Hyten retains job in face of battery charge

Friday, June 17, 2011

A Putnam County official has been charged with domestic battery in Putnam Superior Court, but remains employed by the county.

Kim Hyten, 43, Fillmore, county planner and emergency management director, was formally charged with Class A misdemeanor domestic battery Wednesday, following an alleged May 28 incident with wife Karen Reeves-Hyten.

An initial hearing was set for Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. in Putnam Superior Court. Clay County Assistant Prosecutor Kim Jackson has been appointed as special prosecutor in the case, as both parties work for Putnam County.

In an interview with Indiana State Police Det. Deanna Jones, Karen alleged that on May 28, her husband assaulted her multiple times, including throwing her off the porch of their home, dragging her around the yard, choking and shaking her. She also alleged that he gouged her eye, squeezed her scalp and ripped at her breasts.

Jones attested in an affidavit that she observed bruises to Karen's eye area, arms, breast, legs and foot, as well as scrapes to her arms and back. Two other witnesses also observed the injuries, with one taking photographs that have been entered into evidence.

Karen further alleged that Hyten held her against her will the following day, taking the home telephone as well as her cell phone and car keys. She also accused her husband of past physical, verbal and sexual abuse, including abuse in the presence of a child.

Based on her investigation, Jones alleged there was probable cause to arrest Hyten for domestic battery in the presence of a child under 16, strangulation (four counts), criminal confinement and sexual battery, all of which are Class D felonies. The prosecution only opted to charge him with domestic battery.

Jackson was unavailable for comment on the case.

On Thursday afternoon, the Putnam County Commissioners met in executive session for approximately 90 minutes to discuss an individual's employment status. A special public meeting was set to follow immediately.

While the name of the individual discussed was not given, Hyten met with the commissioners for approximately 15 minutes as part of the executive session.

Following Hyten's departure from the room, county attorney Scott Hoff reported the public meeting had been canceled. The commissioners cannot vote on an individual's employment status outside of a public meeting. Neither the public nor press can attend an executive session.

This is not the first time allegations of this nature have been brought against Hyten. He was charged with domestic battery in 2007 for an alleged incident involving his first wife. That charge was later dropped.

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  • So glad this incident finally made the paper! Hopefully, justice will be served this time around and he will not get off scot-free like the last time. Of course, justice would probably be more likely to be served if the case were to be venued completely out of Putnam County, with officials who have no "friend-ly" ties with each other or this man.

    -- Posted by cll on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 1:04 AM
  • I wouldn't count on any justice.

    -- Posted by CdaleResident on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 2:40 AM
  • Disgusting...That says it all.

    -- Posted by jakeboy on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 7:01 AM
  • Sounds like there should be charges of rape and kidnapping as well..

    -- Posted by Oh My Goodness on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 7:10 AM
  • If he worked anywhere else he would be fired. What a joke our County Government makes of themselves time and time again.

    -- Posted by prayforall on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 7:21 AM
  • Well, if our COUNTY OFFICIALS won't Remove this Terrorist from HIS Homeland.

    MY VOTE over the next Few Elections WILL NOT be for ANY of the elected ones in Now! All must Go! If they don't ask their fellow co workers to remove him! Then show them the courthouse needs new people and let them Go.

    I hope this wife removes herself from this man!

    Thank You to the State Police officer who brought the charges. Shame On the Prosecutor. Voted for you Not any longer! This is Wrong!

    -- Posted by macvrod on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 7:55 AM
  • All they "opted" for was a domestic battery charge? Are you kidding me?! This is outrageous!! There is evidence in pictures,and her word, that this happened -- and he gets a domestic battery charge?! Just another incident of proof that in Putnam County it's all about who you know! If he worked anywhere else, he would've been fired; and ALL OVER the media for being a "repeat woman abuser!" but because of his place of employment, it's just now hitting the papers?! This is unbelievable, and shows just one more reason why I left the corrupt county as soon as I graduated!

    -- Posted by PutGrad06 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 8:02 AM
  • The state police officer noted bruises consistent with the victim's story and the county prosecutor chose to only go with simple battery?te? That says a lot about the morals and ethics of both the prosecutors office as well as the state police district. None of it good.

    -- Posted by miraclemom3 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 8:14 AM
  • The Clay County Prosecutor is handling this case, not Putnam. Complain to them.

    -- Posted by coltercity on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 8:17 AM
  • THIS IS A GOOD OLE BOYS COUNTY. HE SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, MR. BOOKWALTER, SHAME ON YOU. HEY PUTNAM CO. RESIDENTS, THIS SHOULD OPEN YOUR EYES ABOUT OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS.

    -- Posted by MORTY3 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 8:20 AM
  • Everyone needs to settle down here. The county is doing the correct thing by not firing him now. If they did fire him an he was found not guilty then they would be opening themselves up to a lawsuit that could cost the county a lot of money. I suspect that is what their attourney told them that lead them to cancel their vote to fire him. That being said I think they should put him on administrative leave. Don't get me wrong this guy seems like scum and it sounds like he's beyond guilty of this but he is innocent unil PROVEN guilty. Proving it shouldn't be a problem with the amount of evidence they seem to have. Also, eventhough the prosecutor only charged him with battery there is nothing to say that they won't hit him with additional charges once they have reviewed the evidence the ISP provided.

    -- Posted by hometownboy on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 8:23 AM
  • I don't care if he's fired or not. God knows he wouldn't be the only person in local government with questionable behavior and worse. I only care about the criminal acts that should have been charges.

    -- Posted by miraclemom3 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 8:30 AM
  • Praying for Karen and all involved. May you heal and be safe!

    -- Posted by CountyRes on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 9:25 AM
  • this happened over 3 weeks ago!!! his wife filed an emeregency protectice order and after a week and a half the courts would not grant it for her. not sure if they ever did!! this is the 3rd time he has beat her sensless in thier short relationship. if everybody knew what he really done to his wife they all would be sitting on the courthouse steps. it is sickening and a discrace! surely to God they will charge him with felonies!!!

    -- Posted by badboy46120 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 9:25 AM
  • it is normal for the prosecutor to charge u with every offense they can charge u with. this way they have plenty of leverage to work with so they can get the offender to plea bargain. why would they throw all these other charges out the window?????? surely hyten isnt the only one that can do whatever his job assignment is!!!!

    -- Posted by badboy46120 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 9:34 AM
  • Please remember Bookwalter and the county commissioners at the next election if you like how the county is being run. "good old boys" politics at it's best

    -- Posted by albert on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 9:37 AM
  • Wow...really?? I have FACTS about this case, posted them on here and the banner REMOVED them!! Go ahead and keep on Kim bashing...OH, Poor Karen. Do you people always believe everything you read?

    -- Posted by cavediver on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 9:54 AM
  • Unbelievable; if it were anyone else, who didn't have ties to the county, he would have been charged with the felonies; especially the criminal confinement. The rest of us would have been thrown under the jail. Discusting as usual!

    -- Posted by OverIt on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 10:03 AM
  • Does :Putnam County have a behavioral and/or Morals clause on their employment application, or contract. If not I can't see how his Job could have anything to do with this. Don't get me wrong I don't condone this behavior . I don't know any company that fires an employee for domestic abuse or battery. Your personal business is your personal business. my advise to the wife is get out while you can. once the hitting starts it doesn't stop,It just gets worse.some day he will kill you or hurt you so bad you could just be a vegetable. So please remove yourself from the situation. Good luck Karen and may god bless you and keep you safe

    -- Posted by sierrabloom on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 10:06 AM
  • cavediver...

    would your facts be that she is an alcoholic..or any of the other items that you wrote...if so it doesn't matter...whether you feel that "she" premeditated it or not...by the way why someone premeditate being beaten and confined. You don't think that it matters that he has a past history of this. Did you also support Frisbie? Probably so. It is sad that someone would stand up for a women beater. We should be praying for the people involved. by the way...if or hopefully when he is convicted.. I hope that he will finally lose his job so that my tax money can go to someone of substinance.

    -- Posted by girlmd on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 10:09 AM
  • girlmd...

    My facts are that I'm married to his ex wife. I don't know Frisbie, but I know Kim. Enuf said.

    -- Posted by cavediver on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 10:29 AM
  • whatever you think of her or whatver you "know" about her..no one deserves to be beaten and confined..period. I'm glad that you know Kim, good for you but there are plenty of people in this county who know Kim and know what kind of person he is and can be. It is sad for everyone involved but I for one am sick of seeing my tax money go to pay people who are in higher positions and feel that they can do anything and because of who their friends are feel that they can get away with it. It is ridiculous. NO ONE DESERVES TO BE BEATEN..MAN, WOMEN OR CHILD. I do feel that until this is resolved he should be put on administrative leave.

    -- Posted by girlmd on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 10:45 AM
  • girlmd...

    I don't recall claiming to know or even think I know the "alleged" victim. I simply stated that I am currently married to Kim's ex wife. Yes, there are plenty of people in this county who think they know Kim or what kind of person he is. However, the ONLY person who truly knows Kim on a personal, intimate level is his ex wife. She was with him for nearly 15 years. True that NO ONE deserves to be beaten. It's extremely frustrating that everyone is making her out to be such a victim and believing her without knowing a great deal of information that is not included in this article. Kim is a wonderful father, have any of you even considered what your pre-convieved judgements of him are putting his family through?

    -- Posted by cavediver on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:03 AM
  • cavediver..

    I'm not getting into an argument with you. You state that you didn't claim to knowing the victim but I believe in your first post that was removed you stated that she was an alcoholic. And yes I do feel for the family, especially any children that were involved. But again, Did she beat herself? If she didn't and he did lay a hand on her then he is guilty whether you agree with it or not. No one is saying that he isn't a wonderful dad. And it is truly sad that a child is involved. But again anyone can comment on here about anything, it is someone's choice whether or not they read it. I think we all hope that justice is served whatever you feel that justice is. And to comment on your part about your wife is the only one who truly knows him because they were married for 15 years is a little far fetched. My parents were married for 11 years and had two kids and my mother was not the only one who truly knew my dad. If that were the case, they would have still been married.

    -- Posted by girlmd on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:21 AM
  • girlmd...

    Well, my dear you sure do have a lot of arguments for someone who claims they are "not going to get into an argument". Knowing for a fact that someone is an alcoholic does not mean you claim to KNOW that person. Who knows if she beat herself? Only Kim and Karen know the truth. Sounds like you need to get over what your father did to your mother and stop judging other people in comparison to your own personal situation.

    -- Posted by cavediver on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:28 AM
  • Feel free to email me on facebook if you would like to know the juicy details that aren't included in this article.

    -- Posted by KimHytensfirstwife on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:33 AM
  • Cavediver,

    Wow, really? You and your wife of all people. This is not a father of the year story, its about domestic abuse. And sadly in domestic abuse situations there IS a victim. You sir Do not know all the facts of this case as much is kept non public so your FACTS as you put it are an opinion of yours, your wifes, or what you have been told by Kim. He should have a trial

    charged with the crime there is proof of (

    more then the misdeamenor) and if he is innocent then he has nothing to worry about

    -- Posted by idiotpatrolman on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:35 AM
  • I want to know why he was kept employed with the County. It sure isn't because he has done such a great job. As a matter of fact he really hasn't done much of anything in the past few years other than watching over the janitor's. Give me a break! Maybe these Commissioner's would like to explain that one. He should have been let go the first time other than a slap on the wrist. I love how the State "Prosecutor" dismissed the first case. Mr. Bookwalter, I want to know why a Felony charge was not file against him. If this had been anyone else you can bet your 401K the proper charges would have been filed. Maybe, Kim Jackson out of Clay County will re-visit this and charge him properly. Oh and I don't care what a great father he is -it's just a matter of time before he takes his anger out on his children. Kim Hyten you are nothing but a coward.

    -- Posted by alot/of/crap on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:36 AM
  • I am simply stating my opinion which everyone is allowed to do. And my father didn't do anything to my mother. It was a mutual decision. It is just funny of you to think that she is the only one who truly knows him, if she is that is great. You are contradicting yourself about knowing for a fact but not knowing the person.....Again everyone is entitled to their opinion. We feel for all parties involved and hope it gets resolved quickly and the way it should. Although in this county it probably won't.

    -- Posted by girlmd on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:37 AM
  • idiotpatrolman..he didn't claim to know ALL the facts. However, he and I both know things that aren't included in this article. Things that came STRAIGT out of Karen's mouth when she showed up at our door on Wed June 8 wanting to take me for a drive. Who knows what was discussed in that nearly 2 hour time period that she and I spent alone? ME!!! That's who! Believe what you want.

    -- Posted by KimHytensfirstwife on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:40 AM
  • Seems odd to me how she lived with him for 3 years, and did not complain of abuse, and then waits until soon after marrying him to accuse him of these horrific charges? Why would she marry him if he was so abusive to her? hmmmm I am seeing $$$$ signs here. Just appears very strange to me. Innocent until proven guilty folks, must hear the total story, you are only hearing one side so far.Don't get my wrong, if he indeed has done this, then he should be punished by the full extent of the law.I will be praying for his children and all involved.I have known Kim for years, and I do know he is a great Father!!!!

    -- Posted by skater chic on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:43 AM
  • girlmd...

    I have a question for you. Have you seen or heard anything on the news lately about Charlie Sheen? Tell me, do you think he's a drug addict? OH!! That must mean you know him right!!? See if you can arrange a visit to Greencastle, I would love to meet him!!

    -- Posted by KimHytensfirstwife on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:43 AM
  • Kimsfirstwife

    Whatever was said doesn't excuse what happened

    -- Posted by idiotpatrolman on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:47 AM
  • @skater chic...EXACTLY!! THANK YOU!!

    -- Posted by KimHytensfirstwife on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:48 AM
  • It doesn't matter if she is or isn't. If he did it, he did it. If he didn't then he didn't, period......End of Story. I don't care if he was set up or whatever your current husband stated in his earlier post...if he hit her, he hit her. Again I hope that everyone involved gets through this. Oh and yes I do know Charlie Sheen,actually his ex-wife Denise Richards is my best friend.

    -- Posted by girlmd on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:52 AM
  • idiotpatrolman...can you please explain? What do you mean it doesn't excuse what happened? Do YOU know what happened? NO! Only Kim and Karen know what happened. Whatever she said doesn't excuse what "ALLEGEDLY" happened...agreed, but what she admitted to me sure as hell does discredit her claim.

    -- Posted by KimHytensfirstwife on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:54 AM
  • exwife:

    so does this mean when you had him arrested for doing this to you, you lied about it? that makes you just as bad as him

    -- Posted by madasheck on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 11:56 AM
  • There was no implication there, I mearly stated "whatever happened" what was said has no bearing, if you read my first post I said if he is innocent then he has nothing to worry about.

    -- Posted by idiotpatrolman on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 12:00 PM
  • Kim Hyten is the only county employee that is "double dipping" He is paid as the head of the planning/zoning ofice and also paid as the emergency management official. enough is enough!!!

    -- Posted by albert on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 12:01 PM
  • @madasheck. Glad you asked!! I did not have him arrested. I called the police to try to scare him. That's it. There was no physical abuse. EVER. It was up to the police to make the decision to arrest him. Last year, I talked to the arresting officer at a football game and he admitted to me that he abused his power in making the arrest. Quote: "It was time for someone to take him down".

    -- Posted by KimHytensfirstwife on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 12:17 PM
  • Albert, I believe that one of our Commissioners is double dipping in the Auditors office as well.

    As far as all of this drama is concerned, Kim is in a position of public trust and should be applying a higher standard of ethics both in his public and personal life. In the State of Indiana, employees are "employed at will" and therefore, you can be discharged at anytime. Since Kim had issues brought up before and apparenty sweeped under the rug, it is now time for the Commissioners to do something about it once and for all.

    He is a liability to the county and someone else with better lifestyle could be trained to do the job. Yes, it might cost the county to do this, but we would be better off in the long run.

    If the Commissioners can't do their job, then they need to be removed as well.

    Why the exwife is so vocal about all of this crap is beyond me, she should be concerned about her children if they have had any together than more than anything.

    -- Posted by Delta20-330 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 12:32 PM
  • @Delta20-330 Don't you dare say that I am not concerned about my children. You do not know me. It's cute how you pretend that you don't know whether or not Kim and I have any children together. OUR children are perfectly fine. If any of the claims involving the children were true, I definitely would have heard about it by now from a 14 year old and a 4 year old. However, it's all news to me and our children as well. Isn't that strange?? Trust me, the 4 year old tells me all the time about things that go on at daddy's house!

    -- Posted by KimHytensfirstwife on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 12:44 PM
  • So amused by some of these comments, especially from the ex-wife & her current spouse. The ex-wife admitted that she set Kim up to prove a lesson, why would you waist our tax dollars to call the police to teach him a lesson? What kind of lesson did he need to be taught? If you are going to accuse someone of domestic battery then I would say he must have done something to deserve such accusations. If he didn't do anything that kind of tells us what kind of person you are, vindictive comes to mind, just saying!!! The Banner article also states that a juvenile was present during the assult, so if he is such a wonderful parent how could he do such hainous act towards this female??? Also to the ex-wife, if he is such a great person why did you divorce him??? You are so willing to spill the beans, do tell!!! Did you give the police a statement???

    -- Posted by Casey7780 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 12:46 PM
  • Westforty

    OMG well said!

    -- Posted by Casey7780 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 12:49 PM
  • It does not matter who you are or whether you drink or not, NO ONE DESERVES TO BE BEATEN. If it was one of the commissioners or one of their daughters that were beaten, the abuser would have immediately been in jail and been fired, but Kim hasn't even been arrested for this! With that many class D felonies against him he should have been locked up from day 1. This shows that you do not have to follow the laws if you are buddies with the law enforcers. This is not the only illegal thing that he has gotten away with either and I am sure it will not be the last, especially the way this county is ran. Kim is not the only county employee "double dipping". The sad thing is one of the other employees that are double dipping is one of the Commissioner's that voted for him to keep his job. I guess that is what happens when you know too many secrets that happen in and around the courthouse. I hope that everyone in this county feels safe since Kim helps with Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.

    -- Posted by concerned-taxpayer303 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 12:56 PM
  • I do recall an article being posted over the last couple weeks of a female falsely accusing someone of a crime they didn't commit and they were arrested. Now KimHytenfirstwife were you arrested for false accusations in 2007? How is this any different? So everytime you want to teach someone a lesson you call the police, hmmmm! Sounds like you need to quit protecting this man and let him wear the big boy pant's and deal with his actions before anyone else get's hurt!

    -- Posted by Casey7780 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 1:00 PM
  • @Westforty: Absolutely hilarious, however, if it's in reference to both wives, I must tell you that the only thing I left with were the clothes on my back and a tanning bed. Everything he owned was his and not mine to take from him.

    @maybe ok: Hilarious as well

    -- Posted by KimHytensfirstwife on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 1:21 PM
  • @Westforty: Well, they removed your comment =( Please, email it to me on facebook!

    -- Posted by KimHytensfirstwife on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 1:24 PM
  • Kimhytenfirstwife

    Sorry about the spelling error, however your post did not state "teach him a lesson" but "scare him", really don't see much difference between the two, still vindictive no matter how it's worded! I applaud the police officer who responded to your home like he should have to make sure everyone was safe. What was he doing that you needed to scare him, enough to call the cops, seriously I think you are hiding something,hmmm just saying!!! I'm sure if you want to share your name with everyone you will receive alot of emails. I just don't think anyone can justify this type of behavior & to blame it on alcohol is just inexcusable. I DO NOT BELIEVE any man has the right to strike a woman!!!

    -- Posted by Casey7780 on Fri, Jun 17, 2011, at 1:28 PM