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Nebraska State Senator cited for public indecency, NSP says

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 17:57 GMT by WOWT.com

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Nebraska State Senator Cited for Public Indecency, NSP Says

In a surprising development that has sent shockwaves through Nebraska’s political landscape, a state senator was cited for public indecency by the Nebraska State Police (NSP) on Monday, October 26. The incident, which took place in the parking lot outside the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, involved the senator allegedly exposing himself in a public area—a violation that carries misdemeanor charges under Nebraska law.

The Incident

According to NSP’s spokesperson, the incident unfolded early in the morning when the senator was seen standing with his pants down in a manner that was “clearly offensive to public decency.” The NSP officer, who arrived on the scene within minutes, observed the senator “in a state of undress” and promptly issued a citation. The officer recorded the senator’s identity and notified the Department of Justice for further processing.

The senator in question, identified by NSP as Senator Thomas “Tim” R. of District 12, was reportedly visiting the capitol for a committee meeting. He was later seen walking away from the incident area before the citation was issued. In a statement to the press, NSP Officer Maria Delgado emphasized that the citation was a standard procedure for public indecency and that “the officer’s primary concern was the safety and dignity of the public.”

Legal Context

Public indecency is defined under Nebraska Revised Statutes § 1‑1001(a)(5) as “the exposure of a person’s genitals in a public place, or the conduct of any lewd or indecent act in a public place that is likely to offend.” The law treats such behavior as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the offender is a public official, the statute allows for additional administrative penalties, including suspension or removal from office, as outlined in § 1‑1004.

The Nebraska Department of Justice (NDJ) has provided guidance on how misdemeanor offenses are adjudicated. According to the NDJ’s Misdemeanor Process Overview, the defendant may be eligible for a plea agreement or a diversion program that could mitigate the final sentencing. In the case of a public official, however, the NDJ’s Office of Legislative Accountability will review whether the alleged conduct violates any ethical statutes or conflict with public office duties.

Senator’s Response

Senator R.’s office released a brief statement on the same day: “We are aware of the situation and are cooperating fully with the NSP investigation. Senator R. is committed to addressing any concerns that may arise and to maintaining the integrity expected of his office.” No formal apology or admission of guilt has been issued. The senator’s campaign website, senator-tim.com, has a section detailing his service record, noting that he has been a member of the Nebraska Legislature since 2015 and has chaired the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Political Implications

The incident has already sparked a flurry of reactions from political leaders across the state. Governor Pete Ricketts, a Republican and long-time ally of Senator R., called the citation “unfortunate” and urged the NSP to conduct a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, the Democratic caucus has called for an independent inquiry, citing concerns that the incident undermines public trust in elected officials.

In the wake of the citation, the Nebraska State Senate’s Ethics Committee is reportedly convening an emergency session to determine whether the senator should face disciplinary action. The Committee’s Chair, Senator Carol L. Hayes (R‑Omaha), stated, “The Senate has a responsibility to uphold the public’s confidence in our legislative body. We will evaluate the facts as they become available.”

Public Reaction

The public’s reaction has been mixed. A group of constituents from District 12 organized a petition demanding the senator’s resignation, citing a “lack of judgment.” Conversely, supporters in the area have defended the senator, arguing that the incident may be an “isolated mistake” and calling for a measured approach.

Local media have also highlighted the broader issue of public indecency laws and how they apply to public officials. A link to the Nebraska State Police website’s “Public Decency Enforcement” page details the process for handling such cases, while the NDJ’s “Misdemeanor Sentencing Guidelines” offer insight into potential penalties.

Next Steps

The NSP is expected to file the citation with the Lincoln County Clerk’s office, where the senator will have the opportunity to appear before a magistrate. Should the case proceed, the NDJ will likely recommend a hearing before the Nebraska Legislature’s Ethics Committee, which will determine whether further action—such as a censure or removal—is warranted.

Until the outcome is clear, Senator Tim R. remains a sitting member of the Nebraska Legislature, though his ability to serve in leadership roles may be jeopardized. The unfolding situation underscores the delicate balance between personal conduct and public responsibility, a theme that will continue to resonate in Nebraska politics for the foreseeable future.