Wesley Lanter : “Former Atchison County Employees Arrested for Felony Charges”

ATCHISON, Kan. (WIBW) – Three ex-employees of Atchison County were among five individuals apprehended on Wednesday on serious charges related to their alleged involvement in an injury ultra-terrain vehicle (UTV) crash that occurred in September 2023, as reported by KAIR Radio.

The arrests came after Atchison County Sheriff, Jack Laurie, announced in a news release that a thorough six-month investigation had been conducted.

According to KAIR, the arrests took place on Wednesday afternoon and evening following warrants issued by the Atchison County District Court.

Details of the Arrests:

• 42-year-old Wesley “Wes” Lanter, a former Atchison County Emergency Management Director, was one of the individuals taken into custody. Lanter, who held the position from December 2010 until his termination in February 2024, faces charges including aid and abet leaving the scene of an accident, interference with law enforcement, and official misconduct.
• Another arrestee, 34-year-old Jessica Housh, previously served as Lanter’s Emergency Management Office Manager. She worked in this role for five years and was also a certified EMT and first responder for Atchison County Rescue until her termination by the Atchison County Commission.
• Adam Housh, a 12-year County Rescue member, was also arrested on the same charges. He served as the rescue team’s Officer in Charge under Lanter’s direction until his termination in February.
• The two remaining individuals arrested were 23-year-old Jared Reiff, the driver of the UTV involved in the crash, and 23-year-old Maddison Umphenour-Nolan. Reiff faces a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident, while Umphenour-Nolan was arrested on multiple felony charges.

Sheriff’s Office Statement:

In response to the arrests, the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office released a statement, emphasizing the diligent investigation conducted by their deputies and investigators. The statement highlighted the importance of upholding the law and ensuring justice is served.

Sheriff Laurie explained that the investigation stemmed from a UTV crash that occurred on the morning of Sept. 2, 2023, near Effingham in rural Atchison County. The driver, Reiff, had reportedly left the scene, leading to suspicions of driving under the influence.

Two passengers in the UTV, identified as Hannah Sparks and Gracie Berry, were present at the scene. Sparks suffered severe, life-threatening injuries, while Berry sustained minor injuries.

Legal Proceedings and Release on Bond:

Following the arrests, all five individuals were booked into the Atchison County Jail. They were later released on bond, with Reiff’s bond set at $20,000 and the others at $10,000.

Lanter, who was appointed as the Valley Falls City Administrator after his termination from Atchison County, was in his city role at the time of his arrest. The city of Valley Falls released a statement addressing the situation and indicating that they are investigating the allegations against Lanter.