Former Lincoln Teacher Convicted of Child Abuse Requests New Trial

Hilary Everett claims irregularities and misconduct in court proceedings in her motion for a new trial.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A former Lincoln elementary school teacher convicted of child abuse is requesting a new trial. According to court documents, Hilary Everett filed the motion last week, claiming irregularities and misconduct in the court proceedings that involved the prosecuting attorney and witnesses. The motion also claims the guilty verdict is not supported by sufficient evidence.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing debates around teacher accountability, student safety, and due process in the criminal justice system. The outcome of Everett's request for a new trial could set an important precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

The details

Everett was found guilty earlier this month of intentional child abuse at Beattie Elementary School in Lincoln. The former special education teacher was convicted after she was accused of applying hand sanitizer to the children's mouths, putting bleach water on their hands, and slapping a child on the back of the neck.

  • Everett was found guilty earlier this month.
  • Everett filed the motion for a new trial last week.

The players

Hilary Everett

A former special education teacher at Beattie Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska who was convicted of intentional child abuse.

Beattie Elementary School

The Lincoln, Nebraska elementary school where Everett taught and the alleged incidents of child abuse took place.

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What they’re saying

“She is claiming irregularities and misconduct in the court proceedings that involved the prosecuting attorney and witnesses, according to the filing.”

— Hilary Everett (ketv.com)

“The motion also claims the guilty verdict is not supported by sufficient evidence.”

— Hilary Everett (ketv.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant Everett's request for a new trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding teacher accountability and student safety, as well as the importance of due process in the criminal justice system. The outcome of Everett's request for a new trial will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.