Two arrested after month-long investigation in Thomas County

THOMAS COUNTY – Over the past four weeks the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office worked alongside the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Colby Police Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) on an investigation involving the distribution and manufacturing of controlled substances.

On Aug. 14 and Aug. 15, multiple search warrants were executed in Thomas County with assistance from the KBI High Risk Warrant Team, the KBI Clandestine Laboratory Team, and the Colby Police Department. Located during a search of a residence was methamphetamine, an active marijuana grow, and paraphernalia and other illegal items used in drug manufacturing.

Jensina Sporing

Jensina Sporing, 39, of Colby, Kansas, was arrested on multiple felony charges including distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful drug proceeds from a transaction, use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony drug violation, and two counts of use or possess with the intent to use drug paraphernalia.

Lawrence Hapke

Lawrence Hapke, 47, also of Colby, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, use or possess with the intent to use drug paraphernalia, and interference with law enforcement.

The suspects were booked into the Thomas County Jail. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Another arrest connected to this operation is expected.

Authorities would like to thank each of the law enforcement agencies who supported the investigation, as well as the community for the multiple tips provided that directly aided in the apprehension of these suspects. Law enforcement are committed to taking an aggressive approach in apprehending individuals who distribute dangerous controlled substances in our communities.

If you see something suspicious, please report it to the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office at 785-460-4570, or the Colby Police Department at 785-460-4460.

Hot this week

K-State Research Explores Effects of Tuttle Creek Reservoir Dredging

Trisha Moore, a K-State associate professor, is assessing sediment buildup in the Kansas River affected by water injection dredging at Tuttle Creek Reservoir. Collaborating with various institutions, the team monitors sediment variation, which seems to be within natural levels. The project aims to balance sediment removal with ecological health downstream.

🎙️ Doug Schmitt & Kelli Hake Tipton Community Foundation LBL

Doug Schmitt and Kelli Hake with the Tipton Community...

🎙️ K-State Agriculture Today: 2183 – Market Changes from USDA Reports…Water Infrastructure for Rural Kansas

USDA Crop Production Estimates Rural Development in Kansas Fire and Flooding...

Kansas Sampler Foundation Launches Online Kansas Guidebook for Explorers

The Kansas Sampler Foundation has launched the Online Kansas Guidebook, designed to enhance exploration of the state by revealing hidden gems, historic sites, and local attractions. Available at kansasguidebook.org, it provides trip-planning tools, especially for Kansas Explorers Club members, and supports rural culture through community engagement and education.

🎙️ Lydia & Blake at the Lake: Lindsay Brinker Nex-Tech

Lindsay Brinker with Nex-Tech talks with Lydia and Blake...

Latest Headlines

🎙️ Made for More: Welcome Home Weekend

Heather sits down with Avery and they talk about...

KSHSAA State Basketball Sites Set for 2028

TOPEKA, Kan. – The KSHSAA State Basketball Tournament semifinal...

Kansas to Play Villanova in Home-and-Home Series

Kansas and Villanova will begin a men's basketball home-and-home series in the 2026-27 season, with the first game at Allen Fieldhouse on Nov. 27, 2026. Both teams have met 10 times since 1968, with a tied record of 5-5, including key NCAA Tournament encounters.
- Advertisement -

Related Articles

Popular Categories

- Advertisement -