How Could You? Hall of Shame-Graciano Lopez-UPDATED

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Lincoln, Nebraska, foster parent Graciano Lopez was arrested on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. “The teen said Graciano assaulted them multiple times over a two-year period.

Police worry there may be more victims as Lopez was a foster parent and also the owner of Jolly Bean Magic Castle, a store that sold kids’ toys, magic supplies, and candy. The business also offered magic shows for parties, singing telegrams and mime shows.

Lincoln Police commended the victim for their bravery.

To report abuse or neglect in Nebraska call the hotline at: (800) 652-1999.

If you have information regarding this case, contact Lincoln Police at 402-441-8979.”

Magic Store Owner, Foster Parent Accused of Child Sex Assault
[KETV 4/14/21]

“Lincoln Police Department (LPD) investigators have arrested a foster parent for 1st degree sexual assault.

On March 19, LPD said a 17-year-old boy called the DHHS hotline to report that he’d been sexually abused by his foster parent, Graciano L. Lopez , 42.

LPD investigators said they interviewed the boy, who said he’d been sexually assaulted Lopez several times over the last two years.

On Tuesday, investigators said they developed probable cause to arrest Lopez for sexual assault.

The investigation remains ongoing as investigators are working to determine if additional victims may exist. ”

Foster Parent Arrested for Sexual Assault
[KHGI 4/14/21]

REFORM Puzzle Piece

Update:“More victims have come forward against a foster parent accused of sexually assaulting a boy earlier this spring.

Lancaster County District Court records said Graciano Lopez, 42, is facing 10 total charges; two counts of first degree sexual abuse of a protected person, seven counts of first degree sexual assault of a child and one count of third degree sexual assault of a child.

Lincoln Police said earlier this March, a 17-year-old boy reported he had been sexually abused by his foster parent, identified as Lopez, several times over the past two years.

LPD said Lopez also ran Jolly Bean’s Magic Castle in Lincoln, which sold toys and candy for children, among other services. He also employed juveniles through a lawn care business.

Police said five more boys between the ages of 11 and 14 have come forward with allegations of abuse.

Court records state that Lopez is scheduled to be arraigned in district court on July 21.

LPD said if you have information about this case, or if you’d like to report a similar incident, please call 402- 441-8979.”

More victims come forward in foster parent sex abuse case
[NTV ABC 7/2/21]

Update 2:“A Lincoln man accused of sexually abusing his foster child has pled not guilty to charges and waived his arraignment.

According to Lancaster County District Court records, Graciano Lopez entered a written not guilty plea to 10 charges: two counts of first degree sexual abuse of a protected person, seven counts of first degree sexual assault of a child and one count of third degree sexual assault of a child.

Lopez also waived his arraignment originally set for July 21. The Lancaster District Court Clerk told NTV News that his next court date has not been set as of Friday morning.

Lincoln Police said a 17-year-old boy reported in July that he had been sexually abused by his foster parent, identified as Lopez, several times over the past two years.

LPD said Lopez also ran Jolly Bean’s Magic Castle in Lincoln, which sold toys and candy for children, among other services. He also employed juveniles through a lawn care business.

LPD later said five more boys between the ages of 11 and 14 have come forward with allegations of abuse.

LPD said if you have information about this case, or if you’d like to report a similar incident, please call 402-441-8979.”

Lincoln man charged with sexually abusing foster child pleads not guilty
[Nebraska TV 7/16/21]

Update 3:“A foster parent and magic shop owner will spend the rest of his life in prison for sexually assaulting kids in his care.

According to Lancaster County District Court records, Graciano Lopez, 44, was sentenced to 106 years to life in prison for first degree sexual assault of a child, third degree sexual assault of a child, and two child abuse counts.

Lopez was arrested last year after a 17-year-old boy called the Department of Health and Human Services hotline to report that he’d been sexually abused by his foster parent. He was accused of sexually assaulting at least six different boys between 2017 and 2021.

Lopez also ran Jolly Bean’s Magic Castle in Lincoln, which sold toys and candy for children, among other services. He also employed juveniles through a lawn care business.”

Foster parent sentenced for sexually assaulting kids in his care

[Fox Nebraska 8/12/22 by NTV News]