LPS receives little public comment on man accused of trafficking; new phone policy laid out

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Lincoln Board of Education heard public comment Tuesday during its first regular board meeting since police revealed that a man was posing as a student last semester.

Only one woman attended to speak on the arrest of 26-year-old Zachary Scheich.

“Not only did we open the door for this predator, but we gave a blueprint for other types of predators to exploit our kids,” said Britt Carlson, the founder of Disrupt Traffick.

The Lincoln Police Department said Zachary Scheich pretended to be a 17-year-old named Zak Hess.

Lincoln Public Schools said he enrolled in Northwest and Southeast high schools and attended 54 days of school.

An investigation was launched on June 1, and Scheich was arrested on Thursday.

He’s charged with two counts of sexual assault using an electronic device and sex trafficking a minor.

More charges could be added, as police said Monday that it’s possible there are more victims.

They’ve been getting dozens of calls with additional information, and investigators are still interviewing people.

If you have any tips for police, you’re encouraged to contact them at 402-441-6000.  You can also call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.

LPS Superintendent Paul Gausman said Scheich used multiple falsified documents that were extremely convincing.

“That is of significant concern for everyone, and it should be,” he said. “When you have someone who’s willing to falsify documents and submit them digitally, and potentially even communicate with you in a way that is less than sincere, challenges can occur.”

Gausman said LPS is reviewing its enrollment process to prevent this from happening again.

He said LPS has been communicating with concerned parents and guardians in one-on-one discussions.

Later on in the board meeting, Gausman made a separate announcement on a new cellphone policy that will be implemented across the district.

“There’s a lot of conversation right now about student behavior and the distraction that is caused because of cellular or electronic devices,” he said.

Under the policy, high school students’ phones and other devices must be powered off and out of sight during class.

LPS has sent out messages to all parents to explain the protocol for the new policies.