Reynolds Man Accused of Assaulting Officer Gets Jail Time

A Reynolds man involved in an altercation that resulted in three arrests and charges of assaulting a law enforcement officer was sentenced to 200 days in jail. Timothy A. Moody, age 22, of Reynolds, appeared for sentencing in Jefferson County District Court on Thursday, August 1, 2024. David Bargen was the presiding judge. Moody was originally charged with two counts of third degree assault of a law enforcement office, a class 3A felony punishable by up to three years in prison and 18 months post-release supervision. He was also charged with resisting arrest, a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.In accordance with the plea agreement, Moody pleaded guilty to the assault charge. The remaining charges were dismissed. The IncidentOn January 27, 2024 at approximately 10:49 p.m., Jefferson County Dispatch received a 911 call in reference to a disturbance that involved neighbors on Crawford Street in Reynolds and the use of a firearm was allegedly threatened. At approximately 10:58 p.m., three deputies arrived at one of the houses and made contact with the residents of that household. According to the Sheriff’s Office, “Deputies attempted to speak with the individuals at the residence about the disturbance that took place with a neighbor. The parties involved were belligerent and acting very aggressive toward the deputies as they were attempting to investigate the disturbance.” During the investigation, deputies attempted to detain two male individuals in the house and a struggle ensued with the two individuals. Deputies reported that, while attempting to handcuff a male in the house, a third male in the residence became involved and came up behind the deputies. The male approached the deputies from behind and allegedly assaulted both deputies’ multiple times.After a brief struggle with the individual, all three males from the residence were taken into custody and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. The Other SuspectsTwo other suspects were arrested during the incident.Gary Keller, age 31, of Reynolds, was arrested for terroristic threats, false reporting and obstructing a peace officer. Michael Wayne Leonard, age 33, was arrested and booked for false reporting, obstructing a police officer, and 2nd degree trespassing. Leonard has a prior criminal record. He is registered with the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry. He was convicted on August 23, 2012, of attempted first degree sexual assault.The Sentencing Moody was represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp, who told the court his client was intoxicated during the incident, “My client recognizes the egregiousness of his actions.”Gropp described a video of the incident as “pure chaos.” Gropp also pointed out his client had no criminal history as an adult, only a juvenile case, “He went from zero to 60 pretty quick.” “That night,” said the defendant to the court. “I was not myself.” “I don't feel I deserve to be put in prison,” said Moody. “I do apologize for what happened.”Judge Bargen said, “Law enforcement, they put themselves in harm's way.” The judge said he did not believe the defendant was a fit candidate for probation, “The court will not impose a prison sentence but a short jail sentence.” Moody was given 200 days in the Jefferson County Jail, with credit for four days time served. He was then remanded to the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff's office to carry out the sentence.

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