LARNED — Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett on Wednesday released information concerning the first appearance that morning of Justin W. Hammond, 36 of Larned, before Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell. The criminal complaint alleges Hammond committed eight felony sex crimes with a child 14 or 15 years of age.

If convicted, he could serve between 59 and 247 months in prison, depending on his criminal history. In addition, he would be required to register as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act. 

Hammond was not in the courtroom, but instead appeared with counsel via Zoom. McNett, the victim’s family and representatives from the Child Advocacy Center were present. 

Hammond turned himself in to the Pawnee County Sheriff on July 10, McNett said. That day, the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office charged him with five counts of aggravated indecent liberty with a child, to wit: sexual intercourse with a child 14 or 15 years of age; and three counts of indecent liberties with a child, to wit: lewd fondling of a child 14 or 15 years of age. 

He was released later that day after posting a $75,000 surety bond. 

“The crimes are alleged to have occurred in Pawnee County between July 8, 2018 and December 15, 2018,” McNett said.  

“The Kansas Bureau of Investigation handled the investigation following a referral by the Pawnee County Sheriff.”

The original bond appearance was scheduled for July 30, but was continued at the request of defense counsel. A status conference has been scheduled for September 30.