ThisIsTopeka.com
TOPEKA, Kan. — For many Shawnee County residents, Thursday night’s jail bookings looked less like new crime and more like déjà vu.
Just before midnight on Aug. 5, deputies booked Frederick Daniel “Danno” Anguish, 55, and Nicole Lynn Thompson, 35, following an incident that ended with allegations of fleeing law enforcement, narcotics possession, and multiple additional charges.
According to jail records, Anguish was booked at approximately 11:30 p.m., while Thompson followed roughly twenty minutes later at 11:50 p.m.
The pair now face a collection of allegations including:
- Possession of opiates or certain stimulants
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Interference with law enforcement
- Fleeing or attempting to elude police (Anguish)
- Marijuana possession (Thompson)
- Traffic-related violations associated with the pursuit
Several of the newest charges stem from an existing felony warrant, resulting in no bond on portions of the case.
A Name That’s Become Familiar
Around Shawnee County, Frederick “Danno” Anguish is hardly an unfamiliar face in the criminal justice system.
Court records show a criminal history stretching back more than three decades.
Among previous convictions and filed cases are:
- Felony drug possession (2024 and 2025)
- Drug paraphernalia offenses
- Criminal trespass
- Obstruction of law enforcement
- Criminal threat
- Domestic battery
- Theft
- A 2023 case involving aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, and criminal deprivation of property
The newest allegations continue a pattern that has repeatedly brought Anguish back into the Shawnee County Jail, including another allegation of attempting to flee police while allegedly possessing narcotics.
Thompson’s Record Also Spans Years
Nicole Lynn Thompson also enters this case with an extensive criminal history.
Kansas court records show previous cases involving:
- Multiple felony drug possession charges
- Drug paraphernalia offenses
- Interference with law enforcement
- Felony fleeing and eluding
- Theft
- Most notably, a 2022 case involving aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery.
She also has an active probation matter reflected in Thursday night’s booking.
The Revolving Door Debate
The arrests are likely to reignite an ongoing community discussion that has surfaced repeatedly in Shawnee County.
Residents regularly ask why the same names appear in booking reports year after year.
Supporters of treatment-first approaches argue addiction is a chronic disease requiring sustained rehabilitation, housing stability, and mental health services. Others contend repeat offenders who continue to accumulate felony cases while cycling through jail demonstrate weaknesses in the current criminal justice system’s ability to prevent repeat offenses.
Whatever side of that debate people land on, Thursday night’s bookings illustrate a reality that has become increasingly familiar: individuals with long criminal histories continue returning to jail on new allegations involving many of the same offenses.
As with all criminal cases, the charges listed in booking records are allegations. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
