Cook gets 2 years for putting hair in customer’s steak

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A restaurant cook from West Bend will spend at least six months in jail for putting his hair into a customer’s steak.

Ryan Kropp, 24, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of placing foreign objects in food.

Tuesday, a Washington County Judge told Kropp to address his long history of mental health issues and substance abuse or else he would spend at least an extra year behind bars.

Kropp said his crime was uncalled for. And he hoped the victim could forgive him for “being such an idiot.”

The cooking incident took place at the Texas Roadhouse in West Bend in late February.

Authorities said Kropp was angry at customer Kevin Hansen for complaining about his steak.

Kropp thought Hansen was just trying to get something free, so he put a clump of his hair in the replacement steak.

Hansen is suing the restaurant, claiming it knew Kropp put hair in food in a previous job.

The defendant’s lawyer said Kropp had a slew of personal issues and he has tried to kill himself five times.

The judge ordered Kropp to get treatment for his bi-polar disorder, counseling and a high school equivalency diploma.

He also said Kropp must get a job when he gets out of jail and maintain absolute sobriety.

Tags: wisconsin news, hair in steak, cook