Alleged Cattle Thieves Now In Custody Of Antelope County

Two of the individuals allegedly involved in the theft of cattle in rural Antelope County in June are now in the custody of the Antelope County Sheriff’s Department.

Rebecca Marie (Bree) Robbins, 22 of Lyons and formerly of Antelope County, and Benjamin D. Johnson, 27 of St. Edward, are both now being housed in the Antelope County Jail.

Robbins has been transferred from the Platte County Jail and is being held on a $100,000 bond. Johnson is being held on a $15,000 bond, which was lowered from $100,000 on Wednesday during his first appearance in Antelope County Court.

According to Sheriff Bob Moore, should Johnson post bond, he would immediately be transferred to the Boone County Jail, where he is facing two felony charges and a $25,000 bond. 

Conditions of Johnson posting bond in Antelope County include residing at his mother's residence near St. Edward and complying with an 8 p.m. curfew in the evening and not leaving the residence before 6 a.m.

Robbins' first court appearance in Antelope County will likely be on August 20, according to officials.

Both Johnson and Robbins are facing three felony charges in Antelope County - theft by deception (Class III felony), criminal attempted theft by unlawful taking (Class IV felony) and theft by unlawful taking (Class III felony) - and two felonies in Boone County.

Moore said more charges may be filed in the case.

The alleged actions were to have taken place between Feb. 26 and June 24, when 35 cattle and 40 calves were stolen from Wilbur Rakow of rural Neligh. According to Johnson's probable cause affidavit, he admitted to the Antelope County Sheriff that he attempted to load the cattle on May 19 but thought they belonged to Robbins.

Moore said the Columbus couple who purchased the cattle planned to buy 80 head of cattle. He said cattle remained in the holding pen, and the truck was going to return for more cattle.

Related Stories:
Lyons Woman Accused Of Stealing Cattle In Antelope County
Reward Issued For Information On Robbins, Accomplices
Sheriff's Department Seeking Ben Johnson In Cattle Theft
UPDATE: Fugitive Admits To Sheriff He Tried To Load Cattle
Search Is Over: Fugitives In Cattle Theft Are Now In Custody
Cattle Theft Suspect In Court Today; Bond Set At $100,000
Johnson's Bond Reduced; Robbins To Return

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