By Emily Hoffman
    The Wauneta Breeze
    
     Lee Peterson of Wauneta appeared in district court in Chase County on Thursday, March 10, for his preliminary hearing on charges of felony possession of a firearm.
     Peterson was arrested in Wauneta in December.
     At the hearing all charges in Chase County were dropped since the federal government is proceeding with prosecution.
     "Since the feds were interested in pursuing it, this saves the county the cost of a trial," said Arlan Wine, Chase County Attorney.
     While in court last week Peterson was served with a federal warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This was the only warrant served on Peterson.
     Officers from the Chase County Sheriff's department booked him into jail in Chase County then contacted agents with the federal agency, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
     According to Chase County Sheriff Tim Sutherland, ATF agents flew to Imperial Friday to take Peterson into custody then flew him back to Omaha.
     Peterson's arraignment was Monday, March 14, in Omaha.
     According to Sutherland, Peterson was released following the arraignment. Sutherland said at an arraignment in federal court if there is no flight risk the judge usually releases the suspect until his trial.
     During the arraignment the judge ordered Peterson to turn over any ammunition still in his possession to the Chase County Sheriff.
     Peterson has been ordered to appear in federal court in Omaha on Monday, April 4, with his attorney in order to file motions, if there are any.
     At the April 4 appearance the date for his preliminary hearing will be set.