By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A recently announced candidate for Hays City Commission was arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail Friday.
According to district court records, 23-year-old Samuel Emerson Allen of Hays allegedly tried to obtain $50 by threatening to share nude photos or videos of someone obtained through a dating app on June 27.
Blackmail is a level 4 person felony in Kansas. Public records said the court ordered Allen’s arrest with an appearance bond set at $40,000.
Ellis County booking records show Allen was booked for failure to appear. Ellis County Attorney Aaron J. Cunningham was contacted but declined to comment.
Allen announced his candidacy for the Hays City Commission in the 2025 municipal election on June 23 and is completing his degree in political science at Fort Hays State University.