Anselmo woman charged with sexual abuse at Kearney Youth Rehabilitation Center
Katrina Fewkes is charged with second-degree sexual abuse of a protected person.
KEARNEY, Neb. — A woman who worked for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has been charged with sexual abuse of a protected person.
Katrina Fewkes is charged with a class 3A felony for allegedly subjecting a minor to sexual contact, according to court documents.
Documents show the incident happened on or about Oct. 1, 2025, at an address associated with the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney.
The charge comes amid broader scrutiny of the facility. Flatwater Free Press reported that allegations of sexual abuse involving staff and teens at the center have surfaced through court hearings and investigations.
On October 12 of last year, Flatwater Free Press reported that two staffers had resigned, a third was on leave and a fourth had been charged criminally in connection with abuse allegations at the facility.
The woman initially charged is Martha Ruiz Palacios. Her final plea hearing date for today, but has been continued until May 11.
Fewkes is due in court on April 1 for a preliminary hearing.
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