A man who contaminated food at a steak restaurant where he was employed with his urine, feet, and genitals has been sentenced to 11 years and four months in prison. Jace Christian Hanson, aged 22, pleaded guilty to 22 counts of criminal threat, one count of criminal damage, and 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography. The incident occurred at the Hereford House restaurant in Leawood, Kansas, leading to his arrest in April 2024.
Hanson’s actions were reported to the FBI after he posted videos online showing him spitting, stomping on food, and rubbing it on his body while at work. He admitted to contaminating food over 20 times during his brief employment at the restaurant in April of the previous year. Initially charged with one count of felony food contamination, he faced additional charges in June 2024 and eventually pleaded guilty to all 33 charges in July of the same year.
An investigation revealed disturbing videos showcasing child sexual abuse and messages expressing Hanson’s desire to commit such crimes. A user known as “Vandalizer” shared content showing him urinating in bins and pressing food against his body parts. Hanson confessed to these acts, including urinating in food containers and pressing his genitals against food items.
During the sentencing, Leawood Police Detective Jack Bond described the child sexual abuse material as the most brutal and violent he had encountered. Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan labeled Hanson as a “future danger” due to the severity of his offenses. The restaurant faced multiple lawsuits following the incident, and over 130 individuals reported falling ill after dining there. The establishment closed in August 2024 due to financial strain caused by the case.
Assistant District Attorney Xavier Andrews stated that Hanson’s actions singlehandedly led to the closure of the restaurant. Despite apologizing to his colleagues, customers, and family, Hanson received the maximum sentence of 136 months in prison. The judge expressed deep repulsion for Hanson’s crimes, emphasizing the significant impact on the community and victims involved.