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A Colorado couple appeared before the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh,Wednesday, Feb. 16, on felony drug charges.

Darrion J. Cescolini, 27, of Denver appeared on a Class 1D felony, possession of heroin with intent to deliver, and a Class 4 felony, possession of heroin, both alleged Feb. 12, when his vehicle was pulled over by Nebraska State Patrol troopers east of Brunswick on Highway 20. A conviction of Count I carries a penalty of a minimum three-year prison sentence, up to a maximum of 50 years and Count II, up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to two years. Cescolini requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found him indigent and appointed public defender Melissa Figueroa. Cescolini also requested a reduction of his $20,000, 10% cash bond. County attorney Joe Abler objected, citing the defendant’s lengthy criminal history extending back more than 10 years. Taylor denied the request, saying bond should have been set higher.

Co-defendant Cassandra L. Howell, 28, of Trinidad is charged with possession of methamphetamine, a Class 4 felony. She also requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found her indigent and appointed Martin Klein of Neligh. Howell requested a reduction of her $20,000 bond as well, indicating she was arranging admission for drug treatment. Abler did not object, citing an insignificant criminal history. Taylor modified bond to $10,000, 10%, and told Howell she could request further modification when treatment is scheduled.

Both defendants were cautioned if they post bond, they may not leave Nebraska, without the court’s approval, must provide the court with a Nebraska address, being at the residence listed at 8:30 p.m. every night, and stay there. Preliminary hearings were set March 2 and they were remanded to the custody of sheriff Robert Moore, pending posting of bond.

Andrew J. Stephenson, 20, of Richland, Washington, filed a written waiver to preliminary hearing and was bound over to Antelope County district court on a Class 4 felony charge, possession of a controlled substance (meth), alleged Dec. 23, 2021, following an accident east of Oakdale on Highway 275. Stephenson is also charged with two infractions, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was set for arraignment in district court Feb. 23, Bond, in the amount of $10,000, 10%, posted Jan. 7, is continued.

He is represented by Jeff Courtney and Frankie Hass of Omaha.