A former Aurora police officer pleaded guilty Friday to computer tampering in the $71 overtime theft case that got her fired in 2016 from the department she joined in 1996.
Kimberly Hanson, 44, of Plano, was initially charged with theft by deception, a class A misdemeanor, for calling in a made-up motorist assist in September 2016. The tampering charge to which she pleaded guilty is a class B misdemeanor, which is a nondisqualifying offense. In exchange, she agreed to 12 months of supervision including reporting, eight hours of community service, a $120 fine and $375 in other court costs.
Judge Todd Tarter accepted the plea agreement late Friday morning in Aurora Branch Court, where Hanson was joined by her lawyer, David Camic.
Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman announced the 2016 charge against Hanson in a news release. In a form ordering Hanson’s termination in November 2016 obtained through a public records request, Ziman wrote the officer had brought embarrassment to herself and to the organization.
“This is a clear example of an officer violating the public’s trust,” Ziman wrote.
As she left the courtroom, Hanson said she had no comment.
Camic said he was thankful the prosecutors considered Hanson’s family situation and resolved the case with a nondisqualifying conviction.
Police officials did not immediately respond Friday to messages about the case.
Hanson told police department investigators she fabricated a call that extended her shift and paid her $71.14 in overtime after struggling personally since the death of her infant son weeks after his premature birth in 2009, according to records obtained by The Beacon-News last year. Hanson’s son, Tommy, was born premature in 2009 and died three weeks later, according to obituary records from legacy.com.
Hanson, who was fired and criminally charged over that call, said she had been dealing with bouts of depression and an overwhelming anxiety to be with her family, according to a transcript of her interview with Police Department officials. In the interview, Hanson said it had torn her up and apologized “for making a stupid, hasty decision.”
Sergeants looking into Hanson’s comp time found no proof of a motorist assist she’d reportedly initiated from 10:23 to 11:15 p.m. Sept. 29, 2016, records show.
The Police Department launched an internal investigation through its Office of Professional Standards, and sought a felony charge against Hanson, but was denied.
On Nov. 3, 2016, a warrant was issued for Hanson’s arrest on the original theft charge. She turned herself in at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department five days later and quickly posted $100 bail.
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