Lincoln man who posed as student texted minors, created ‘elaborate backstory,’ court docs say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The man who posed as a high school student and is accused of sex crimes appeared in court Friday.

Zachary Scheich, 26, went under the pseudonym Zak Hess when he attended Northwest and Southeast high schools last semester.

In total, Scheich – who is about 5-foot-4 and 120 pounds – attended 54 days of class.  He was arrested at a library in Lincoln on Thursday.

During an investigation that started in June, Lincoln Police discovered Scheich’s true identity.

In an arrest affidavit filed Friday, Officer Ben Pflanz wrote that Scheich created “false documents and an elaborate backstory” to attend school.

After serving a search warrant at Scheich’s home on July 11, investigators seized his cellphone.

Scheich was found to have messaged female students.  In some text messages, Scheich would “discuss things like classwork and high school sports,” according to the affidavit.

In other messages, Scheich asked for “pornographic material” from a student whom he had previously paid, the affidavit alleges.

Scheich has been charged with sex trafficking of a minor and two counts of child enticement with electronic communication, all of which are felonies.

If convicted, Scheich could spend life in prison.  He must pay $25,000 to be released from jail.

Prosecutors asked for additional stipulations if Scheich is released on bail.

Christopher Turner, the chief deputy Lancaster County attorney, requested that Scheich have no contact with the victims or anyone under 18.

He also proposed that Scheich be ordered to not use or possess a device capable of accessing the internet.

“We also believe that release could jeopardize the safety of victims and prevent the identification of additional victims and collection of further evidence,” Turner said.

Scheich’s next court appearance is set for Aug. 17.