Original Article Guilty pleas end Hunter's police career Saturday, January 14, 2006 By Steven Hepker shepker@citpat.com -- 768-4923 Mark Hunter officially ended his police career Friday by admitting he stole a rifle and videotaped himself performing sex acts with a Columbia Township employee without her knowledge. "By virtue of his guilty pleas, he will never be able to be a police officer in this state or get his record expunged," Prosecutor Hank Zavislak said. Circuit Judge Chad Schmucker could sentence Hunter to up to five years in prison on March 1. "The people will ask for a substantial jail term," Mark Blumer, Zavislak's chief assistant, said in announcing the plea agreement. The former township police chief, appearing in a tan, suede sports coat, pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in office and one count of eavesdropping. Prosecutors will drop an embezzlement charge, a 10-year felony. State police allege Hunter, 44, stole surveillance equipment and guns, and videotaped up to 25 hours of sex with a secretary in his office. "I put a small covert camera in my office and used it to videotape activities in my office," Hunter told Schmucker. The secret taping is illegal, but not the consensual sex, prosecutors said. The employee, who was in court Friday, declined to comment but said she will give a victim's impact statement at sentencing. Hunter also admitted to registering a township-owned AR-15 rifle in his name and selling it to a sporting goods store in Adrian. Township Supervisor Ray Kuzminski, who attended the hearing, said Hunter's plea will help employees and citizens move on to better days. "Not only have the employees and residents endured much embarrassment and humiliation, but there are also victims and family members who have also been affected by Mr. Hunter's actions," Kuzminski said in a prepared statement. Schmucker said he will order Hunter to return any stolen items and to pay restitution. The Jackson County case stems from activities in April, when a female officer accused him of sexual harassment. Hunter resigned April 29. A state police search in May also found alleged child pornography and heroin in Hunter's home. Because his house is just south of the Jackson County line, that part of the investigation was handled by officials in Lenawee County. There, he faces 17 counts of possessing child pornography, 17 counts of using a computer to commit a crime and a single count of heroin possession. His preliminary hearing in Adrian is Feb. 15. He remains free on bond.