Ex-Grand Island firefighter fined $250 after felony charges dropped in sexting case

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A former Grand Island firefighter accused of sending sexual messages to a teenager will pay a fine for his crime.

Jared Stockwell, 48, was sentenced Wednesday in Hall County Court for attempted child abuse, a misdemeanor.

Judge Arthur Wetzel ordered him to pay a $250 fine, plus $50 in court costs and fees.

Stockwell could have sentenced to up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

SEE ALSO: Grand Island firefighter accused of sending sexual messages to 13-year-old

In July, court documents say he sent “lewd, lascivious or obscene” messages to a 13-year-old girl.

The arrest affidavit was sealed.

Stockwell was initially charged with felony child abuse and enticement by electronic communication device, also a felony.

But prosecutors agreed to dismiss those charges in exchange for Stockwell pleading no contest to the misdemeanor.

Stockwell resigned from the Grand Island Fire Department on Sept. 25.