Hale Terminated from Kearney Police Department

The City of Kearney terminated former police officer Alan Hale after he pled guilty in Clinton County court on Tuesday. Hale was charged with two counts of felony sodomy or attempted sodomy in the 1st degree, and one count of sexual misconduct or attempt involving a child less than 15-years of age in November, 2020.

According to a city press release, “On November 2nd, Alan Hale entered guilty pleas for two, 2nd degree felonies. These wrongful acts were committed in Clinton County prior to Mr. Hale’s hire date with the City as a Police Officer.”

Clinton County initiated an investigation in early 2020. After the case was opened, the city placed Hale on paid administrative leave pending outcome of the investigation. When Hale was arrested on three felony counts, the City of Kearney switched his status to unpaid leave as he was currently unable to perform his duties as a police officer.

According to the statement of probable cause, Hale was accused of assaulting three children ranging in age from 8 to 11, of whom he was stepfather between January 2002 and December 2005. The alleged incidents occurred at a residence near Cameron in Clinton County, where the children were reported to be in Hale's custody.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story