Stolen vehicle recovered near Clearwater

Two defendants faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Tuesday, Sept. 29, on charges related to a stolen vehicle that was recovered near Clearwater on Sept. 20.

Antelope County deputy Cameron Lehr was pulling out of Hi-Way Mart while on patrol Sept. 20, when he observed an unplated GMC Suburban passing another vehicle. Lehr conducted a traffic stop outside of town on Highway 275. The driver, Christopher J. Alexander, 22, of Omaha told the deputy he had not had time to license the vehicle due to traveling for his job. Alexander allegedly told Lehr he had title to the vehicle but could not produce a bill of sale.

Lehr subsequently had the Dispatch Center check the VIN and the vehicle was reported stolen, according to a probable-cause for arrest document filed by Lehr.

Alexander faced Taylor on a Class 4 felony, theft by receiving stolen property, $1,500-$4,999.

Alexander requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found him indigent and appointed Martin Klein of Neligh. The case is set for preliminary hearing Oct. 21.

Eliud A. Herrara-Cuevas, 21, of San Bernardino, California, a passenger in the stolen Suburban, was arrested on the same felony charge, in addition to a Class 3 misdemeanor, criminal mischief, 0-$500, after he is alleged to have urinated in the back seat of deputy Shelby Keetle’s patrol unit while being transported to the Antelope County Law Enforcement Center in Neligh, according to the affidavit. Herrara-Cuevas also requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found him indigent and appointed Melissa Figueroa. Herrara-Cuevas is also set for preliminary hearing Oct. 21.

Both defendants were remanded to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore, pending posting of bond in the amount of $50,000, 10% cash.