Great Bend Post

BARTON COUNTY —Police are investigating an alleged sex offense reported from a student at Great Bend Middle School.

According to a media release, the report came Wednesday morning, when the student made her report to School Resource Officer Ethan Thomas. It says there is still a long process of investigation ahead after receiving the report.

“When we receive a report like this and it involves a minor child, there is a process that takes place,” said Great Bend Police Lt. Heather Smith. “There is an interview, a process through the child advocacy center, and support and counseling.”

Police arrested 34-year-old Nicholas Schwerdtfeger of Great Bend. He was booked for an aggravated indecent liberties with a child warrant, according to the Barton County Sheriff’s report and is being held on a $1,000,000 bond.

Schwerdtfeger is a registered sex offender and was convicted in 2010 of attempted aggravated sexual battery and attempted indecent solicitation of a child under the age of 14, according to the KBI offender registry.

As interviews and counseling take place, the case will be handed over to the Barton County Attorney’s Office.

“It is a long process, but is something we take very seriously because of the nature of the crime,” said Smith.