Local Court News, (Central Nebraska Today)
HASTINGS — A Hastings man charged with intentional child abuse after a 15-month-old child was found in a ditch in October 2025 has pleaded not guilty in district court and jury trial dates have been set.
Austin Hendrick, 31, has been charged with committing intentional child abuse – no injury, a Class 3A felony.
Hendrick appeared in Adams County District Court on March 4 and pleaded not guilty to the charge. A pre-trial hearing date has been set for April 9 at 1 p.m.
Jury trial dates have been set for May 11 through May 15 at 9 a.m. each day. Hendrick’s bail, ten percent of $10,000, was maintained.
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.
