HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A former Reno County Sheriff Jail Deputy convicted on charges associated with unlawful sexual relations with inmates inside the old Reno County Jail and sentenced to over five years in prison is seeking relief from that sentence.
Jonathon Diaz had waived his right to a preliminary hearing and entered “guilty” pleas to three counts of unlawful sexual relations and two counts of bribery. He then entered “no contest” pleas to two counts of aggravated intimidation of a witness.
He has apparently has a civil filing pending action by the court seeking relief from that sentence. An evidentiary hearing was held on the civil case where the defendant took the stand and complained that his attorney at the time didn’t do what he asked and file a motion to suppress his confession. He also alleges that he felt intimidated when questioned by investigators because they were carrying their weapons and that he felt he couldn’t leave.
He says that he felt others he worked with in the jail could tell authorities that what the state says happened couldn’t have considering the size of the jail. Diaz claims that his attorney didn’t bother to investigate and also speak with those co-workers. Plus he says his character wouldn’t allow that sort of behavior.
He also claims the he was told if he didn’t enter the plea, additional charges could be added. He says he felt coerced into entering the plea.
But, the state questioned him on cross examination over him being a law officer and that he also carried a gun. District Attorney Keith Schroeder also questioned him over the evidence that showed on video some of the alleged conduct.
District Judge Tim Chambers noted that he handled the sentencing, but wasn’t present when the actual plea was entered. He wanted time to read over what happened there as well as the decision over the appeal in the case. He took the matter under advisement.
The case against Diaz was filed in 2013 by the state after a nearly two week internal investigation ordered by Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson. Some inmates complained of the allegations of Diaz touching them and also requesting that they expose themselves to him, and also that they engage in sexual activity while he watched.
Judge Chambers said he would have his decision over the civil case by the end of the week.