Clearwater man sentenced for disturbing peace

Michael R. Hernandez, 28, of Clearwater faced the Honorable Donna Taylor for arraignment on a Class 3 misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace.

Hernandez, who waived his right to counsel, pleaded guilty and was fined $500, along with one day previously served in the Antelope County Jail and assessed $50 costs of prosecution.

Antelope County officers were called to Hernandez residence in Clearwater the night of Dec. 11, on reports he had broken a window, was yelling and scaring children at the residence, with no physical abuse occurring. He filed bond the following day.

James B. Fisher, 31, of Plainview appeared for pretrial hearing on a Cass 2 misdemeanor count of assault by mutual consent, alleged as a result of a Sept. 12 fight in Elgin.

He pleaded guilty to an amended charge, after reaching agreement with Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler. In return for Fisher’s guilty plea to disturbing the peace, Abler agreed to file no additional charges and recommend a fine only.

Taylor sentenced Fisher to a $250 fine and $50 costs of prosecution. Fisher, who was represented by public defender Melissa Figueroa of Norfolk, was one of three defendants charged in the incident. The other two defendants accepted similar plea deals last month.

Cory D. Romej, 42, of Elgin faced Taylor for sentencing on a Class 3 misdemeanor count of reckless driving, committed Sept. 6.

Taylor fined Romej $500 and assessed him $50 costs of prosecution. In addition, she ordered him to complete a four-hour alcohol-education or MADD course and provide proof to court.

Originally charged with driving under the influence, Romej was convicted of the reduced offense after reaching a plea deal with Abler in November. A count of driving under suspension was dismissed as part of the deal.

Romej was represented by Brad Montag of Norfolk.