Theft Suspicion Leads To Drug Charges

(GERING, Neb.) — A 48-year-old Kearney man faces felony drug charges in Scotts Bluff County District Court following an April arrest outside a local retail store that resulted in the seizure of more than 220 grams of suspected methamphetamine and various prescription narcotics.

Jesse E. Deines was arrested April 9, 2026, around 10:14 a.m. following an investigation by the Scottsbluff Police Department at 2302 S. Frontage Road.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Scottsbluff Police Officer Tyler A. Weber, officers conducted surveillance on a black Chevrolet Tahoe parked outside Ross Dress for Less. Officers observed a female passenger leave the store and allegedly noticed stolen merchandise bulging from beneath her coat.

After stopping the vehicle, officers detected the odor of burnt fentanyl coming from inside.

Deines, the registered owner of the vehicle and a convicted felon, was identified in the front passenger seat.

During a search of the vehicle, officers reported recovering:

• Two bags containing suspected methamphetamine weighing 168 grams and 58 grams, for a total of 226 grams.
• Eight buprenorphine pills and five amphetamine pills.
• Seventeen round blue pills marked “M30,” suspected to be fentanyl, found between the driver’s seat and center console.
• Used hypodermic syringes, packaging materials consistent with drug distribution and $737 in cash.
• A pocketknife with a 3.75-inch blade.

Court filings show Deines is charged in District Court with:

• Possession of 140 grams or more of methamphetamine — Class 1B felony
• No drug tax stamp — Class 4 felony

Deines previously pleaded not guilty through a written arraignment.

His bond was later modified from $250,000 to $200,000, with a 10% deposit allowed. Conditions include obtaining court permission to relocate or leave the state, maintaining contact with his attorney and signing an extradition waiver.

During an Oct. 2 hearing, District Judge Andrea Miller heard arguments on a defense motion to suppress. After hearing testimony and receiving evidence, Miller took the motion under advisement and ordered attorneys to submit written briefs by Oct. 9.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. Oct. 21 in Scotts Bluff County District Courtroom No. 1.