Not Much of a Plea Deal

By Raul Fernandez

(SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.) — A traffic stop was initiated on December 20, 2024 when Trooper Nutsch of the Nebraska State Patrol observed a black 2011 Lincoln MKX with a defective headlight and expired license plates traveling westbound on Highway 26.

The driver, identified as Terry E. Early (45), was observed smoking a freshly lit cigarette. Early provided vehicle registration and insurance but was unable to produce a driver’s license, stating he only had an ID which he did not have with him.

Upon exiting the vehicle, Early initially denied having a knife but a subsequent weapons frisk revealed a pocket knife in his left cargo pocket. While in the patrol unit, Trooper Nutsch noted indicators consistent with methamphetamine usage. Early admitted to using methamphetamine that day around noon, describing his usage as “recreational” and estimating two times a week. He later revised this to four times a day, admitting he had been untruthful. Early also stated he makes monthly trips to Greeley, Colorado, to obtain methamphetamine.

Early admitted there was marijuana in the vehicle, stating the dog would indicate its presence. A probable cause search led to the discovery of multiple THC dispensary containers with green plant substance (marijuana, under 1 ounce) and a clear plastic bag containing approximately 2 ounces of white crystalline substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine. No Drug Tax Stamp was found.

Early was transported to the Nebraska State Patrol Troop E Office, advised of his Miranda Rights, and agreed to speak with Trooper Nutsch. He stated the methamphetamine was for personal use and estimated the amount to be 58 grams. Early denied driving to meet anyone for drug transactions or having the methamphetamine for distribution. He was subsequently booked into the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center.

Charges:

• Count 1: Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, In An Amount of More Than 28 Grams, But Less Than 140 Grams, a Class IC Felony.
• Count 2: Failure to Affix Drug Tax Stamp, a Class IV Felony.
• Count 3: No Operator’s License, a Class III Misdemeanor.
• Count 4: Possession of Marijuana, One Ounce or Less, an Infraction.

Plea Agreement:

The defendant will enter a plea of guilty or no contest to an Amended Information, which charges:

• Count 1: Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, In An Amount of More Than 28 Grams, But Less Than 140 Grams, a Class IC Felony.
• Count 2: Dismissed.
• Count 3: Dismissed.
• Count 4: Dismissed.

Plea agreement was accepted by the defendant.

The sentencing:

On October 20, 2025, the Defendant appeared in court via video where Judge Miller took into consideration multiple factors including a pre-sentencing report, which the defense failed to go over with the defendant, and sentenced Terry Early to the minimum of 5 years, according to the plea agreement with the state.