Judge orders Lancaster County treasurer, who’s accused of illegally selling cars, to stand trial

LINCOLN — A judge has ordered Lancaster County Treasurer Andy Stebbing to stand trial on five felony charges related to accusations that he illegally sold cars.
Stebbing was bound over to Lancaster County District Court last week on two counts of income tax evasion, two counts of falsifying vehicle titles and one count of selling cars without a license. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Stebbing, 53, has denied wrongdoing. During a Nov. 6 preliminary hearing, his lawyer argued that prosecutors failed to meet the burden of proving that a crime was committed and that Stebbing committed any offenses. Seward County Judge C. Jo Petersen wrote in an order that the state presented sufficient evidence that Stebbing sold used cars without a required dealer’s license and that he failed to report income from the sales on his tax returns.
No date has been set for an arraignment hearing, which will allow Stebbing to formally enter a plea to the charges.
Petersen presided over the case because Lancaster County judges recused themselves over a potential conflict of interest. Stebbing has said he intends to seek re-election to the Treasurer’s Office next year. The former sheriff’s deputy would be trying for a third term.
Share: