A North Platte man was arrested for 1st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child on Wednesday morning.
The arrest is the result of an investigation which began after the alleged victim told authorities that the suspect, 41-year-old Edward Maline, touched her inappropriately when she was younger.
The news release from the North Platte Police Department explains,
“The victim alleged that inappropriate touching and acts sexual in nature by Maline began when she was as young as 8 or 9 years of age and progressed over the next decade. Maline is currently incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center.”
The alleged victim disclosed information at the age of 19.
An online search of the suspects name revealed that Maline has performed in local plays with young children .
The news release ended with a reminder to the public,
“As a reminder to the public that under Nebraska state law there is no statute of limitations on child sexual. Often we rely on our school counselors or staff to have conversations with children about inappropriate touching but in reality parents or guardians should be encouraging their children to speak about this matter. In this case the crime occurred several years earlier and it was only when the victim matured and grew confident that she was able to disclose to authorities. “
Maline is charged with a class 1B felony which presents a maximum sentence of life in prison.