State

KS officer pleaded no contest to battery against teen. He’s lost his license

The Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (CPOST) issues licenses allowing police officers to be employed in Kansas.
The Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (CPOST) issues licenses allowing police officers to be employed in Kansas. Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training

A former Kansas police officer was stripped of his law enforcement certification after pleading no contest to one charge of battery.

Jeremy Samson was employed by the Arkansas City Police Department from Dec. 10, 2013 to July 12, 2024, according to a March summary order of revocation from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training.

Samson was promoted to the rank of sergeant in November 2022. He also worked as a patrol officer, southern Kansas SWAT team member, K-9 officer and as a school resource officer for Ark City High School, the department said in a December 2022 social media post.

Samson did not respond to a request for comment.

He was charged with one misdemeanor count of sexual battery on Jan. 31, 2024 in Cowley County district court. He pleaded no-contest to a battery charge on Sept. 16, 2024, according to a plea hearing agreement document.

A no contest plea is when a defendant neither admits nor denies guilt, but agrees to accept the punishment.

The criminal complaint alleged that between May 2, 2022 and Nov. 8, 2023, Samson touched a person who was 16 years or older without consent and “with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of the defendant [Samson] or another.”

The complaint provides a birth year for the victim, who would have been 16 or 17 at the time.

The amended battery charge came with a possible six months in jail and maximum fine of $1,000. Samson was not given jail time or probation; he was ordered to pay $158 in court costs.

Eduardo Castillo
The Wichita Eagle
Eduardo covers crime and breaking news for The Wichita Eagle. His previous work experience includes stints at KWCH 12 Eyewitness News, the local CBS affiliate in Wichita, and as a marketing manager for a local real estate team. In addition to writing, Eduardo also enjoys still photography and cinematography. News tips? email at Edcastillo@wichitaeagle.com or call 316-268-6213.
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