Joshua Frederick, Courtesy
HASTINGS — A former Nebraska Legislature candidate charged with the sexual assault of a pregnant woman has pleaded not guilty to the charges in Adams County District Court.
Joshua Frederick, 29, of Juniata, is charged with terroristic threats, a Class 3A felony; intentional child abuse, a Class 3A felony, third degree domestic assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor; third degree assault of a pregnant woman, a Class 3A felony, first degree false imprisonment, a Class 3A felony; first degree sexual assault of a pregnant woman, a Class 1D felony and intentionally photograph or video a person without consent, a Class 4 felony.
Frederick waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and the case was bound over to district court.
On Dec. 17, Frederick pleaded not guilty to the charges. Adams County District Court Judge Morgan Farquhar set a pre-trial hearing for Jan. 22, 2026, at 10 a.m.
The affidavit in support of the arrest warrant details numerous allegations.
On April 20, 2025, Easter Sunday, it is alleged that Frederick rolled up the arm of a woman who was pregnant for four months and attempted to drive away. This caused bruising on the woman’s upper arm, which was corroborated by photographs.
On May 13, it is alleged that Frederick took the pregnant woman’s cellphone and car keys and locked her in a room with him. He threatened to “wipe” her phone unless she performed certain sexual acts.
The woman said she was coerced into the sexual activity and that he recorded video of the acts while the woman cried.
Frederick had been charged with terroristic threats and intentional child abuse in 2024. However, in March 2025 the case had been dismissed without prejudice, meaning the charges can be filed again.
Frederick was a candidate for the Nebraska Legislative District 33 primary race in May 2024. He finished fourth and failed to advance to the general election in November.
