A former Grand Island firefighter has pleaded not guilty to the charges

On October 16, 2024By Yukito

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – A trial date is pending for a former Grand Island firefighter facing child abuse and abuse charges.

Court records show Jared Stockwell, 47, entered a written plea Monday, arguing he is not guilty of solicitation by means of an electronic communications device or willful abuse/no harm to a child. Both are criminal charges.

Stockwell also asked the judge to allow him to interview the alleged victim and order prosecutors to present evidence against Stockwell, including information obtained from a jailhouse informant. As of Tuesday morning, the judge had not considered any motions and had not set a hearing date.

Stockwell was arrested on suspicion of using an electronic device to entice a minor on July 1. A Hall County sheriff’s report says he sent a 13-year-old girl messages of a sexual nature. He was formally charged in August and resigned from the Grand Island Fire Department on September 25.

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