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By Ben Winslow
Deseret Morning News
OGDEN, Utah — A decorated hero for stopping the killing spree at Trolley Square, Ogden Police Officer Ken Hammond now finds himself facing a criminal charge.
Weber County prosecutors charged Hammond late Monday afternoon with a single count of third-degree felony unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old, accusing him of engaging in a sexual act with someone at least 10 years younger than he is.
Charging documents contain few details but said the incident happened July 12, 2005, and identify the alleged victim only by the initials “K.M.” In pursuing the charge, deputy Weber County Attorney Sandra Corp wrote that the charges did not amount to any kind of rape or aggravated sexual assault.
Weber County Attorney Mark DeCaria declined to comment about specifics of the case, noting Hammond’s celebrity status.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to talk about the underlying facts of the case,” he told the Deseret News on Monday. “You’ll just have to wait until the matter goes to preliminary hearing. I’m trying to do my best not to damage a case like this before it goes to trial, what with the potential for really extreme media exposure.”
Attempts to reach Hammond for comment on Monday were unsuccessful. Second District Court records did not indicate if he had retained an attorney, but a Jan. 27 court appearance was scheduled. A warrant was not issued for Hammond’s arrest.
The Ogden Police Department issued a brief statement Monday upon learning of the charges, saying that the allegation dates back to 2005. A complaint was filed with the police department only earlier this year.
“The Ogden Police Department’s internal affairs investigation is still ongoing, and we cannot comment on it,” assistant police chief Randy Watt told the Deseret News.
Hammond, 35, remains on administrative leave while the investigation continues. Ogden police said that as a result of the charges, it would now be reviewing that to determine whether he should remain on leave but without pay.
Hammond has been hailed for his heroism for stopping the February 2007 shooting rampage at Trolley Square. The officer was on a date with his wife when Sulejman Talovic opened fire in the mall. The off-duty officer engaged Talovic in a shootout until Salt Lake City police arrived. Talovic, who killed five and wounded four others, was shot and killed by the officers.
Most recently, Hammond was named the American Police Hall of Fame’s 2008 Officer of the Year.
Earlier this month, an Ogden woman filed a federal lawsuit against Hammond accusing him of violating her civil rights. Natasha Child accuses him of abusing her during her husband’s arrest in a DUI incident. She never filed a complaint with police but contends in her lawsuit that Hammond pulled her pants down while she was handcuffed.
Ogden police said at the time that the complaints against Hammond should not take away from his heroism at Trolley Square, saying he may be facing more scrutiny than other officers would because of his role in stopping the rampage.
Copyright 2008 Deseret Morning News