A former preschool nurse entered a not guilty plea this week in Riley County to 27 charges of child sexual abuse.
Joshua Penabaz (Pen-uh-bahz) entered his plea at a Monday hearing in front of Judge Kendra Lewison, via Zoom. Rather than setting a trial, his attorney, Bobby Hiebert requested another status hearing as he continues to gather more information. The next hearing will be at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 21. If found guilty on all charges, Penabaz faces life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 25 years, and a fine of $500,000.
Penabaz resigned from his position at College Hill Early Learning Center in February after being arrested on 11 counts of rape and eight counts each of aggravated indecent liberties and aggravated criminal sodomy.
He was additionally charged in June with the September 2021 alleged rape of a 5 year old student at College Hill, according to Riley County Police.
Penabaz remains jailed on a $1 million bond.
