A man who is accused of attempting to have sex with two girls could come back to court after new filing

A man who is accused of chasing two girls could come back to court after a new filing

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‘He’s a danger to the public’: Attorney moves to reopen case against man accused of attempting to have sex with two girls

A man who is accused of attempting to have sex with two girls could come back to court after a new filing

OMAHA, Neb. —

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said he’s filing a petition on Tuesday that could bring a man accused of attempting to have sex with two girls back to court. This comes after a judge dropped charges against Zachary Vinton on Tuesday.

Court documents from Tuesday said there was not enough evidence to continue with charges against Vinton. Documents stated the 34-year-old has a mental disability.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said he disagrees with the judge’s decision to drop the charges. He believes there is enough evidence for Vinton to go to district court.

“We could file something under the Department of Justice Developmental Disability Act, and we’re filing that petition today, because we believe we can prove that he has a developmental disability, and he’s a danger to the public,” Kleine said.

The petition is being filed with the County Board of Mental Health. The law Kleine is filing under protects and supports people with developmental disabilities.

Kleine said the Developmental Disability Act applies because of Vinton’s mental health state. He said they feel that he is dangerous because of his history and that they want to make sure there is a handle on his behavior.

“We’re willing to explore any avenue we can to make sure the public is protected. We understand that he has some mental health issues, but we still have to protect the public, even with those mental health issues,” Kleine said. “So that’s why we’re going to take this route and to make sure that we can do something.”

Kleine alleged that Vinton’s mental disability compares his mindset to that of a 10-year-old. He also said they found another instance that was at a zoo, which raises concerns for his history.

“That’s what the key is here, that he poses a threat of harm to others. And that’s what the judge is going to be able to control that at least as best as they can under this act, as far as having whatever restrictions the court feels are necessary to make sure that he can’t hurt somebody,” Kleine said.

Kleine said the court would have lots of options in restricting Vinton’s behavior. He said with this act they can change his location or place him in a secure facility, and simply monitor his location.

On April 17, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrested Vinton for allegedly attempting to have sex with children.

Officials said Vinton chased two girls, ages 11 and 12, in a neighborhood near 192nd and Q streets. When he was tracked down, he allegedly told deputies that he was trying to coerce the girls to have sex with him.

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