OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — UPDATE: Gregory Sedlacek (31), a former Fontenelle Elementary School teacher, was sentenced on Tuesday to 40-65 years for sexually abusing children. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine says Sedlacek will serve 40 years in prison before he's eligible for parole. He must register as a sex offender.
Sedlacek was in tears Tuesday morning as his Attorney Marc Delman apologized on his behalf.
“He apologizes to the victims for the horrible place he put them in,” Delman said. “He apologizes to their parents, to the school system that trusted him as a teacher.”
“No matter how many times he apologizes for what he did,” Molly Keane, Deputy Douglas County Attorney said. “He is still victim blaming in statements like ‘it started when one of the children wore dresses without shorts, pants or leggings, as well as wore makeup.’ As if it’s her and her families fault for the way they dressed her.”
Delman requested an early opportunity for rehabilitation.
“Greg is a good person, your honor, he has a problem. It’s a disease,” Delman said.
Judge James Gleason said where he goes, is not in his power. But he agrees with the recommendation for treatment.
“I will write a letter to the head of the Department of Corrections,” Gleason said. “Recommending that you be sent to the regional center and after you're released from the diagnostic evaluation center for treatment at the beginning of your sentence. Whether or not that is done is out of my control.”
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said a conviction was his number one goal.
“All I want to make sure is he doesn't have the ability to hurt anybody else,” Kleine said. “So he has to do 40 years in penitentiary. I'm sure at some time during his 40 years he will have the opportunity to get treatment.”
ORIGINAL STORY
Gregory Sedlacek, 31, a former first-grade teacher at Fontenelle Elementary School, pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child Monday.
He's accused of three counts of 1st-degree sexual assault of a child. Each count carries a punishment up to life in prison.
Police arrested him in December.
Teachers say they witnessed Sedlacek engaging in inappropriate contact with a student.
After further investigation, law enforcement became aware of other instances of sexual assault involving young children and brought forth additional charges.
Sedlacek is scheduled for sentencing on July 23rd.
