Lincoln Police Arrest Suspect Wanted for Impersonating Student

Published on July 20, 2023

The Lincoln Police Department has arrested 26-year-old Zachary Scheich, also known by the alias Zak Hess, of Lincoln, for three felony charges – two counts of ‘sexual assault, use of an electronic device’ and one count of ‘sex trafficking of a minor.’

On June 1, 2023, Lincoln Police initiated a fraud investigation after being contacted by Lincoln Public Schools. The district had been alerted about an individual impersonating a student who had been enrolled under the name of Zak Hess. Hess reported to be 17 years old and initially enrolled at Northwest High School during the first semester and transferred to Southeast High School during the second semester, all during the 2022-2023 school year. It was later determined that he had graduated from Lincoln Public Schools in 2015.

The investigation confirmed his true age, 26, and school records show he attended approximately 54 total days of school. Scheich is 5’4” and 120 pounds and appears to have blended in with other students.

Continuing investigation led to the discovery of multiple contacts with juvenile students by Scheich under the false name of Hess. This generated information sufficient for an arrest warrant. Earlier this afternoon, officers arrested Scheich without incident.

Lincoln Public Schools sent out an alert to families at Northwest and Southeast High Schools this afternoon. Any questions regarding the enrollment process should be directed to LPS. Investigators with our Special Victims Unit are in the process of interviewing additional potential victims to determine the scope of this case. We are asking anyone who has had interactions with Scheich or may be a victim to come forward.

You can call our non-emergency number at 402.441.6000 or if you would like to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers by 402.475.3600.