Photo by File photo Thomas Hunt

A conflict of interest has forced Robert Lindemeier to withdraw Thursday as Thomas Hunt’s attorney.

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Hunt was charged Sept. 28 with first-degree sexual assault of a minor. The arrest came after Hunt’s stepson told a North Platte High School counselor he had seen Hunt having inappropriate sexual contact with Hunt's 11-year-old stepdaughter Sept. 27 in the family’s garage.

Lindemeier told the Bulletin Friday that he learned that his firm is representing Hunt’s ex-wife in another legal matter, prompting him to remove himself from the case.

Lindemeier stated that he suggested four or five other attorneys to Hunt, but it is unclear if another attorney is retained.

Hunt's stepson stated that he went to the garage Sept. 27 to talk with his stepfather. According to a statement filed with the court by a North Platte police investigator, he saw his sister with her shirt pulled up around her neck and naked from the waist down, slightly bent over.

Court documents say that Hunt was standing behind the girl with his pants around his knees. The witness said he believed the pair saw him because as he was closing the garage, he said Hunt swore and said, “Quick, open the garage door.”

The witness told a consistent story twice to police officers, as well as his grandfather and the school counselor, according to the records.

The alleged victim was interviewed at the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center and had a different story. She confirmed that she was in the garage with Hunt, and that she had been in the position that the witness described.

However, she claimed that she was fully clothed and that Hunt had tapped her on the back, asking her to pick up his hat that had fallen on the floor.

According to an affidavit submitted to Lincoln County District Court Judge John Murphy, investigators were allowed to examine the alleged victim’s cell phone by the girl’s mother.

They discovered a text conversation from approximately 7:15 a.m. the morning after the incident between the alleged victim and Hunt.

The girl sent Hunt a text saying, “he nos,” followed by another message saying, “yesterday.”

Hunt replied, “what?”

The alleged victim responded, “garage.”

Hunt has long been active as a coach in youth sporting leagues around North Platte. His arrest shocked many, while others rallied to his defense.

He is slated to appear in court for a preliminary hearing Oct. 22.