Acting on credible information that meth was being distributed from a home in the 500 block of S. Cottonwood, the North Platte police searched the place and found meth and cash

Deputy North Platte Police Chief Kendall Allison said officer executed a search warrant around 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29.

They seized more than two ounces of meth, along with around $1,000 in cash. Also, the home is within 1,000 feet of a school, which makes the charges more aggravated.

Allison said the home was under the care and control of Payton Albrecht-Franke. 26.

Albrecht-Franke was charged with possession of 28-139 grams of meth with intent to deliver, which is a Class 1C felony, punishable by 5-50 years in prison. He is also charged with maintaining a drug house, distribution of a controlled substance near a school, and possession of money and drugs.

 Albrecht-Franke was taken to the Lincoln County jail.

Thomas A. Pierce

Around 2:28 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, an officer saw Thomas A. Pierce, 42, driving a vehicle near the 1200 block of S. Dewey. 

Allison said Pierce’s driver’s license was suspended so the officer pulled vehicle over. During the stop, probable cause was developed to search the vehicle. Allison said officers noted that Pierce tried to destroy some suspected meth by grinding it into the floorboard of the vehicle.

 Pierce was charged with driving under suspension, meth possession, and tampering with physical evidence, and took him to jail. Bond was set at $15,000.

Allison said more arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.

Austin J. Deidel

Around 11:10 p.m. on Dec. 27, police checked out a reported disturbance in the 3100 block of S. Oak. They contacted a woman there who ssid she and Austin Deidel, 24, got into an argument that escalated.

Deidel reportedly pointed a loaded rifle at the woman in a threatening manner, police said.

Allison said the woman went outside and locked herself in a vehicle that was parked there, and waited for police to arrive. Officers contacted Deidel and charged him with a series of crimes — domestic assault, terroristic threats, and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony. The weapon charge carries a maximum penalty of 5-50 years.

Robert D. Welliver II

At 4:29 a.m. on Dec. 27, a police officer saw a man standing inside a storage unit in the 1400 block of E. Fourth. Allison said the man was Robert Welliver, 42, who the owner had previously banned from the property.   

Welliver was charged with second-degree trespassing and taken to jail.

Susan A. Svejkovsky

At 9:05 on Dec. 26, police were dispatched to the 600 block of W.  Leota when a disturbance was reported there. Upon arrival, they detained Susan A. Svejkovsky, 59, who was allegedly causing the disturbance. 

Svejkovsky alleged bit one of the officers, causing injury, while police tried to restrain her, according to the report. She was charged with third-degree assault of a peace officer, a Class IIIA felony that carries a maximum sentence of 3 years in prison if convicted.

Svejkovsky was taken to the Lincoln County jail. Bond was set at $25,000.

Steven J. Avera 

Around 5 a.m., on Dec. 22, police went to the 800 block of S. Dewey to check out a reported physical disturbance. When they arrived, they talked with several people.

Allison said the investigation showed that Steven Avera, 54,  and another man had an altercation and then assaulted each other with sticks and bats. 

Avera was contacted and charged with second-degree assault, a Class IIA Felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Avera was also charged with use of a weapon to commit a felony, a Class II felony, punishable by 1-50 years.

Avera was placed in the Lincoln County jail.

The other man ran away before police arrived and has not yet been found. Allison said the investigation will continue until he is found.

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