Anselmo woman charged with sexual abuse at Kearney Youth Rehabilitation Center

Katrina Fewkes is charged with second-degree sexual abuse of a protected person.

March 10, 2026Updated: March 10, 2026
By Peter Rice

KEARNEY, Neb. — A woman who worked for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has been charged with sexual abuse of a protected person.

Katrina Fewkes is charged with a class 3A felony for allegedly subjecting a minor to sexual contact, according to court documents.

Documents show the incident happened on or about Oct. 1, 2025, at an address associated with the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney. The charge comes amid broader scrutiny of the facility. The outlet also reported that two staff members had resigned, another was placed on leave and a fourth had been criminally charged.

The woman initially charged is Martha Ruiz Palacios. Her final plea hearing date for today, but has been continued until May 11.

Fewkes is due in court on April 1 for a preliminary hearing.

Related coverage: State planning to move boys from troubled Kearney youth center to Omaha

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