For Immediate Release 

April 26, 2019

Contact:
Jeanny Sharp
(785) 670-0089
Jeanny.Sharp@ks.gov 

Cheryl Cadue
(785) 215-2857
Cheryl.Cadue@ks.gov  

Former KDOC Dental Instructor Faces Criminal Charges

An investigation by the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) has led to criminal charges in Shawnee County against a former Topeka Correctional Facility dental instructor for inappropriate conduct involving female inmates. 

Tomas Co, who is being returned from Oklahoma to Shawnee County today, was charged by the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office with seven counts of unlawful sexual relations. He was released from employment at the Topeka Correctional Facility in December 2018. 

A KDOC employee since 2013, Co was responsible for the inmate training and employment program designed to teach inmates to produce dental prosthetics. He had supervised up to 16 inmates assigned to the program. 

Following the department’s investigation by its Enforcement, Apprehension and Investigation Unit, the investigation report was forwarded to the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office. 

“We will cooperate fully with the prosecution of this case,” said Corrections Secretary Roger Werholtz. 

At the request of the district attorney, representatives of the KDOC will have no additional comment without first consulting with the District Attorney in order to protect the integrity of the investigation. 

Topeka Correctional Facility, the state’s only correctional facility for women, has a population of 955. 

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