Local Court News, (Central Nebraska Today)
HASTINGS — A preliminary hearing has been set in Adams County Court for a Hastings man charged with intentional child abuse after a 15-month-old child was bound in a ditch in October 2025.
Austin Hendrick, 31, has been charged with committing intentional child abuse – no injury, a Class 3A felony.
Hendrick was arraigned on Jan. 22, and his bail was set at 10 percent of $15,000. A preliminary hearing in the case was set for Jan. 30 at 9 a.m.
While the affidavit detailing the case has been sealed by the court, the complaint states that the alleged abuse occurred on Oct. 4.
According to a press release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, “At approximately 8:01 am, Deputies were dispatched to the scene after a concerned citizen reported finding what appeared to be an infant sitting in a ditch.”
The infant was located in the 2000 block of South Marian Road in rural Adams County.
“Upon arrival, officers summoned Hastings Fire and Rescue. Paramedics responded and immediately assessed the child. The child was transported to Mary Lanning Hospital for further medical evaluation and care,” per the sheriff’s office.
