Manhunt Miscreants Sentenced To Probation

The two men charged with various crimes stemming from an August manhunt have learned their fate. 

James Baker, 24, and Jeremy Stevens, 25, were each sentenced to 24 months of Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision (SSAS), a form of probation designed to for substance abuse offenders. They were also sentenced to 90 days in jail, with credit given for time served.

"I'm giving you a chance," said Judge James Kube when speaking with Stevens. "If you fail on probation and you come back in front of me, I'll give you the max on all of it."

SSAS is an intensive, community-based supervision model developed by the Office of Probation Administration in collaboration with the Community Corrections Council and other stakeholders. SSAS is intended to provide the Courts and Parole Board with a structured treatment program as an alternative to incarceration.

When making the decision in the case, Judge Kube noted both defendants' drug use in relation to their criminal history. Stevens began using drugs at age 17 while Baker was doing drugs, including methamphetamine, at age 10.

"I thought long and hard about both of these cases," Judge Kube continued when speaking to Baker. "About how easy it would be to give you jail time. But that doesn't get rid of the problems."

As part of the terms of their probation, Baker and Stevens are not allowed to leave the State of Nebraska and must pay court costs as well as a $1,000 fine. They are not to associate with known felons and are to refrain from alcohol and any other controlled substances, except by prescription.