Former Sedgwick Co. Sheriff Sentenced To 7 Months In Jail

STERLING, CO – A former rural Colorado sheriff, accused of taking a female inmate to his home and fondling her after demanding that she undress, was sentenced to seven months in jail and a year of work release and probation.

The Class 2 misdemeanor guilty verdict for official misconduct was only for the charge that former Sedgwick County Sheriff Thomas "TJ" Hanna, 45, transported an inmate in his personal vehicle to his home in August 2016.

A Logan County jury in May found Hanna not guilty of charges of sexual assault on an at-risk adult, second-degree kidnapping and soliciting prostitution.

Logan County District Court Judge Michael Singer sentenced Hanna on July 11, according to a statement from the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office. The judge also said Hanna must "write a letter of apology to be published in the local newspaper."

Prosecutors from the 18th Judicial District ran the case in Sterling at the request of the 13th Judicial District.

Hanna was recalled from office in January, 2017.

The improper transportation of the inmate occurred on Aug. 10, 2016, when the female inmate was being held in Sedgwick County Jail after being arrested for domestic violence.

A deputy complained that Hanna agreed to bring the woman to the Logan County jail in his own personal vehicle. That vehicle was later seen at Hanna's home.

The woman told investigators Hanna took her to his house and made her take off her clothes, and offered her $60 for sex, then touched her inappropriately. "If I say anything, he was going to try and put me in prison," she reportedly told investigators. When she put her clothes on, the woman told investigators he told her he "did not want to give her $60 bucks for nothing."

Hanna reportedly deposited $20 into her jail account at Logan County jail, explaining to investigators that "he [had] a big heart and wanted to make sure the woman could call her brother."

Hanna must report to jail in 45 days. According to state statute, Hanna was stripped of his Colorado peace officer certification.

Image via 18th Judicial District Attorney

Get Patched In:
Stay up-to-date with Colorado news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Newsletters and Email Newsletters and Email Alerts|Facebook