A 19-year-old North Platte man is facing a sexual assault charge after he allegedly impregnated a 16-year-old.

According to Officer Rodney Brown, on January 3, North Platte Police received a report that the 16-year-old female was eight months pregnant.  It was reported that Fortino Chavez was believed to be the father of the child.

An interview was conducted with the teen at the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center, and it was determined that, based on the girl’s statements, Chavez and the girl had engaged in sexual intercourse before the girl turned 16, the legal age of consent in Nebraska, and after he had turned 19.

Following an investigation, an Investigator determined that Chavez did have sex with the girl.

Chavez was charged with 1st degree sexual assault and jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

Nebraska state law prohibits anyone 19 years or older from having sexual intercourse with anyone under the age of 16.