York Man Charged with Weapon Possession by Prohibited Person

Carey Kleckner faces multiple charges after deputies find knife and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Carey Kleckner, a 62-year-old York, Nebraska resident, has been charged with possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, a Class 3 felony, as well as driving under suspension and no valid registration, both Class 3 misdemeanors. The charges stem from an incident where deputies found Kleckner sitting in an old pickup truck at an address where he did not live, leading to a search that uncovered a knife and drug paraphernalia.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing repeat offenders and the complex issues surrounding weapons possession, drug use, and public safety in rural communities. Kleckner's criminal history, which includes prior convictions for theft, drug possession, and assault, raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in preventing recidivism.

The details

According to the affidavit, deputies were called to a Gresham address after receiving a report of a suspicious person sitting in an old pickup truck. Upon arrival, they found the license plates on the vehicle had expired over a year ago. Kleckner told the deputy he was waiting for the owner to wake up so he could ask to stay with her, and the deputy became suspicious Kleckner was under the influence of methamphetamine. A search of the vehicle uncovered an 8-inch knife and multiple butane torch lighters, which are commonly used for smoking meth. Kleckner is prohibited from possessing any weapons due to his extensive criminal history, which includes prior convictions for theft, drug possession, and assault.

  • On February 16, 2026, Carey Kleckner was arraigned in York County District Court.
  • Kleckner's arraignment, originally scheduled for earlier in the week, was postponed until later in the month.

The players

Carey Kleckner

A 62-year-old York, Nebraska resident who has been charged with possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, driving under suspension, and no valid registration.

York County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the report of a suspicious person and conducted the search that led to Kleckner's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“I began to suspect he was under the influence of methamphetamine.”

— Deputy (justmelaniew.com)

“I asked him if there was anything illegal in his pickup or on his person and he said no. I asked him for permission to search his vehicle and his person, and he said no.”

— Deputy (justmelaniew.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide later this month whether to allow Kleckner to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing repeat offenders and the complex issues surrounding weapons possession, drug use, and public safety in rural communities. Kleckner's extensive criminal history raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in preventing recidivism and protecting public safety.