Arraignment rescheduled for Liberty man on child abuse charges

BEATRICE – A district judge has rescheduled arraignment for a Liberty man charged with committing intentional child abuse resulting in death, two lesser child abuse counts and first-degree false imprisonment.
Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner has now set arraignment for 31-year-old Timothy Erks, for October 1st. (1:30 p.m.)

The judge granted a request by Erks’ lawyer, James Scarff, of Lincoln, to withdraw from the case, following non-payment of legal fees. The judge inquired about Erks’ financial status but said he will consider at the October 1st hearing whether Erks will be granted a lawyer at public expense. He had secured his own attorney earlier at a hearing to set bond.

Before his arrest, Erks said he was working as a self-employed landscaper and remodeler. Judge Schreiner said he wants to keep the case moving, given speedy trial requirements of the law.

"I want to do it quickly. I understand you are in jail. You would like to have, I'm sure, probably a bond review. I don't want to rush, but I think in the two weeks you should be able to find out how you want to proceed as far as counsel is concerned...and we will address both of those issues on the First of October."

No decision was made during the Wednesday court hearing to designate new legal counsel.

The most serious charge faced by Erks carries a sentence, if convicted, of 20-years to life in prison. The other three felony counts carry potential sentences of up to three years in prison, each.

Erks has been in the Gage County Jail the past five months, on a one-million dollar appearance bond.