CUSTER COUNTY—Twenty-eight-year-old Jessie J. Shafer appeared in District Court on Thursday for an arraignment of six felony charges and two misdemeanor charges.
The Lincoln woman pled not guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person–second offense–(class IB felony), use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony (class II felony), possession of stolen property (class IIA felony), third degree assault on an officer (class IIIA felony), possession of methamphetamine (class IV felony), and flight to avoid arrest (class IV felony).
In addition, Shafer pled not guilty to misdemeanor charges including driving under suspension–fourth offense–and criminal mischief.
Shafer could face a life in prison. A jury trial is scheduled for June.
Thomas M. Zimmer, age 32, faces charges of terroristic threats (class IIIA felony), use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony (class IC felony), and possession of deadly weapon by prohibited person (class ID felony). These charges follow an event that allegedly took place in June of this year.
Attorney Mike Borders said in court that Zimmer was trying to protect his [Zimmer’s] child when the alleged incident occurred, and therefore recommended a personal recognizance bond. Zimmer pled not guilty and a jury trial is scheduled for June. Any sentence for use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony is required to be served consecutively with any other sentence Zimmer may receive.
David T. Lynch Jr., 26 of Broken Bow, pled no contest as part of a plea agreement. Judge Karin Noakes found Lynch guilty of third degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and child abuse (all class IIIA felonies). He will appear back in District Court for sentencing on March 22.
