A man who deliberately contaminated food at a Kansas steakhouse with his urine, feet, and genitals has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison. Jace Christian Hanson, 22, pleaded guilty to 33 charges, including 22 counts of criminal threat, criminal damage, sexual exploitation of a child, and possession of child pornography. Hanson was first arrested in April 2024 after allegedly tampering with meals at the Hereford House restaurant in Leawood.
According to authorities, Hanson posted videos online showing him spitting on, stomping on, and rubbing food on his body while working at the restaurant. He reportedly admitted to police that he carried out the acts multiple times and had been requested to make such videos through apps like Grindr.
An FBI affidavit revealed that Hanson urinated in bins and pressed his genitals, backside, and feet against food, including salmon and jars of sauce. The investigation also uncovered disturbing child sexual abuse material and messages in which Hanson expressed a desire to commit further crimes.
During sentencing, Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan described Hanson as a “future danger” and called his crimes “repulsive,” warning that he posed a continued threat to the community. Johnson County authorities reported that over 130 people fell ill after eating at the restaurant. The venue eventually closed in August 2024 due to financial strains caused by the incident.
Hanson was sentenced to 11 years and four months in prison, the maximum allowed under the law. Johnson County Assistant District Attorney Xavier Andrews said Hanson “singlehandedly caused that location to close.” Hanson expressed remorse, apologizing to co-workers, customers, and his family.
