Sex crime case against Kearney man goes to trial

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) – The case against a Kearney man accusing him of sexually assaulting a child is headed to trial.

Zachary Cole, 26, is charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child. On Wednesday, Cole waived a hearing and had his case transferred to Buffalo County District Court for a possible trial.

He is expected to be arraigned on December 20. At an arraignment, a suspect typically pleads guilty or not guilty to the charges.

Court records show Cole is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old between February and June of this year.

At the prosecutor’s request, a judge sealed an affidavit containing details of the case. According to the court order, the affidavit contains information that could jeopardize the safety of witnesses.

Cole is in the Buffalo County Jail on a $1 million bond. He is also no longer allowed to have contact with the victim.

If Cole is convicted of the sexual assault charge, he could face up to life in prison.

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