FREMONT, Neb. -- A former North Bend Elementary School teacher wanted on a felony child abuse charge turned himself into authorities Friday morning, the Dodge County Sheriff's Office said.

A warrant had been issued earlier this week for 50-year-old Craig Schmeckpeper. He is accused of putting his hands on an eight-year-old boy and then encouraging other students to punch or hit the student by telling them "free hits," according to court documents.

In addition to the school official who reported the Feb. 17 incident, Dodge County authorities stated that they received at three additional witness accounts corroborating the student's version of events.
 

A warrant for his arrest was signed on Tuesday. Schmeckpeper could face up to three years in prison if convicted.

Schmeckpeper ultimately resigned from his position rather than be fired, according to the a search warrant in the case.