A 51-year-old York County man faces multiple felony charges following an investigation into an underage drinking party at a rural property where deputies found 28 juveniles inside a barn loft. The York County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to multiple reports of an underage drinking party at a residence on October 10 following a school homecoming event.
Investigators say the property is owned by Chad Stuhr. Deputies obtained a search warrant and executed it around 1:40 a.m. on October 11 with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol.
Inside the barn loft, officers found 28 minors and numerous alcoholic beverage containers. According to the Sheriff’s Office, multiple juveniles told investigators that Stuhr was the only adult present and allegedly participated in the party alongside the minors.
Some juveniles reported seeing him consume alcohol, while others described his behavior toward young girls as uncomfortable or inappropriate. Investigators also received a report alleging inappropriate contact between Stuhr and a juvenile at the party.
During the search, deputies located Stuhr hiding in a concealed room behind a movable wall in the barn loft. He was taken into custody. A subsequent search of the property uncovered numerous alcoholic beverages, marijuana, a bayonet and approximately 62.7 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms.
Stuhr was arrested and booked into York County Corrections on multiple charges, including second-degree sexual assault of a child, child abuse, possession with intent to deliver psilocybin or psilocin, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony.
Additional charges include procuring alcohol for a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, theft by receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Sheriff’s Office says the circumstances of the investigation raise significant concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the community. The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the October 10 party or other possible incidents involving Stuhr to contact the York County Sheriff’s Office.