Omaha substitute teacher accused of sexually abusing students pleads not guilty

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – An Omaha substitute teacher pleaded not guilty Tuesday to sexually abusing a student.

Erin Ward, 45, waived her right to a preliminary hearing and her case was transferred to Douglas County District Court.

She is accused of first-degree sexual abuse by a school employee.

SEE ALSO: Officials say Omaha teacher was caught red-handed with student

Early on the morning of April 13, Ward was caught in the back seat of an SUV with a 17-year-old boy, authorities said.

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the teenager got into the driver’s seat, drove away and crashed two blocks away.

He ran away naked, officials said. Ward remained in the vehicle and put his clothes back on, the sheriff’s office said.

SEE ALSO: Omaha teacher charged with sexually abusing student and must pay $25,000 bail

Ward was a substitute teacher at Omaha Burke High School, where the boy is a student.

Last month, she paid $2,500 bail to be released from jail.

Her first appearance in district court has not yet been scheduled.