By Quinn O’Hara

On February 9, 2024, Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Harold “Hank” Stellner, of Clay Center, when he turned himself in at the Clay County Jail. Stellner was arrested for mistreatment of a confined person, a class A misdemeanor.

On October 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 September 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.

According to the Office of The Attorney General of Kansas, the Stellner case is currently set for a motion hearing on July 9. After that hearing, a trial has been set for August 1.