His Dogs Had Fleas

From York County Nebraska Sheriff's Office

(YORK, Neb.) — On October 25, 2025, at approximately 1:33 a.m., a deputy with our office initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation on Interstate 80 near mile marker 359.

During the traffic stop, the deputy conducted a DUI investigation which revealed that the driver was impaired. The driver was evaluated by a drug recognition expert who determined that the driver was impaired by a drug and unable to operate a motor vehicle safely. K9 Justice was deployed and indicated the presence of a narcotic. A probable cause search of the vehicle uncovered over an ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The deputy also located a minor child in the vehicle who was unrestrained and lying on the rear passenger floorboard. The deputies were concerned about the child’s health and well-being due to evidence of neglect. The child was treated at York General Hospital and was subsequently placed with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

The child’s medical condition was non-life threatening but it was apparent that he had been a victim of abuse/neglect. Additionally, two dogs were located in the vehicle that both were suffering from a severe case of fleas. These dogs were taken to York Adopt-a-Pet and are being evaluated by a veterinarian. Charges related to the treatment of these animals are pending the outcome of the veterinary examination.

Our office would like to express our gratitude to our partners at York General Hospital and York Adopt-a-Pet for their assistance with this case.

The driver in his case was identified as Jason Smith (39) of Camas Valley, Oregon.

Jason was lodged at York County Corrections on the following charges:

• §28-707-Child Abuse
• §60-6,196-DUI-Drugs, 1st Offense
• §28-1254-DUI with Passenger under the Age of 16
• §28-416(11)-Possession of Marijuana more than 1oz less than 1lb
• §28-441-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia