Lincoln man charged with sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lincoln Police say a 59-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.

LPD says Mensah Gozo allegedly kidnapped the girl near 1st and Cornhusker, transported her to his home, sexually assaulted her, and then returned her to an area near her home.

Police say they initially received a call on a missing person around 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. The girl was returned around noon and Gozo was arrested later that day.

Gozo is now being charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of child enticement.

LPD assistant police chief Jason Stille says the decision to come forward and reveal this information was “agonizing,” but they wanted to make sure Gozo hadn’t assaulted anyone else.

Police have not been able to confirm whether there was an established relationship between Gozo and the victim, but they say that doesn’t mean one doesn’t exist.

The investigation is ongoing, and police ask that anyone in contact with Gozo or with information about the case please come forward. Anyone with information can contact Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000.

Jake Dillsaver, the Captain of the Special Victims Unit, says that these are “difficult cases” and that the effects on the victims and their families are long standing. He would also like to remind the public that there are resources available to victims of abuse.

The Child Advocacy Center, the Department of Health and Human Services, Hopespoke, Voices of Hope, Friendship Home, and the Victim Assistance Unit at the Police Department are all resources available for those that need them.

LPD would like to reiterate the request that people be considerate of families involved in these types of cases.