In Nemaha County District Court on Monday, Nov. 10, William Lee Vogel waived his right to a preliminary hearing and entered a plea of no contest to rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and kidnapping. Vogel was then found guilty of those offenses by the court.
Charges of rape of a child under the age of 14 and aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14 originally were filed by Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert against the 51-year-old Sabetha man on Monday, Aug. 11.
The Sabetha Police Department began seeking Vogel in connection with the above charges on Sunday, Aug. 10, but Vogel evaded authorities, leading to a nationwide manhunt.
Vogel was finally taken into custody in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Tuesday morning, Sept. 9, when Sabetha Police Chief Robert Wahwasuck says he turned himself in to authorities.
Vogel remains in the Nemaha County Jail awaiting sentencing, which has been set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18.
Amber Deters | Herald