Diller Break-In Suspect Sentenced

One of the suspects arrested for a series of break-ins in Diller was sentenced this week.Benjamin A. Abney, age 31, of Omaha, was originally charged with four courts: burglary, a class 2A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison; theft by unlawful taking of between $500 and $1,500, a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine; theft by unlawful taking of less than $500, a class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine; and criminal mischief with a value of greater that $5,000, a class 4 felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Car Break-InsOn September 30, 2024, at approximately 6:31 p.m., Jefferson County deputies responded to a 911 call from Diller. According to the affidavit, the caller reported that someone broke into his vehicle and stole a Glock 30 chambered in 45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) from the center console.Deputies obtained a camera image from another alleged victim, who reportedly had video of an individual attempting to break into a car at approximately 4:21 a.m. According to the affidavit, “The individual (in the image) appeared to be white in color, with longer black hair, wearing glasses, a red bandana (sic), a black hat with a red bill, a dark brown coat with a lighter brown neck area and stripe down the arms, blue jeans, and dark colored shoes with white bottoms.” Whiskey Barrel Break InWhile in Diller, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office received additional calls regarding theft from vehicles and a burglary at the Whiskey Barrel Bar.The owner of the Whiskey Barrel Bar called to report that two individuals broke into the bar through the back door and attempted to break into their safe and cash register. According to the affidavit, the own said the only thing actually stolen was a bottle of liquor. However, there was damage to the safe, cash register, and the rear door where force was used to get in, “The safe shows clear evidence of an angle grinder being used.”The owner provided law enforcement with security video, which showed the suspects using an angle grinder.Per the affidavit, one of the men appeared to be the same as shown in the earlier attempt to break into a vehicle in Diller.Security video also showed a second suspect and a vehicle. The affidavit states, “The second individual was possible darker in color from one of the images, wearing a red sweatshirt with white strings and the hood up, black sweatpants, and black shoes. Outdoor camera footage in front of the bar, approximately five minutes prior to the individuals breaking into the rear door, showed a white, single cab, Dodge pickup, with a long box, appearing to be a late nineties model drive slowly past the bar through the diagonal parking stall area on the side of the road next to the sidewalk. This gave us a possible vehicle.” Cass County ArrestThe serial number of the weapon was entered into NCIC (National Crime Information Center), a computerized index of criminal information, as stolen. The next morning, October 1, at 1:46 a.m., Jefferson County dispatcher received a positive conformation by the serial number of the stolen firearm by the Cass County Sheriff's Office.Cass County made contact with a vehicle and two individuals after being called in as a suspicious vehicle on someone's property. The vehicle and both individuals matched the descriptions complied by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.The vehicle was located by another Cass County Deputy on the I-80 eastbound 426 off-ramp. A sergeant patted one of the suspects down for weapons and located a loaded handgun. Both occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest without incident. The SuspectsThe suspects were identified as Abney and Christian J. Reinke, age 24, of Deshler.Abney has a prior criminal history and is listed on the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry. He was convicted in 2015 of enticement by electronic communications device and possession of visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct. The SentenceAbney appeared in Jefferson County District Count on Thursday, May 1, 2025. David J.A. Bargen was the presiding judge.In accordance with a plea agreement, Abney pleaded guilty to attempt of a class 2A felony, which is a class 3A felony, and criminal mischief. The remaining charges were dismissed.The defendant requested probation. However, Judge Bargen said he was not a fit candidate for probation, noting his criminal history and that fact that he had previously had parole revoked.Abney was sentenced to two years in prison for attempted burglary and one year for criminal mischief. The sentenced are to run consecutively, meaning one after the other. He is also sentenced to one year post-release supervision. He was given credit for 178 days time served.The defendant was then remanded to the custody of the sheriff's office to carry out the sentence.

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