Timothy DeWaard, former superintendent of Centennial Public Schools in Utica, made his first court appearance Oct. 7 since being arrested in connection with sexual assault charges back in July.
DeWaard appeared for election of a preliminary hearing in Seward County Court with attorney Nancy Peterson of Lincoln.
DeWaard has been charged with child abuse, a Class 3 felony, involving a student at the school, ranging from Nov. 1, 2019, to July 31, 2020. If convicted, he could face a $10,000 fine or three years in jail.
County Attorney Wendy Elston previously told the Independent that if the case is bound over to district court, DeWaard could face additional misdemeanors.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4 at 9 a.m. in Seward County Court.
