Man charged with manslaughter

A 37-year old registered sex offender faced the Honorable Donna Taylor last Wednesday in Antelope County Court in Neligh, on charges of sexual assault and manslaughter of an unborn child.

Formal charges of third-degree sexual assault, a Class 2 felony, and manslaughter of an unborn child, a Class 2A felony, were filed by Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler against Joey W. Crooker on Aug. 12, following an investigation by Antelope County Sheriff Bob Moore and Steven Binkard, a Holt County deputy.

The complaint alleges the defendant subjected the victim to sexual penetration without consent and caused the death of her unborn child, unintentionally, while in the perpetration of an assault or attempted assault.

The crimes are alleged to have taken place at a Grove Lake campground, following the June 29 Clearwater Rodeo concert.

Taylor advised the defendant of possible penalties, should he be found guilty - up to 50 years in prison on the first count and up to 20 years for the second count. She appointed Patrick Carney, Antelope County public defender to represent him.

Crooker, who had been incarcerated since his Aug. 11 arrest, with bond set at $100,000, 10% cash, asked Taylor if he could be released to his parents under house arrest.

She told him house arrest is not a bond option.

"You have an attorney now," she said, advising he discuss it with Carney.

Crooker reappeared later Wednesday for a bond review hearing.

Carney advised he had visited Crooker's family, who told him they could not raise the $10,000 cash.

He said the mother and stepfather were willing for the defendant to live with them at Ainsworth.

Abler objected to reduction of bond, citing the serious nature of the offenses and a previous sexual assault conviction in Brown County.

"When I set bond at $100,000, I was unaware of the prior conviction, and I thought it was appropriate then. I still think it's appropriate," Taylor said before she ordered bond remain as set.

Preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 26.

According to a probable-cause affidavit filed by Moore, the defendant had admitted the alleged sexual assault to Binkard, but later the same day told the deputy everything was okay, to "just forget it," at which time he allegedly admitted telling the victim "she would lose everything if she pursued it, that it was all over with." Moore also alleged the victim had informed the defendant she was experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.