A total of six men have been indicted as part of an illegal gambling investigation in Wichita. Three of those charged were law enforcement officers in the community. 

Wichita's police chief says instances of police misconduct have weighed heavily on his department, especially after learning that the illegal gambling operation happened in the heart of downtown.

Former officers Bruce Mackey and Michael Zajkowski are accused of using police resources when they suspected one of the gamblers in 2014 was an undercover officer. Retired Kansas Highway Patrol trooper Michael Frederiksen was also indicted for lying to the FBI. 

Documents show the operation took place in a building near Douglas and Washington. Those who work in the area are shocked. 

"It was alarming and disturbing that this happened two doors down from my business," said Leslie Way, owner of Salon Teased. "I think they've got everything well under control and they're going to make sure the people that were involved are prosecuted."

Chief Gordon Ramsay was made aware of the investigation about a month after becoming chief in 2016.

"There is no place for unethical behavior on this police department," Chief Ramsay said. "While we have had issues lately that have rattled us, I have tremendous faith in the men and women of this department."

The indictment also alleges that Brock Wedman, of St. Mary's, and an unnamed co-conspirator owned he illegal gambling business. KAKE News contacted Wedman at the Wamego Health Center where he serves as an administrator. He had no comment on the investigation. 

Two other Wichita men, Danny Chapman and Daven Flax, pleaded guilty to federal gambling and tax charges last week.  

Chief Ramsay also emphasized some of his recent policy changes:

  • The seven members of a new citizens review board were announced this week. They will review cases of police misconduct
  • Wichita police will no longer investigate their own employees accused of crimes
  • They are notifying the public when an officer is arrested or charged with a crime
  • Officers charged with crimes are no longer getting paid administrative leave