Judge chooses jail, over prison...in attempted burglary case
District judge says Jimmie Thompson's case is a difficult one for the court
By News Channel Nebraska
BEATRICE – A district judge has opted not to follow a prosecution recommendation of state prison for a man convicted of attempted burglary… instead pronouncing a county jail term.
Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner noted that 42-year-old Jimmie Thompson, of Wymore…suffers from mental health problems and has difficulties managing in society without help.
"I run into this situation fairly frequently where what I believe you need, is not provided to me by law. I'm very disappointed in that. Somebody maybe eventually will put more value on life than we have, for quite some time."
Instead of a state recommendation for a one-to-two-year prison term on the class-three felony conviction, Schreiner sentenced Thompson to 305 days in Gage County Jail, crediting him for 115-days spent in custody. The judge said placing Thompson on probation would just set him up for failure.
Thompson could be released from county jail in 45 days. During that time he will meet with state probation and then spend a year on post-release supervision.
"Prior to your release from the Gage County Detention Center, probation policies require you to meet with somebody called a navigator. That individual is going to create a plan for you, so you can be successful once you are released from jail. Hopefully, they may be able to help you find some place to live. They may be able to help you find some place to work. We're not just going to dump you out on the street and tell you to fend for yourself, without some support from the State of Nebraska", the judge said.
Thompson told the judge he has held several jobs and did well at them, but has also had difficulty getting employers to hire him.
Thompson was arrested and charged for an incident last May…a break-in at Wymore Superfoods where a six-pack of alcohol was taken. The front glass door to the business had been shattered. Store surveillance video showed Thompson entering the business shortly after a brick or rock had been used to break glass.