Salina Man Appears in Court June 2 on Felony Animal Cruelty, Wildlife Charges

A Salina County criminal case involving a felony animal cruelty charge is scheduled to continue later this month.

Dustin Maynard Linaweaver is charged in Saline County District Court with one count of cruelty to animals, listed as a non-grid nonperson felony. According to the complaint, prosecutors allege the incident occurred on or about April 16, 2026, in Saline County. The complaint alleges Linaweaver unlawfully and knowingly killed, injured, maimed, tortured, burned, or mutilated an animal.

The case also includes two misdemeanor wildlife-related charges. Linaweaver is charged with fishing without the required license and hunting without a valid license, permit, stamp, or other required issue. Both are listed as class C nonperson misdemeanors. Because apparently even the fish paperwork made it into the criminal file.

Court records show Linaweaver appeared for a first appearance on June 2, 2026, before District Court Judge Jacob Peterson in Courtroom 311. The hearing was held, and the court appointed attorney John P. Sheahon to represent Linaweaver. A $100 application fee was assessed, though docket notes state it was deferred for now.

The order appointing counsel states Linaweaver had been charged with a felony and was determined indigent under Kansas law, making him eligible for appointed counsel. The same order lists the next hearing as a scheduling conference set for June 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Allie Burris in Courtroom 305.

The complaint was filed by Saline County Attorney John A. Reynolds, with Calvin Schuette listed as the assigned prosecutor. Colter Silhan with Kansas Wildlife & Parks is listed as a state witness.

Linaweaver is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.