MADISON, Neb. -- The former general manager of North Fork Area Transit, Jeffrey Stewart, appeared back in Madison County Court on Monday.

Stewart is being charged with theft-unlawful taking of $5,000 or more. It was estimated that Stewart allegedly embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the transportation company.

An additional charge was arraigned by Judge James G. Kube on the matter.  The updated charges state as following:

Count 1: Theft-unlawful taking $5,000+

Count 2 (additional): Unauthorized use of a financial transaction device / $5,000+

Both of these counts are Class 2A felonies that carry a max sentence of 20 years of prison if convicted. 

Stewart was given the opportunity for a plea deal, but after 24 hours the deal was not met. Stewart's defense motioned for a preliminary hearing for additional investigation upon the second charge. That motion was granted and there was no objection by the state. 

Stewart will be due back in court on April 10th at 9:00 a.m. His bond was continued at 10% of $1,000,000. Stewart remains lodged in Madison County Jail.