Manasseh Ward : “Kan. man faces trial for sex crimes near school”

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man from Kansas, accused of being involved in alleged kidnappings and sex crimes concerning three juveniles near a Kansas elementary school, had another court appearance on Friday.

A judge has confirmed that 22-year-old Manasseh Ward from Wichita is fit to stand trial. The charges against him include 4 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated kidnapping, 3 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 2 counts of attempted rape, aggravated assault, and interference with law enforcement, as stated by the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office.

On January 4, 2023, just before 4 p.m., a teenage girl reported being kidnapped by a man driving a blue vehicle in the 6600 block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The man, later identified as Ward, tried to sexually assault the girl in the car. The girl was eventually released by the man and she informed a family member about the incident.

On January 5, just before 9 a.m., two elementary-aged children, a boy and a girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to walk to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.

A man in a blue vehicle abducted the children. He put both children in his vehicle and drove away. Shortly after, he dropped off the boy victim and left with the girl.

During the investigation, officers were patrolling the area and spotted the suspect vehicle. They tried to stop it, leading to a brief foot chase before officers apprehended Ward in the 6600 block of East Boston.

Back in September, Ward was taken into custody by the police in connection with the alleged crimes.