Nikole Babb, nbabb@cherryroad.com
Two more arrests have been made in connection to the Joel Womochil federal case this month. This brings the total to four people involved so far in the child pornography ring.
The two new individuals in the case, Taylor M. Mullen of Seneca, Kan. and Jessica Lynn Quave of Council Grove, Kan. were arrested last week by U.S. Marshals. The two were known to be living together during the time the crimes took place.
Mullen faces one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography. He’s currently detained at the Harvey County Detention Center.
Quave faces three counts, count one in conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography, count seven in conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography and count eight in sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography. She’s currently detained at the Butler County Detention Facility.
Court documents detail that Quave performed sexual exploitation on a prepubescent child under the request of Womochil. During the investigation, authorities found the child to be under Mullen’s care and custody. Mullen also assisted in the production of such content as it was being produced at their home in Council Grove.
Denise Renee Sandmann is also being charged in connection to the case with four counts: Count one in conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography, and count two, three, and four in sexual exploitation of a child –child pornography.
The United States District Court, District of Kansas ordered Sandmann for indictment to Kan. on Nov. 1 and is present as of Dec. 1. On that same day, she entered into a not guilty plea for all counts. She’s currently being detained at the Butler County Detention Facility.
Womochil was a popular user of TikTok and was the former Burns Chief of Police until he turned in his notice to cease employment days before his arrest. At the federal level, he faces three charges: Count one and seven in conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation – production of child pornography, count five; distribution of child pornography, count six; possession of child pornography. He entered into a not guilty plea on all counts on Dec. 1. He’s currently being detained at the Harvey County Detention Center.
He is also facing 34 counts in Butler County District Courts. Of those counts, 24 of them are for sexual exploitation of a child and 10 of them are for aggravated internet trading in child pornography. His next scheduled appearance in Butler County is set to begin at 2:30pm on Monday, Jan. 22 for the Preliminary Control Docket via Zoom.
Any future appearances for Womochil, Sandmann, Mullen, and Quave have yet to be scheduled for the United States District Court. BCTG will continue to bring readers the most up to date information as it becomes available.
