Marina
A man from Johnson County has been sentenced to 11 years and 4 months in prison for contaminating food at a Leawood restaurant and committing multiple other crimes.
The court issued the sentence following his guilty plea in July on a slew of serious charges, including criminal threats, damage exceeding $25,000, and multiple counts related to child pornography and the sexual exploitation of a child.
The defendant, Jace Hanson, was first arrested after evidence emerged that he had tampered with food at the Hereford House in Leawood between March 26 and April 25, 2024.
Details of the Food Contamination Allegations
According to documents filed by authorities, Hanson’s misconduct was not isolated. An affidavit describes shocking behavior:
- He allegedly spit into food, stomped on meals, and rubbed food on his body while working shifts at the restaurant.
- He reportedly admitted to contaminating food more than 20 times over a roughly three-week window.
- The misconduct reportedly began in late March and continued into April of 2024.
- Authorities say more than 130 customers called to report illness after dining there.
The contamination came to light after someone tipped off the FBI: the tipster claimed to have viewed videos posted by Hanson showing his tampering behavior.
Hanson also allegedly used apps such as Grindr to coordinate requests for these acts, according to the affidavit.
Case Overview & Key Figures
| Aspect | Details / Figures |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Jace Hanson |
| Sentence | 11 years and 4 months in prison |
| Guilty Plea | July 2025 |
| Charges | Criminal threat, criminal damage > $25,000, sexual exploitation of a child, possession of child pornography |
| Restaurant | Hereford House, Leawood, Kansas |
| Contamination Period | March 26 – April 25, 2024 |
| Reported Illness Cases | Over 130 |
| Number of Tampering Incidents | 20+ |
| Restaurant Closure | Hereford House on Town Center Drive closed August 3 |
Legal Charges & Prosecution Strategy
Hanson faced 22 counts of criminal threat and criminal damage (damage exceeding $25,000). In addition, he was charged with 10 counts involving sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography.
These additional charges stemmed from evidence found online, tied to videos and digital behavior revealed during the investigation.
When Hanson pleaded guilty, he admitted to several of the offenses, which allowed the court to proceed with a sentencing based on established facts.
The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the 11 years and 4 months was the maximum sentence permitted under law for the combination of crimes Hanson committed.
Community Impact & Restaurant Closure
The fallout from Hanson’s actions had broader ramifications:
- Over 130 diners reported illness, which affected public trust in the restaurant and raised serious health concerns.
- The Hereford House on Town Center Drive in Leawood announced closure on August 3, citing “financial strains caused by recent events” as a direct consequence of the scandal.
- Local law enforcement, media, and community leaders treated the case as more than a simple contamination—given the added criminal charges, it became a matter of public safety, health, and child protection.
What the Sentencing Signifies
This case sends a firm message that intentionally tampering with food, especially in a public restaurant setting, is treated as a severe felony, especially when it’s coupled with other serious crimes.
The maximum sentence shows prosecutors and the court viewed the contamination as a deeply malicious act.
Moreover, the multiplicity of charges—ranging from property damage to child exploitation—highlighted the breadth of harm caused and the importance of exacting accountability.
The Kansas sentencing of Jace Hanson to over 11 years in prison for contaminating restaurant food—and the grave additional charges—reflects the seriousness of crimes touching public health and child protection.
His actions endangered dozens of individuals, damaged community trust, and shuttered a local business.
The sentence not only provides retribution but also underscores that such malicious behavior will be met with the harshest penalties.
For Leawood diners and restaurant operators, this case stands as a chilling reminder of the importance of vigilance, oversight, and safety in public food service.