Suspects in Multiple Diller Break-Ins Arrested in Cass County

Two suspects in a series of break-ins in Diller were located and arrested in Cass County. Both are now facing multiple felony charges. Vehicle 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 owner 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 (sic) 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 ArrestsThe 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 confirmation 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 SupectsThe suspects were identified as Christian J. Reinke, age 24, of Deshler and Benjamin A. Abney, age 30, of Omaha.Abney appeared in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. He appeared via webcam from the Jefferson County Jail in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Linda Bauer was the presiding judge.Abney is charged with burglary, a class 2A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison; theft by unlawful taking with a value of $500 to $1,500, a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine; theft by unlawful taking with a value of less than $500, a class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to six months year in jail and a $1,000 fine; and criminal mischief with a value of more than $5,000, a class 4 felony punishable by up to two years in prison and one year of post-release supervision.Abney is being held on a $50,000 (10 percent) bond. His attorney, Public Defender Scott Gropp, asked the bond be reduced to $10,000 (10 percent). County Attorney Joseph Casson opposed any reduction.Judge Bauer denied the motion, noted the defendant had one conviction and several charged failures to appear for court. The judge also noted the defendant has “considerable” criminal history in Lancaster County.Reinke is facing the same charges but has not yet been arraigned in Jefferson County.In Cass County, Reinke, who was found in possession of the handgun, is charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a class 1D felony punishable by three to 50 years in prison and possessing or receiving a stolen firearm, a class 2A felony.As a convicted felon, Reinke is not allowed to possess a firearm.Reinke is represented in this case by attorney Mark C. Moore of Lincoln. He is being held on a $50,000 (10 percent) bond.

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