Burglary Suspect Charged with 19 Felonies

One of the suspects arrested during an investigation into a series of burglaries was arraigned this week on 19 felony counts.Gary E. Keller Jr., age 34, of Reynolds, appeared in Jefferson County Court via webcam from the county jail Monday morning, March 2, 2026. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.Keller is charged with nine counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, second offense, a class 1B felony, each punishable by 20 to 50 years in prison. Each charge is for a different firearm. The defendant has prior felony convictions. Nebraska law prohibits an individual with a felony conviction from possessing a firearm. Per Nebraska Revised Statute 28-1206, “The felony conviction may have been had in any court in the United States, the several states, territories, or possessions, or the District of Columbia.”Keller is also charged with nine counts of possession of a stolen firearm, each a class 2A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. In addition, Keller is charged with one court of theft by stolen property with a value greater than $5,000, also a class 2A felony. 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. According to the arrest affidavit, “The seized items included DeWalt power tools, meat-processing equipment, ammunition, and a chainsaw.”Keller was arrested at the scene. He was transported and booked into the Jefferson County Jail.The investigation also led to the seizure of eight firearms: a Ruger 77/17 17HMR, Ruger American 30-06, Ithaca Model 37 20-gauge, CVA Hunter .243, Maverick Mossberg 12-gauge, M87 Featherlight 12-gauge, Stoeger 410 Double Barrel and Browning Arms 7mm Mag.The defendant is being held on a $250,000 (10 percent) bond. His attorney, Lee Timan, asked for a bond reduction, noting that his client who has been in custody for three weeks, has been charged with possession of firearms but not use.Keller said neither he nor his family is able to pay the bond, “We can’t find a bondsman that will work with us.”County Attorney Joseph Casson noted, “He has an extensive out-of-state criminal history.”According to the arrest affidavit, Keller has prior felony convictions for “larceny, assault/resist arrest from law enforcement, and felon in possession of a firearm.”Judge Bauer agreed to lower the bond to $200,000 (10 percent) and said anything less is “Not appropriate.” In addition to the felony charges, Keller also has some misdemeanor charges in a separate case. In that matter, he 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.During the execution of the search warrant in Reynolds, law enforcement seized eight puppies, four males and four females, that were discovered locked in a room. The sheriff’s enlisted the aid of the City of Fairbury’s Code Enforcement Officers, Dan Lufkin and Don Fritch.The animals are currently in the custody of the sheriff’s office. They have been seen by a veterinarian and are being cared for. Per the affidavit, “All eight puppies received their initial vaccinations, deworming medication, and flea treatment.”Keller appeared in court via webcam without an attorney on Friday, February 27, to deal with the disposition of the animals. He did not object to forfeiture of the animals and the sheriff’s office will attempt to find new homes for them. Keller may also be facing potential Game and Parks violations. During a prior 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 by Hastings Police Department and was transported to the Jefferson County Jail. Zimmerling also has a prior felony conviction. Charges against Zimmerling, include nine counts of possession or receipt of a stolen firearm and nine counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.Both defendants remain in custody as of press time.

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