County judge sustains several requests to delay arraignment

Christopher L. Beltz, 33, of Plainview faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County Court last Wednesday, Oct. 21, without counsel, on a Class 1 misdemeanor count of child abuse/neglect, alleged Aug. 17.

Beltz requested a continuance to allow retaining an attorney. Taylor granted the request and set further arraignment for Nov. 18. If convicted, Beltz faces a penalty of up to $1,000 and/or one-year incarceration, in addition to possible restitution.

Three Elgin men, who faced Taylor on charges stemming from a fight at 306 Pine Street in Elgin on Sept. 12, were also granted continuance. They were all charged with Class 2 misdemeanor counts of assault by mutual consent. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to $1,000 fine and/or six-months incarceration and restitution to victim(s).

Michael A. Voborny-Williams, 24, who appeared with his mother, requested court-appointed counsel. After finding him indigent, Taylor appointed Jeff Doerr of Neligh. Further arraignment is set Nov. 4.

James B. Fisher, 31, also requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found him indigent and appointed Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa of Norfolk. Further arraignment is set Nov. 4.

Jordon D. Dredge, 30, requested a continuance to consult an attorney. Further arraignment is set Nov. 18.

Tina M. Petersen, 45, of Fremont appeared on a Class 3 misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension, alleged Sept. 1. Petersen requested court-appointed counsel. Upon questioning by the judge, the defendant indicated she was eligible to have her license reinstated.

Although the offense has a potential sentence of up to a $500 fine and/or a 90-day jail sentence, if it is reinstated prior to sentencing, statute calls for a maximum $150 fine.

“I am not going to appoint an attorney, they would just tell you to get it reinstated,” Taylor told her. “We would have to pay them to do that, I can tell you that for free.”

Taylor continued the case to Nov. 18 to allow time for reinstatement.

Cory D. Romej, 42, of Elgin did not appear. Arraignment on a charge of DUI, first offense, a Class W misdemeanor alleged Sept. 6, is continued to Nov. 11. Bond posted Sept. 6, in the amount of $1,500, 10%, is continued as well.

Further arraignment for Darwin J. Bartos, 43, of Creighton is continued to Nov. 4, on two counts alleged Aug. 7, driving while license revoked from driving under the influence/refusal, a Class 4 felony, and failure to yield right-of-way, an infraction. Bond, in the amount of $10,000, 10%, posted Aug. 8, is continued as well.