Local Charges Filed In Sex Assault Case

SIDNEY – A Sidney man arrested in Grand Island Dec. 28 for first-degree sexual assault of a child now faces an identical charge in Cheyenne County, officials said Thursday. A warrant for his arrest has been issued.

The 43-year-old man, an employee of the Sidney Public School District, was arrested in Grand Island for an alleged incident involving an 11-year-old Sidney girl. He remained in a Grand Island facility Thursday with a bond of 10 percent of $150,000. 

Sidney Public Schools Superintendent John Hakonson previously said a replacement had already been hired since the employee was placed on indefinite leave.

County Attorney Paul Schaub filed a Class IB felony charge of first-degree sexual assault of a child Jan. 7. The charge states that the man subjected the young girl to sexual penetration. Schaub said the charge is in addition to the charge filed in Grand Island.

The man will not make his first appearance in a Cheyenne County courtroom until he is arrested on the warrant, which is likely to not occur until after his criminal case in Hall County is completed or if he is released on bond from that county.

It is illegal in the State of Nebraska for a person aged 19 and older to have any sexual contact with a person under the age of 16. Enhanced penalties are instituted if the minor is under the age of 12.

It is The Sidney Sun-Telegraph’s policy to not name a local sex assault suspect unless they are found or plead guilty.