Kansas City Resident’s Run-In with the Law Over Property Tax Payment
Kansas City, Mo. — A recent encounter at the historic Truman Courthouse in Independence has left a local resident with quite the story to tell and a pending legal case. In May 2024, Zak Nenno found himself arrested while simply trying to pay his personal property taxes, igniting discussions about the rights of citizens in public buildings and the nature of law enforcement’s response.
The Incident Unfolds
On what seemed like an ordinary day, Nenno walked into the courthouse with the intention of settling his taxes. “I walked in, and a lady standing there asked for my I.D. I thought that was odd since I was just trying to pay a bill,” he recalled. Nenno assumed the request for identification wasn’t necessary for his visit, leading to a confusing exchange. When he didn’t provide his I.D., the situation escalated with him being told he was trespassing.
“I explained, ‘No ma’am, I have business to attend to here, and this is a public building,’” Nenno mentioned. Despite his reassurances, an officer approached him soon after, stating that he needed to leave. “I was floored! I’m here to pay my taxes! How could I be trespassing?” he continued.
A Disturbance or Misunderstanding?
As he attempted to explain his situation further and simply take a seat to wait his turn, both officers returned to him and claimed he was still causing a disturbance. “I told them, ‘No sir… the only one that created a disturbance was that officer right there,’” Nenno expressed. The officers insisted he leave, and before he could articulate his intentions, they grabbed him in an attempt to remove him.
Things escalated quickly from there. “They stood me up, cuffed me, and said I was resisting arrest,” Nenno said, recounting how he lost his balance and ended up on the concrete floor during the struggle. He was placed under arrest and spent 12 hours in custody.
The Legal Fallout
Fast forward to now, Nenno is facing two charges: disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. “I wasn’t resisting arrest,” he insists. The case is especially tense for him, as the charges have been continued until October, giving him plenty of time to reflect on that day. “This shouldn’t have happened,” he said, emphasizing his desire to rectify the situation.
Voicing Concerns
In a bid for accountability, Nenno took the additional step to file a complaint with Internal Affairs after the incident. “I just want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. It just didn’t feel right,” he remarked. Although there was surveillance footage from that day, it captured no audio, making it difficult to clarify the exchange and understand the full context of the interaction.
What’s Next?
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the ongoing nature of Nenno’s case and stated that they cannot provide further details until it is resolved in municipal court. For now, he’s left reflecting on a troubling day and hoping for a fair outcome.
A Call for Clarity
This incident raises larger questions about access and treatment within public facilities. Nenno’s story resonates with many who have experienced confusion when it comes to laws and rights in public spaces. If nothing else, it’s a stark reminder that sometimes, what begins as a simple task can lead to unexpected consequences.
As we await the outcome of Nenno’s case, one thing is certain: it’s sure to spark conversations in Kansas City about our rights, responsibilities, and interactions with those in authority.
