The legal drama surrounding Kincaid farmer — and Kansas gubernatorial candidate — Arlyn Briggs took an additional series of twists and turns, with the 64-year-old back in custody.
Briggs, in fact, has been arrested twice in the span of a week, after his initial arrest June 15 for suspicion of making felony threats against Anderson County law enforcement officials.
The most recent arrest occurred after Briggs was picked up in western Missouri on Wednesday, Anderson County Sheriff Vernon Valentine told the Register.
Briggs had allegedly disabled and removed a tracking device for defendants on probation, to ensure they don’t flee the area.
The device was ordered after Briggs had been arrested late last week after he was accused of violating terms of his probation from the first arrest.
The saga stems from the first arrest June 15 on a warrant out of Anderson County, where Briggs stands accused of leaving a threatening message for Valentine and Anderson County sheriff’s deputy David Harper-Head, as well as any other law enforcement officer who went onto his property.
According to the criminal complaint, Briggs was quoted as saying “so let the fun begin … Sheriff (Vernon) Valentine and deputies … specifically Harper-Head … we will get you to where you don’t like it … and you will be tracked … and hunted down like an animal.”
Briggs told the Register he was speaking metaphorically, and had no intention of harming anyone.
Rather, Briggs said his frustration lied with numerous run-ins between the Anderson County department and another man who is friends with Briggs.
Valentine said he was uncertain of Missouri’s extradition process, and thus was uncertain how soon Briggs would be returned to Anderson County to face the charges.
On top of the criminal charge, Harper-Head also filed for a protection from stalking order against Briggs.
Briggs has filed to run for governor as a Republican, with running mate Lance Berland of Abilene.
In the Aug. 2 primary, he’ll face presumptive nominee and current Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
