Texas man's plea in abatement denied

Joaquin S. Echeverria, 28, of Brenham, Texas, (in custody) appeared in the Antelope County district courtroom in Neligh on July 31 for further 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.

The Honorable James Kube set pretrial hearing Aug. 28 and jury trial, Oct. 21. Echeverria is represented by Antelope County public defender Pat Carney.

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