Wichita police confirmed that the FBI arrested 40‑year‑old Michael Jolstead on Friday morning, charging him with five child‑sex‑related offenses. Jolstead, who most recently served as an assistant district attorney for the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, was taken into federal custody in Wichita.
According to a Justice Department news release, a grand jury in the Eastern District of Washington returned a five‑count indictment alleging production and attempted production of child pornography, attempted online enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The indictment is an allegation, and the release emphasized that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was a coordinated effort involving FBI teams in Wichita and Spokane, Washington, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for Kansas and the Eastern District of Washington. Jolstead is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Friday afternoon.
The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Jolstead is no longer employed by the office and that he served in the assistant DA role for about five months, beginning on June 29. The office noted that Jolstead completed the standard pre‑employment background check and satisfied the character and fitness requirements for admission to practice law in Kansas.
Prior to his brief tenure in Sedgwick County, Jolstead practiced law in Washington state. Records show he served as a deputy prosecutor for Spokane County and later as a defense attorney for the Spokane Public Defender’s Office, where he also held the position of senior public defender.
In a statement, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office said, “The District Attorney’s Office takes transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct seriously. When concerns arise involving any employee, our office addresses them promptly and through the appropriate processes.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the investigation to contact the FBI at 1‑800‑CALL‑FBI (1‑800‑225‑5324), the FBI Seattle Office at 106‑622‑0460, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
What’s next: Jolstead will appear before a federal judge on Friday afternoon for his initial hearing. The case will proceed through the federal court system, and further updates will be provided as the proceedings develop.
