City council member in Kansas town arrested on suspicion of child sex crimes

A city council member of a Kansas town has been arrested on suspicion of child sex crimes.

Burrton City Council member Justin R. Freeman, 39, was arrested by the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office on suspicion of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He is in his first year as a councilman.

A county spokesperson said the county attorney’s office has charged Freeman with six counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He was arrested on Monday and is being held in the Harvey County jail. His bond was set at $750,000.

“We understand there is a legal process still yet to play out, but we absolutely take these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” Burrton Mayor Rodney Redinger said in a written statement. “We will work with the Sheriff’s Office in any way we can to aid their investigation. Right now, our priority is to offer our support, and our thoughts, and our prayers, for those involved.”

This story was originally published May 18, 2020 at 8:32 PM.