Prison for attempted assault

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — A 25-year-old Kearney man has been sentenced to 5 to 12 years in prison for attempted sexual assault of a child.

Daniel Morse also was ordered to pay $350 in restitution to the teenage girl who was his victim.

An attorney for Morse had argued for a lighter sentence, noting that Morse had sought counseling on his own. Morse’s therapist testified that she believed Morse was at a low to moderate risk to reoffend.

But the Buffalo County prosecutor said the victim was greatly affected by Morse’s crime, pointing to a lengthy letter from the girl, as well as letters from her family.

Nebraska law prohibits people 19 or older from having sex with those under 16.