Judge finds probable cause in case of Hastings daycare provider accused of child abuse
HASTINGS, Neb. – The case against a Hastings woman accused of negligent child abuse at her unlicensed daycare is advancing to the next court level.
Jade Essink, 23, appeared in Adams County Court last Thursday for a preliminary hearing on the felony charge.
A judge found probable cause for the charge and sent the case to district court for trial.
The incident happened on Dec. 11, 2024, at a Essink's daycare on W 9th St. in Hastings.
According to court documents, Essink alleges her 3-year-old child ran into a 1-year-old, causing the younger child to collide with the 10-month-old victim, Treyce Halbmaier, who hit his head on a fireplace.
The allegations turned some medical official's heads, as three separate doctors told police the injuries suffered by Halbmaier were not consistent with a fall.
A search of court documents found no evidence that Essink was licensed to run a daycare, but according to the DHHS, anyone who provides child care to three or less children does not have to be licensed as a child care provider.
Essink remains out of jail on bond, and is scheduled to appear for an arraignment next on April 16.
