Lincoln Police have arrested a 26-year-old man who they say posed as a student at two different high schools. Zachary Scheich, who also goes by the alias Zak Hess, was arrested Thursday afternoon at a Lincoln library and booked for two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual trafficking of a minor.
Assistant Police Chief Brian Jackson says their investigation began June 1 after LPS officials reported Scheich was impersonating a student and claimed to be 17 years old. Jackson says he actually graduated from Southeast High School in 2015.
“Scheich initially enrolled at Northwest High School during the first semester and transferred to Southeast High School during the second semester, all during the 2022-2023 school year.” School records show he attended approximately 54 total days of school. “Scheich is 5’4” and 120 pounds and appears to have blended in with other students,” Jackson says.
The investigation revealed that Scheich had multiple contacts with juvenile students under the false name of Hess. Investigators with the Special Victims Unit are interviewing additional potential victims to determine the scope of this case. LPD is asking anyone who has had interactions with Scheich or may be a victim to come forward. You can call the non-emergency number at 402-441-6000 or you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers by 402-475-3600.
LPS sent a letter to parents of both schools detailing the timeline of events.