Three Hots and a Cot

By Raul Fernandez

(GERING, Neb.) — Let’s imagine for a second, you have just been released from jail. You have no money, no job and no warm place to stay. These are just some of the concerns for many who exit the jail system. In many cases, these individuals have lost their job or even their home due to the extent of their incarceration.

What would you do? How far would you go to get a warm place to stay and a hot meal?

On September 29, 2025, a jury of 12 gathered to hear a case where the individual, released from jail an hour ago, walked to the Scottsbluff Police department hoping to have an active arrest warrant.

On April 5, Manuel Trevino entered the police station hoping he would be able to go back to jail. After inquiring about warrants, officer Roalkvan came to meet with Trevino on the steps outside the lobby. Watching the body cam footage during witness testimony, you could see the disappointment in his face as the officers informed him that yes there was a warrant but it was non extraditable, meaning they wouldn’t arrest him for it. He continues to ask questions about terroristic threats and how to “catch the charge”. It was explained that making threats to someone, would prompt that charge.

So Trevino goes on to say that he was there to beat up officer Weatherman, when told that he wasn’t there he says he’ll wait for him. But unfortunately the officer meant that he wasn’t on duty. When asked why? He simply responded “just ’cause”, while having a normal and calm demeanor. Trevino then proceeds to ask “what if I was here to kill Weatherman”. Although his body language and his words weren’t matching due to no aggression, the officer told him that would do it.

He was arrested and transported to the detention center. While at the detention center, he would elaborate a little more by mentioning a time when Weatherman tazed him and did not like that.

He was found guilty before lunch time. It was a short and very clear jury trial. The biggest question was intent. The defense argued that no intent was there except for intent to return to jail. The prosecutor established that although the defense had a point, the law was clear that Trevino’s threat was in disregard for the law. The prosecutor gave the example of two individuals arguing. When one says something along the lines of “I’ll kill you”, even though they never intend to act upon the words, merely saying it would cause fear and intimidation.

The final sentencing is scheduled for December 02, 2025.