Former NFAT director asks for reduction in bond, court has concerns over flight risk
Jeffery Stewart asked for another reduction in his bond after a hearing on Tuesday and was denied a lowering of his $1 million bond.
By News Channel Nebraska
NORFOLK, Neb. — Following an increase in his bond on Sept. 29, former Norfolk Area Transit Director Jeffery Stewart was denied a request to lower his bond.
Madison County public defender Matthew Headley asked Judge James Kube for a reduction in his bond and to remove the restriction of staying in Nebraska,
Stewart is also looking to hire an attorney and Headley said it would be easier to do so if Stewart was out on a reduced bond.
Judge Kube said Stewart posed a “major flight risk” and acknowledged the previous warrant for Stewart’s arrest along with his disappearance during that time.
Against the advice of his attorney, Stewart spoke for five minutes about the nature of his charges and arrest, addressing his medical issues, and issues that he says he is experiencing in jail.
“But I’m saying, it’s just a bold face lie to say that I ran [to Mexico] because I did not run to Mexico, period,” Stewart said.
“I don’t know whether you fled or not,” Kube said. “I do know that you were gone for a very long time. That’s a concern for me and that’s why I set the bond where I did.”
Kube denied the request to reduce the bond, keeping it at $1 million.
An audit issued by the Nebraska State Auditor's office levied allegations against Stewart from his time running the transit operation.
It was reported that NFAT was unable to make payroll on Dec. 16, 2022, 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.