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Psychiatric evaluation ordered in child sex assault case

York News-Times - 5/30/2018

YORK ? Chad Carlson, 35, whose address is listed in court documents as "unknown," was to be arraigned on a charge of second degree sexual assault of a child, a subsequent offense. But that was continued so he can receive a psychiatric evaluation.

This charge is a Class 1 felony that carries a possible maximum prison sentence of 25-50 years in prison, upon conviction.

He is also being charged with intentional child abuse, a Class 3A felony, which carries a possible maximum sentence of three years in prison, 18 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine, upon conviction.

This case is a result of an investigation conducted by the York County Sheriff's Department, with assistance from authorities at a school in York County.

According to court documents, the alleged victim is 10 years old.

No other details about the case can be published due to the sensitive and graphic nature of the situation and in an effort to protect the identity of the alleged victim.

The sexual assault charge has been enhanced to a higher level felony because Carlson has been convicted of similar crimes in the past.

According to documents filed with the court, Carlson was convicted of sexual assault of a child in Hamilton County on Nov. 16, 2007, and he was convicted of attempted sexual assault of a child in Hamilton County on Aug. 7, 2003.

He was already on the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry at the time the latest offenses allegedly occurred.

On Tuesday, Judge James Stecker asked ? as is protocol with all arraignments ? if the defendant can speak, write and read the English language. Carlson said he cannot read or write, but that he understands and speaks English.

"I have filed a motion for a psychiatric evaluation of my client," said Bruce Stephens, Carlson's attorney.

"The state was provided with a letter from a mental health professional that indicates his understanding of his rights may be in question, so the state is not opposed to the evaluation," said York County Attorney Christopher Johnson.

Judge Stecker granted the motion for the evaluation, which he said will be done at the Lincoln Correctional Center.

Carlson remains in custody of the sheriff's department and will stay in the county jail until he is transported for the evaluation, as well as after the evaluation is complete. The arraignment proceedings will be postponed until the results of that evaluation are available.