TOPEKA, KS — August 8, 2025
A former Shawnee County employee who previously worked in the county’s corrections department was arrested Thursday evening following a serious incident involving allegations of driving under the influence and aggravated battery.
Kent Thomas Barmann, 32, was booked into the Shawnee County Adult Detention Center at 7:45 p.m. on August 7, 2025. Court records show Barmann faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including:
- Aggravated battery – DUI causing bodily harm
- Driving under the influence (1st offense, .08+ blood alcohol)
- Possession of a firearm while under the influence
- Transporting an open container
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
Barmann was released one hour later on bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 11, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
According to public payroll records, Barmann was employed by Shawnee County from 2022 to 2024 in a position within the corrections system. County records show his job classification was listed under an internal code, suggesting he served in a role within the jail or community programs.
The severity of the charges, especially the aggravated battery stemming from alleged DUI-related bodily harm, raises questions about public safety and accountability when former public employees are involved in violent or high-risk behavior.
This is a developing story.
