Attorney General Jon Bruning

News Release

                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   Contact: Holley Hatt

                        June 1, 2007 5:00pm CDT                                                       402.471.2067

Bertrand Man Sentenced to 30-35 Years

For Sexual Assault of Niece

(Lincoln, NE) Attorney General Jon Bruning today announced that Dale Hoffman, 29, formerly of Bertrand, Neb., was sentenced to 30 to 35 years in prison for first degree sexual assault of a child. The sentencing occurred today in Phelps County District Court.

“Mr. Hoffman was a trusted family member to this little girl, and he abused that trust in the most sickening way,” Bruning said. “Our children are safer when he’s behind bars, and this sentence ensures he’ll be there for a long time.”

A Phelps County Sheriff Department and Nebraska State Patrol investigation determined Hoffman coerced his 10-year-old niece to perform sexual acts with him. The assaults occurred while she was left in his care between June and September of 2005. He watched her after school and on various occasions. The victim is now 11 years old.

After a warrant was issued for his arrest in Nebraska, Hoffman fled to West Covina, Calif. where he was arrested on Oct. 14, 2005.

On April 6, Hoffman pleaded no contest to sexual assault of a child, a class II felony.

Phelps County Attorney Tim Hoeft and the Assistant Attorney General Randy Stoll handled the case.

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