Elgin Man Allegedly Involved In Boone County Theft Dies

The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the death of an Elgin man.

According to Boone County Attorney James Ely, at about 7:43 p.m. on Thursday, Kadence Steele, 31, was found unresponsive in his jail cell at the Boone County Jail in Albion.

Ely said Steele was transported by ambulance to the Boone County Health Center and pronounced dead at about 8:17 p.m. Thursday, May 5.  

A grand jury has been ordered in the death. Nebraska law requires a grand jury investigation anytime a person dies while in custody of law enforcement.

Steele was one of the three men facing arraignment later this month in connection with an alleged theft in Boone County in April, according to court documents. Along with Kipp Polston, 38, and Brandon Ashcroft, 27, Steele was scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, May 25, at 9 a.m. 

According to Ely, Steele was in jail for Burglary, a Class IIA Felony, Theft by Unlawful Taking, a Class IV Felony and Criminal Trespassing, First Degree, a Class I Misdemeanor in connection with an alleged theft that occurred in Boone County in April.

Antelope County court documents show the Antelope County Sheriff’s Department received a report that a Millermatic 252 welder with an aftermarket gun and several DeWalt cordless tools from the Spalding Nursery in rural Albion.

After receiving an anonymous call, the Antelope County Sheriff’s Office located the missing welder and tools at the residence of Polston in rural Elgin.

Documents show Polston first told the arresting deputy he was unaware of how the welder and tools ended up at his residence, However, he allegedly said his brother-in-law, Kadence Steele, had stolen the property and brought the welder and tools there.

Polston was under arrest and charged with theft by receiving stolen property, $1,500 - $5000, a Class IV felony. He is out on a bond that was set at $10,000, 10 percent.

During the investigation, Brandon Ashcroft was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, as Class IV felony. 

The Antelope County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ashcroft at Steele’s residence during the investigation at Steele’s home address.

According to court documents, methamphetamine was found in Ashcroft’s clothing. He was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, a Class IV felony. Ashcroft’s bond was set at $10,000, 10 percent.