Diller Man Who Failed to Appear for Court Sentenced

A Diller man who had reached a plea agreement with the court but then failed to appear for his sentencing two months ago has finally been sentenced.Kaleb R. Wehling, age 24, was originally scheduled to be sentenced in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.Wehling was originally charged with possession of methamphetamine, a class 4 felony punishable by up to two years in prison, nine to 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction that carries a $100 fine. ArrestsAccording to the arrest affidavit, a Jefferson County deputy was dispatched to an address in Fairbury on January 30, 2024, at approximately 4:12 p.m., in response to a phone call to the sheriff's office. A caller “wanted someone removed from his property.”At the scene, the deputy identified Wehling. Dispatch confirmed Wehling had two warrants out of Lancaster County.Wehling was arrested at the scene and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. During a search of items on the defendant's person, the deputy reported, “While searching the contents of a blue case, I observed a teal bag that contained a glass stem pipe with a white substance. I also found a small zip lock baggie with a white substance, which field tested positive for methamphetamine. There was also a tiny green container with marijuana in the blue case. A red pipe with marijuana was also found in his jacket.”The defendant was released on a PR (Personal Recognizance) bond. He then failed to appear for court on March 6 as scheduled and a warrant was issued for his arrest. A new bond was set at $5,000 (10 percent). He was later re-arrested. Plea AgreementThe defendant had reached an agreement with the prosecution to have the charge reduced to a misdemeanor.On August 14, 2024, Wehling withdrew his guilty plea and pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of attempted possession of methamphetamine, which is a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. He also pleaded no contest to the infraction. County Attorney Joseph Casson also agreed not to file the defendant with an additional charge for failing to appear for court.Judge Bauer ordered a PSI (Pre-Sentencing Investigation) and chemical dependency evaluation.Wehling asked the judge at that time, “Can't I just get a fine?”“No,” said the judge, who explained she could not determine his sentence without first reviewing the PSI and evaluation. WarrantWehling called the courthouse prior to the sentencing hearing and said he was having “mechanical difficulties.” His attorney, Public Defender Scott Gropp, indicated his client had contacted him and said, “His ride broke down,” and would not be able to make the hearing.Casson asked that a warrant be issued for the defendant's arrest and Judge Bauer granted it. A new bond was issued in the amount of $5,000 (10 percent).The warrant was served on November 30. SentenceJudge Bauer gave Wehling 90 days in jail, with credit for 24 days time served.

Missing Sex Offender Located in Fairbury

First Pediatric Influenza Death Reported in Nebraska

Related Articles

Local School Districts Impacted by Data Breach

Changing of the Guard: Newly Elected Officials Are Sworn In As Others Say Goodbye

Fairbury Laundromat Reopens

Diller Water Rates Increase