A federal grand jury in Topeka has indicted a Kansas resident, Wesley Reel Bennett, on charges of assaulting an individual on Tribal land. The indictment includes one count of assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction.
The incident allegedly occurred in June 2025 when Bennett, 23, from Topeka, is accused of seriously injuring a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation within their Tribal territory.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting is handling the prosecution.
In related news, Hector Alvarado, 55, also from Topeka, faces an indictment for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. This case is under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting prosecuting.
Additionally, Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, from Baxter Springs has been indicted on multiple counts involving child pornography—receipt, distribution, and possession. The FBI is investigating this case as well, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart leading the prosecution.
It should be noted that an indictment represents only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
