COLUMBUS, Neb. - A Columbus man was given prison time on Friday after being found guilty in August of attempting to set up a drug transaction while in jail.
21-year-old Ethan Vesely was given 30 months in prison by Judge Robert Steinke on the conviction and he will also serve one year on probation after his release.
Court records say Vesely coordinated with his girlfriend Rachel Hayward, which resulted in Hayward sending amphetamine narcotics to Vesely while he was jailed on a separate conviction.
Jail staff intercepted the drugs in February of this year.
Prosecution asked Judge Steinke for a strict sentence, reading letters that Vesely sent Hayward in which he they say he was proud of his crimes.
The defense asked for probation, saying that Vesely had little supervision as a kid and had been a meth addict since age 16.
They said that he made an effort at sobriety in the summer, before relapsing.
"I know better than ever what it takes to be sober," says Vesely.
In sentencing Vesely, Steinke cited his past criminal history, which includes a marijuana delivery conviction, and an incident in Dodge County in August, where he is accused, along with Hayward, of selling meth.
"You've shown no real sincere motivation to address your addiction," says Steinke.
Hayward was sentenced to 364 days in jail two weeks ago for her part in the jail incident.
Vesely is credited with 26 days served.
Columbus Man Accused of Setting Up Drug Transaction in Jail, Given 2.5 Years in Prison
