Antelope County court judge sets sentencing dates

The Honorable Donna Taylor, presiding from the bench in the Antelope County Court last week, set sentencing dates for several defendants, who admitted criminal allegations.

Robert J. Evans, 41, of Elgin pleaded guilty, pursuant to a plea agreement, to one count of violating a harassment protection order, a Class 2 misdemeanor committed Dec. 12.

In return, Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler dismissed two additional counts of violating the protection order and agreed to recommend a fine only at sentencing.

Sentencing is set Feb. 17. Bond in the amount of $3,000, 10% cash, is continued. Evans is represented by Frederick Bartell of Norfolk.

David C. Ames, 27 of Omaha faced Taylor on charges he violated probation, ordered in March 2020, for a DUI committed in June 2019. Ames admitted the violations.

Taylor ordered an update as to Ames' performance while on probation and any recommendations from the probation officer. She also advised the defendant is still on probation and is to comply with all the terms and conditions.

Sentencing is set March 3. Ames is represented by Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa.

Sentencing for Starlina M. Moller, 45, of Neligh on a Class 3 misdemeanor, driving under suspension/before reinstated, is continued to Feb. 17. Bond filed Dec. 3, in the amount of $4,000, 10%, is continued. Moller waived her right to counsel and entered a guilty plea to the Dec. 2, 2020, offense when she appeared for arraignment Jan. 6.

Taylor also sustained requests to continue other cases.

Andrew J. Clifton, 52, of Orchard appeared for pretrial hearings in two cases. He was granted continuances in both, to Feb. 17, due to a pending plea agreement. Bond in amounts of $1,500, 10%, filed Oct. 12, 2020, and $3,000, 10%, posted Nov. 5, 2020, are continued.

Represented by Ronald Temple of Norfolk, Clifton faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, first offense, a Class W misdemeanor alleged Oct. 6, 2020, the night firefighters responded to a fire at Clifton's home, and disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor, alleged Oct. 27, 2020, at his parents' home in Orchard.

Heather M. Rokahr, 36, of Elgin was granted continuance of her pretrial hearing on a count of leaving the scene of a property-damage accident and no proof of financial responsibility, Class 2 misdemeanors alleged Nov. 26, 2020. Pretrial hearing is continued to Feb. 17.

Rokahr pleaded not guilty when she was arraigned Jan. 6.

According to a status report, Abler has offered Rokahr a plea deal. In return for a guilty plea to leaving the scene, he offered to dismiss the second count, file no additional charges and make no recommendation at sentencing. Rokahr represented by Figueroa.