DOUGLAS COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) on Friday arrested a man who was formerly an officer of the Lawrence Police Department, according to a media release from the agency.
On Nov. 1, 2021, the Lawrence Police Department requested KBI assistance after they received a report that day from a female subject alleging that one of their officers, Jonathan, M. Gardner, 41, of Tonganoxie, had sexually assaulted her while he was on duty. The crime is suspected to have occurred on Jan. 1, 2017.
KBI agents initiated an investigation. The Lawrence Police Department cooperated fully with the case. Soon after Gardner was separated from employment with the Police Department, according to the KBI.
Just after 8a.m. Friday, KBI agents arrested Gardner near the intersection of Smiley Road and Highway 40. The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the arrest.
Gardner is being held requested charge of one count of rape, 12 counts of unlawful acts concerning computers, and 12 counts of official misconduct. The charges of official misconduct and unlawful acts with computers claim Gardner committed illegal and unauthorized searches of the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (KCJIS), as well as internal police department public safety systems between 2017 and 2020.
Lawrence Police Chief Lockhart said, “I am appalled by the alleged conduct of Gardner. Those alleged actions are not consistent with the values of the department and, if true, Gardner violated the trust of the community he was sworn to serve. The conduct Gardner is accused of is not tolerated by the department. The department acted swiftly when notified of the allegation and is grateful to the Kansas Bureau of
Investigation for its investigation into this matter. Most importantly, I would like to extend my appreciation to the community member who possessed the courage and bravery to come forward and report this allegation to our agency.”
Gardner was booked into the Leavenworth County Jail and issued a $50,000 bond. He is no longer in custody.