Newark officer placed in diversion program after disorderly conduct charge
NEWARK - A Newark police officer arrested on a domestic violence charge in October has been placed in a court diversion program.
Officer Timothy Hansel, 47, was arrested by Heath police Oct. 29 after officers were called to the 100 block of Swainford Drive on a report of a domestic disturbance. According to police narratives and witness statements, Hansel was accused of being verbally abusive and grabbing and shoving a woman in the home.
Hansel's domestic violence charge was amended this month to disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Late last week, Hansel was admitted into the Licking County Municipal Court Diversion Program, a one-year probationary program for first-time offenders. In doing so, Hansel had to formally accept responsibility for his offense. The court will dismiss the disorderly conduct charge if Hansel successfully completes the diversion program.
Hansel, who has been with the Newark Police Department for seven years, remains on administrative leave. Police Chief Barry Connell said after Hansel's arrest that the department would conduct an internal investigation after the criminal case was resolved.
Read more: http://www.dispatch.com/news/20170123/newark-officer-placed-in-diversion-program-after-disorderly-conduct-charge