Trial Set For Jansen Man with Assault, Drug and Weapons Charges
Trenton E. Wages, 47, of Jansen, appeared in Jefferson County District Court on Thursday, March 3, 2022, in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Julie D. Smith was the presiding judge.
Wages is currently charged with third degree assault, a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, and terroristic threats, a class 3A felony, which carries a possible punishment of three years in prison followed by 18 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.
Wages is also charged with operating a vehicle to avoid arrest, a class 4 felony, punishable by two years in prison, 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine; possession of psilocybin mushrooms, a class 4 felony; possession of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) wax, a class 4 felony; obstructing a peace officer, a class 1 misdemeanor; resisting arrest, a class 1 misdemeanor; possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, an infraction; possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction; and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, a class 1D felony, punishable by up to 50 years in prison.
Wages is represented by attorney Benjamin Murray, who asked that both cases be set for trial. Judge Smith scheduled to trial for April 25 to April 28. Murray asked that both cases be set for trial at the same but said, “One of the cases for sure would probably settle.”
The deadline for plea negotiations is March 31.
Murray also made an oral motion for the defendant to appear at trial in street clothes and without visible shackles. The judge so ordered.
Arrest Affidavit
Jefferson County Court Judge Linda Bauer issued a felony warrant on August 19, 2021, after Wages was accused of assault. According to the Affidavit for Arrest Warrant, a deputy received a report of an assault at a residence in Fairbury on August 17 at approximately 8:15 p.m.
The victim alleges Wages struck the victim multiple times and then threatened the victim’s life.
The affidavit also noted there was a security camera present at the scene and there is video evidence of the incident.
Manhunt
Wages was arrested Monday evening, September 27, in Jefferson County after attempting to flee law enforcement.
On that date, Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to locate Wages to serve the felony warrant.
According to a press release issued by the Sheriff’s office, “At 8:52PM a Deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office located the male Subject near the Farmers Coop in Jansen in a vehicle.
The Deputy attempted to stop the male subject and the male subject fled in his vehicle. The deputy pursued the male to his residence on the north side of Jansen.”
Wages then fled on foot into his residence and, shortly after, ran into an unharvested cornfield behind his residence.
Law enforcement established a perimeter and a search was conducted, involving k9 units, drones with thermal imaging, and aircraft. The search lasted an estimated two-and-a-half hours, ending when Wages was located and arrested near his residence, hiding in the field. After his arrest a search warrant was conducted on the residence. According to the press release, “Numerous firearms and ammunition was located within the residence. There was also narcotics and paraphernalia located within the residence.”
Participating in the search alongside the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, were the Jefferson County Emergency Management and Emergency Management Drone Team, Saline County Sheriff’s Office and Saline County K9 Unit, Beatrice Police Department and Beatrice K9 Unit, Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska State Patrol Aviation Support. Jefferson County Sheriff Nick Georgi noted in the press release, “With the assistance of all these individuals and agencies we were able to bring this to a peaceful resolution with no risk to the public.”
Weapons Found
Wages was arrested for the outstanding warrant as well as an additional weapons charge. Wages has previously been convicted of a felony and, as such, is not legally eligible to own or possess a firearm. Wages was convicted in Maattoon, Illinois in 2005 on a charge of possession of a weapon by a felon.
Weapons located include:
Mossberg International 715T semi-auto .22LR caliber AR-style rifle, with loaded magazine inserted
J.C. Higgins Model 20 pump-action 12 gauge shotgun, with 1 shell in the chamber and 4 in the magazine tube
Savage 24 series P .22LR caliber & .410 gauge combo shotgun
R1A Imports 12 gauge AR-style semi-auto shotgun with a loaded magazine setting in box
DB .300 blackout caliber semi-auto AR-style rifle
Ruger 17 DM .223 caliber semi-auto AR-style rifle
Hi-Point Model 995 9mm caliber semi-automatic carbine
American Tactical Omni-Hybrid Max AR-style semi-automatic rifle
Hi-Point .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol with loaded magazine in gun and second loaded magazine in a pouch on the other side of the shoulder holster it was found in
According to the affidavit, “None of the above firearms were locked in a secure area where Wages’ would not have had access to them.”
In addition, two large machetes were located in drawers in a dresser in the southwest bedroom along with more boxes of ammunition. Ammunition found included 12 gauge shotgun shells, .22LR caliber shells, .300 Blackout ammunition, and .45ACP ammunition.
Wages is being held on a $25,000 (10 percent) bond in the assault case and $250,000 (10 percent) bond for the weapons and drug charges.
