NEWTON, Kan. — Harvey County Chief Deputy Attorney Jason Lane filed charges Thursday against two Hesston residents for alleged threats at a Walmart store in Newton on April 6.
Twenty-nine-year-old Hazel Hamrick and 47-year-old Ernest Williams are accused of stating and portraying that Williams was infected with COVID-19 to customers and employees inside the Walmart business in an attempt to cause fear.
Hamrick faces two felony counts of criminal threat. Each count carries a penalty range of 5-to-17 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Williams faces two felony counts of aiding and abetting criminal threat. Each count carries a penalty range of 5-to-17 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Both individuals also face one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. The maximum penalty of that count is one month in county jail and a fine of up to $500.
Both individuals have posted bond, which was set by the District Court at $5,000 each.
Hamrick’s and Williams’ first appearances are scheduled for June 2 at 3 p.m.