News Headlines

Saline County Emergency Management Director Resigns

Reporter: KAKE News

UPDATE: Tuesday, August, 7, 2012

Saline County officials say Emergency Management Director Joe Koch has resigned.

Koch resigned Tuesday morning following his arrest last month. He is charged with aggravated battery, aggravated criminal sodomy, criminal restraint and criminal damage to property following an alleged domestic fight with his wife.

Koch was earlier released from jail on a $80,000 bond.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Saline County's Emergency Management Director has been arrested following an alleged domestic disturbance. Saline County Sheriff Glen Kochanowski says the arrest comes after a weeks-long investigation.

Kochanowski says Joe Koch, 41, was allegedly involved in a domestic fight with his wife at their home in Assaria a few months ago. Koch's wife moved out of the house after the incident and went to stay with relatives in Butler County. She reported the incident to authorities in Butler County who then forwarded the information to the Saline County Sheriff's Department.

Kochanowski says his office conducted an investigation into the allegations. This week, they filed paperwork with the Saline County Attorney's office and issued a warrant for Koch's arrest.

Koch turned himself into authorities on Monday and was booked into jail that afternoon. He faces charges of aggravated battery, aggravated criminal sodomy, criminal restraint and criminal damage to property. He remains in custody on a $80,000 bond.

The Saline County Board of Officials voted Tuesday to place Koch on paid administrative leave following his arrest.

Koch has been the Saline County Emergency Management Director since January of 2010.