State prison term ordered for man in burglaries, drug violations

BEATRICE – Six years in state prison is the sentence for a 41-year-old Beatrice man after being convicted in two criminal cases involving property and drug crimes.  Jesse Henry was sentenced Wednesday in Gage County District Court for two counts of attempted burglary, drug possession…and a concurrent two-year prison term for felony theft.  Henry told the judge he has an addiction he must conquer.

"I've never admitted it before, but the truth of the matter is I've got a habit. And, until I can get over this nasty addiction I've got...I want to be there for my son...but I know I've got to kick this habit. It's tearing me up."

Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner was looking for something more from Henry…an apology to the victims of his crimes.

"You do have a habit, Mr. Henry, and the habit is that you steal stuff from others. You are a thief. It doesn't really sound to me that that really bothers you at all. We've got a business owner here who is out a lot of money. Not once did you apologize to that individual or express any interest in paying restitution or even feel bad and express that thought to me. The owner of the car dealership says he would like restitution for repairs to the vehicles that were damaged. He also says there is much time wasted for taxpayers on thieves....so please prosecute him to the fullest extent."

After the six-years in prison, Henry must serve 18 months on supervision by state probation.  Henry was arrested and charged with theft of catalytic converters from vehicles owned by Zoellner Ford-Lincoln in Beatrice….which occurred in May of 2021…with evidence the units were later sold at a scrap dealer.
He was also charged in the burglary of another property in the 800-block of Court Street, in Beatrice.