One of two accused thieves of Brunswick vehicles appears in court

Several defendants were scheduled for first hearing or preliminary hearing on felony charges in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday, June 5.

Shane R. Farrier, 32, of Genoa appeared for first hearing on a charge of theft by unlawful taking, more than $5,000, a Class 2 felony. Farrier requested court-appointed counsel. As the Honorable Donna Taylor questioned him regarding finances, he indicated he had been incarcerated for the last six months in a different jurisdiction.

Taylor found him indigent and appointed Antelope County public defender Pat Carney. The case is set for preliminary hearing July 3.

Farrier was one of two men arrested in another case Nov. 19, 2023, in Lindsay, alleged to have possession of a 2000 Ford Ranger pickup, registered to James Meuret, and a 2023 Polaris Ranger ATV and tires belonging to Meuret Grain Co. of Brunswick. Meuret reported the theft of the Polaris and tires Nov. 14, 2023, but, at that time, he wasn’t sure if an employee may have been driving the Ford. A key to the Polaris was reportedly found in the cab of the pickup with the tires still in the bed of the truck at the time of the two men’s arrests.

Shayla N. Prochaska, 32, of Brunswick appeared for arraignment on a Class 4 felony, possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, alleged May 18 at the Oakdale Cemetery.

Prochaska requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor appointed Ryan Stover and set the case for preliminary hearing July 3. Bond posted May 20 is continued in the amount of $20,000, 10%.

A co-defendant, Douglas J. Jacobs, 32, of Oakdale, also charged with possession of meth, is also set for preliminary hearing July 3. His bond posted May 28, in the amount of $10,000, 10%, is continued. As required by bond conditions, Jacobs presented a note indicating permission for his residence with Brian Couch of Elgin. He said issues with his father resulted in the move to his manager’s residence. Douglas is represented by Carney.

Both Prochaska and Jacobs face possible penalties, if convicted, of up to $10,000 fines and/or up to two year’s incarceration for the Class 4 felonies.

According to an arrest affidavit filed by Antelope County deputy Trent Howard, he discovered a parked vehicle while patrolling the Oakdale Cemetery. He observed a female child sleeping in the vehicle and requested deputy Shelby Keetle’s assistance. Bags found in the vehicle were suspected to contain narcotics. When Keetle arrived, the child was awakened and allegedly reported her mother was with a male. The defendants were located in some “old outhouses” on the property. The deputy reported Prochaska appeared to be “very high, with pale skin, dilated pupils and was “foaming at the mouth, having “what appeared to be whitish residue running from the corner of her mouth.”

Jacobs initially “just hid in the bathroom.” Two bags of white crystalline powder and crystals were seized from his pocket and later tested positive for meth.

Chris Brady, accompanied by Carney, waived his right to preliminary hearing and was bound over to the Antelope County District Court on a Class 3A felony, third-degree domestic assault, second offense, alleged May 13 in Elgin. He is set for district court arraignment June 26.

In response to questioning by Taylor, Brady said he is residing in O’Neill. Carney requested amendment of bond to allow conversation with the victim regarding care of a child. However, Brady asked Taylor to leave bond conditions as is. Carney withdrew the motion.