An Audubon man facing felony forgery charges now has an additional charge of escape from custody for fleeing from law enforcement. According to Audubon County District Court records, 21-year-old James Jeffrey Stephens allegedly opened an online account with a local bank around March 28 of this year with a fraudulent check. He then withdrew the money from the account, totaling just shy of $600. While on his pretrial release, Stephens allegedly violated the terms by admitting of using methamphetamines and by being located in not approved places or unable to track with his GPS unit. After being informed of his arrest warrant for the violations, records say on May 28, Stephens ran out of the courthouse away from law enforcement back to his residence where he was apprehended. He is being charged with forgery, conspiracy to commit felony, and escape from custody, all class D felonies, and fourth-degree theft and possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, both serious misdemeanors. He remains in custody at the Audubon County Jail. If convicted, Stephens can face a maximum sentence of up to 17 years in prison and over $35,000 in fines.
Audubon Man Facing Additional Charges For Fleeing From Law Enforcement On Arrest Warrant For Felony Charges
