A former Pierce County Sheriff’s Office investigator’s ability to return to his job is currently being assessed after criminal charges against him have been amended in what appears to be a complicated situation.

Thomas J. Bauer, 46, River Falls, pleaded not guilty and posted a $1,000 signature bond Nov. 14, 2024 on misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct charges. He was convicted of those charges on Dec. 20, 2024, sentenced to one year’s probation and 30 days in jail (home monitoring) and fined $443. A plea agreement removed the “domestic” modifier from the charges.

According to the complaint, the charges were related to an incident in Bauer’s home Sept. 14, 2024 in which he attempted to discipline a 17-year-old juvenile with a history of severe mental health issues and autism. He was not on duty at the time. When the juvenile sat down in the yard and refused to go on a walk, which was part of the juvenile’s de-escalation plan outlined by professionals, he tugged on the juvenile’s sweatshirt three times trying to get them to stand up, which left red lines on their neck, which they reported.

A Dunn County Sheriff’s Office investigation into the matter, in which family members, therapists who work with the family, and respite care members were interviewed, resulted in the charges. None of the mental health professionals who work with the family expressed concerns about the parents’ actions, but noted that when the juvenile is defiant, refusing to listen, and physically lashing out, things can get heated in the household.

During Bauer’s interview with investigators, when asked why he didn’t walk away from the argument that day, he said “no idea, poor choice.” He said he was trying to show the juvenile that they need to respect what they’re told and that they discussed the situation with their therapist in the coming days.

Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda said Bauer was an investigator with PCSO at the time the incident occurred and has been with PCSO since May 2005.

“Mr. Bauer has been a fair, honest and dedicated officer for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. As an investigator, he has handled numerous sensitive, challenging, and often heartbreaking cases with professionalism,” Koranda said. “I am unaware of any disciplinary actions taken against Mr. Bauer in his 20 years.”

Koranda said Bauer was placed on administrative leave beginning Oct. 28, 2024 for one week.

“Due to Mr. Bauer’s employment with the Sheriff’s office, the incident was referred to the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office,” Koranda said. “This is a common practice to alleviate any conflict of interest and allow a fair and impartial investigation to take place.”

The PCSO also conducted an internal investigation, separate from Dunn County.

“Our review considered our personal knowledge of the situation, the long-term history within the Bauer household, and the fact that the alleged victim was still residing with Mr. Bauer and was not in danger,” Koranda said. “At no time did we feel Mr. Bauer was untruthful or uncooperative. It was agreed upon by every agency involved that he was extremely honest about the situation. Never once giving a hint of untruthfulness.

“At no point were we informed of any concerns regarding the victim's safety while residing with Mr. Bauer. In fact, the information provided to us indicated that Mr. Bauer was an important caregiver and safety net for the victim.

“Based on all the information and the historical dynamics of the situation, we determined that Mr. Bauer did not violate policies that would prevent his continued employment with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.”

However, his ability to continue as an investigator and possess a firearm after a plea agreement was reached resulted in another administrative leave, from Dec. 31, 2024 through Jan. 16, 2025.

“It appears that the effect of this agreement on Mr. Bauer’s firearm possession rights was overlooked during the plea negotiations. Based on the information I gathered, I determined that Mr. Bauer could no longer possess a firearm due to his current charges,” Koranda said. “Consequently, his duties as an investigator were discontinued. Given the understanding of the plea agreement's intent and Mr. Bauer’s employment history, he was offered and accepted a position within the Pierce County Jail.”

Bauer accepted the Pierce County Jail position on April 11, 2025. However, the state reopened the case and on June 17, 2025, Jackson County Judge Daniel Diehn agreed to amend the battery charge to a misdemeanor bail jumping charge. The court record states, “there is a basis for the amendment, the collateral impact to his employment and grants the request.” This would allow Bauer to possess a firearm.

“With these changes, Mr. Bauer now meets the minimum requirements to be an investigator,” Koranda said. “His position and status with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office are currently being assessed and considered.”

Koranda acknowledges that the criminal justice system is complicated and that the public expects police officers charged with a crime to be carefully scrutinized.

“The criminal justice system is very complicated. Its intricacies are further amplified when considering the involvement of families and the dedicated professionals who work within it,” Koranda said. “As Sheriff the public has entrusted me to gather facts and information to make the best decisions, ensuring both public safety and appropriate consequences. A popular name for this is transparency but that word has been hijacked and diminished. Frankly, it’s the expectation and my job.

“After collaborating with various partners within and outside the criminal justice system, I believe this incident has been handled appropriately.”