Two More Suspects on Most Wanted List Captured

Clay County officials announced the arrests of two more suspects who had been featured on the county’s Top 10 Most Wanted list, marking the second and third apprehensions since the initiative launched last week.

Authorities said Michelle Essig and David Santia were both taken into custody in separate arrests over the past several days. Essig, who faces charges of resisting arrest and first-degree robbery was arrested May 29 by members of the Kansas City Police Department’s East Zone Proactive Squad without incident. Santia, charged with first-degree burglary and first-degree tampering was arrested May 31 by officers with the Mill Creek Township Police Department in Pennsylvania.

Officials credited the arrests to continued investigative work and cooperation among Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement partners. The county’s Most Wanted initiative, announced last week, also offers a $3,000 anonymous reward for information leading to an arrest.

Essig is being held at the Clay County Detention Center pending further court proceedings, while Santia is being held at the Erie County Prison awaiting extradition. Authorities also thanked community members for sharing information tied to the cases, saying public cooperation remains essential to locating and apprehending wanted offenders.

“Creating safer communities is a joint effort, and I am proud of our dedicated law enforcement partners and citizens stepping up to make sure justice is delivered in these cases,” Prosecutor Zach Thompson said.

Officials said the full Top 10 Most Wanted list and reward details are available on the Clay County Prosecutor’s website. https://www.claycountyprosecutor.com/

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Prosecutor’s Office Announces Ten Most Wanted List

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office has launched a new “Top Ten Most Wanted” initiative designed to help authorities locate and arrest 10 people with outstanding warrants in the county, an effort officials say is intended to move pending criminal cases forward while prioritizing public safety.

According to the prosecutor’s office, the people named through the initiative are wanted in connection with a range of alleged offenses, including violent and repeat felony crimes, gun-related crimes and narcotics delivery. Officials said the individuals are not targets of ongoing investigations; instead, charges have already been filed based on available evidence, and courts have issued warrants for their arrests.

The stated goal of the initiative is to bring defendants before the court so their cases can proceed. Prosecutors also emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, while underscoring that community safety remains the office’s top priority.

The effort is being carried out in partnership with local police departments, state agencies and community organizations, which officials said is intended to ensure arrests are made safely and lawfully.

Officials urged anyone who recognizes someone on the list not to approach them. Instead, they are asking the public to contact law enforcement directly or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers. The prosecutor’s office said tipsters may be eligible for a $3,000 reward if information is submitted through Crime Stoppers’ hotline at 816-474-8477, the P3 TIPS mobile app or the organization’s website.

The office said the “Top Ten Most Wanted” list will be updated as arrests are made, individuals surrender or circumstances change. Public information from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Clay County Crime Stoppers also directs residents to submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers rather than confronting wanted individuals themselves.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

High-Speed Chase Leads to Felony Charge

Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson

Clay County Prosecutors filed charges on April 20, against Reginald Lampkin Jr. for the Class D Felony of Aggravated Fleeing. This charge carries a possible sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The incident began in Liberty, MO, when Lampkin allegedly ran a red light at high speed and nearly hit another vehicle while driving a white Mazda CX9. After officers tried to stop him, Lampkin reportedly slowed down but then sped away, leading police on a 13-minute chase that stretched across Liberty, Kansas City, and Riverside. The pursuit covered 23 miles and reached speeds of 102 MPH.

Police reports indicate that Lampkin drove recklessly, weaving through traffic and ignoring red lights. The chase ended on Interstate 635 near the Kansas state line, where Lampkin allegedly abandoned his car and ran across busy highway lanes. Officers say he ignored commands to stop but was taken into custody after an officer used a Taser.

The Court has set Lampkin’s bond at $100,000. Authorities thanked the Liberty, Riverside, and Missouri State Highway Patrol departments for their teamwork during the investigation.

Officials emphasized the importance of stopping when signaled by law enforcement to keep everyone safe. The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office says it is committed to seeking justice through legal proceedings.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Prosecutor’s Office Recognizes Outstanding Public Service

Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Thompson

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office has announced the launch of a new initiative called PROPS – Prosecutors Recognizing Outstanding Public Service, aimed at honoring first responders and community members who demonstrate exceptional service.

The program will spotlight both law enforcement officers and civilians whose efforts contribute to making Clay County a safer and stronger community.

“Public safety is a team effort,” stated Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Thompson. “Every day, individuals across our community step up to protect others, support victims, and make a difference. PROPS gives us an opportunity to recognize and thank those who go above and beyond in service to the public.”

The initiative will recognize individuals whose actions reflect courage, integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to public service, including law enforcement and emergency personnel who have made a significant impact in the area.

The first PROPS recognition breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Through this program, the Prosecutor’s Office hopes to celebrate positive contributions across the community and emphasize the importance of collaboration in public safety.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Prosecutor Files 76 Cases Under Valentine’s Law in First Year

Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson

Nearly a year after the implementation of Valentine’s Law, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office reports that 76 cases have been filed under the new statute, averaging one case every four days since it took effect on August 28, 2024.

Valentine’s Law, named in honor of Detective Antonio Valentine—who was killed during a high-speed pursuit in St. Louis County—targets individuals who flee from law enforcement in a motor vehicle at high speeds or in a manner that poses a substantial risk of death or serious injury. The law classifies such offenses as Class D felonies, but the charges escalate to a Class B felony if someone is injured and a Class A felony if someone is killed as a result of the pursuit.

In the first eleven months of the law’s enforcement, five defendants have been sentenced, with prison terms ranging from three to ten years. Of those, four were involved in vehicle crashes during their attempts to escape, while one was apprehended after police used tire deflation devices.

Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson emphasized the serious risks posed by fleeing suspects. “It is unacceptable for someone to endanger our community and law enforcement officers in an attempt to escape a traffic stop,” Thompson said. “Not only do they put innocent lives at risk — they only make their situation worse.”

Under Valentine’s Law, convictions carry a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison, with no eligibility for probation or parole.

“Our goal is to hold offenders accountable and send an unmistakable message that dangerous criminal conduct carries serious consequences,” Thompson added. “I commend Missouri state officials for providing us with an additional tool to keep Clay County safe. Public safety requires all levels of government working together.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.