A former Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputy has had her law enforcement certification revoked after she was charged in a domestic violence case.
Breanna Pence, 33, was employed as a deputy for about four and a half years, beginning in October 2018. Her employment ended on May 3.
The affidavit supporting the case against Pence alleged that she drank a fifth of hard liquor during a party on Oct. 31, 2020, and repeatedly struck and kicked her romantic partner at the time, who was also a DGSO employee. However, it wasn’t until years later that the allegation against Pence came to light.
Pence was charged in April with domestic battery as a level B misdemeanor, which could be punishable by time in the county jail from a minimum of 48 hours up to a maximum of six months. However, the special prosecutor handling the case for the Douglas county district attorney’s office granted her a diversion agreement. If she successfully completes the one-year agreement, she can avoid prosecution for the case.
The Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training on Tuesday published a summary order of revocation of Pence’s peace officer license.
Despite Pence being granted a diversion, the revocation states “each applicant for certification shall not have been convicted of a crime that would constitute a felony under the laws of this state, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or a misdemeanor offense that the Commission determines reflects on the honesty, trustworthiness, integrity or competence of the applicant as defined by rules and regulations of the Commission.” It continues to say that “a conviction includes any diversion or deferred judgment agreement entered into for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.”
The order also states that “any single incident or event may suffice to show that an applicant or licensee lacks or has failed to maintain good moral character,” continuing, “Respondent’s conduct shows that she has failed to maintain good moral character sufficient to warrant the public trust in her as a law enforcement officer.”
The revocation order was signed Oct. 18, about six months after the charge against Pence was filed.
As part of her diversion agreement, Pence is required to complete a domestic violence assessment, refrain from using any drugs or alcohol, submit to random drug testing, complete 30 hours of community service and obey all laws, among other conditions.
Pence’s attorney did not immediately respond Tuesday to an email asking if he or Pence would like to comment for this article.
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Mackenzie Clark (she/her), reporter/founder of The Lawrence Times, can be reached at mclark@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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