Lawrence Police investigate armed robbery at apartment

A man armed with a pistol robbed two women in their apartment about 3 a.m. Thursday, Lawrence Police said.

The women, both 20, were robbed of a total of $32, police said.

According to police, the suspect knocked on the door of the women’s apartment in the 1300 block of Ohio Street. When it was opened, the man demanded money. After collecting the money, he also took a cordless telephone, police said. He then left.

The suspect was described as a black man in his 20s. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall with a slender build. His face was covered with a bandanna.

The women were not hurt.

Gardner resident charged in bank fraud investigation

A Gardner man has been charged in U.S. District Court with two counts of bank fraud.

Michael J. Dean, 34, allegedly tried to defraud First Kansas Bank and Trust of Gardner. On Wednesday the Kansas U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Dean with stealing from the mail two personal checks totaling $28,463.

Dean then allegedly deposited them in his business account at the bank. The charge also alleges that the signatures on the checks were forged.

If convicted, Dean faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison without parole.

AG candidate endorsed by former crime officials

Democratic attorney general candidate Chris Biggs picked up endorsements from fellow crime fighters.

Former U.S. Attys. Jackie Williams and Randy Rathbun and former Kansas Atty. Gen. Vern Miller all announced their support of Biggs at a news conference Friday in Wichita.

Biggs has served the past 13 years as Geary County prosecutor. His Republican opponent is former state representative Phill Kline.