A Coffeyville firefighter is arrested by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for child sex crimes.
This morning at around 8:40am, KBI agents arrested 25-year-old Spencer Barnard, of Baxter Springs, after a traffic stop in Cherokee County. Barnard was arrested for sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated indecent solicitation of a child. KBI agents and sheriff’s deputies also conducted a search warrant at a residence at 1004 Cherokee Avenue in Baxter Springs, related to the case.
Following the arrest, Barnard was booked into the Cherokee County Jail.
Coffeyville City Manager Ben Brubaker says these allegations are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values, integrity, or expectations of the City or its employees.
Brubaker says although Barnard had previously submitted notice of his intent to resign, the City has terminated his employment effective immediately.
Brubaker says the City is fully cooperating with the appropriate law enforcement agencies and will continue to monitor the investigation as it progresses. He also adds that the city understands the seriousness of the charges and the concern this may cause within the community, saying the City remains committed to transparency, accountability, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and public trust.
In response to this incident, Brubaker says they are reviewing internal policies and procedures to ensure safeguards are in place across all departments.
Formal charges in the case have not yet been filed. The investigation is ongoing.
