Information about former teacher arrested for felony child abuse

March 18, 2025

Lincoln Public Schools was informed by Lincoln Police that former Beattie Elementary School special education teacher Hilary Everett was arrested by Lincoln Police this morning and is being charged with felony child abuse.

Below is the information released by Lincoln Police about the case:

The Lincoln Police Department (LPD) has arrested 43-year-old Hilary Everett of Lincoln in a felony child abuse investigation involving local children.

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, a report was made to the DHHS hotline regarding allegations of child abuse occurring at Beattie Elementary School since at least December 2024. LPD was then notified and initiated an investigation.

LPD has identified three victims – five-year-old, six-year-old and seven-year-old boys – two of which are non-verbal. The allegations include Everett applying hand sanitizer to the children’s mouths, applying bleach water on their hands, guiding a child by squeezing his ear and slapping a child in the back of the head.

Investigators determined there was probable cause to arrest Everett. She was taken into custody and lodged at the Lancaster County Jail on Child Abuse (3A felony) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Beattie principal Julie Lee sent an email to families on March 4 about an investigation they were working with Lincoln Police on. School administrators had received concerning reports about Everett and how she worked with three special education students. Once administrators became aware of the concerns, they immediately ensured Everett was not in the classroom, contacted the Department of Health and Human Services Hotline and Lincoln Police, and the families of the students involved. 

Everett is no longer employed at Lincoln Public Schools. She joined Lincoln Public School in August of 2016, and this was her first teaching position. LPS followed all of its hiring protocols which includes a background check for any prior concerns. 

LPS Interim Superintendent John Skretta says he understands how hearing about reported abuse can be concerning for our families and community. 

“This is the type of news you never want to get as a school administrator,” said Skretta. “It is our duty as educators to prioritize the safety and well being of every child that walks through our doors. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly. At Lincoln Public Schools we will not tolerate any abuse or mishandling of students. No child deserves to be treated with disrespect or harm.”

Skretta said that LPS takes all reports of safety concerns seriously and investigates them fully with the help of Lincoln Public Schools Security Team, Human Resources, and law enforcement. 

“We appreciate the thorough investigative work of Lincoln Police and will continue to work with law enforcement,” said Skretta. “Our staff will continue to work with the student victims and their families, providing them with the resources they may need.”

Skretta added that LPS appreciates those individuals who reported their safety concerns. If anyone has any safety concerns, they are encouraged to contact Lincoln Police at (402)441-6000. You can also use the green Safe to Say button on the LPS website or the Safe2Help Nebraska App.

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