By Sandy Schroth
Editor 

Couple accused of car theft, drug possession

 

September 9, 2021



Two individuals appeared in the Antelope County Court last Wednesday, Sept. 1, on allegations related to a vehicle stolen in North Dakota.

According to a probable-cause affidavit filed by Neligh police chief Michael Wright, he responded to a call reporting a vehicle parked on the east side of the Casey’s General Store in Neligh with the vehicle running and a male who had been standing outside in the rain, hitting his head on the side of the building, then laid on the ground, shaking.

According to the affidavit, the female driver initially provided a false name and date of birth and allegedly told Wright she had rented the car to drive to Texas and turn herself in on an active warrant. Wright ran the VIN number, which determined it was stolen from Minot, North Dakota. They are held at the Antelope County Jail on bonds of $50,000, 10% cash, apiece.

The driver, Samantha F, Lowder, 33, homeless, waived her right to a preliminary hearing and was bound over by the Honorable Donna Taylor, to Antelope County district court. She is set for district court arraignment Sept. 29 on Count I, theft by receiving stolen property, more than $5,000, a Class 2A felony; Count II, possession of methamphetamine, a Class 4 felony; and Count III, criminal impersonation, also a Class IV felony. If convicted, Lowder faces up to 20 years in prison on Count I and fines up to $1,000 and/or two years in prison, each, on counts II and III. She is represented by court-appointed attorney, Martin Klein of Neligh.

Anthony P. Lehman, 36, of Carrollton, Texas is charged with Count I, theft by receiving stolen property, more than $5,000, a Class 2A felony, and possession of heroin, a Class IV felony. He requested preliminary hearing. Taylor set the hearing for Oct. 6.

Lehman requested a reduction of bond, stating he owned a home in Texas, held a commercial driver’s license and could find work if released. Antelope County prosecutor Joe Abler objected, citing a “very, very lengthy” criminal history. Abler said Lehman’s only tie to Neligh was “sneaking around Casey’s parking lot” the night of his arrest. Taylor denied reduction. Lehman is represented by public defender Melissa Figueroa of Norfolk.

Lowder and Lehman were both remanded to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore, pending posting of bond.

 

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