A man falsely accused of rape by a southeast Nebraska woman who was convicted of making up the crime is suing Gage County and four sheriff's deputies.
Elliott Hawkins of Wymore is suing over his 2011 arrest in the case. His lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount for lost earnings capacity, damage to his reputation and emotional distress, among other things.
On Wednesday, 28-year-old Jennifer Valenta of Wilber was sentenced to from 32 to 60 months in prison after pleading no contest to evidence tampering, false reporting and attempted prostitution. She will be eligible for parole in 16 months.
Valenta told authorities she was raped by four men, including Hawkins, at the Big Indian Recreation Area in November 2011. Investigators later determined her injuries were self-inflicted.
