Douglas County District Attorney

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Douglas County District Attorney Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Douglas County District Attorney, Government Official, 111 E 11th Street, Lawrence, KS.

District Attorney Dakota Loomis is a lifelong Douglas County resident and experienced prosecutor and defense attorney committed to restoring professionalism, integrity, and community trust in the justice system.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office will be closed Monday October 12th in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Da...
10/12/2026

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office will be closed Monday October 12th in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday October 13th.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.Domestic violence affects people in every community, and who has been imp...
10/01/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence affects people in every community, and who has been impacted.

This month, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office joins local advocates, service providers, and communities across the country in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and sharing resources.

A special thank you to The Willow Domestic Violence Center for the important work they do every day to support survivors and strengthen our community.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Douglas County Jury Finds Lawrence Woman Guilty of Interference with Law Enforcement and Related Char...
09/29/2026

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Douglas County Jury Finds Lawrence Woman Guilty of Interference with Law Enforcement and Related Charges

A Douglas County jury found Samone LaVallie, 27, guilty of interference with a law enforcement officer, circumvention of an ignition interlock device, and possession of drug paraphernalia following a jury trial today in Douglas County District Court.

The charges stem from an incident in Lawrence in February 2025. Following the presentation of evidence during the trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on three charges.

“Every case is about more than the charges on a piece of paper. It is about the choices that brought the case before the court and the responsibility that comes with those choices,” Deputy District Attorney David Melton said. “I appreciate the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence and the work of everyone who helped bring this case to trial.”

The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorney Devin Canfield. The District Attorney’s Office also recognizes the work of the Lawrence Police Department officers and investigators who contributed to the investigation and prosecution of the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2026 at 11:30 am in Douglas County District Court.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jury Finds Leavenworth Man Guilty Of Felony Lewd and Lascivious BehaviorToday, a Douglas County jury ...
09/29/2026

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jury Finds Leavenworth Man Guilty Of Felony Lewd and Lascivious Behavior

Today, a Douglas County jury found Jay Janicke, 64, Leavenworth, guilty of lewd and lascivious behavior stemming from an incident at a Lawrence apartment complex swimming pool in June 2022. The jury heard testimony from four witnesses who were present at the pool who testified that Janicke had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct in the presence of others, including a 12-year-old child.

“No person or child should ever have to suffer through inappropriate and public sexual conduct,” District Attorney Dakota Loomis said. “We are grateful to the witnesses who reported Mr. Janicke to law enforcement and whose testimony allowed our office to hold him accountable.”

The prosecution was led by Senior Assistant District Attorney Adam Carey. The District Attorney’s Office also recognizes the work of the Lawrence Police Department officers and investigators who contributed to the investigation and prosecution of the case.

Sentencing before the Honorable Judge Amy Hanley is scheduled for November 19, 2026 at 1:30 pm in Douglas County District Court.

Lawrence Kansas Police Department

District Attorney Dakota Loomis and Senior ADA Eve Kemple joined the LKPD team for a conversation with KLWN this morning...
09/28/2026

District Attorney Dakota Loomis and Senior ADA Eve Kemple joined the LKPD team for a conversation with KLWN this morning to discuss the case that ultimately resulting in Rodney Marshall receiving two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Shelby McCoy and William “Dale” O’Brien.

Thank you to Kim Murphree for inviting us to be part of the conversation. We hope you’ll give it a listen!

SoundCloud users listen here: https://tr.ee/GhHt6BjqkC
Browser listening: https://tr.ee/mtrROs0eqI

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Douglas County Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison for Fatal DUI CrashZachary Ray Odom, 30, of T...
09/24/2026

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Douglas County Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison for Fatal DUI Crash

Zachary Ray Odom, 30, of Tecumseh, was ordered to serve over 13 years for causing a July 2025 car crash that resulted in the death of Leonard “Skip” Schupp, 51, of Oskaloosa, and minor injuries to a teenage passenger. Odom pleaded guilty to one count of reckless second-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery while driving under the influence in August.
The charges stemmed from a July 18, 2025, crash on U.S. Highway 40 in Douglas County. Odom was driving westbound when his vehicle crossed into the eastbound lanes and made contact with another vehicle before striking Schupp’s pickup truck head-on. During the August 2026 plea hearing, prosecutors presented evidence that Odom had methadone, methamphetamine, and amphetamine in his system and had been receiving methadone treatment for approximately two years. Prosecutors argued Odom knew the risks associated with his drug use but nevertheless chose to drive.
“Zachary Odom's decision to drive under the influence cost Skip Schupp his life and robbed a family of a husband and father," District Attorney Dakota Loomis said. "My deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Schupp's family and I hope today’s sentence recognizes the life-altering harm Mr. Odom has caused to them and our community.”
District Court Judge Nancy Parrish sentenced Odom to 157 months, approximately 13 years, with the Kansas Department of Corrections. He will also be required to register as a violent offender for 15 years following his release.
The prosecution team was led by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Megan Ahsens and Jason McIlrath and supported by Legal Assistant Michelle Lane and Victim/Witness Specialist LaShane Cupil. The District Attorney’s Office also recognizes the swift response and thorough investigation conducted by the Kansas Highway Patrol that helped secure this conviction.
Kansas Highway Patrol

Congratulations to Elizabeth Zhang on being selected for the Leadership Lawrence Class of 2027! Elizabeth joins several ...
09/17/2026

Congratulations to Elizabeth Zhang on being selected for the Leadership Lawrence Class of 2027! Elizabeth joins several Douglas County District Attorney’s Office team members who have participated in this community leadership program.

Pictured with Elizabeth at center are four DA’s Office Leadership Lawrence graduates: District Attorney Dakota Loomis (2019), Chief Assistant Attorney Katy Britton (2016), Chief of Staff Lisa Moore (2026), and Deputy District Attorney David Melton (2015).

Leadership Lawrence is an opportunity to connect with people throughout our community, learn more about Douglas County, and bring that perspective back to the work we do every day. We’re excited to see where this experience takes you!

Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

Baldwin City Man Sentenced to Over 19 Years For 2022 Baldwin City Shooting SpreeLawrence, KS – On Monday, Junah Augustus...
09/15/2026

Baldwin City Man Sentenced to Over 19 Years For 2022 Baldwin City Shooting Spree

Lawrence, KS – On Monday, Junah Augustus Sisney, 23, was sentenced to 235 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections by District Court Judge Stacey Donovan following his guilty plea to one count of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, and one count of Aggravated Assault.

The charges stem from a December 30, 2022, shooting incident in Baldwin City during which Sisney fired a handgun at patrons of the Bullpen Bar and later fired toward the Baldwin City Library as a child’s birthday party was exiting the building. Sisney admitted in court that he fired at the Bullpen Bar on two separate occasions, striking a window, and fired his handgun while driving past the Baldwin City Library. Thankfully no bar patrons or birthday party attendees were struck or injured.

"Today's sentence recognizes the danger Mr. Sisney poses and the lasting impact his actions had on victims and our community,” said District Attorney Dakota Loomis. “Gun violence has no place in Douglas County and my office will continue working to protect the people who have chosen to live, work, and raise families here."

The prosecution team was led by Deputy District Attorney David Melton and supported by Victim Witness Specialist Cassie Kost and Legal Assistants Mary Morales-Glasscock and Michelle Lane. The District Attorney’s Office recognizes the dedication and work of the Baldwin Police Department throughout the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Baldwin City Police Department

09/04/2026

The sixth annual Recovery Walk event will be from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Lawrence's South Park in the gazebo area. The event will include a cake walk, Plinko board, duck pond, egg toss, bubble gum blowing contest, art tiles and other games and activities. There will be a short walk around the park, remembrance paper lanterns and information tables.

The event is organized by the Douglas County Drug Treatment Court team, participants and alumni, and held in conjunction with National Recovery Month. ❤

Douglas County District Attorney Douglas County Sheriff's Office Artists Helping The Homeless Cardinal Housing Network Inc DCCCA Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center Heartland Community Health Center MHA of the Heartland LMH Health Lawrence Parks and Recreation

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Douglas County Jury Finds Lawrence Man Guilty of Interference with Law EnforcementA Douglas County ju...
08/27/2026

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Douglas County Jury Finds Lawrence Man Guilty of Interference with Law Enforcement

A Douglas County jury has found Phillip Eravi guilty of interference with law enforcement, a level 9 felony, following a four-day long trial. The charge stemmed from an early-morning incident on May 20, 2023, when Lawrence Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting involving a man who had barricaded himself inside a duplex in the 1900 block of Heatherwood Drive. During the response, Eravi entered an area that officers had established as an inner perimeter around the residence and was repeatedly ordered to leave.
“Police officers responding to an active and potentially deadly situation have a responsibility to protect the public and establish safe areas around the scene. When officers give lawful commands to leave an area because of an immediate safety threat, those commands must be taken seriously," said Deputy District Attorney David Melton. "We respect the jury’s role in carefully considering the evidence and reaching its decision.”
The prosecution team was led by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Adam Carey and Eve Kemple and supported by Legal Assistant Angela Stockdale. The District Attorney’s Office also recognizes the work of the law enforcement officers, investigators, and support staff who contributed to the investigation and prosecution of the case.
District Court Judge Amy Hanley has scheduled the sentencing hearing for October 27, 2026 at 1:30 pm.

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111 E 11th Street
Lawrence, KS
66044

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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