Ewing woman charged with four felonies after alleged arson attempt

A 40-year-old Ewing woman, who is accused of pouring gasoline on the door of a home that was occupied by six children last month, appeared in front of the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt County courtroom Tuesday, June 14.

Jessica J. Snyder is charged with Count I, terroristic threats, a Class 3A felony; Count II, attempted arson, a Class 2A felony; Count III, criminal mischief, more than $5,000, a Class 4 felony; and Count IV, intentional child abuse, no injury, a Class 3A felony.

Snyder indicated she would hire her own attorney. Further hearing is set July 19. Bond posted May 16, in the amount of $75,000, 10% cash, is continued.

Snyder was arrested during the early morning hours of May 13.

According to a probable-cause affidavit filed by Steven Binkerd, an investigator with the Holt County sheriff’s office, he responded to a report, just before midnight May 12, that alleged Snyder had attempted to gain entrance to the rural residence, through both the front and back doors, gained entry to a back porch and opened a freezer, after she entered a garage and allegedly poured motor oil into the fuel tank of a pickup truck. She allegedly left the garage carrying a gas can and a hammer and “dumped gasoline all over the front door.” Oily handprints were found on the back door.

The adult resident was not home but his children, ages 6 to 15, were inside the residence at the time.

The incident was investigated by Holt County officers and Nebraska State Patrol officers.