Former North Bend teacher wanted on felony child abuse charge turns himself in

A former North Bend Elementary School teacher wanted on a felony child abuse charge turned himself into authorities Friday morning.

March 25, 2022Updated: March 25, 2022
News Channel NebraskaBy News Channel Nebraska

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.

 

Sen. Pete Ricketts holds roundtable for future progress of AG

Sen. Pete Ricketts holds roundtable for future progress of AG

Fundraising effort launched for Norfolk Freedom Point Memorial

Fundraising effort launched for Norfolk Freedom Point Memorial

Fred Hoiberg extended through 2031-32

Fred Hoiberg extended through 2031-32

Platte county considers shift to all-commissioner governance

Platte county considers shift to all-commissioner governance

Norfolk woman injured in rollover crash near Pilger

Norfolk woman injured in rollover crash near Pilger

Mix of storms and snow possible across Nebraska

Mix of storms and snow possible across Nebraska