Sedgwick County, Kansas District Attorney

06/07/2026

We are proud to recognize the signing of Sidnee’s Law by Governor Laura Kelly, legislation named in memory of Sedgwick County Deputy Sidnee Taylor Carter, who was tragically killed by a driver with prior DUI convictions.

This important measure ensures that a defendant’s prior DUI convictions are considered when assessing current DUI charges, closing a gap in Kansas law that our office has long advocated to address.

Deputy District Attorney Aaron Breitenbach played a meaningful role in advancing this legislation, working alongside legislators, law enforcement, and Deputy Carter’s family to help bring it across the finish line.

Deputy Carter’s life and service continue to make Kansas safer. We are grateful to Governor Kelly, to the Kansas Legislature, and to the Carter family for their strength and determination in turning tragedy into lasting change.

Last week, I ceremonially signed Sidnee’s Law, named after Sedgwick County Deputy Sidnee Taylor Carter, who lost her life to a driver under the influence who had 2 prior DUI charges. This bill ensures that prior convictions are considered when assessing DUI charges.

05/25/2026

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. Because of these sacrifices, the dawn of justice and freedom throughout the world slowly casts its gleam across the horizon." — Harry S. Truman

Today, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office pauses to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage is the foundation of the freedoms we work to protect every day.

📍 Our offices are closed today in observance of the holiday. We will reopen for normal business hours tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26.

05/22/2026

Yesterday, District Attorney Marc Bennett and Deputy District Attorneys Shannon Wilson and Aaron Breitenbach were proud to represent our office at the kickoff of the Pinnacle First Responder Health & Wellness Center here in Wichita. They came away feeling genuinely hopeful and excited about what this wonderful new resource means for the men and women who serve our community every day.

The work of first responders carries a weight that doesn't clock out at the end of a shift. The things witnessed, the decisions made, and the human suffering encountered day after day take a very real toll on mental health and well-being. That is not a weakness. It is simply the reality of this work, and it deserves to be met with compassion and real support.

DA Bennett captured it beautifully: "Having a wellness center where people can go and exercise, speak to a counselor and do so in a place that understands the unique rigors of your chosen profession, is a gift. To live in a community that has made the commitment to support a health and wellness center sends a message that the work we do is valued."

We are deeply grateful to the Wichita Metro Crime Commission, Inc. for seeing that need and taking meaningful steps to address it. The Pinnacle is a beautiful expression of our community's commitment to the whole person behind the badge, and we could not be more thankful for the heart and vision that brought it to life.

We look forward to watching this center grow and flourish, and to seeing it bring healing and strength to the incredible people who give so much of themselves to keep our communities safe. 💙

05/12/2026

Tonight, we celebrate a milestone for our office and our community.

We’re excited to host the graduation of our inaugural Citizens Academy class, a group of dedicated Sedgwick County residents who spent 10 weeks getting an inside look at how the criminal justice system works, from charging decisions to trial proceedings and everything in between.

This program was built on the belief that an informed community is a stronger community, and this first class has embodied that spirit. We can’t wait to recognize each of them tonight.

Stay tuned for photos and more from this evening’s celebration!

04/27/2026

Over the lunch hour, District Attorney Bennett sat down with some of our newest attorneys to dive into case strategies and share insights from the courtroom.

These sessions highlight the office’s dedication to mentorship and the belief that even the most seasoned professionals should never stop learning. By sitting down together to navigate complex legal hurdles, the team ensures that every case benefits from a shared wealth of knowledge.

Whether it is a veteran prosecutor sharing years of experience or a new lawyer bringing a fresh perspective to a complex issue, this collaborative spirit is what makes our office strong. We are committed to working together and sharpening our skills every day to ensure we serve our community with excellence and integrity.

04/08/2026

We are having a fantastic time at Axon Week 2026, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to be here!

One of the best parts of this experience is getting to attend alongside representatives from the Wichita Police Department. We truly value the chance to learn side-by-side with the team members who manage the tools and processes that keep our communities safe and our justice system moving.

💡 Why we’re so thankful for this week:

• Shared Knowledge: We’re learning how to better utilize new technology to keep our community safe and our digital evidence organized.

• Stronger Coordination: Spending this time with WPD’s team helps us align our workflows, ensuring that everything from data management to case filing is as smooth as possible.

• Streamlined Justice: By mastering these tools together, we can work more efficiently behind the scenes to better serve the people of Wichita and Sedgwick County.

A big thank you to the WPD officers and staff for being such great partners. We are proud to work side-by-side with them to ensure our local system remains modern, proactive, and effective. We can’t wait to put what we’ve learned into practice back home!

04/06/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Traffic Violation Texts 🚨

We’ve received reports of a new phishing scam targeting residents via text message. Please stay vigilant!

The Scam
Scammers are sending text messages claiming you have unpaid traffic violations in Johnson County that are now "under active court enforcement." These messages often include a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.

What to Look For
• The Hook: A claim that you owe money for a ticket or citation.
• The Trap: A link or a QR code included in the text.
• The Goal: To steal your personal information or credit card details.

Important Reminders
• ❌ DO NOT click on any links.
• ❌ DO NOT scan any QR codes sent via text.
• 🏛️ The Courts do NOT conduct business via text message. Official notifications regarding fines or legal matters are sent through the U.S. Mail.

What Should You Do?
If you receive one of these texts, the best course of action is to delete it immediately and block the sender.
If you are concerned about an actual unpaid ticket, play it safe: contact the Johnson County District Court directly using a verified phone number or website. Never use the contact info provided in a suspicious text.

Stay safe and help protect your neighbors by sharing this post!

03/11/2026

Have you received a text saying your license is about to be suspended? STOP. Don’t click.

A highly sophisticated "smishing" scam is making the rounds. Scammers are sending realistic-looking texts that link to a website that looks IDENTICAL to the official Kansas Department of Vehicles portal. (Swipe to see what they look like! 📸)

How to spot the trap:

The DOV will never send unsolicited text messages regarding fines, toll fees, payments, or violations.

Check the URL. If it doesn't end in .gov, it’s a fake.

The Pressure. They want you to panic so you don’t think.

What to do:
• Do not click any links in the message.
• Do not provide personal or payment information.
• Delete the message immediately.

Share this post to warn your friends and family—especially those who might be less tech-savvy!

03/11/2026

A beautiful morning shot of the historic courthouse, captured by one of our investigators. We never get tired of this view.

03/10/2026

Excited for night two of the spring 2026 Sedgwick County DA Citizens Academy!