Judge Rejects NyQuil Claim By DUI Suspect

NEBRASKA CITY – District Judge Julie Smith revoked the pre-trial release of a woman accused of fourth offense driving under the influence despite the woman’s claim she had taken NyQuil due to illness.

Nebraska City police arrested Ellie Reeves, 31, of Riverton, Iowa on July 15 after she was stopped for a tail light violation. Court records say breath tests showed she was over the legal limit for alcohol.

At court Monday, Deputy Otoe County Attorney John Palmtag asked the court to revoke pre-trial release saying Reeves had failed an alcohol test.

Public Defender Michael Ziskey said Reeves had been ill and took a dose of NyQuil.

Judge Smith said she does not know if Reeves took NyQuil or not, but said everyone says something like that when they fail a test. The judge said she suspects that Reeves had consumed alcohol while on pre-trial release. The judge said she has a duty to protect the public.

She set a $25,000 bond for Reeves, who is scheduled for an Oct. 28 progression hearing.