Charges expected against Michael Brown in student protest incident, County Attorney Says

HALL COUNTY, Neb. — Charges have not yet been filed against a Grand Island man arrested following a physical altercation during a student walkout protest last month.

Hall County Attorney Marty Klein said Monday that while 54-year-old Michael A. Brown was arrested on suspicion of felony child abuse, prosecutors are still reviewing the case before formally filing charges.

Klein said his office does not always file charges immediately and wanted to meet with investigators before making a decision.

He said prosecutors are reviewing interviews, security footage, and cell phone video related to the incident.

Meetings between investigators, police, and prosecutors are taking place this week. Klein said he expects charges to be filed.

Brown was arrested after police said he exited his vehicle and physically assaulted a juvenile during a student protest involving Grand Island Senior High students.

The protest centered on federal immigration policy and took place near West Lawn Elementary School.

Police previously listed two juvenile boys, ages 16 and 17, as victims in the case.

Under Nebraska law, a Class IIIA felony is punishable by up to three years in prison and 18 months of post-release supervision, a $10,000 fine, or both. There is no mandatory minimum sentence.

Grand Island Public Schools previously said it continues to provide support services to students impacted by the incident.