Leawood, Kan. – The Leawood, Kansas Police Department assured the public on Tuesday that there’s no ongoing risk of infectious diseases from the suspect in the Hereford House food contamination investigation. The department disclosed that test results from the suspect confirmed this assertion.

Investigation Details

Since the onset of the investigation, a significant number of individuals, totaling 330, have reached out to investigators via phone calls, emails, or online forms. They reported dining at the Hereford House in Leawood between March 26 and April 25, the period under scrutiny.

Police authorities affirmed their commitment to thoroughly investigate the recent food contamination incident, allegedly perpetrated by a former employee of the restaurant.

Legal Proceedings

The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office has taken legal action against the accused, identified as 21-year-old Jace Christian Hanson. He faces charges related to food adulteration.

According to court documents, the investigation was triggered by information received from an FBI special agent concerning possible intentional food contamination at the Hereford House establishment. Allegations included tampering with food by urinating on it or rubbing it against genitalia, with videos allegedly posted online.

Unveiling the Culprit

Through meticulous investigation, law enforcement managed to trace the source of the alleged contamination to Hanson. The FBI, using IP addresses, identified a phone number associated with Hanson, who allegedly posted videos under the username “Vandalizer.” These videos purportedly depicted acts of food contamination, including urination and inappropriate handling of food items.

Leawood police detectives, in collaboration with restaurant management, identified Hanson as the perpetrator. The head chef confirmed the authenticity of the videos, recognizing elements such as the Au Jus sauce used in the restaurant.

Perpetrator’s Confession

When confronted by law enforcement, Hanson admitted to his involvement in the food contamination incidents. He confessed to meeting individuals online who requested him to create such videos. Hanson claimed to have met these individuals through various apps and platforms, including Grinder, Sniffy’s, Scruff, and Snapchat.

Extent of Contamination

Hanson revealed shocking details, estimating that he contaminated food on more than 20 occasions during his tenure at Hereford House. He disclosed that his initial motivation stemmed from discontent with his job, although he continued the acts even as his job satisfaction improved slightly.

Continuing Investigation

The Leawood Police Department urges customers who experienced any illness after dining at Hereford House between March 26 and April 26 to report their cases. However, customers who have already submitted their information need not resubmit.

Hanson is scheduled to appear in court again in June to face the charges brought against him.

Conclusion: Ensuring Public Safety

The resolution of the Hereford House food contamination case underscores the importance of stringent food safety measures. It also highlights the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in safeguarding public health. As investigations continue, authorities remain dedicated to ensuring the well-being of patrons and holding perpetrators of such acts accountable.

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