Neligh man pleads to attempted stalking

Douglas D. Carpenter, 43, of Neligh, who was scheduled to face the Honorable Donna Taylor for a bench trial in the Antelope County courtroom Monday, March 23, reached a plea agreement with prosecutor Joe Abler.

Carpenter had pleaded not guilty in October 2019 to Count I, stalking, a Class 1 misdemeanor; Count II, disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and Count III, resisting arrest, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Per terms of the agreement, Carpenter pleaded no contest to an amended Count I, criminal attempt – stalking, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and Abler dismissed, with prejudice, counts II and III.

Sentencing is set April 15, with Carpenter’s probation officer to provide the court with an update on his performance while on probation and any recommendations. Carpenter remains on probation for a 2018 third-degree assault conviction. He is ordered to comply with all the terms and conditions of probation. Bond posted Sept. 3, 2019, in the amount of $10,000, 10% cash, is continued. He was arrested Sept. 1 in Neligh. Carpenter is represented by Ryan Stover of Norfolk.

Natalie I. Fernau, 50, of O’Neill appeared for sentencing on a count of driving under the influence – greater than 0.15, a Class W misdemeanor committed . Taylor sentenced her to 30 days in the Antelope County Jail, with credit for one day previously served, a $500 fine, revoked her drivers’ license for one year and assess her $105 costs of prosecution.

She was arrested by an NSP trooper and Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore on Oct. 16, 2019, near the junctions of highways 14 and 20, with a preliminary breath test of .412.She was represented by Antelope County public defender Patrick Carney of Norfolk.

Kael R. Prince, 36, of Norfolk, faced Taylor on four counts, Count I, obstructing a police officer, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and three infractions, Count II, possession of marijuana, first offense; Count III, possession of drug paraphernalia; and Count IV, speeding, six to 10 mph over the limit.

Pursuant to a plea deal, Prince pleaded guilty to Count I. Abler dismissed the remaining counts with prejudice and agreed not to oppose probation. Taylor sentenced him to a 12-month term of probation and ordered he pay related fees and costs totaling $380 for the April 7, 2019 offense. He was represented by Carney.

David C. Ames, 26, of Creighton faced Taylor on a charge of DUI, second offense, a Class W misdemeanor committed June 6, 2019, in Orchard. A plea deal was reached. Ames pleaded guilty to an amended charge of DUI, first offense and Abler agreed to file no further charges related to the incident and to recommend probation. Taylor sentenced him to a nine-month term of probation including a $500 fine, related fees and costs totaling $415 and revoked his drivers’ license for 60 days. Ames was represented by Ron Temple of Norfolk.

Addison S. Woodard, 47, of Elgin appeared for pretrial hearing on a Class 1 misdemeanor count of third-degree domestic assault. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Abler amended the charge to assault by mutual consent, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and Woodard pleaded no contest to the Oct. 20, 2019, offense committed in Clearwater. In addition, Abler agreed to inform the court the victim requested a probationary sentence. Taylor sentenced him to nine months’ probation with related fees and costs totaling $360. He was represented by court-appointed counsel, Martin Klein of Neligh.

A 12-year-old juvenile of Neligh was judged guilty by Taylor and fined $25 and costs for violating a Neligh city ATV/UTV ordinance.

Cindy M. Petersen, 43, of Schuyler pleaded guilty by waiver and was fined $50 and $49 costs for possession of an open alcohol container, an infraction committed March 8.