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Eichorst's son, accused of sex assault, released on bail

Omaha World-Herald - 11/7/2017

LINCOLN - The son of former University of Nebraska-Lincoln Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst was released from jail Monday evening after bail was posted for his release.

Jack Eichorst, 18, who his family said is autistic, is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy.

Monday evening, his attorney asked that the family's privacy be respected "during this difficult time."

"Jack is an amazing boy whose compassion, character and giving heart are admired by his loving parents," said the statement from attorney Sean Brennan on behalf of Eichorst's family. "His autism has never slowed his passion for life or his trust in others."

The statement was issued after Eichorst made a brief court appearance Monday afternoon via a video hookup with the Lancaster County Jail.

Eichorst, shackled at the waist and ankles and wearing a black jail jumpsuit, did not speak during the brief court hearing. He stared into the camera, eyes blinking, then nodded his agreement at the end. His parents were not present in the courtroom in downtown Lincoln.

In a probable cause affidavit, Eichorst acknowledged in electronic messages he exchanged with the boy that the two had sexual contact. But he later told police that the sex was consensual.

County Judge Tim Phillips postponed Eichorst's arraignment until Nov. 17 but set his bail at $25,000.

Eichorst was ordered to have no contact with anyone under 16 years of age except for his two younger brothers. The judge also required that a parent be with Eichorst at all times.

The 12-year-old told his school counselor on Oct. 26 that he was sexually assaulted at 11 p.m.Oct. 20 at the Eichorst family home in Lincoln. Lincoln police were notified of the allegation.

On Oct. 27, the boy told police that Eichorst had subjected him to sexual penetration without his consent.

According to the affidavit, Eichorst and the boy started exchanging electronic messages the day after the alleged assault. In the conversations, police said, Eichorst acknowledged the sexual contact and apologized.

Friday, Lincoln police interviewed Eichorst. Police said he acknowledged sexual penetration with the boy but said the sex was consensual. Police then arrested Eichorst on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault.

Shawn Eichorst was fired Sept. 21 from the athletic director's job, about five years after he was picked to replace Tom Osborne.