch lighter Hardy used to clean his methamphetamine pipes. Three of the children, ages three, four, and 10, died in the fire. Hardy and an older child escaped.

Investigators found drug paraphernalia and evidence of methamphetamine use during a search of the house following the fire. Hardy's girlfriend, Elizabeth Kennison, told investigators Hardy often used methamphetamine and would fall asleep, leaving the children unsupervised. 

Hardy admitted to investigators that he used methamphetamine and often "crashed hard" as he was coming down from using the drug. 

Hardy pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree and possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to six years in prison for child endangerment and four years in prison for drug possession. Pursuant to the recommendation of Zahnd's office, those sentences were ordered to run consecutively to one another, resulting in the 10-year prison sentence. 

Kennison, who also lived in the house and was the mother of one of the children who died, pleaded guilty earlier this year to misdemeanor child endangerment and was sentenced to two years probation. Kennison was at work when the fire occurred, but she knew of Hardy's drug use and had used methamphetamine in the home with the children present on other occasions.

Zahnd said, "David Hardy was high on meth and passed out when the fire in his house started, ultimately killing three young boys. I can't think of a more clear example of child endangerment. While this prison sentence won't bring those boys back, I hope it sends a message to others: Don't use illegal drugs--especially when you're responsible for children."

Shoplifter gets Seven Years in Prison

Betts, William

A man who shoplifted clothing valued at $391.13 from four stores at Zona Rosa has been sentenced to seven years in prison. William M. Betts has 26 prior stealing-related offenses and 30 other crimes--mostly misdemeanors and ordinance violations--on his record.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "It's true this man only stole a misdemeanor amount of goods, but it's also true that he is a prolific shoplifter who obviously won't stop stealing unless he is behind bars. Fortunately, Judge Ann Hansbrough made certain that he won't have the opportunity to steal again for several years."

Betts was arrested by a Kansas City police officer on January 19, 2023, after a disturbance. He was initially detained by a Zona Rosa security guard. Betts was already known to be a high-volume shoplifter and for trespassing in stores from which he had been barred from entering.

Police searched Betts' backpack and found items from Victoria's Secret, Victoria's Secret PINK, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Forever 21 in the bag. All of the items still had price tags attached.

Surveillance video from Victoria's Secret showed Betts shoplifting. When asked what he was doing, Betts initially denied stealing, but he later admitted to shoplifting from each location, saying he was "boosting like a motherf-----." "Boosting" is slang for stealing.

Betts has 56 prior convictions for municipal and state offenses dating back to 1991. Twenty-six of those convictions are for stealing-related offenses. 

Given Betts' criminal history and using a special provision of Missouri law, Zahnd's office charged Betts with a felony, even though the amount of goods found would typically only qualify as a misdemeanor offense. Zahnd's office also charged Betts as a persistent felony offender, increasing his maximum possible sentence from four to seven years in prison, the sentence ultimately sought by Zahnd's office and imposed by Judge Hansbrough.

Zahnd said, "Some people view shoplifting as merely a nuisance offense, but the truth is that stealing from stores is running rampant. Retail theft exceeds $100 billion a year, which costs each of us every day as consumers. And shoplifting has become increasingly violent, too often putting employees, customers, and police at grave risk."

Zahnd serves as one of five prosecutors on the nationwide Retail Crime Advisory Board, a partnership created by the National District Attorneys Association and the Retail Industry Leaders Association. The Board works to improve information-sharing and responses from law enforcement to retail crime. 

"Retailers and prosecutors are working more closely than ever before to turn the tide against shoplifting," Zahnd said. "For too long, retailers failed to fully cooperate with law enforcement officials and one another to help catch serial shoplifters, and many police and prosecutors failed to fully investigate and zealously prosecute those crimes. Our goal is to change that all across the United States."

Betts' case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jaclyn Taylor.

Prosecutor's Office Provides Early Christmas for Child Victims

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s office WE CARE team with Santa & Mrs. Claus

The Platte County Prosecuting Attorney's Office provided an early Christmas for several children who have been victimized by crime. The children had the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, received gifts, completed craft projects, decorated Christmas cookies, and had lunch with staff from the prosecutor's office on December 15.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "Our victim advocates, who work tirelessly every day on behalf of crime victims, spearheaded this effort to host a Christmas celebration for children who have been victimized by abuse or other crimes. The entire office joined in the celebration, and we hope we made the holiday season a little brighter for these special kids."

The event was hosted as part of the Zahnd's WE CARE program, where members of his office spend a Friday afternoon each quarter helping others. During previous WE CARE events, prosecutors and staff have volunteered at a local non-profit agency. This time, however, members of the office planned and carried out the event themselves.

The idea for the holiday celebration originated with Chris Poepping, Zahnd's long-standing office administrator. "The joy of seeing Christmas through the eyes of children is hoping that we are playing a role in holiday magic that might stay with them for the rest of their lives," she said.

Poepping, Victim Advocates Tanya Faherty, Adriana Jones, Kalei Becerra, and Breanna Highfill, and Child Support Advocates Heather Taylor and Sydnie Stewart coordinated the event, bought toys, decorated a county meeting room, arranged lunch, led craft activities, helped spread icing with children on Christmas cookies, and made sure Santa and Mrs. Clause were able to appear.

Victim Advocate Adriana Jones said, “We typically only get to see these kids during some of the worst times of their lives. Seeing their huge smiles filled with excitement, joy, and happiness about Santa, gifts, and cookies makes the hard job we do more than worth it.”

Possible Additional Victims Sought in Public Exposure Case

James Jones

A man who exposed himself and completed a sex act in public has been charged with aggravated first degree sexual abuse, and authorities are asking that any other possible victims report any similar conduct by the man. James D. Jones II was charged in Platte County on December 8.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "We have reason to believe this defendant may have exposed himself and completed a sex act in public on other occasions. We believe he may have done so in the presence of middle-aged women or possibly others. We urge anyone who believes they may have witnessed such an act or have been victimized by this defendant to contact police."

Anyone who believes they may have witnessed or been victimized by Jones can call the Kansas City Police Department's Sex Crimes Unit at (816) 234-5520.

According to court documents, on September 13, a man alleged to be Jones was shopping in the children's section of a Platte County retail store. As an employee used the computer terminal in the store, Jones stood behind her. The woman allegedly felt him touch her lower back. 

James Jones pictured inside the store

The woman asked what Jones was doing, and he denied touching her. She then felt her lower back, which was wet. The woman yelled at Jones and told him to leave, which he did.

Court documents also state that the woman's jeans were recovered for testing, and the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory identified semen on the jeans.

If convicted of aggravated first degree sexual abuse, Jones faces up to 15 years in prison. Jones is currently in custody. His bond has been set at $100,000 cash only.

Zahnd referred the public to a photo of Jones taken at the retail store and to a headshot of Jones.

The case is being investigated by the Kansas City Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Amanda Hanson.

The charge against Jones is merely an accusation, and Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

You can find the charging documents regarding this case here and here

Platte County Jury Convicts Woman of Robbing Teen

Spotz, Rebecca

A Platte County jury has convicted a woman of acting together with a five-time felon to steal an 18-year-old's ATM card at knifepoint and then using it to withdraw $380 from his bank account. Rebecca Spotz was found guilty after a four-day trial that concluded on November 30, where the jury recommended a 20-year sentence for robbery and an eight-year sentence for armed criminal action.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "This defendant will now serve a lengthy prison term because she joined forces with a five-time convicted felon to rob a teenager. She was the brains of this robbery scheme, and he provided the brawn."

At trial, prosecutors proved that in February 2021, Christopher Mejia held an 18-year-old victim at knifepoint and demanded his debit card and PIN number. Spotz gave Mejia the knife used in the robbery.

Mejia threatened the victim, telling him, “Do you know who I am? Do you know what I’m about? I don’t play around. I've been to prison.”

After the victim gave Mejia his debit card, Mejia handed it to Spotz, who drove to an ATM in Gladstone and used it to withdraw $380 from the victim’s bank account. Video from the ATM's camera of Spotz using the victim's debit card was played during the trial.

Mejia held the victim at a house where the robbery occurred and continued to threaten him until Spotz returned with the money.

At the time of the robbery, Mejia had been on parole from the Missouri Department of Corrections for just 100 days on an attempted first degree robbery conviction.

Spotz will be required to serve 85% of her sentence on the robbery conviction prior to becoming eligible for parole. She must serve at least three years of the armed criminal action sentence, which under Missouri law must run consecutively to the robbery sentence.

Zahnd said, "This robbery initially netted the defendant $380. It may now cost her more than two decades in prison. I'm thankful to this jury for sending the message that, in Platte County, holding a knife to a teenager's throat to steal his money does not pay."

The case was investigated by the Kansas City Police Department. It was tried by First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kaitlynn Donnelly.

Child Sex Offender Sentenced to 75 Years in Platte County

Nathan Hershley

A man who sexually abused a girl while living in Weston was sentenced to 75 years in prison on November 20. Nathan Clark Hershley, of Savannah, had earlier pleaded guilty in July to repeatedly abusing the victim while she was between the ages of six and 15. 

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "Although nothing will erase the years of abuse this victim suffered at the hands of this defendant, this sentence will ensure he will not be able to abuse another child. The victim and her mother are to be commended for their bravery in reporting this abuse to authorities, which ultimately led to this sentence." 

On September 2, 2018, the victim’s mother reported to the Andrew County Sheriff’s Office that her daughter had disclosed sexual abuse at the hands of Hershley for many years. 

Prior to making the report, the victim’s mother discovered letters in her daughter’s room from Hershley suggesting a sexual relationship between the two. When she asked her daughter about the letters, the victim disclosed Hershley began to abuse her at the age of six when he kissed her on the mouth and told her not to tell anyone, saying “this will be our little secret." The victim told her mother that the abuse escalated to include far worse sexual acts. 

Zahnd commended the collaboration between the Andrew County Sheriff's Office and the Platte City Sheriff's Office to investigate the case. “This case is an example of excellent collaboration between jurisdictions, with two Sheriff's Offices working together to bring a prolific sexual predator to justice.”

Hershley entered an Alford guilty plea, in which refused to admit guilt but conceded there was sufficient evidence to convict him at trial.

Judge Thomas C. Fincham sentenced Hershley to 75 years in prison on three counts of statutory sodomy, 75 years on one count of statutory rape, and four years in prison on another count, all of which will run concurrently with one another. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Blake Sherer and Amanda Hanson.

Prosecutors Get Out of Courtroom and Into Nature

Platte County prosecutors got out of the courtroom and into nature on October 6, spending the afternoon planting trees and groundcover in the Sullivan Nature Sanctuary in Parkville.

The afternoon of service was part of the office's WE CARE program, where prosecutors and staff work together one Friday afternoon each quarter to benefit a Platte County nonprofit or governmental agency.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "I firmly believe that helping our community helps us become better prosecutors. Prosecutors who know their county well are better advocates in court for victims of crime from that same county."

Prosecutors and staff spent a blustery fall afternoon helping improve Sullivan Nature Sanctuary by planting dozens of trees and groundcover to beautify the park and reduce erosion. The WE CARE group from the prosecutor's office has previously volunteered at Synergy Services, Hillcrest Platte County, and The Farmer's House.


The Sullivan Nature Sanctuary is located in Downtown Parkville just down the street from the well-known Parkville Nature Sanctuary. The land was donated by members of the Sullivan family and was dedicated in memory of Edgar and Ruth Sullivan, as well as other family members. The Sanctuary has multiple trails, a scenic overlook, and acres of natural space. It is managed by the Parkville Parks and Recreation Department.

Brittanie Propes, Director of the Parkville Parks and Recreation Department, said, "The City is grateful to have volunteer groups like the Platte County prosecutors who give back the community and support our efforts to decrease invasive species, increase plant biodiversity, and bring awareness to local gems like Sullivan Nature Sanctuary."

To learn more about the Sullivan Nature Sanctuary, visit www.platteparks.com/park/sullivan-nature-sanctuary.

Two Child Sex Offenders Sentenced to 20 Years Each in Special Prosecutions Handled by Platte County

Caleb Robert Morris

Two child sex offenders sentenced to 20 years each in special prosecutions handled by Platte County

One defendant was county's jail administrator

Platte County prosecutors obtained 20-year sentences on the same day against child sex offenders in special prosecutions handled in Benton and Holt Counties. On October 4, Nicholas Murphy, Benton County's jail administrator, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for multiple child sex crimes. In Holt County, Caleb Robert Morris, of Holt County, received the same sentence.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd, "When our prosecutor colleagues have a conflict or need help, we stand ready and willing to assist. It's vital that justice be done, particularly against criminals who prey on children."

Murphy, who resided in Warsaw, was the Benton County Sheriff’s Department Jail Administrator when he committed multiple sex crimes against a family member.

His crimes were reported to the Missouri State Highway Patrol in November 2021, and Zahnd was appointed in December as special prosecutor given Murphy's employment with the Sheriff's Department.

Nicholas Murphy

On October 4, Murphy pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison on one count of statutory sodomy in the second degree, one count of statutory rape in the second degree and two counts of incest.

Murphy admitted he sexually abused a family member when she was under the age of 17. Kaitlynn Donnelly, an assistant proseucting attorney for Zahnd, also informed the Court that the defendant took the victim to New Mexico in 2018 for an abortion after he raped her.

Zahnd said, “Sex crimes against children are always appalling and difficult to comprehend. But it is almost unimaginable that a member of the law enforcement community--a person who has promised to protect and serve the community--would commit this sort of unspeakable crime.”

Murphy's case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kaitlynn Donnelly.

In the Holt County case against Morris, Zahnd's was appointed due to a conflict in the county prosecuting attorney's office.

In that case, Morris pleaded guilty to statutory sodomy in the first degree on August 9. He admitted sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl. Because the victim was under 12 years old at the time of the crime, Morris must serve at least 85% of his 20-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Morris' case was investigated by the Holt County Sheriff's Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Justin Kalwei and Sydney Alizadeh.

Five-time Convicted Felon Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison

Christopher Mejia, 48.

A St. Joseph man who had only been out of prison for 100 days before holding an 18-year-old at knifepoint so he could steal his debit card has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. Christopher Mejia, 48, received the sentence on July 28 after a Platte County jury convicted him of felony stealing and armed criminal action in March.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, “This defendant is the textbook definition of a career criminal. When he’s not in prison, he will victimize innocent people. He is exactly the type of person we build prisons for. However, given Missouri's revolving door prison policy, I fear he will again be paroled early.” 

Jurors found Mejia guilty after a three-day trial. Given Mejia’s five prior felonies, Zahnd’s office used a provision of Missouri law to charge Mejia as a persistent felony offender, which increased the sentences he could receive.

At trial, prosecutors proved that in February 2021, Mejia held an 18-year-old victim at knifepoint and demanded his debit card and PIN number. Mejia threatened the victim, telling him, “Do you know who I am? Do you know what I’m about? I don’t play around.”

After the victim gave Mejia his debit card, Mejia handed it to an accomplice, who then used it at an ATM to withdraw $380 from the victim’s bank account.

That transaction was captured on the bank’s ATM camera and was played during the trial. Mejia continued to hold the victim at knifepoint until the accomplice returned with the money.

At the time of the incident, Mejia was on parole from the Missouri Department of Corrections after being convicted of attempted first degree robbery.

As a result of Zahnd’s decision to charge him as a persistent felony offender, Mejia faced up to 10 years in prison on the stealing charge and a maximum of 15 years in prison for the armed criminal action charge. Under Missouri law, those sentences must run consecutively to one another.

Zahnd’s office sought the maximum possible sentence of 25 years for Mejia, but Judge Ann Hansbrough gave him an 18-year sentence.

Zahnd said, “We often talk about second chances, and I believe many people deserve a second chance. But we can’t keep giving hardened criminals third, fourth, and even fifth chances. At some point, we have to say ‘enough is enough.’ That’s why my office sought the maximum possible sentence against Mr. Mejia, and I worry that even an 18-year sentence may enable him to hit the streets again where he can do further harm.”

The case was investigated by the Kansas City Police Department. It was tried by First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kaitlynn Donnelly.

Platte CARES Diversion Program Celebrates 100th Graduate

Frashonda Grayson (Left) receiving her graduation certificate from Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd (Right).

After just two years in operation, the Platte CARES program has recognized its 100th graduate. Platte CARES is a crime diversion program operated by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office that allows first-time, nonviolent offenders a chance to avoid a criminal record if they admit their wrongdoing, perform community service, remain crime- and drug-free, work or continue their education, and, where appropriate, make restitution.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, “In just two years, Platte CARES has already made a huge impact on individual lives and our entire county. We’ve helped 100 people avoid a criminal record while still holding them accountable, and participants have made our community better by performing 2,790 hours of community service.”

Frashonda Grayson is the 100th graduate of Platte CARES. She had been charged with shoplifting from a retail store located in Zona Rosa, but those charges were dismissed after she completed the Platte CARES program.

As part of the program, Grayson performed 30 hours of community service, completed a class regarding the harm caused by shoplifting, and paid restitution of $643.

Grayson received her graduation certificate on June 1 at the quarterly meeting of the Platte CARES Community Advisory Board, which is comprised of nine community members who help guide the program.

Grayson spoke about the impact of Platte CARES. “Platte CARES transformed my life,” she said. “I was on the wrong path, and the program pushed me to consider it from a different perspective. I'm very relieved the Platte CARES team believed my mistake didn't define who I am. I've discovered from Platte CARES that good people do make mistakes, but they learn and grow from them.”

Platte CARES stands for Platte Community Alternative with Restorative and Educational Services. Zahnd started the program as an option for first-time, nonviolent offenders who were not eligible to enter Platte County’s DWI, drug, mental health, or veterans’ court programs.

The goals of Platte CARES are to reduce court caseloads, decrease incarceration, and lower recidivism, hopefully by diverting participants from future involvement with the criminal justice system for the rest of their lives.

Zahnd said, “It’s no secret that my office is very aggressive when it comes to violent and sexual offenders. I welcome that reputation, because I want to keep Platte County as safe as it can be. But I also know that we need to treat fundamentally good people who have made a mistake differently than hardened, dangerous criminals. Platte CARES helps us do exactly that.”.

Career Criminal Task Force Recognized at Crime Victims' Lunch

The Kansas City Police Department's Career Criminal Task Force received the 16th Annual Sara Andrasek Memorial Award on April 28. The award was part of the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney's Office's yearly luncheon as part of national Crime Victims' Rights Week.

Kansas City Police Department Chief Stacey Graves was the keynote speaker at the free luncheon, which was held at First Baptist Church of Platte City and was attended by more than 100 people.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "It was fitting that Chief Graves spoke at a luncheon that recognized KCPD's Career Criminal Task Force. She was one of the first members of that unit, which has done great things for so many victims of crime."

During her remarks, Graves spoke of her work with the Career Criminal Task Force finding the body of a young murder victim using cell phone location data. She talked about how she would never forget that young girl. 

"Victims need police and police need to serve victims," Graves said. She urged the community as a whole to elevate victim voices, and said the case involving the young female victim continues to resonate with her.

Platte County First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson recounted a handful of Platte County cases where the Career Criminal Task Force was instrumental in bringing lawbreakers to justice in Platte County. Gibson noted that those cases represented only a fraction of many cases in which the Task Force has helped crime victims by bringing violent and dangerous criminals to justice.

More than 20 current and former members of the Career Criminal Task Force were present at the luncheon. The Task Force's current and former supervisors, Sergeant Billy VonWolf and Eric Greenwell, accepted the award on behalf of the Task Force.

Sara Andrasek's mother, Janet Williams, helped Zahnd present the award. The award is given each year in Andrasek's memory. She was raped and murdered in 2001 while pregnant with her first child. Zahnd’s office and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department were in the final stages of preparing a death penalty case against Wayne Dumond when Dumond died while in custody.

A photo including past and present members of the Career Criminal Task Force is attached. Janet Williams holds the award named in memory of her daughter, Sara Andrasek. She is flanked by Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves and Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.

If you need more information, please contact our office’s media liaison, Tanya Faherty.

Public Invited to Free Victims' Rights Luncheon

The public is invited to attend the sixteenth annual Victims’ Rights Luncheon hosted by the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The free luncheon will be held at Noon on Friday, April 28, at the First Baptist Church of Platte City, located at 17385 MO-371 in Platte City.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, “The support of the entire community is essential to helping crime victims regain hope after they have faced trauma. I hope people will come and enjoy lunch together, hear from Kansas City’s new police chief Stacey Graves, and recognize the worthy recipient of an award for helping crime victims.”

The luncheon is part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which runs from April 24 through April 30. This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” Zahnd’s office has hosted an event as part of the national observance since 2006.

Kansas City Police Department Chief Stacey Graves will speak at the luncheon. Graves became chief in December 2022, having begun her career with the department as a civilian records clerk in 1997. She is the first woman in KCPD’s 148-year history to be named the permanent police chief.

The luncheon will also feature the presentation of the sixteenth annual Sara Andrasek Memorial Award, which recognizes particularly outstanding service to crime victims.

Andrasek was pregnant with her first child when she was raped and murdered. Zahnd’s office and the Kansas City Police Department were in the final stages of preparing a death penalty case against Wayne Dumond for his crimes when Dumond died while in custody.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact our office's media liaison, Tanya Faherty.

Platte County Jury Convicts Repeat Offender

Christopher Mejia, 43

A St. Joseph man who had been out of prison for less than four months has been convicted of felony stealing and armed criminal action. Christopher Mejia, 43, was found guiltyby a Platte County jury on March 29 after a three-day jury trial.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, “Within months of his release from prison, this career criminal committed another armed offense. Rest assured, my office will seek to put him in prison for decades, so he cannot prey on another Platte County citizen.”

At trial, prosecutors proved that in February 2021, Mejia held an 18-year-old victim at knifepoint and demanded his debit card and PIN number.

Mejia threatened the victim, telling him, “Do you know who I am? Do you know what I’m about? I don’t play around.”

After the victim gave Mejia his debit card, Mejia handed it to an accomplice, who then used it at an ATM in Gladstone to withdraw $380 from the victim’s bank account.

That transaction was captured on the bank’s ATM camera and was played during the trial. Mejia continued to hold the victim at knifepoint until the accomplice returned with the money.

At the time of the incident, Mejia was on parole from the Missouri Department of Corrections on an attempted first degree robbery conviction.

Using a provision of Missouri law that allows prosecutors to enhance criminal penalties for repeat felony offenders, Zahnd’s office successfully sought to have Mejia designated as a persistent felony offender. As a result, Mejia faces up to 10 years in prison on the stealing charge and a minimum of three years in prison for armed criminal action. Under Missouri law, those sentences must run consecutively to one another.

Zahnd said, “This man is the very definition of a career criminal. Even while on parole, he used a weapon to steal from another person. He’s exactly the kind of dangerous person who should spend decades in prison.”

Mejia is set to be sentenced on June 2. He is currently being held in the Platte County jail.

The case was investigated by the Kansas City Police Department. It was tried by First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kaitlynn Donnelly.

Physician Sentenced to 27 Years for Child Sexual Abuse

Jonathan Phillipe

A physician who practiced in Platte City has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl. Dr. Jonathan Philippe, 43, received the sentence on March 21 after being found guilty by a jury in February of multiple counts related to his abuse of the girl.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "This sentence sends the message that, regardless of one's station in life, child sexual abuse will be severely punished in Platte County. No one is above the law--particularly when a child is abused." 

At trial, prosecutors proved that Philippe began sexually abusing a young girl who was not a patient or family member in early 2020. She disclosed the abuse to another adult, who then reported it to the Platte County Sheriff’s Department.

Philippe testified during the trial, and his criminal defense lawyer spent much time asking about his medical practice. At sentencing, he referred to his status as a physician, spoke at length about making hundreds of thousands of dollars every year, and criticized the jury for its verdict.

Zahnd said, “Doctors are usually among the most respected people in any community, especially in relatively small cities like Platte City. To this doctor's dismay, the jury saw him for what he was: a dangerous man who preyed on a young child." 

The jury recommended sentences of 10 years on two counts of statutory sodomy, seven years for attempted enticement and three years for child molestation. With the exception of ordering the enticement and molestation counts to run concurrently, the court ran all of the counts consecutively, as required by Missouri law, resulting in the 27-year sentence. Phillippe must serve 85% of much of his sentence, meaning he will not be eligible for parole until sometime in the 2040s.

The case was investigated by the Platte County Sheriff’s Department. The victim was treated at Children’s Mercy Hospital and completed a child forensic interview at Synergy Services. The case was tried by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Myles Perry and First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson.

Prosecutor's Office Volunteers at Hillcrest Platte County

Prosecutors serve the community every day, but not usually in the same way as lawbreakers who must complete community service as a term of probation. 

Once a quarter in Platte County, however, the prosecutor's office spends a Friday afternoon volunteering for a community partner--often one of the same partners who accept probationers who must complete community service. That was true on March 17, as prosecutors and other staff members worked at the Hillcrest Platte County Thrift Shop.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "Our WE CARE program ensures members of my office get out into the community we serve. Doing so makes us better prosecutors, and it also helps make Platte County a better place."

Zahnd's office staff spent the afternoon building new shelving, sorting incoming clothing, marking items, and bagging purchases for customers.

Operating since 2002, Hillcrest Platte County now has 33 fully-furnished apartments to house local people who are homeless--even though they have full-time employment--while they complete Hillcrest's short-term program. Hillcrest also has a program for young adults as they finish high school and go on to further their education to be able to earn a family sustaining wage. Both programs teach life skills that help people to pay down their debt and create a budget and savings to take them independently into the future. 

One of Hillcrest's funding sources is the Platte City Thrift Shop, along with two others shops elsewhere in the county. According to Hillcrest Platte County Executive Director Donice Mahan,  "Without dedicated volunteers and community service workers, we would not be able to accomplish all that we do at our three shops. We view the shops as a lighthouse in the community where folks can come to feel welcomed and make affordable living a reality."

Zahnd said the WE CARE program encourages prosecutors and office staff to get involved with community organizations by volunteering. "It's good to know the community we represent in court, and volunteering at a local not-for-profit agency helps us do that," he said.

Mahan echoed that sentiment. "HPC is thrilled to have Platte County prosecutors and staff volunteer at the same site where they have supplied many workers via community service requirements as part of probation or diversion," she said. "Having the prosecutor's office on site to help as well as visualize where they send citizens for community service is beneficial to all concerned. They can see how community service not only supports Hillcrest but also opens up opportunities for different life choices for people who have committed a crime."

For more information about Hillcrest Platte County or to volunteer to serve there, go to hillcrestplatte.org.

Physician Found Guilty of Child Sexual Abuse

Jonathan Philippe

A Platte City physician has been convicted by a jury of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl. Dr. Jonathan Philippe, 43, was found guilty on February 3 of two counts of statutory sodomy in the first degree, one count of attempted enticement of a child, and one count of child molestation in the third degree after a five-day trial.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "The young victim in this case hesitated to disclose her abuse for fear that no one would believe her. But a Platte County jury did believe her. She showed extraordinary courage in reporting these awful crimes, and the jury’s verdict reinforces that no one is above the law.”

Prosecutors proved that in early 2020, Philippe began sexually abusing a young girl who was not a patient or family member. She disclosed the abuse to another adult, who ultimately reported it to the Platte County Sheriff’s Department.

Philippe testified during the trial, and his criminal defense lawyer spent much time asking about his medical practice. During the trial's sentencing phase, he again took the stand and refused to accept responsibility for his actions, claiming that the jury “believed the wrong person,” despite having been found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Zahnd said, “This defendant relied on his stature in the community as a physician to try to get away with abusing a teenager. Fortunately, his power and prestige did not prevent him from being held accountable for his terrible crimes.”

The jury recommended sentences of 10 years on each count of statutory sodomy, seven years for attempted enticement and three years for child molestation. By law, those sentences are required to run consecutively, meaning Philippe will serve a 30-year prison sentence.

Sentencing is set for March 24, 2023. Philippe is currently being held in the Platte County jail on a $500,000 cash-only bond.

The case was investigated by the Platte County Sheriff’s Department. The victim was treated at Children’s Mercy Hospital and completed a child forensic interview at Synergy Services. The case was tried by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Myles Perry and First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson.

A photo of Philippe is attached. If you need additional information, please contact our office's media liaison, Tanya Faherty.

Repeat sex offender gets life in prison

A repeat sex offender has been sentenced to life in prison without the possiblilty of parole. Brian K. Keeling, 55, of Kansas City, received the sentence on December 16 after being found guilty by a Platte County jury in August of two counts of first degree statutory sodomy and one count of second degree statutory sodomy.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "This man is a dangerous sexual predator who hurt many people on too many occasions. It's only appropriate that he will finally spend the rest of his life in prison where he can't hurt another girl."

In the Platte County case, prosecutors proved that Keeling took two sisters, ages 12 and 14, to his home in the Platte County portion of Kansas City where he sexually abused them during summer 2021. The girls were treated at Children's Mercy Hospital, where they told employees that Keeling made them take off their clothes so he could take pictures of them. Further examination revealed one of the girls had injuries consistent with sexual assault.  

Keeling had previously been convicted of forcible rape, forcible sodomy, and kidnapping in Jackson County in 1995. He received probation in that case.

In 2003, also in Jackson County, Keeling was convicted of statutory rape and two counts of statutory sodomy. He was sentenced to seven years in prison on those charges but was paroled in 2006.


Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said, "A serial sex offender, who targeted young victims, will spend life in prison due to the coordinated efforts of law enforcement partners. The FBI, KCPD and Platte County Prosecutor's Office were committed to keeping our community safe and persistent in ensuring this dangerous offender was held accountable."

 
Both victims in the Platte County case were interviewed by an FBI Child-Adolescent Forensic Examiner, and they disclosed further sexual abuse by Keeling.

Charles Dayoub, Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City field office of the FBI said, "This sentence validates the work done by the FBI and Kansas City Police Department to bring Mr. Keeling to justice for his heinous crimes. Make no mistake about it, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to prevent and bring to justice those who prey on those most vulnerable in our community. This outcome reiterates our promise to protect our nation’s children from exploitation and ensures Mr. Keeling will face accountability for his actions.”

Because Zahnd’s office charged Keeling as a persistent sexual offender, the only possible sentence in the case upon Keeling's conviction was life in prison without the possibility of probation or parole.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas City Police Department. It was tried by First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kaitlynn Donnelly.

If you need further information, please contact our office's media liaison, Tanya Faherty, at the number below.

Eric G. Zahnd

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney

415 Third Street, Suite 60

Platte City, Missouri 64079

(816) 858-3476

Platte County Prosecutor Finds Police Used Reasonable Force in Shooting

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd has determined that the actions of law enforcement officers in shooting and killing a man wanted for murder were reasonable and justified under Missouri law. Mekiah Harris, 26, of Kansas City, Kansas, was fatally shot on May 3 near Platte City after he led police on a high-speed chase across the metro, eventually endangering motorists by driving the wrong way on Interstate 435.

Zahnd said troopers and officers on the scene gave Harris multiple opportunities to surrender, but he instead repeatedly pointed a gun at police. “Any case involving a death is a tragedy. That tragedy is compounded when the death is at the hands of law enforcement officers forced to protect their own lives and those of their fellow officers. This was an ending that no one wanted.”

Zahnd issued an 11-page report explaining his decision and cataloguing the evidence prosecutors reviewed before reaching it. Prosecutors reviewed 356 pages of documents, 15 videos, and 10 audio interviews, including footage from dash and body cameras, the armored police vehicle at the scene, and a police helicopter. The prosecutors also reviewed all post-shooting interviews and other documents before Zahnd made his determination regarding the shooting.

According to the report, Harris was wanted for a murder in Kansas City, Kansas when his vehicle was spotted near the Country Club Plaza. He fled police, evading stop sticks and eventually driving the wrong way at more than 100 miles per hour along I-435.

Harris eventually fled on foot from his vehicle near mile marker 30.6 of southbound I-435. He had a handgun, which investigation later revealed was not loaded. However, a loaded magazine fitting the weapon was found in Harris’ vehicle, and the report noted that, given the circumstances, law enforcement officers would not have been able to determine whether the handgun was loaded.

Harris ran to a residential neighborhood on Ridgeview Drive in the New Bedford Falls housing development. He was surrounded by law enforcement officers from multiple agencies.

During a 48-minute standoff, officers repeatedly directed Harris to put down his weapon and surrender, but Harris refused. Harris asked the officers to call his mother and to pray for him. At one point, officers described him holding a handgun up to his temple.

Harris also told officers how he wanted to be buried, requested that they tell his brother he was sorry, and gave officers a timeline until he would start shooting. Harris also asked if they were there because he “shot that guy.”

Footage from a police helicopter reveals that, at 10:45:06 p.m., Harris pointed his handgun in the direction of law enforcement officers. The officers still did not fire.

A few seconds later, at 10:45:43 p.m., Harris again aimed his weapon at a nearby officer. Multiple officers then fired at Mr. Harris, killing him.

Zahnd said, “Sadly, multiple attempts by law enforcement officers to de-escalate this situation failed. However, Missouri law correctly authorizes law enforcement officers to use deadly force to protect themselves and others from being shot.”

Zahnd’s report ends by stating that the matter is considered closed and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will not consider action of any kind against the law enforcement officers involved.

The shooting was investigated by the Platte County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to Zahnd, Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Myles Perry and Mike Marta and First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson participated in the review and decision-making process related to the officers’ use of force.

A copy of the report is attached. Click Here to view. If you need additional information, please contact Tanya Faherty, our office's media liaison.

Platte County Prosecutor's Office Spends Afternoon at The Farmer's House

The Platte County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has recommended that thousands of offenders complete community service as part of probation, as a condition of participating in a treatment court program, and through its new Platte CARES diversion program. On November 4, attorneys and staff of the prosecuting attorney's office spent the afternoon working at one of the same spots where some of those offenders have completed community service, The Farmer's House.

It's all part of a new program called WE CARE established by Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd. Zahnd said, "Prosecutors represent our community in court every day. We'll do an even better job at that if we spend some time serving side-by-side with partners who are also working to make Platte County a better place."

Zahnd, his assistant prosecuting attorneys, and staff members worked for an afternoon helping The Farmer's House with various activities essential to supporting the agency's mission, including maintaining the gardens, general maintenance, retail help, and transporting inventory between locations. The help of volunteers allows Farmer's House staff to focus more on individuals they serve.

The Farmer's House Market & Gardens location near Weston provides personal, social, and vocational skill development experiences for youth through young adults with developmental disabilities in the context of the social agency's enterprises--retail markets, gardens, commercial kitchens, and catering. The Farmer's House also has a retail location in downtown Weston and will open another retail location in Platte City this month.

As it continues to grow, the Farmer's House needs a lot of volunteer assistance, and Zahnd's office was happy to lend a hand for an afternoon.

Amy Allsion, Executive Director of The Farmer's House, said, “We are grateful the Prosecuting Attorney's Office chose The Farmer's House as the first location to visit in their new WE CARE program. We are also grateful for the many hours of community service performed by Platte County offenders as a condition of their probation, treatment court requirements, or diversion opportunity. We have found those who are required to perform community service to be conscientious, hard workers who often stay involved as volunteers beyond their required court time.”

As part of the WE CARE program, Zahnd said his office staff will spend an afternoon once every quarter providing community service at a Platte County not-for-profit agency.

Zahnd said, "As prosecutors, we spend a lot of time thinking about and dealing with people who have done something bad. But there are so many more people at not-for-profit agencies doing good things for people in Platte County. It benefits everyone involved for us to spend an afternoon doing just a little to help The Farmer's House or some other agency assist others."

For more information about The Farmer's House or to volunteer to serve there, go to thefarmershouse.org.

A photo of the WE CARE team from the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney's Office at The Farmer's House Market & Gardens is attached. Also attached is a photo of Victim Advocate Tanya Faherty and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sydney Alizadeh cleaning shelving to be installed at the The Farmer's House retail location to be opened soon on Main Street in Platte City.

If you need additional information, contact Tanya Faherty, media liaison for the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.