MADISON, Neb. (KCAU) — A man accused of the improper use of more than $700,000 from a Norfolk nonprofit transit service has been found guilty on two charges.
According to court documents, Jeffrey Stewart, 33, of Harlington, Texas, was found guilty on Monday, July 29 of unauthorized use of a financial transaction device, a felony; and obstructing governmental operations, a misdemeanor. He entered a plea of no contest to both charges and will accept his punishment without admitting guilt.
According to court documents, the judge accepted the pleas and found Stewart guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Stewart was previously charged with theft by taking of $5,000 or more – a felony – but that charge was amended to unauthorized use of a financial transaction device. The other previous charge was unauthorized use of a financial transaction device and that was amended to obstructing governmental operations.
County Sheriff’s Office)
Stewart was accused of misusing more than $740,000 from the organization North Fork Area Transit (NFAT) from about April 16, 2022 through Dec. 11, 2022. NFAT is a nonprofit transit agency that provides transportation services to Norfolk and the wider Madison County area.
Stewart had been the general manager of NFAT until December 2022 when he was suspended. In his position, Stewart was accused of using a company credit card for personal purchases, according to court documents.
The obstruction charge Stewart was found guilty of stems from more recent events. According to court documents, from about May 31, 2024 through June 4, 2024, he intentionally obstructed the enforcement of the law or other governmental function.
In July 2023, Stewart turned himself in at the U.S.-Mexico border. He was put in the custody of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office after being extradited from Cameron County, Texas.
In September 2023, Stewart’s case was moved from county court to district court and his bond was increased to $1 million. On July 29, his lawyer requested that this bond be reduced to $250,000; however, this request was denied.
Stewart’s sentencing is set for Sep. 12, 2024 at 10:15 a.m. The court will also hold a hearing that day on potential restitution.
For previous coverage of this case by KCAU 9, click here.
Wesley Thoene contributed to this report.
