Lincoln, NEBRASKA

May 16, 2008 - Sanford Kaplan, 57, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Geology teacher and a soccer coach at Lincoln Northeast High was arrested and charged with six felony charges of child abuse and one count of false imprisonment in connection with allegedly binding six youths ages 13 to 15 and suspending them from the rafters of his garage in a bizarre sexual fantasy game.

The youths allege that over the past seven years they were bound, gagged and blindfolded, then videotaped or photographed trying to escape, in a strange "rope trick" game Kaplan concocted for his sexual gratification. Police say Kaplan admitted doing these things to several teenage boys in order to "fulfill a sexual need." - (KPTM FOX 42.

A July 2 preliminary hearing is scheduled.

The sheriff asked that parents who had children who came in contact with Kaplan inquire if the youths ever were asked to participate in inappropriate behavior.

NOT GUILTY PLEA August 13 - Kaplan was arraigned on eight counts of child abuse, four counts of third-degree sexual assault and two counts of first-degree false imprisonment. He pleaded not guilty. Trial is scheduled for October 27.