TREGO COUNTY —A northwest Kansas man was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences and will spend at least the next 50 years in prison after a Trego County jury found him guilty of raping a 6 year-old last year.
In January a jury found Nathan Russ, 36, WaKeeney, guilty of two counts of rape and one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.
Russ was arrested in Illinois in July of last year after police in WaKeeney were alerted to possible child abuse.
Following the jury trial Russ was sentenced to two life sentences for rape and 25 years to life for the aggravated indecent liberties with a child conviction earlier this month
The two rape convictions fall under Jessica’s Law which require a life sentence. They will run consecutive with one another, so Russ with serve back-to-back life sentences. The aggravated indecent liberties with a child conviction will run concurrent to the life sentences.
Under Kansas law Russ will not be eligible for parole for 50 year
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TREGO COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.
On January 31, 2020 the WaKeeney Police Department was called to the Trego Grade School for the suspicion of possible child abuse of a 6 year old child, according to a media release.
The WaKeeney Police Department conducted an investigation and charges were filed by the Trego County Attorney’s Office against Nathan R. Russ, 35, WaKeeney, for Rape and Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child both off-grid felonies.
Russ was arrested in Illinois and was transported to the Trego County Jail where he is currently being held.