Wymore Man Faces Narcotics, Other Charges

Joel Estrada-Baez, age 20, of Wymore, was arraigned in Gage County Court on January 10, 2023. Jeffrey A. Gaertig was the presiding judge.Estrada-Baez is charged with a narcotics drug law violation, a class 4 felony, punishable by two years in prison, one year of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine; operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, a class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by one year months in jail and a $1,000 fine; possession of less than a pound of marijuana, a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by three months in jail and a $500 fine; and driving without a valid operator's license, also a class 3 misdemeanor.According to the arrest affidavit, the Nebraska State Patrol received a call regarding a possible theft. A trooper observed a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle leaving the scene. The affidavit indicated the trooper, “initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle took off at a faster rate of speed reaching above 80 mph. The driver then pulled over voluntarily approximately two miles later. Driver and the two passengers were removed and separated from the vehicle. A strong odor of marijuana was emitting from the vehicle at the time. A search was conducted and numerous items of marijuana were located. Items found were eight packages of edibles weighing 268.4 g., nine vape cartridges weighing 10.8 g., scale, two pipes, knife with burnt wax on end, straw with burn end, and a baggie with a very small amount of marijuana inside. Most of the items were located in a black bag with marijuana leaves on it.”The judge determined the defendant is eligible for court-appointed counsel. However, the judge also indicated, “because of a conflict of interest or unavailability,” he could not appoint a member of the Gage County Public Defender's Office. Therefore, attorney Jackson J. Osborn was assigned to the case.Another hearing is scheduled for January 30, 2023. The defendant is currently free on a $3,500 (10 percent) bond.

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