Orchard man faces charges in two criminal cases

An Orchard man appeared for arraignment in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday, Nov. 18, facing charges in two separate cases.

Andrew J. Clifton, 52, is charged with disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor, that is alleged Oct. 27, at his parents’ home in Orchard. According to a probable-cause affidavit filed by Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore, that requested a warrant for Clifton’s arrest, a 911 was received, reporting threatening delusional behavior by the defendant. A warrant for Clifton’s arrest, signed by the Honorable Donna Taylor on Oct. 30, was served Nov. 4. He posted bond of $3,000, 10%, on Nov. 5.

In the second case, Clifton is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, a Class W misdemeanor, Oct. 6, the night firefighters responded to a fire at Clifton’s home. He was arrested at midnight, after allegedly testing .117 on a preliminary breath test, according to a probable-cause affidavit filed by deputy John Shaver. Clifton filed bond of $1,500, 10%, Oct. 12.

Clifton requested a continuance to consult an attorney. Further arraignment in both cases is set Dec. 2.

Pepper W. Marchant, 21, of Neligh was scheduled for pretrial hearing on five counts, when he appeared in front of Taylor on Wednesday morning. He had previously pleaded not guilty to each of the Class 1 misdemeanors, included assaulting a public safety officer with body fluid; two counts of third-degree assault; resisting arrest, first offense, and obstructing a peace officer.

However, an amended complaint, filed by Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler on Wednesday, changed one of the third-degree assault charges to a Class 2 felony, first-degree assault. The previous pleas were cleared from the record and the case will proceed to preliminary hearing Dec. 2. Bond in the amount of $50,000, 10% cash, is continued as well.

According to an affidavit filed by Antelope County deputy Logan Lawson, contact was allegedly made with Marchant, by the deputy and a Nebraska State Patrol officer, shortly before midnight Sept. 26, in areas near the Casey’s and Dollar General parking lots in Neligh. The officers were joined by Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore. The defendant allegedly yelled obscenities at officers before assaulting two men at a nearby home. Lawson reported Marchant resisted arrest, kicking his legs out the cruiser door to prevent it shutting and began spitting toward the officers, narrowly missing Lawson’s face and hitting Moore in the chest. One assault victim reported a broken elbow and eye injury, while the second incurred injuries to his mouth, shoulder, knee, head and lip.

Marchant was remanded to Moore’s custody, pending posting of bond. He is represented by public defender, Melissa Figueroa.

Cory D. Romej, 42, of Elgin appeared for arraignment on two counts, DUI, alcohol, first offense, a Class W misdemeanor; and driving under suspension/before reinstated, a Class 3 misdemeanor. After reaching a plea deal, Romej pleaded guilty to an amended Count I, reckless driving, first offense, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and Abler dismissed Count II.

Taylor directed Romej to obtain, at his own expense, an evaluation by a certified drug/alcohol counselor, in accordance with the Nebraska Standardized Model. Sentencing is set Jan. 6, 2021. Bond filed Sept. 9, in the amount of $1,500, 10% is continued.

Romej was arrested Sept. 6, after an Antelope County deputy was dispatched to Highway 45 and 840 Road, where a Madison County deputy reportedly observed a black Dodge Ram pickup parked, with its lights on, in the opposite lane of travel. The Antelope County officer discovered Romej, “unconscious or asleep” behind the wheel, with two passengers sitting in the rear seat, according to a probable-casue affidavit filed by the deputy Shelby Keetle.

Romej is represented by Brad Montag of Norfolk.

Christopher L. Beltz, 33, of Plainview appeared before Taylor for further arraignment on a Class 1 misdemeanor count of committing child abuse negligently, alleged Aug. 17.

Beltz opted to continue arraignment without the presence of his attorney, James Walz of Omaha. He pleaded not guilty and requested jury trial.

Pretrial hearing is set Jan. 6, 2021.