Associated Press - November 20, 2009 3:55 PM ET
ARCADIA, Neb. (AP) - A central Nebraska man has been charged with sexually assaulting a teen girl.
Prosecutors say 65-year-old Gary Fernau (FURR-now) 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.
Gary Fernau was arrested and released earlier this week after posting $1,000 bond.
Fernau's wife, Bonnie Fernau, said Friday the allegations are false. Fernau says the 17-year-old girl is a troubled former foster child she and her husband were guardians of.
The Fernaus have been foster parents since 1996.
Bonnie Fernau says she believes the girl made the allegation so she could return home to Overton.
If convicted, Fernau could be sentenced to as much as 50 years in prison.
Information from, KNLV Radio, http://www.knlvradio.com
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