Hastings Man Gets Probation For Charges From 2019

Brandon L Hickey, 36, of Hastings, was sentenced to probation in Jefferson County District Court on Thursday, January 6, 2022, to respond to charges resulting from allegations dating back to 2019. Julie Smith was the presiding judge.The defendant was originally charged with the distribution of methamphetamine, a class 2 felony. He was also charged with possession of more than 10 grams but less than 28 grams of methamphetamine, a class 1D felony. Both charges carry a possible penalty of up to 50 years in prison.In accordance with a plea agreement, Hickey pleaded No Contest to a reduced charge of possession of a controlled substance, a class 4 felony, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison, 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.According to the Arrest Affidavit, on July 1, 2019, a Nebraska State Patrol confidential informant provided Hickey with $250 for the purchase of seven grams of methamphetamine in Fairbury.On July 3, 2019, a Nebraska State Patrol confidential informant provided Hickey with $500 to purchase 14 grams of methamphetamine.A Nebraska state crime laboratory report dated August 27, 2019, indicated that an analysis was conducted on the suspected substances purchased and confirmed that it was methamphetamine. Jefferson County is one of several Nebraska counties that sends drug evidence to Lincoln for testing. In September of 2021, the Lincoln Police Department reported than an audit by the Nebraska State Patrol revealed $1.2 million in illegal drugs were missing. On Thursday, September 23 of that year, Anna Idigima and George Weaver Jr., both age 35, were arrested for conspiracy to distribute 140 grams or more of cocaine and fentanyl. Idigima is a former employee of the state patrol. Idigima began working for the state patrol as an evidence technician on February 8, 2016, and later assumed the position of forensic technician. According to investigators, Idigima and Weaver were in a relationship and also that Idigima worked in the evidence unit at the time of the theft.This case has resulted in the dismissal of numerous criminal cases and the reexamination of the evidence in several more. The evidence in this case is still in the possession of the crime lab and was determined not to have been tampered with.Hickey is represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp, who noted his client opted not to fight the charges in spite of the “chain of custody issues” because, concerned that he may not be able to maintain his sobriety without some sort of supervision, Hickey would rather be on probation.Gropp said, “You don't see that very often.”Hickey told the court, “Whether you send me to jail or probation, either way, I just want help.”“The court finds you are a suitable candidate for probation,” said Judge Smith, who sentenced the defendant to 18 months of probation.

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