Sedgwick County Employee Arrested & Booked

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – An on-duty Sedgwick County Emergency Communications employee Penni Powell-El was arrested and booked into Sedgwick County Jail on suspicion of official misconduct and interference with law enforcement. Powell-El has been employed by Sedgwick County since July 2022.

Valley Center law enforcement is investigating the matter and the case will be presented to the District Attorney for review for charges. The employee is on suspension pending administrative investigation and the determination of criminal prosecution.

“This type of employee conduct is not in adherence with the values of Emergency Communications and is contradictory to expectations of services we provide our community and field responders,” says Elora Forshee, Director of Emergency Communications. “We will cooperate fully with law enforcement.”

Sedgwick County Emergency Communications is a professional organization that is committed to serving with integrity, providing efficient and equitable access to emergency services, and serving in a professional and courteous manner to promote safety, protect property, and to ensure quality of life.

Due to this being a criminal investigation and a personnel matter, Sedgwick County will not comment further.

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