Lincoln woman convicted of evidence tampering in child abuse investigation into son

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The mother of a man convicted in a deadly child abuse case was found guilty of evidence tampering on Tuesday.

Karen Vestecka, 60, of Lincoln pleaded no contest to tampering with physical evidence and false reporting.

The charges stem from an investigation into Vestecka’s son, Joshua Tackett, over the death of 22-month-old Rudy Requejo Jr.

Tackett was convicted in July of intentional child abuse resulting in death.

SEE ALSO: Protesters in Lincoln demand justice for 22-month-old boy who died

In March 2023, when police were surveilling Tackett’s home near Seventh and G streets, they saw Vestecka go inside and come out with a pair of shoes and a rifle case.

Officers pulled her over after a traffic stop, and she handed over the items, according to an arrest affidavit.

Court documents say Vestecka knew that police would want to interview her son in the child abuse investigation.

So she took the gun out of his home because Tackett was a felon and was barred from owning firearms.

SEE ALSO: ‘Our little hero’: Family of 22-month-old Lincoln boy donates his organs, shares his story

In August, prosecutors filed two additional charges of accessory to a felony against Vestecka. But those counts were dropped Tuesday as part of a plea deal.

Vestecka is set to be sentenced on Dec. 5. She could face up to three years in prison.

SEE ALSO: Mother arrested in death of 22-month-old child, Lincoln Police say

Tackett has requested a new trial. An August court filing alleges that his rights were violated but does not provide specific examples.

Court records do not say when Judge Kevin McManaman will rule on the request. Tackett’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 29.

The boy’s mother, Brittany Cook, was also convicted in his death. She is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 21.

SEE ALSO: Man arrested in death of 22-month-old child, Lincoln Police say