Former Kearney probation officer faces charges in case involving client

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - A former Kearney probation officer who was in a relationship with a client now stands accused of tampering and false reporting.

Mara Stamp, 31, is charged in Buffalo County Court with felony tampering with evidence and misdemeanor false reporting in a criminal matter.

Stamp was charged last week. Court records showed that she lied about her relationship with a former client, Shawn Smith, 35, Kearney. The pair were involved in a relationship and records indicate that Smith lived with Stamp for a time.

The charges are related to a December incident in which Stamp and Smith were involved in a fight after Smith reportedly found her in bed with another man. Stamp allegedly hid evidence that showed Smith lived with her and then gave false information about Smith to police.

For his part, Smith was originally charged with felony kidnapping and robbery in connection with the December incident. Those charges were dropped, but he is still charged with felony terroristic threats as well as three misdemeanors for Assault, DUI, and operating a vehicle to avoid arrest. Those charges are pending in Buffalo County District Court.

A probable cause hearing for Stamp is scheduled next week in Buffalo County Court. If convicted on the felony tampering charge, Stamp could get up to two years in prison.

Stamp was no longer listed as a state probation officer after a search of the Nebraska probation officers directory.