Local Court News, (Central Nebraska Today)
HASTINGS — A Hastings man has been charged with intentional child abuse after a 15-month-old child was found in a ditch in rural Adams County on Oct. 4, 2025.
Austin Hendrick, 31, has been charged with committing intentional child abuse – no injury, a Class 3A felony.
Hendrick is set to be arraigned in Adams County Court on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 11 a.m.
While the affidavit detailing the case has been sealed by the court, the complaint states that the alleged abuse occurred on Oct. 4.
According to a press release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, “At approximately 8:01 am, Deputies were dispatched to the scene after a concerned citizen reported finding what appeared to be an infant sitting in a ditch.”
The infant was located in the 2000 block of South Marian Road in rural Adams County.
“Upon arrival, officers summoned Hastings Fire and Rescue. Paramedics responded and immediately assessed the child. The child was transported to Mary Lanning Hospital for further medical evaluation and care,” per the sheriff’s office.
