5 other women identified as possible victims
ELLIS COUNTY —On Monday, in an Ellis County courtroom in Hays, 21-year-old Alec Donald Vann of Wakefield was sentenced to 114 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery, according to a statement from the Ellis County Attorney's office.
Vann was initially charged with two counts of rape, both being level 1 person felonies, and one count of aggravated sexual battery, a severity level 5-person felony.
The charges alleged Vann knowingly engaged in sexual acts and intercourse with a woman, who did not consent and was overcome by force or fear, in Hays in October 2023.
Vann accepted a plea agreement from the state and pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual battery. After serving his 114-month prison sentence, Vann will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years and be subject to lifetime post-release supervision.
In addition to the victim in Hays, five additional people were identified as possible victims of Vann. Four victims were willing to speak with the prosecutor, and ultimately, three testified concerning the defendant’s prior acts of sexual misconduct.
The defendant was represented by Andy Vinduska, attorney from Manhattan. The state was represented by former Ellis County Attorney and now Special Prosecutor Appointed, Robert A. Anderson Jr. The Honorable Thomas Drees, 23rd Judicial District Court Judge, served as the sentencing judge.
"This defendant was finally held responsible for his actions, and the Ellis County Attorney's Office will continue to seek justice for victims and hold perpetrators accountable," Anderson said. "We are thankful to the courageous women who came forward in this matter and hope they can now move forward in peace and heal from the trauma caused by the defendant."