Man charged with sex abuse of teen

ARCADIA, Neb. — A central Nebraska man has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

Prosecutors say 65-year-old Gary Fernau of Arcadia had sex with a girl younger than 16 during the summer of 2007.

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

Fernau was arrested and released this week after posting $1,000 bail.

Fernau’s wife, Bonnie Fernau, said Friday the allegations are false. She said the 17-year-old girl is a troubled former foster child for whom she and her husband were guardians.

The Fernaus have been foster parents since 1996.

Bonnie Fernau said she believes the girl made the allegation so she could return home to Overton.