No Bond Reduction After Attempted Vehicle Theft

After calling his record "very interesting and very relevant," Judge Donna Taylor denied the lowering of a bond for the Michigan man charged with attempted vehicle theft in Orchard and theft of a Missouri pickup.

Edwin Smith, 60 of Algonac, Michigan, is being held at the Antelope County Law Enforcement Center on 10 percent of a $10,000 bond on charges of attempted theft of a pickup from Orchard. He is also facing charges of possession of stolen property, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving under suspension in Holt County.

Smith was arrested July 23 in O'Neill after the O'Neill Police Department was notified of an attempt to steal a pickup outside Willie's Service in Orchard. The business owner, Willie Rifer, notified the Antelope County Sheriff's Department that the individual left in a black and silver F-250, which was reported stolen from Missouri.

During Wednesday morning's appearance in Antelope County Court, Smith requested the lowering of his bond after requested a court appointed attorney. 

Smith said he had never failed to appear in court during any other proceedings and said he has family in O'Neill. Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler told Judge Taylor that he believes Smith has an "extensive record" in California under the alias Edwin Francis Smith.

"With his history, he's certainly a flight risk," Abler said. "I object to lowering his bond."

Taylor agreed and denied the request. "Your record is very interesting and very relevant," she said.

Smith will be back in Antelope County Court on Friday, Aug. 11, for arraignment.