Former Liberal City Manager Arrested

LIBERAL – Former Liberal City Manager Russell "Rusty" Varnado, 37, was arrested at approximately 4 p.m., November 19, on a Kansas Bureau of Investigation warrant for rape, sexual battery, and lewd and Lascivious behavior.

Varnado had served as City Manager for the City of Liberal since 2021, following the resignation of Calvin Burke. Officials with the city announced in August that they had "been informed of an allegation of misconduct involving Varnado". At that time, he was allowed to continue in his role as city manager while the investigation was ongoing, stating "given the limited information" surrounding the investigation. City officials called in an external agency  (the Kansas Bureau of Investigation) to look in to the matter.

The alleged crimes involving Varnado occurred between March and August of 2024. During a executive session at their special meeting September 27, Liberal City Commission voted to terminate Varnado "with cause". At the time of his termination, Varnado had two years left on his contract with the city of Liberal. At a commission meeting in October, the commission voted to compensate Varnado with several items including:  one-time gross payment amount of $40,000 to be taxed as ordinary income and to be paid as directed by Varnado prior to the calendar year ending 2025; a 2023 GMC Sierra AT4 that Varnado had been making payments on and said he will be responsible for the remaining balance owed; vacation hours he had accrued,  and any personal belongings at City Hall.

Seward County Sheriff deputies arrested Varnado November 19 on the KBI warrant. Authorities said Varnado is accused of raping a woman in March. He is also facing charges of sexual battery for "sexually touching another victim without her consent", and exposing himself to that victim in an incident which allegedly occurred in August. Varnado was booked into the Seward County Jail following his arrest. His bond was originally set at $250,000, but has been reduced to $100,000. His next hearing date has been scheduled for December 2.

The investigation is ongoing.