Plea deals negotiated in Antelope County court

Donneceia D. McFarland, 34, of Oakdale appeared before the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday, Feb. 17, for pretrial hearing on a Class 1 misdemeanor count alleged Nov. 8, third-degree assault.

Pursuant to a plea deal, McFarland changed her not guilty plea to guilty. In return, Antelope County prosecutor Joe Abler agreed to file no additional charges related to the incident and to recommend a fine only at sentencing. Sentencing is set March 17. McFarland is represented by Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa.

Heather M. Rokahr, 36, of Elgin appeared for pretrial hearing on Count I, leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, and Count II, no proof of financial responsibility, Class 2 misdemeanors. Rokahr changed her previous not guilty plea to guilty on Count I and agreed to pay restitution of $794.61, per a plea deal. In exchange, Abler dismissed Count II and agreed to file no further charges related to the Nov. 26, 2020, accident.

Sentencing is set April 7. Taylor ordered Rokahr to pay toward restitution prior to sentencing and ordered her to provide an update from a medical provider, indicating if she is medically able to drive.

Rokahr represented by Figueroa.

Alexander E. Huffman, 34, of Neligh appeared before Taylor for further arraignment on a count of disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor alleged Jan. 1, at his Neligh home. He pleaded not guilty. Pretrial hearing is set March 17, with a $100 personal recognizance bond continued. If the case goes to trial, Abler estimates it will take one-half day. According to court documents, a plea deal has been offered. Huffman is represented by Figueroa.

Huffman was arrested after Neligh police was called to the residence twice within 15 minutes the night of Jan. 1, on complaints he was intoxicated and “out of control.” He allegedly registered a breath test of .373 at the Antelope County Law Enforcement Center and became belligerent and uncooperative during booking procedures, according to a probable-cause affidavit filed by Neligh’s chief of police, Mike Wright.

Ervin J. Mast, 33, of Ewing was granted continuance, until March 3, for his pretrial hearing on four counts alleged Nov. 27, 2020. Bond, in the amount of $1,500, 10% cash, filed Nov. 27, is continued as well.

Mast is charged with, Count I, driving under the influence, .15 grams or more, first offense, a Class W misdemeanor; Count II, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor; Count III, no valid registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and Count IV, possession of an open alcohol container, an infraction.

According to a status report, a plea agreement has been offered by Abler. If the case goes to trial, Abler estimates one-half day.

Mast is represented by Martin Klein of Neligh.

Tina M. Petersen, 45, of Fremont faced Taylor for further arraignment on a charge of driving under suspension/before reinstated, a Class 3 misdemeanor alleged Sept. 1, 2020. The case is continued to March 17. Noting the defendant “is working to get license,” Taylor ruled she may contact the court for a waiver once she has the license. Bond filed Sept. 9, 2020, in the amount of $3,000, 10%, is also continued.

Chelsea L. Carman, 25, of Meadow Grove pleaded not guilty to disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor alleged in Neligh, during the early morning hours of Jan. 1.

Pretrial hearing is set March 17. Carman is represented by Figueroa.