FORMER WASHINGTON COUNTY JAILER SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR IN JAIL
A Former Washington County jailer has been sentenced to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine for the charge of Official Oppression.
Christopher Kulow was sentenced this (Thursday) morning by Judge Carson Campbell in the 21st Judicial Court at the Washington County Courthouse.
Kulow was convicted of assaulting a prisoner convicted back in August who was in restraints at the time. The incident was caught on a surveillance camera inside the Washington County Jail.
Gregory Cagle, the attorney for Kulow, called two witnesses to testify on Kulow’s behalf; Billy Sutherland of the Calvary Baptist Church of Brenham and Kulow’s father, Curtis Kulow. Both gave their reasons for believing that Kulow would do well by receiving probation. Kulow’s attorney told the judge that he believed the losing of Kulow’s law enforcement career would be punishment enough
Washington County District Attorney Julie Renken had indicated she would request jail time…but did not recommend a specific punishment for the Class A Misdemeanor. Renken did say that the act of oppression was done while Gregory Webb, the inmate restrained in the jail “was defenseless and restrained.” Renken also noted that Kulow still displayed anger towards his former employer, Mr. Webb, and even to Renken herself, and that he was an example of a “bad apple” in law enforcement.
Renken has said she felt Kulow took no responsibility and showed no remorse for his actions, and that’s why she requested he be sentenced to time in jail.
It was not immediately clear if Kulow would appeal his sentence.
I know Chris comes from a law enforcement family. Unfortunately after being a LE officer for 20 years his actions tarnished all of the men and women that proudly wear the badge and deserved to be punished. It appears that since he went to trial he didn’t think he had done anything wrong. Maybe he should have taken the plea deal if he want to avoid jail time.