Indictment: Kansas Kidnapping Trio Charged with Death

TOPEKA, KAN — A harrowing tale of violence and tragedy emerged as three individuals were indicted Wednesday on federal charges of kidnapping and killing a young woman from Junction City. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom announced the joint investigation with the Geary County Attorney, which will unfold in federal court.

The body of Amanda Clemons, 24, was discovered in February 2014 within Geary County’s jurisdiction. The chilling details of her murder were revealed through an indictment that names Larry L. Anderson, 26; Marryssa M. Middleton, 23; and Drexel A. Woody, 24, as the accused.

According to the charges, on February 7, 2014, these defendants reportedly abducted Clemons and held her captive on Fort Riley military grounds. During their captivity, they are alleged to have taken her life. If found guilty, each faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison without parole.

The investigation into Clemons’ tragic demise was extensive, with the Junction City Police Department, Grandview Plaza Police Department, Geary County Sheriff’s Office, Riley County Police Department, Fort Riley Criminal Investigation Division, and the FBI all contributing to the probe. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Maag and Tony Mattivi, alongside Geary County Attorney Steven Opat, will lead the prosecution.

Separately, Frederick L. Sanders, 43, of Topeka, faces one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The ATF investigated this case, which occurred on January 30, 2015. If convicted, Sanders could be sentenced to up to 10 years in federal prison and fined up to $250,000.

Luis Guadalupe Leon-Aceves, 44, from Cavroca, Mexico, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This crime is alleged to have transpired on March 8, 2015. The DEA’s investigation into this case could lead to a minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a fine reaching $10 million.

In all these cases, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The allegations contained within the indictments merely point to criminal conduct.