Former central Nebraska TV anchor found guilty of reduced charges

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A former TV news anchor in Nebraska was found guilty Thursday of three misdemeanors.

Joseph Scanlan, 27, pleaded guilty to attempt of a Class IV felony and two counts of intimidation by phone call or electronic communication.

He was originally charged with terroristic threats, a felony. But it was reduced in exchange for his plea.

An arrest warrant was issued in December for Scanlan, who was a morning anchor on KSNB in Hastings.

On Dec. 1, a woman from Gibbon filed for a protection order against Scanlan, accusing him of harassing her through text messages, social media and handwritten notes.

The woman blocked him on social media, according to the protection order request.

But in October, Scanlan used a KSNB account to like her posts and message her, the document says.

He was fired because of that, the woman said.

A Buffalo County judge granted the protection order on Dec. 4.

But the next day, Scanlan sent the woman an email saying he was “gonna ruin” her life, according to an affidavit.

Scanlan was arrested on Wednesday and lodged in the Buffalo County Jail, according to booking records.

He paid $500 to be released on Thursday, court records say.

His sentencing has been set for May 30.

Depending on the results of the presentence investigation, which will include a psychological evaluation, prosecutors may recommend probation.

But he could face up to 1½ years in jail and a fine as high as $2,000.