Sedgwick County 911 employee arrested on the job, accused of interfering with police

A Sedgwick County Emergency Communications employee was arrested Friday afternoon on suspicion of official misconduct and interference with law enforcement.

Sedgwick County Jail records show Penni Powell-El, 25, was booked at 1:44 p.m. She was on the job when Valley Center law enforcement placed her under arrest.

“My officers went to the Emergency Communications building and arrested her from here,” Valley Center Police Chief Lloyd Newman told The Eagle.

He would not elaborate about the alleged interference, but said the incident occurred Friday.

“Valley Center law enforcement is investigating the matter and the case will be presented to the District Attorney for review for charges,” a Sedgwick County news release stated. “The employee is on suspension pending administrative investigation and the determination of criminal prosecution.”

Powell-El had been employed with the county since July 2022.

“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,” Director Elora Forshee is quoted as saying in the release. “We will cooperate fully with law enforcement.”