State senator charged with disturbing the peace following alleged groping

A Nebraska state senator has been charged with disturbing the peace following an alleged groping incident that occurred in May.

Sen. Dan McKeon was initially cited for public indecency by the Nebraska State Patrol in October for allegedly inappropriately touching a woman at an end-of-session party in Lincoln.

Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon announced Tuesday that prosecutors have downgraded the charge to the offense of disturbing the peace, which is a Class III misdemeanor.

The previous charge of public indecency was a Class II misdemeanor under Nebraska law.

McKeon’s initial arraignment hearing is set for Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. in Lancaster County Court.

A release from the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office said prosecutors have reviewed the initial evidence and worked with Nebraska State Patrol Investigators to collect additional evidence leading to the criminal complaint.

“As always, the charge against Mr. McKeon is merely an accusation,” the release said. “He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.”

McKeon could also face disciplinary action by the Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board, which is conducting its own internal investigation. The board is likely to meet again Saturday afternoon.

Gov. Jim Pillen has called on McKeon to resign from his seat, but the senator said he plans to serve in the upcoming legislative session.

McKeon, an Amherst resident, represents Central Nebraska’s District 41 in the Legislature, which covers Boone, Greeley, Howard, Sherman, Valley and Wheeler counties, as well as parts of Buffalo and Hall counties.