Lincoln, Neb. (KOLN) – A former Lincoln special education teacher has been arrested following an investigation into child abuse allegations at Beattie Elementary School.
Arrest and Charges
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Lincoln Police arrested 43-year-old Hilary Everett on suspicion of felony child abuse. She was taken into custody and booked into the Lancaster County Jail.
Authorities launched an investigation after a report was made to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) hotline on February 26, 2025, alleging abuse occurring at the school since at least December 2024.
Allegations and Victims
According to police, the abuse is believed to have taken place between August 1, 2024, and February 26, 2025. Investigators identified three victims—aged 5, 6, and 7—two of whom are non-verbal.
The allegations against Everett include:
Forcing children to eat hand sanitizer
Applying bleach water to their hands
Pulling them by their ears
Slapping a child on the back of the head
Parents and School District Response
A mother of one of the victims, Brittany, expressed anger and heartbreak upon learning about the abuse.
“That was my worst fear when he went to school—what if something happened? And it did,” she said. She noticed behavioral changes in her child, including crying and covering his ears, which made her question what was happening in the classroom.
Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) confirmed that staff at Beattie Elementary had received concerning reports about Everett’s treatment of students. The school immediately removed her from the classroom and reported the allegations to DHHS, Lincoln Police, and the families.
Everett is no longer employed by Lincoln Public Schools.
School Officials Condemn Abuse
LPS Interim Superintendent John Skretta emphasized the district’s commitment to student safety.
“It is our duty as educators to prioritize the safety and well-being of every child. At Lincoln Public Schools, we will not tolerate any abuse or mishandling of students.”
Everett had been employed by LPS since August 2016, and this was her first teaching position. The district stated that all hiring protocols were followed, including a background check.
The investigation remains ongoing.
