2013 case heard in Antelope County courtroom

The Honorable Donna Taylor presided from the bench in the Antelope County courtroom last Wednesday, while the state of Nebraska was represented by Pierce County attorney Ted Lohberg, on behalf of Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler.

A 27-year-old Wayne man appeared in a 2013 case. Johnathon Crocker was convicted in June 2013 of writing four bad checks, Class 2 misdemeanors, fined $50 for each and restitution, along with a six-month term of probation.

A motion to revoke probation was filed in August 2013 and when Crocker failed to appear at a revocation hearing, a warrant was issued for his arrest. The warrant went unserved and was reissued in September 2018 when it expired. He was arrested last month.

He admitted the violations and waived his right to counsel when he appeared in court last week.

Taylor revoked probation and resentenced him to 15 days in the Antelope County Jail on each count, to be served concurrently, with credit for eight days previously served. In addition, Crocker was ordered to pay restitution, in amounts of $63.19 and $36.64 to Cubby’s in Neligh and $65.32 and $39.14 to PDQ Shoppe in Tilden.

Robert Carnes Jr., 43, of Elgin appeared in front of Taylor for sentencing. The sentence ordered by Taylor included 10 days in the Antelope County Jail, with credit for one day previously served; a $500 fine; a 15-month term of probation, including fees totaling $490; revocation of his driver’s license for a period of 18 months; and $150 costs of prosecution.

Carnes, originally charged with driving under the influence, 0.15 or higher, second offense, a Class 1 misdemeanor, pleaded guilty to DUI, second offense, a Class W misdemeanor, pursuant to a plea deal with prosecutor Joe Abler, on Sept. 2. In return, Abler struck the high-test enhancement, agreed to file no additional charges in the case and recommended probation.

Carnes was arrested after an Antelope County deputy observed him cross the center line twice, as he was westbound on Highway 275, east of Oakdale, the night of July 3.

Carnes was represented by public defender Melissa Figueroa.

Jordan W. Gonzalez, 22, of Neligh faced Taylor for further arraignment on allegations of DUI, a Class W misdemeanor; speeding, 21-35 miles per hour more than the posted limit, and possession of an open alcohol container, both infractions.

Pursuant to a plea deal with Alber, the two infraction counts were dismissed with prejudice, in exchange for Gonzalez’ guilty plea to the Oct. 10 DUI charge. In addition, the state agreed to recommend a seven-day jail sentence, along with a fine and license revocation.

Taylor sentenced him to the seven days in jail, with credit for one day previously served; a $500 fine; six-month driver’s license revocation; $150 costs of prosecution and ordered he stand committed to the Antelope County Jail until fine and costs are paid.

Gonzalez was represented by Forrest Peetz of O’Neill.

Douglas J. Jacobs, 28, of Neligh appeared for sentencing on a Class 2 misdemeanor count of leaving the scene of a property-damage accident.

Taylor fined him $1,000 and assessed him $50 costs of prosecution. He will be given credit for $265 paid for an alcohol evaluation, when he provides receipt.

Jacobs was self-represented.

Jacobs admitted to consuming “a couple beers” while driving around with a co-worker prior to the Sept. 11 accident which damaged his vehicle and some standing corn, valued at $100.

Jacobs was self-represented.

Teisha J. Reitan, 33, of Blair pleaded no contest to driving under suspension/before reinstated, a Class 3 misdemeanor committed Oct. 2.

She was fined $100 and assessed $50 cost of prosecution.