Kearney Police Officer Charged with Sexual Assault

A Kearney police officer has been charged with two counts of felony sodomy or attempted sodomy in the 1st degree, and one count of sexual misconduct or attempt involving a child less than 15-years of age.

Clinton County began an investigation earlier in the year regarding Kearney Police Officer Alan Hale. After the investigation was opened, Kearney Mayor Randy Pogue said Hale was placed on paid administrative leave pending outcome of the investigation. The allegations against Officer Hale include wrongful acts committed in Clinton County prior to Hale’s hire date with the city as a Kearney police officer.

Based on Hale's dutiful service as a police officer during his tenure with the Kearney Police Department, the city believed it fair to have placed him on paid leave during that time, according to information released by the city of Kearney. Since his arrest on three felony counts, Kearney Mayor Randy Pogue said the city switched Hale's status to unpaid leave as Hale is currently unable to perform his duties as a police officer.

According to the statement of probable cause, Hale is accused of assaulting three children ranging in age from 8 to 11, of whom he was stepfather between January 2002 and December 2005. The alleged incidents occurred at a residence near Cameron in Clinton County, where the children were reported to be in Hale's custody.

The Board of Aldermen is slated to make a final determination as to Officer Hale’s employment status with the city at the regularly scheduled November 16 meeting.

KPGZ News – Jim Dickerson contributed to this story