Escape Plan Backfires On Antelope County Jail Inmate

An escape plan from the Antelope County Law Enforcement Center backfired on an 18-year-old inmate.

Collin Willert was arrested in July for unlawful discharge of a firearm inside Neligh city limits, along with other charges, and is facing a minimum of three years in prison if convicted.

During Willert’s appearance in district court on Wednesday, attorney Martin Klein requested bond for client Collin Willert be reduced from $10,000 to $5,000. But Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler advised Judge James Kube that law enforcement had discovered drawings and an escape plan in Willert’s cell.

Abler requested the judge deny the request for bond reduction and reminded Judge Kube that Willert, who Abler said is from the Valentine area, but listed his current address as Oakdale, previously had his bond reduced from $50,000 to $10,000. Kube not only denied the request, but he then increased the bond to $25,000.

According to his court records, Willert allegedly took a shotgun to 809 E 3rd Street on July 16, where he and a juvenile discharged the shotgun in the house numerous times through a bedroom wall.

During an investigation the following day, records show two juveniles told Neligh Police Chief Mike Wright that Willert brought his 20 gauge shotgun to their home. One of the two juveniles admitted to discharging the gun with Willert while the other witnessed the act and was “extremely fortunate he was not injured or killed.”

Wright and Antelope County Deputy Doug Hartman located Willert at the Don Breaker residence at 609 Jenks St. in Oakdale. Records show Willert originally denied knowledge of discharging the shotgun but later admitted to shooting through the wall.

Willert is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, a Class ID felony; contributing to the delinquency of a child, Class I misdemeanor; disturbing the peace, Class III misdemeanor; and criminal mischief less than $500, a Class III misdemeanor.

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