Two Hastings Residents Charged with Felony Child Abuse

Two Hastings residents were charged with felony child abuse after investigators described their home as a significant hazard.

February 6, 2026Updated: February 6, 2026
By Brandon Shanahan

HASTINGS, Neb. — According to court documents, on January 29, a search warrant was executed at the home of 41-year-old Tracey Matthews and 41-year-old Micah Sankey, both of Hastings. Investigators recovered an estimated 300 oxycodone pills, more than an ounce of marijuana, a loaded assault-style rifle, several magazines of ammunition, and more.

In the affidavit, investigators said the guns and drugs were unsecured and within easy access of the nine- and eleven-year-old children who live in the home. Officers stated the condition of the home was deplorable, with both the interior and exterior posing hazards to the children. Court documents detailed significant uncleanliness, clutter, exposed ceilings, and moldy food in the refrigerator.

Around the same time the search warrant was being served, Hastings Police initiated a traffic stop during which Matthews and Sankey were arrested and taken to the Adams County Jail. Both were charged with two counts of intentional child abuse, a Class IIIA felony. Matthews was also charged with five additional felonies related to the drugs and firearms found at the home.