Sheriff’s Office Takes Care of Puppies Seized During Burglary Investigation

While Gary E. Keller Jr., age 34, of Reynolds, is facing a number of felony charges for which he was arrested, he also has some misdemeanor matters resulting from the investigation into allegations against him that need to be addressed in court.The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating a number burglaries that allegedly started in December of 2025. On February 10, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m., deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant at a residence in Reynolds. Authorities recovered what is reported to be items taken from at least three difference properties in Jefferson County and Washington County, Kansas. Keller was arrested at the scene. He was transported and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on numerous charges, including: possession of a controlled substance, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, possession of a deadly weapon while committing a felony, eight counts of animal neglect, theft by receiving stolen property, and possession of stolen firearms.According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, numerous puppies were also seized by law enforcement during the search, as they were being neglected on the property. Keller appeared without an attorney in Jefferson County Court on February 25, 2026, in the custody of the Sheriff’s office, to determine what should be done with the animals. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.Keller is charged with eight counts of animal neglect, each a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Keller said, “I know they were upstairs in a room for 12 hours.”The animals are currently in the custody of the sheriff’s office. They have been seen by a veterinarian and are being cared for. Keller did not object to forfeiture of the animals and the sheriff’s office will attempt to find new homes for them.Keller also said, “I do have other animals at my house.” During the hearing, Keller made mention of skinks, a type of lizard, but provided no details. According to Sheriff Nicholas Georgi, Nebraska Game and Parks seized the reptiles and also some game meat. A representative of Games and Parks confirmed they are involved with the investigation but would not provide any details about animals or meat seized as the investigation is ongoing. The investigation also led to the arrest of a second suspect, Dylan R. Zimmerling, age 34, who was arrested on warrant by Hastings Police Department and was transported to the Jefferson County Jail.Keller and Zimmerling each have prior felony convictions.

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