MADISON, Neb. -- After making his first appearance last week, former North Fork Area Transit Director, Jeffery Stewart appeared in court and asked for a reduction in his bond in Madison County courtroom.

Stewart, accused of embezzling around $750,000 from NFAT, turned himself in at the border of Texas and Mexico earlier this month.

Stewart and his attorney asked for continuance for at least two months to find a private attorney to handle his case. 

After asking for a reduction in bond in his first appearance, Stewart wanted a reduction to $250,000 from his $500,000 bond at 10%.

Stewart was previously asked how much money he had available, and he stated $0.

After asking to remove the contingency in his bond denying travel outside the state of Nebraska, as his family resides in Texas, Judge Donna Taylor kept Stewart’s bond at 10% of $500,000.

Stewart’s next appearance in court is set for Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. for a status hearing.

Stewart is accused of embezzling money for flights, purchases at casinos, meals at area restaurants, home goods and more, all for personal use, according to investigators.

NFAT was unable to make payroll on Dec. 16, shortly after Stewart submitted a request to the board for medical leave. The board then sought $88,155.59 from the Norfolk City Council to ensure employees were paid.

The service was forced to cease operations on Jan. 6 due to a lack of funds. Operations resumed in the spring after a successful fundraising campaign brought in $1 million -- $500,000 from the community and a matching $500,000 donation from the Johnny Carson Foundation.

During that time, Stewart was in Mexico. Stewart claimed he was dealing with “mental health issues.” Authorities picked up Stewart in Texas and brought him back for his arraignment last week.

“I am confident I will be liberated by the end of this,” Stewart said. 

Stewart also claimed that he was unaware that police were searching for him. Madison County officials said they’ve been searching for him since December. Around the same time of his departure. 

Stewart said in a phone call to News Channel Nebraska, on July 13, that the funds that had been reported missing from North Fork Area Transit had to do with longer wait times for reimbursement from the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

During his arraignment, Stewart requested to have his bond reduced so he could afford a lawyer.

Stewart claimed that by turning himself in, he was told his bond would be reduced. Madison County officials rebutted and said it wasn’t true. They said it may help but not eliminate it completely.

When asked how he would come up with the money, he said he would “borrow from his family members”.

“All I am asking for is the opportunity to defend myself and the opportunity to take care of my children,” Stewart said.