Former Federal Task Force Officer Sentenced for Drunken Detainment

Dan Lajack pleaded guilty to attempted abduction for illegally detaining an African truck driver at a Medina bar in 2024.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the unlawful detainment of a citizen by an off-duty law enforcement officer.A former federal task force officer's abuse of power and discriminatory behavior toward a minority community member exposes the need for greater accountability in law enforcement.Medina Today

A former federal task force officer, Dan Lajack, was sentenced to three months in jail for his role in the illegal detainment of an African truck driver during a drunken incident at a Medina County bar in April 2024. Lajack pleaded guilty to attempted abduction and apologized in court, saying he made a 'horrible mistake' that he regrets every day.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about the abuse of authority by law enforcement, even when off-duty, and the need for accountability when officers engage in unlawful and discriminatory behavior, especially toward minority communities.

The details

According to investigators, Lajack and another off-duty federal task force officer were at Buzzard's Roost Tavern in Hinckley when they began questioning a truck driver about his origin, took his wallet and phone, and forced him outside. Body camera footage showed the other officer had the man in a leg lock when police arrived. Lajack told officers he was convinced the man was in the country illegally and wanted to ensure he was not 'on some watchlist'.

  • The incident occurred in April 2024 at a bar in Medina County, Ohio.
  • Lajack pleaded guilty to attempted abduction in February 2026.
  • Lajack was sentenced on April 3, 2026.

The players

Dan Lajack

A former federal task force officer who pleaded guilty to attempted abduction for his role in the illegal detainment of a truck driver.

Donald Kopchak

A former off-duty ATF task force officer who was with Lajack that night and was convicted of abduction, ethnic intimidation, and assault.

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What they’re saying

“I made a horrible mistake, and I regret it every single day of my life.”

— Dan Lajack, Former federal task force officer

“I look back at that and I'm horrified, terrified at the things I said. To this day, I still can't understand why I did that.”

— Dan Lajack, Former federal task force officer

“Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, so your true self comes out, and this is who you were that night. It wasn't the alcohol talking. It was you.”

— Judge Joyce Kimbler

What’s next

Kopchak is awaiting sentencing in June for his convictions of abduction, ethnic intimidation, and assault.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater accountability and oversight of law enforcement, even when off-duty, to prevent abuses of power and discrimination against minority communities.