Ex-cook gets 6 months for hair in steak

[August 13, 2008]  WEST BEND, Wis. (AP) -- A former restaurant cook who has pleaded guilty to a food-tampering charge in Washington County has been sentenced to six months behind bars and three years probation. Ryan Kropp, of West Bend, was fired along with another cook after a Feb. 23 incident at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant in West Bend.

The 24-year-old is accused of inserting hairs in a steak before giving it to a dissatisfied customer.

Kropp apologized in court Tuesday, saying he was ashamed, embarrassed and remorseful. He will be allowed work release.

The patrol who got the steak, Kevin Hansen, says he doesn't accept his apology and Kropp deserves more time. He says he and his family don't eat out anymore.

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Information from: WTMJ-TV, http://www.todaystmj4.com/

[Associated Press]

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