Leffel Anderson
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — two of four individuals suspected of being involved with the kidnapping, robbery and burglaries in the city were bound over for trial Thursday.
That includes the home of a World War II veteran where they allegedly stold items including service medal.
The two in court included 19-year-old Jordan Leffel who faces a total of eight counts including two level one felonies for aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated robbery and three counts of aggravated burglary. That includes the taking of cash, cars, electronics and firearms.
Nineteen-year-old Dakota Anderson is charged with aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated robbery, one count of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated burglary.
Although the two are charged with three incidents including another home invasion and the robbery of a local business, the hearing Thursday centered on one case, that being the home invasion of the veteran.
The victim in this case took the stand Thursday and told of how he was awakened around 3:30 a.m. in the morning to sounds in his house. He says a person held him face down on the bed and threatened to kill him if he moved. Numerous items were missing following the home invasion including a large number of weapons, his war medals and dog tags. The suspects also took his vehicle which was recovered a day later.
Testimony also indicated that DNA from an item in the van did match one the DNA profile of one of the suspects.
Two others are also suspected in this case including 17-year-old Brendan Jones but because he’s a juvenile, his case going through juvenile court.
The third adult charged in the case is Frederick Lemons who is charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and two counts of aggravated battery.
The four are suspected in the robbery of the Family Affair business located at 1515 E. 4th and home invasions at 3601 Rockwood Dr. and 3415 N. Waldron. The crimes occurred on April 6, May 4 and May 14.
Police conducted a number of search warrants in association with these crimes and allege they found items from all three robberies leading to the four arrests.
Both Leffel and Anderson will be arraigned next Tuesday in front of Judge Tim Chambers.