Bond set at $100 million for man charged in Omaha crash that killed Sarah Root

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A man accused in a deadly crash in Omaha appeared in court Monday — nine years after authorities say he went on the lam.

Douglas County Judge Sheryl Lohaus set Eswin Mejia’s bond at $100 million, which means he would need to pay $10 million to be released.

It’s a far cry from the $50,000 bond set back in 2016. Mejia paid $5,000 to be released, then fled the country, authorities said.

The case began on Jan. 29, 2016, when 21-year-old Sarah Root was killed in a crash.

Police said Mejia was drag racing when he crashed into the SUV she was driving.

His blood alcohol content level was more than three times the legal limit, according to the Omaha Police Department.

Mejia was in the country illegally, according to federal authorities.

When he skipped bail, the case became a source of national controversy.

It inspired Sarah’s Law, which requires people accused of committing crimes while in the U.S. illegally to be detained.

The legislation was added as an amendment to the Laken Riley Act and signed by President Donald Trump in January.

Mejia, now 28, was extradited from Honduras last week.

His next court appearance is set for April 29.