BROKEN BOW – Two criminal cases were heard in Custer County Court on Monday.
Joe Flores Jr., age 37 of Cozad, made his first appearance on a charge of theft by unlawful taking valued at over $5,000. The class IIA felony holds a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Flores is accused of forcibly entering three storage units in Oconto and removing items including silver bars, rounds, a leather motorcycle jacket, large custom knife, and a military-style backpack on March 12 of this year. Flores was booked into Custer County Jail on June 25, 2024.
A bond reduction was requested for Flores and granted for $25,000 with a 10% privilege. His preliminary hearing was set for August 5.
Drake Conroy, age 26 of Merna, was also in court for a first appearance. Conroy is accused of DUI Fourth Offense, a class IIA felony that would include fifteen years license revocation. The charge was stated to be aggravated because of a breath alcohol concentration above .15. The class IIA felony holds no minimum charge and a maximum charge of twenty years imprisonment in addition to the license revocation.
Conroy’s bond was continued and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on August 5.
