Local Court News, (Central Nebraska Today)
RED CLOUD — A preliminary hearing will be determined in the case of a former Webster County Sheriff’s deputy who is charged with possession of child pornography.
Zachary Pohlmeier, 30, has been charged with five counts of possession of child pornography, each a Class 2A felony.
Pohlmeier was arraigned on April 4, he also posted bail the same day, 10 percent of $200,000.
A future hearing has been set for May 16 at 10:30 a.m., which will determine a preliminary hearing in the case.
“In felony cases only, a defendant has a right to a preliminary hearing in county court where the state presents evidence and a judge determines whether the evidence shows probable cause that the crime charged has been committed, and that the defendant committed the crime,” according to the Nebraska Judicial Branch.
“If a hearing is held and probable cause is found, the defendant is bound over (ordered to appear) in district court for arraignment. Probable cause must be determined for each crime charged,” per the Nebraska Judicial Branch.
The Webster County Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release that Pohlmeier was terminated the morning the office was made aware of the allegations.
He graduated from the Law Enforcement Training Center in 2021.
According to the affidavit submitted in court records, a cyber tip was submitted that included three files of child pornography with a phone number.
The Nebraska State Patrol obtained a subpoena for the account in August 2024 and the phone number, and the IP address were connected to Pohlmeier.
When the phone was seized and searched, investigators found 36 files of child pornography, including victims of various ages.
An arrest warrant was issued for Pohlmeier and he was arrested in Hastings on March 27.
