A 2010 Glenwood High School graduate hired as a part-time district-wide audio-visual support technician has been charged with sexually abusing a female student inside a high school closet. 19-year old Andrew Schoening, of Glenwood, faces up to 10-years in prison if he’s convicted on a charge of statutory rape. He would also be required to register as a sex offender. 

According to court documents filed in Mills County, a 15-year old female told Glenwood police Schoening forced her to have sex in a closet at the high school. Schoening was hired by the Glenwood school district’s technology team in September. He oversaw audio-visual equipment at high school athletic contests. The alleged incident happened during the school day on December 20^th. The student reported the alleged incident to high school staff, and school officials promptly notified local law enforcement. Schoening resigned after the incident came to light last week. 

Mills County Attorney Eric Hansen told the Omaha World-Herald that Schoening, who turns 20 next month, faces a charge of third-degree sexual abuse, which requires the prosecutor to prove only a sex act with a person who was 15 when the defendant was 19 or older. Hansen said regardless of consent, any sexual contact involving Schoening and the minor would constitute a crime because of the age difference.

Council Bluffs defense attorney Mike Murphy said he intends to prove the sexual contact was “consensual.” Murphy hopes proving the encounter was consensual might result in a less severe penalty or exoneration. He said Schoening and the girl were acquaintances who often crossed paths in the high school.  Schoening has admitted to having sex with the teen. He also admitted to police that he knew the girl was under age.

Schoening remains free after posting bail last week. A Mills County magistrate has ordered him not to have any contact with the girl or her family.