Joaquin S. Echeverria, 28, of Brenham, Texas, (in custody) appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on Feb. 21 for first hearing on a Class 1 C felony.

Echeverria is charged with possession of more than 28 grams of methamphetamine, with intent to deliver, alleged Feb. 19.

If convicted of the felony, Echeverria faces up to 50 years in prison, with a minimum of five years.

Echeverria requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor appointed Antelope County public defender Pat Carney. Preliminary hearing is set March 6.

The Texas man was arrested by Nebraska State Patrol officers after his vehicle was stopped for speeding about four miles northwest of Clearwater on Highway 275. His phone was seized and officers planned to seek a search warrant on the phone. Additional charges may be filed. Officers also determined Echeverria has an active Texas warrant in a child-neglect case.

He was remanded to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore, pending posting of bond. Should he post bond in the local case, he faces extradition in the Texas case.

Matthew R. Thomas, 37, of Neligh, accompanied by his attorney, Michelle Schlecht of Norfolk, appeared for first hearing on a Class 3A felony count of child abuse, alleged Oct. 1, 2023. If convicted of the felony, Thomas faces up to a $10,000 fine and/or up to three years imprisonment and up to 18 months post-release supervision. Bond is continued at $100,000, 10%.

Larry D. Humphrey, 70, of Meadow Grove appeared for further arraignment on a count of theft by deception, less than $500, alleged Oct. 19, 2023. Humphrey pleaded not guilty. Smith, on Feb. 22, dismissed the charge after Humphrey paid $20 restitution to Quick Serve. Humphrey was represented by Carney.

Further arraignment for Tyler J. Bredvick, 28, of Butte, who is charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor, driving under suspension, is continued to March 20. Bredvick is represented by Carney.

Arraignment for Krisi Douglas, 39, of Petersburg, on allegations of three felony counts of writing bad checks, is continued to March 6.