A Garden County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested by the Nebraska State Patrol on Friday, facing allegations of sexual assault and child abuse.
The investigation into the case was initiated by NSP in July following a request from the Attorney General’s Office.
After an investigation, authorities have taken 39-year-old Bruce Neal from Oshkosh into custody on charges of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of child abuse.
An 18-year-old girl has come forward in court documents, alleging that Neal sexually assaulted her. The young girl mentioned that she had a meeting with Neal, her pastor and youth group leader.
On May 31, she had a meeting with Neal in the church. According to a search warrant, Neal then attacked her.
The warrant reveals that Neal continued texting the 18-year-old and often drove by her workplace.
Documents from the court revealed that Garden County deputies were also informed of possible grooming activities involving Neal, who allegedly sent inappropriate messages to another teenager.
Local officials reached out to the Nebraska State Patrol to assume control of the case, with support from the Attorney General’s Office.
On July 5, Neal reached out to law enforcement and refuted any involvement with the 18-year-old.
On July 9, authorities interviewed a 17-year-old girl who reported receiving several text messages from Neal. The teenager’s mother noted that although the messages were harmless, she found it strange for him to send them to her.
A 17-year-old reported visiting Oshkosh Wesleyan Church in April to assist Neal with moving items and completing some tasks. Prosecutors allege that Neal locked the door after the teenager entered the church. Neal made inappropriate remarks regarding the 17-year-old’s clothing, and physique, and inquired about her dating experiences, according to authorities.
Neal was taken into custody on Friday at his residence and is currently being held at the Cheyenne County Jail.