KEARNEY, Neb. —

A former staff member at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney has been charged with second-degree sexual abuse of a protected individual, a Class III felony.

Martha Ruiz Palacios, 28, was arrested in Buffalo County in August. Court records indicate that "on or between July 31 and Aug. 2, 2025," Ruiz Palacios allegedly subjected a youth at the facility to "sexual contact."

KETV Investigates first reported on an emergency juvenile hearing that revealed allegations of sexual assault at YRTC Kearney with a different staff member and youth.

KETV Investigated received a tip from an anonymous source that led to the discovery of the allegations against Ruiz Palacios.

Former juvenile judge Elizabeth Crnkovich expressed concern over the broader implications

See Full Page