Alleged driver in fatal hit and run waives preliminary hearing

The driver charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run crash near Dalton earlier this month waived his right Monday afternoon to a preliminary hearing.

Abel “Domingo” Jeronimo, a 38-year-old Sidney resident, was arrested and charged on April 9 with failing to stop, disclose information and render assistance in an accident involving death – a Class III felony. He is being held on $100,000 bond.

He is accused of being involved in the fatal crash two days prior that killed 45-year-old Martin Geiger Jr. of Sidney and Chappell. A passenger in Geiger’s vehicle – Kathy Berger, 53 of Bayard and Chappell – was injured. Neither Geiger nor Berger were wearing seat belts, and both were ejected from the truck.

Jeronimo’s arraignment in District Court was set for Tuesday, April 28 at 8:30 a.m.

“The judge will now schedule a status hearing to allow time for the defense to receive discovery items and reports that we have,” said Cheyenne County Attorney Paul Schaub.

Jeronimo, who speaks English as a second language, is provided a translator at all hearing and interviews. In a voluntary interview with Cheyenne County sheriff’s deputies on the morning of his arrest, Jeronimo gave the following account of the crash, through a translator:

“He stopped his car and waited, but did not know what to do and was shaking. He advised not having any medical training and that he was so frightened that his English was forgotten, as it is only his second language.”

Jeronimo is currently being represented by court-appointed attorney Don Miller.