Ex-deputy gets probation for sex crimes at Sedgwick County Jail

A former jailer on Thursday was ordered to serve three years’ probation for sex crimes involving inmates at the Sedgwick County Jail.

Kenneth M. Reese, 50, pleaded guilty last month in Sedgwick County District Court to one count each of unlawful sexual relations, attempted unlawful sexual relations and making false information for crimes committed in 2012 and 2013 while he worked as a detention deputy.

In handing down the sentence, District Judge David Kaufman said he agreed with attorneys that probation was appropriate for Reese because evaluations determined Reese is at low risk of re-offending, because he’s undergone treatment and because his guilty plea shows “acceptance of responsibility.”

He noted that the decision was not based on Reese’s former job and warned that Reese could face incarceration of 32 months if he violates the terms of his probation.

“These offenses are clearly related to that position of authority that he held” while working at the jail, Kaufman said. But, he said, “Mr. Reese is not granted probation because he is former law enforcement.”

Authorities arrested Reese in March after two female inmates at the county jail reported having had inappropriate sexual contact with him.

Reese was originally charged with eight felony counts in the case but reached a plea deal with prosecutors that dropped some of the charges. He was a 14-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office at the time of his resignation in February.

Reese apologized for his crimes in court Thursday morning, and thanked his family for their support.

“I’m sorry this happened,” he said, “and I realize this affected a lot of people.”

This story was originally published January 29, 2015 at 5:16 PM with the headline "Ex-deputy gets probation for sex crimes at Sedgwick County Jail."