CLAY COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a former Kansas undersheriff.

On Friday, Feb. 9, at approximately 4:10 p.m., KBI agents arrested Harold Stellner, 55, of Clay Center, when he turned himself in at the Clay County Jail at 539 Lincoln Ave., in Clay Center. He was arrested for mistreatment of a confined person, a class A misdemeanor.

On Oct. 4, 2023, the KBI initiated this investigation at the request of the Clay County Sheriff when he discovered evidence of an incident that took place on Sept. 29, at the Clay County Jail. During the incident it is believed Stellner unlawfully struck an inmate. Shortly after, Stellner’s employment was terminated by the Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office is expected to prosecute the case.