Sheridan man pleads not guilty to sexual abuse

SHERIDAN (WNE) — A 52-year-old Sheridan man has pleaded not guilty to first degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Chad Adsit was arraigned in 4th Judicial District Court on Monday.

Adsit was arrested Jan. 21 for allegedly sexually abusing a 7-year-old female and has remained in custody of the Sheridan County Detention Center since his arrest.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 26, 2025 a report was filed with the Department of Family Services involving the possible sexual abuse of a minor. The victim was identified as a 7-year-old female and the suspect was 52-year-old Chad Adsit.

An interview was conducted June 26, 2025 but the victim was not willing to share anything about Adsit touching her inappropriately. But, on Jan. 19 of this year she told law enforcement that Adsit had inflicted sexual intrusion on or about June 26, 2025.

Adsit was interviewed by police Jan. 21 where he recalled knowing the victim, describing her as a bright little girl who was “beyond her years and an old soul.”

After further questioning, Adsit began to shake and cry stating, “I am not going home, am I? I think I need a lawyer. Yeah, I am going to need a lawyer to be able to properly explain all of that, because it was so brief, and dualistic, and shocking, mostly shocking.”

A $50,000 cash only bond will be continued and the case will progress toward trial.

This story was published on March 31, 2026.