Hastings man charged with child sexual assault

Hastings man charged with child sexual assault

HASTINGS, Neb. (News Channel Nebraska) -A Hastings man is facing a felony charge after investigators say he repeatedly sexually assaulted a child over the course of several years.

Court records show, Joseph Whitlock, 43, was arrested and charged with first-degree sexual assault of a minor.

News Channel Nebraska (NCN) reported that an arrest affidavit alleges the abuse started when the now 16-year-old victim was in 6th grade and progressed for several years.

NCN also reported that affidavit indicated the victim described various sex acts performed by Whitlock and sex toys used during the alleged assaults. According to the affidavit, officers later served a search warrant at Whitlock’s home and found items matching the descriptions given by the victim.

A probable cause hearing in Adams County Court is scheduled for July 10. Whitlock is being held in the Adams County Jail on $150,000 bond.

If convicted, Whitlock could get up to 50 years in prison.

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