Fremont Man with Long History of Assault Faces New Felony Charges

A Fremont man with numerous convictions for assault, recently moved to Jefferson County, where he is once again under arrest for assault. Terry Lee Johnston II, age 51, appeared in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, 25, 2026, in the custody of the sheriff’s office. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.On January 15, 2026, the defendant contacted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office and, according to the arrest affidavit, reported that his wife “had accused him of domestic assault.”Deputies arrived at the scene, interviewed witnesses, including the alleged victim who, the affidavit noted, was “cradling her newborn child.”Johnston was arrested at the scene. The defendant is charged with child abuse not resulting in injury and third-degree domestic assault, each a class 3A felony up to three years in prison, 18 months of post-release supervision, and a $10,000 fine.Johnston was originally being held on a $75,000 (10 percent) bond. Through his attorney, Public Defender Scott Gropp, he requested a reduced bond of $10,000 (10 percent). Jefferson County Attorney Joseph Casson opposed that amount but said he would be open to some reduction.However, Johnston has a long criminal history in Nebraska and other states, mostly involving assault and battery. The judge noted his prior history but agreed to reduce the bond to $35,000 (10 percent).The defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing and the case was bound over to District Court. Prior Criminal HistoryOn June 8, 2022, Fremont police officers were dispatch to a Super 8 Motel, responding to a report of a “fight disturbance between a man and woman.” Johnston was arrested at the scene. According to the warrantless arrest affidavit, “A review of Johnston's criminal history reflects an extensive record to include numerous battery charges in several states as well as a previous conviction for assaulting (the alleged victim).”Johnston was charged with third degree assault causing bodily injury, subsequent violation, a class 3A felony up to three years in prison, 18 months of post-release supervision, and a $10,000 fine. He was also charged with failure to appear for court while out on bond, a class 4 felony, punishable by up to two years imprisonment and one year of post-release supervision.Johnston pleaded no contest to the assault and the failure to appear charge was dismissed. He was originally sentenced to 30 days of Intensive Supervised Probation (ISP). On August 7, 2023, his probation was revoked and he was sentenced to 18 months of incarceration, with credit for 180 days time served.Johnston was arrested on October 28, 2024, and charged with disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. According to the warrantless arrest affidavit, “Terry Lee Johnston II had lit paperwork on fire in his living room, was intoxicated, and yelling with his wife.” He pleaded no contest and was fined $100.Johnston was arrested again on March 11, 2025, and charged with third degree assault causing bodily injury, subsequent violation, a class 3A felony. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of third-degree assault, first offense, and was sentenced to 45 days in jail, with credit for 37 days time served.Johnston was arrested on May 25, 2025, and charged with third degree assault causing bodily injury to a pregnant woman, a class 3A felony, and obstructing a peace officer, a class 1 misdemeanor. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of third-degree assault, a class 1 misdemeanor and the obstructing charge was dismissed. He was sentenced to 15 days in jail with credit for 16 days time served. The suspect remains in custody as of press time.

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