Passenger in two-vehicle crash faces drug charges

Andrew J. Stephenson, 20, of Jacksonville, Florida, appeared in the Antelope County Court last Wednesday morning, Jan. 5, on a Class 4 felony count, possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and two infractions, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, all alleged Dec. 23. Stephenson requested court-appointed counsel. After reviewing his financial information, Judge Donna Taylor indicated the defendant was “borderline” for qualification. She appointed the public defender to represent him, cautioning that when he posted bond, if he remained employed, the appointment would terminate. He was remanded to Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore’s custody, pending posting 10% of a $20,000 bond. Stephenson returned to the courtroom in the afternoon with public defender Melissa Figueroa, who requested a reduction in bond. Prosecutor Joe Abler had no objection, contingent on a waiver of extradition. Taylor reduced bond to $10,000, 10%. Preliminary hearing on the felony charge is set Feb. 16.

According to a probable-cause affidavit, filed by NSP trooper Brandon Viterna, Stephenson, was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 275, west of Oakdale. He was allegedly seen throwing something out the window after the crash and a later search allegedly found the contraband in his possession. Stephenson was arrested following his release from Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.

Tyler A. James, 21, of Oakdale, appeared for arraignment for leaving the scene of a Dec. 12 property-damage accident, in Oakdale. James, who was originally charged as James A. Tyler, waived his right to counsel and pleaded guilty. Sentencing is set Feb. 2. Restitution to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will be determined at sentencing.

James told the judge he hit a “pole,” a barricade intended to prevent vehicles from entering the Cowboy Trail, when he turned off Highway 275 into the village. He said he went to his home and did not call authorities. According to Abler, alcohol was not thought to be a factor in the accident.

Kaleb A. Williams, 29, of Elgin faced Taylor for arraignment on a Class 2 misdemeanor, no proof of financial responsibility, alleged Dec. 18, north of Elgin on Highway 14. Williams requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found him indigent and appointed Figueroa. Arraignment is continued to Jan. 19.

Amy E. Ferguson, 33 of Royal, appeared in front of Taylor in two cases. Figueroa was appointed as counsel in both cases. Taylor granted a motion to amend bond to allow the defendant to reside in Missouri. She posted 10% of the $10,000 bond Dec. 26, which included conditions for no contact with Chad Schwager, Shane Schwager and Sara Pelster, and to not be present at 86297 520 Avenue, Royal.

In the first case, preliminary hearing on a Class 3A felony, intentional child abuse, no injury, is set Feb. 2. The case also includes two Class 1 misdemeanor charges, third-degree assault and negligent child abuse, no injury. The crimes allegedly took place Oct. 24. A related juvenile case is also pending.

The second case includes allegations of three Class 1 misdemeanors, domestic assault, intentional, and two counts of third-degree assault, all alleged Dec. 26. Ferguson pleaded not guilty to all three counts. Pretrial hearing is set Feb. 2. Bond is continued.

Richard C. Jelich Jr., 27, of Neligh appeared for further arraignment on two counts alleged Nov. 29 at 405 N Street in Neligh, disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and criminal mischief, a Class 2 misdemeanor. Jelich pleaded not guilty to both counts and requested jury trial. Pretrial hearing is set Feb. 2. Bond, filed Dec. 3 is continued, in the amount of $5,000, 10%. Jelich is represented by Figueroa.