Suspect Arrested in Reynolds Appears in Court

One of three suspects arrested after an assault on deputies was arraigned in Jefferson County on Wednesday, February 9, 2024. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.Michael Wayne Leonard, age 34, of Reynolds, was not charged with assault. Instead, he is charged with false reporting and obstruction of a peace officer, both class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, and second degree criminal trespass, a class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to three months in jail and a $500 fine.On 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. According to the arrest affidavit, yelling could be heard from the street, “We made entry at the front door based on exigence circumstances of reports of a gun being involved and hearing a loud male voice shouting from inside the house.”Deputies made contact with two suspects, Leonard and Gary Keller, age 31, of Reynolds. According to deputy that filled out the affidavit. “While slinging my rifle over my shoulder, Gary Keller accused me of 'pointing your rifle at my dog' and immediately became aggressive, at this time Gary was detained for officer safety.”After escorting Keller outside, per the affidavit, “I reentered the house to see Michael flip the dining room table over.”Deputies then attempted to detain Leonard and noted, “Michael then actively resisted and had to be assisted to the ground.”A third suspect, Timothy Moody, age 22, was also arrested at the scene.According to a press release from the Sheriff's Office, 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.Leonard asked for court-appointed counsel and attorney Benjamin Murray was assigned to represent him.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 defendant is currently free on a $3,500 (10 percent) bond.There are no cases yet on file for Moody or Keller.Moody was booked on two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, as well as obstructing a police officer, and resisting arrest. Assault on a law enforcement officer is a class 3A felony, punishable by up to three years in prison, 12 to 18 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.Keller was arrested for terroristic threats, false reporting and obstructing a peace officer.The most serious charge is terroristic threats, a class 3A felony.

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