Former Liberal city manager arrested
Photo courtesy of KBI
SEWARD COUNTY – The former city manager of Liberal, Russell “Rusty” Varnado, was
arrested following a Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) case.
The Liberal Police Department asked the KBI for assistance investigating in August when
allegations arose. The crimes occurred between March and August of 2024, when Varnado was
city manager. Following the allegations, Varnado was fired from his position.
On November 19 at approximately 4 p.m., deputies of the Seward County Sheriff’s Office arrested
Varnado, 37, on a KBI warrant for rape, sexual battery, and lewd and lascivious.
Varnado was booked into the Seward County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.
