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In a disturbing case that has rattled a Nebraska community, a 27-year-old man has been sentenced to decades in prison for posing as a high school student to sexually exploit underage girls.
Zachary Scheich, a resident of Lancaster County, Nebraska, was sentenced to 85 to 120 years in prison last week after pleading no contest to a slew of felony charges, including first-degree sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, child pornography production, and child enticement.
According to court records, Scheich spent nearly two months enrolled at two different high schools in Lincoln, Nebraska during the 2022-2023 school year, falsely claiming to be a 17-year-old student named "Zak Hess." Over that period, he attended 54 days of classes, using the guise of being a peer to contact and sexually assault multiple female students.
"The court concludes that the risk is substantial that absent a lengthy period of incarceration you will prey upon others," said Lancaster County District Judge Darla Ideus in sentencing Scheich, who was labeled a "significant risk to the community" and a "predator of the worst kind" by prosecutors.
Scheich's elaborate scheme unraveled in July 2023 when the Lincoln Police Department launched an investigation into his activities. Authorities determined that the then-26-year-old had created false documentation to enroll at the schools, even going so far as to have an accomplice, 23-year-old Angela Navarro, pose as his mother "Danielle Hess" to assist with the enrollment process.
"He targeted, groomed and lured teenage girls on social media under the guise of being their peer, their friend, and in some cases, their boyfriend," said Lancaster County Deputy County Attorney Amber Scholte.
Scheich's crimes have left a lasting impact on the community. In her sentencing, Judge Ideus remarked that his actions had "shattered the sense of safety and security" for students and their families.
The lengthy 85-to-120-year sentence handed down ensures that Scheich will remain behind bars for the majority of his natural life, with the judge stating that he won't be eligible for parole for over 40 years. This stiff punishment reflects the gravity of his predatory behavior and the need to protect vulnerable young people from such exploitation.
The case has also raised concerns about the ease with which an adult can infiltrate a school system and gain access to minors. Educational institutions across the country will likely re-examine their enrollment procedures and security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
