KC legislator Manny Abarca arrested on battery charges, son reunited with mom
Jackson County legislator Manuel “Manny” Abarca IV was arrested on domestic battery charges in Johnson County Wednesday afternoon, according to court records.
Abarca’s wife Alexis Garcia told The Star in a text message that their 2-year-old son Manuel Abarca V, known as Luca, was returned safely to her care on Wednesday afternoon as well.
She hadn’t seen the toddler since last Wednesday and had reported him and Abarca as missing on Sunday.
“My son is now safe and home with me,” she said.
Prosecutors filed the domestic violence charge in Johnson County District Court around 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to court records. Charging documents indicate that Abarca had a physical altercation with Garcia on Thursday, May 29.
“Manuel Ray Abarca IV did then and there unlawfully and knowingly cause physical contact with [Garcia] in a rude, insulting, or angry manner,” charging documents read.
Abarca’s father witnessed the incident, according to charging documents. Shawnee police crime mapping data shows that police were called to Abarca’s father’s house on Thursday afternoon in response to what was described as a domestic dispute.
Garcia had filed for an order of protection against Abarca on Friday. The court approved the order the same day and granted Garcia custody of Luca, while barring Abarca from contacting her.
Earlier Wednesday, Garcia had filed a motion in Jackson County Circuit Court asking a judge to rule Abarca in contempt of court for not returning Luca to her.
Kansas City’s prosecutor also filed charges against Abarca in municipal court around noon Wednesday, accusing Abarca of knowingly violating the protective order by failing to return Luca to Garcia as of Monday night.
Abarca posted a $1,500 bond and was released from the Johnson County Adult Detention Center Wednesday evening, according to a spokesperson from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
Mike Hendricks contributed reporting.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM.
