Erin Ward, a 45-year-old substitute teacher at Omaha Burke High School, made her initial court appearance on Tuesday to face charges of felony sexual abuse by a school employee.

Ward was arrested on Saturday morning after deputies responded to a call regarding a suspicious vehicle near 189th Street and Military Road. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered the victim, who had jumped into the driver's seat, driving two blocks before crashing into a yard. The boy managed to escape and fled on foot, leading deputies to make contact with Ward, who was in the process of putting her clothes back on in the back seat.

Further investigation by Douglas County prosecutors revealed that the sexual assault allegations were not isolated incidents. They believe Ward had sexually assaulted the teenage boy on multiple occasions. Authorities later found the victim in the Newport Landing neighborhood, wearing only boxers, a T-shirt, and socks.

Omaha Burke High School verified that Ward had been employed as a substitute teacher in their school. However, the school authorities have confirmed that she will not be returning to their institution or any other schools within the Omaha Public Schools district.

If convicted, Ward could face up to 20 years in prison for her alleged crimes. Authorities have stated that she is currently under suicide watch.

The community and the school district are stunned by the accusations against a trusted educator. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students and prompted discussions about the need for stricter screening and monitoring of individuals working closely with children in educational settings.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Omaha community remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure the protection of its students, while offering support and resources to the victim involved in this troubling case.