Convicts accused of violating post-release terms

Two defendants who are accused of absconding from post-release supervision appeared in front of the Honorable James Kube in the Antelope County district courtroom in Neligh last week.

Haiden Sleister denied information to revoke his post-release supervision. Kube set an evidentiary hearing for April 24. He was remanded to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore, pending posting of $5,000, 10% cash bond.

Sleister’s court-appointed attorney, Brad Ewalt of Norfolk, requested bond modification to personal recognizance. Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith objected.

“I don’t think (PR bond) is appropriate,” the CA said. “He was on the run when we caught him.”

Kube denied the request.

Sleister was sentenced by Kube in February 2023 to one year in the Antelope County Jail, to be followed by an 18-month stint of PRS, on a conviction of criminal attempt, possession of a stolen firearm, a Class 3A felony.

He allegedly violated the PRS when he was arrested recently in Madison County.

Harley Snyder admitted violating conditions of his PRS but Smith said the probation officer reported he was back in compliance. Smith moved for a 60-day continuance to see if he remains in good standing.

Kube continued the hearing to May 29.

“You have a good opportunity here,” Kube told Snyder. “(There’s a) good chance Mr. Smith may dismiss (motion to revoke PRS) – It’s in your hands, do what you need to do.”

Snyder is represented by Ewalt.

On Dec. 21, 2022, the Honorable Mark Johnson sentenced Snyder to a 24-month term of probation for March 21, 2022, break-ins at two Neligh businesses, Neligh Vape Shop and the Fit Stop.

One of Snyder’s codefendants in the break-in, Trinity Graham, also faced Kube - to show cause on a motion for contempt for delinquent restitution payments.

Graham requested court-appointed counsel. Kube appointed Martin Klein of Neligh and continued the show-cause hearing to April 24.

Graham was remanded to Moore’s custody, to complete a probation sanction he was serving.

Jessica Mace failed to appear to show cause for delinquent payment of restitution. Smith asked the judge to note her failure to appear. Kube so noted.

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Joaquin S. Echeverria, 28, of Brenham, Texas, (in custody) appeared for arraignment on a Class 1C felony, possession of more than 28 grams of methamphetamine, with intent to deliver. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years of incarceration, with a five-year mandatory minimum. No good time is awarded to mandatory minimum time. He pleaded not guilty and requested jury trial.

Kube set pretrial hearing April 24 and jury trial, June 17. Echeverria is represented by Antelope County public defender Pat Carney.

Echeverria was remanded to Moore’s custody, pending posting 10% of a $100,000 bond.

Echeverria allegedly possessed between 74 and 76 grams of methamphetamine when he was stopped for speeding Feb. 19.