For Immediate Release
April 17, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced harassment charges against a tow truck driver for allegedly intimidating news reporters earlier this week.
James Basham faces two counts of class E felony 1st Degree Harassment. *
“Today, our office filed criminal charges against a tow truck driver who targeted reporters who were reporting on the very same company we previously charged with forgery, stealing, and harassment,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “Our press should be able to report on issues in our community without fear and any attempt to intimidate or silence them will not be tolerated.”
According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to a tow truck lot at 10th and Agnes after two journalists reported that they were being trapped in their vehicle by four tow truck drivers. The trucks blocked the driver’s side door, the front of the vehicle, and the rear, with a fence blocking the other side of the vehicle. The defendant walked from around the trucks and to the side of the towing business while looking at the journalists.
The defendant is being held on a $50,000 bond.
* Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.
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Media Contact:
Jazzlyn Johnson
Director of Communications
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
415 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO - 64106
(816) 929-1289
jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org
https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com