1997 Annual Report

Serial Rapist Investigation
The Criminal Investigations Team was instrumental in clearing the brutal sexual assault of a female college student that occurred in February of 1997. A well-known traveling comedian residing in Hollywood, CA is in custody and believed to be responsible for two additional sexual assaults in Nebraska as well as similar assaults in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and California. The driving force behind this investigation was Investigator Jeffrey Howard. Investigator Howard spearheaded a multi-state, multi-agency investigation into the activities of the suspect. The case, and subsequent arrest, prompted national news media and television coverage. Most importantly, however, a sexual predator was removed from our nation's campuses.

Truancy Prevention
The Youth Aid Unit started a new long-term truancy prevention program. Elementary schools identified juveniles who were missing an excessive number of days and suffering because of their non-attendance. The school employees notified the Youth Aid Unit and an investigator was assigned to contact the parent or guardian of the juvenile. The parent was advised of the Nebraska State Law requiring juveniles to attend school and warned that continued absenteeism may result in a citation. During 1997, there were 26 truancy cases investigated that involved a total of 34 juveniles.

Liquor Investigations
The Technical Investigations Unit reviewed, updated, and streamlined the process of licensing liquor establishments. All liquor license information is now placed in the department computer system allowing accessibility to officers. In addition, a more proactive position on tavern violation investigations has been adopted and officers are receiving more education on the subject. During 1997, the unit hosted an open forum for all tavern owners to meet with representatives of the police department. The meeting provided an opportunity for tavern employees to ask questions and receive information on how liquor issues are handled.