Omaha Man Faces Trial for Child Sex Crimes

Jury selection complete, opening statements to begin Tuesday in high-profile case

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:55pm

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An extreme close-up of a pair of metal handcuffs against a completely black background, the harsh lighting creating dramatic shadows and textures to convey a sense of gravity and justice.A stark visual metaphor for the serious legal consequences facing an accused child predator.Omaha Today

The trial has begun for an Omaha man named Warren Arledge who is accused of multiple counts of sexual assault on a child and child abuse. Arledge was arrested in January 2025 after tips from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and community members, with court documents alleging he groomed several children ages 12 and 13. Jury selection wrapped up today, and opening statements are expected to begin on Tuesday in Douglas County District Court. The trial is expected to last five days.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse and exploitation in the Omaha community, and the importance of vigilant reporting and investigation by authorities and community members to hold perpetrators accountable. The trial will likely draw significant public attention and scrutiny.

The details

Warren Arledge is facing four counts of sexual assault on a child and two counts of child abuse. He was arrested in January 2025 after tips were provided to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and local law enforcement about his alleged crimes. Court documents state that Arledge is accused of grooming several children between the ages of 12 and 13.

  • Jury selection for Arledge's trial wrapped up today.
  • Opening statements in the trial are expected to begin on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The trial is expected to last for five days.

The players

Warren Arledge

A 45-year-old Omaha resident accused of multiple counts of sexual assault on a child and child abuse.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency that provided tips to law enforcement that led to Arledge's arrest.

Douglas County District Court

The court where Arledge's trial is taking place.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that those who commit such heinous crimes against children are held fully accountable.”

— Sarah Johnson, Omaha City Council Member

What’s next

The trial is expected to last five days, with a verdict likely to be reached by the end of the week.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for vigilant community reporting and thorough law enforcement investigation to protect vulnerable children from sexual predators. The outcome of this high-profile trial will have significant implications for how child sex abuse cases are handled in the Omaha area.