Trenton Slama Returns to Jail
Trenton R. Slama, age 26, of Beatrice, was returned to jail after his post-release supervision was revoked by Judge David J.A. Bargen in Jefferson County District Court on Thursday, December 1, 2022.
Slama was sentenced earlier this year in two separate cases and the sentenced were to run consecutively, meaning one after the other.
Burglary Case
Jefferson County Deputies responded to a report of a burglary of a residence in Fairbury on March 7, 2017. The deputy that filled out the arrest affidavit noted, “I estimated the loss of property, based upon replacement cost at the time of the report to be in excess of $1,500.”
On March 10, 2017, deputies responded to a report of a disturbance at a different residence in Fairbury. Trenton Slama was located in front of the resident and was detained as a suspect. An alleged victim of assault was transported to the hospital.
In the basement of the residence, deputies located items believed to be from the burglary three days earlier.
Slama was originally charged with two counts of burglary, a class 2A felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and an enhancement of habitual criminal.
In accordance with a plea agreement, Slama pleaded guilty to two reduced charges of attempt of a class 2A felony, which is a class 3A felony, punishable by up to three years in prison, plus nine to 18 months of post-release supervision. The habitual criminal enhancement was dismissed.
Slama was sentenced to 24 months in the Nebraska Department of Corrections and 18 months of post-release supervision.
Assault Case
In the assault case, the defendant was originally charged with first degree assault, a class 2 felony, which carries a minimum of one and a maximum of 50 years in prison; use deadly weapon to commit a felony, also a class 2 felony; terroristic threats, a class 3A felony; tampering with physical evidence, a class 4 felony; witness tampering, also a class 4 felony; false reporting, a class 1 misdemeanor; and a habitual criminal enhancement.’
In accordance with a plea agreement, Slama pleaded guilty to terroristic threats and a reduced charge of attempt of a class 2 felony, which is a class 2A felony. The remaining charges were dismissed.
Slama was sentenced to 36 months in the Nebraska Department of Corrections and 18 months of post-release supervision.
Gage County Case
Slama is represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp, who advised the court his client also has a pending felony case in Gage County.
On July 17, 2022, at approximately 11:36 p.m., deputies with the Gage County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop at 8th and Market Streets in Beatrice after observing a red Chrysler Sebring. According to the arrest affidavit, “A check of the registration indicated the registered owner’s operator’s license was revoked.”
The deputy that filled out the affidavit wrote, “I contacted the driver and advised him of the reason for the stop. The driver said he purchased the vehicle and provided a bill of sale and a title. The driver did not have any insurance, and the license plates belonged to the previous owner. The driver identified himself as Trenton Slama.”
The affidavit also noted, “The driver stated he lost his driver’s license and was extremely nervous. I attempted to calm the driver, but he remained very nervous. I conducted a records check of Slama through dispatch which verified his operator’s license was suspended. Dispatch also stated there were two active felony arrest warrants for Slama out of Jefferson County.”
According to the deputy, “I conducted a search of the vehicle and found a marijuana pipe with burnt residue in the center console. I also found a small zip lock baggie with a large crystal substance inside which I recognized a methamphetamine based upon my training and experience. I conducted a field test of the crystal substance which tested positive for methamphetamine.”
In this case, Slama is charged with possession of a controlled substance, a class 4 felony; driving under a suspended license, a class 3 misdemeanor; driving without proof of insurance, a class 2 misdemeanor; and possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction.
Disposition
Special Prosecutor Tad Eickman said the defendant has violated the terms of his post-release supervision.
Gropp said, “My client has indicated he has trouble with substance abuse.”
Slam expressed a desire to obtain treatment for his substance abuse problems, “My whole life has been in incarceration. I’m tired of it.”
Judge Bargen told Slama he hoped he would receive the help he needed, “This is not how you should live.”
The judge revoked post-release supervision in one case and sentenced Slama to finished out the remaining time, 293 days, in jail.
The prosecution dismissed the second motion to revoke. Since the original sentenced were to run concurrently, Slama will return to post-release supervision once his jail sentence in completed.
