Williams photo Harvey County
HARVEY COUNTY— Charges were filed Thursday against a Kansas couple for alleged threats of possibly spreading the coronavirus at a Walmart store in Newton on April 6, according to Harvey County Chief Deputy Attorney Jason Lane.
Hazel Hamrick, 29, and Ernest Williams, 47, both of Hesston 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.
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HARVEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a viral video of two people walking through Walmart in Newton coughing on other people and saying they have coronavirus, according to a social media report police in Newton.
Police were not called at the time of this incident, but Newton officers began investigating after seeing the video on social media. Police identified the suspects, interviewed them and have arrested Hazel Hamrick, 29, and Ernest Williams, 47, both of Hesston, on requested charges of felony criminal threat and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. They've been booked into Harvey County Jail.
Both admitted to walking around Walmart with Williams coughing on people while Hamrick verbalized that Williams had the coronavirus. They both indicated they don't take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and thought it would be funny.
Harvey County Attorney's Office has indicated they will aggressively pursue prosecution of the two individuals, including other potential criminal charges, according to police