Antelope County residents sentenced

Andrew J. Clifton, 52, of Orchard faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County Court in Neligh last Wednesday, April 7, for pretrial hearings in two cases.

A plea agreement was announced by Clifton’s attorney, Ronald Temple.

Pursuant to the agreement, Clifton pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor committed at his parent’s Orchard home Oct. 27, 2020. Taylor fined him $200 and assessed costs of prosecution in the amount of $52.

In the second case, Clifton was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol Oct. 6, 2020, the night firefighters responded to a fire at his home. Pursuant to the agreement, Antelope County prosecutor Joe Abler amended the charge to reckless driving, a Class 3 misdemeanor. Clifton pleaded guilty and was fined $500 and taxed $150 costs.

Alexander E. Huffman, 34, of Neligh appeared before Taylor for sentencing on a count of disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor committed Jan. 1, at his Neligh home. Taylor fined him $500 and taxed $50 costs of prosecution.

Huffman was represented by Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa.

Jennifer M. Hines, 42, of Neligh was sentenced on two counts, no operator’s license on person, amended from no operator’s license, and operating an unregistered vehicle, Class 3 misdemeanors committed Feb. 17. A Class 2 misdemeanor count of no proof of financial responsibility was dismissed by Abler. Taylor fined her $25 on each count and assessed $50 costs. Hines waived her right to counsel.

Tina M. Petersen, 45, of Fremont, who had failed to appear March 17, pleaded guilty by waiver, March 24, to a charge of driving under suspension/before reinstated, a Class 3 misdemeanor committed Sept. 1, 2020. Petersen was fined $100 and $49 costs.

Matthew F. Brandt, 34, of Royal appeared for a pretrial hearing on two counts alleged Jan. 28 in Orchard, Count I, leave scene of a property-damage accident, a Class 2 misdemeanor; and Count II, driving under suspension, a Class 3 misdemeanor.

The case proceeds to a June 2 jury trial. According to a status report filed by Abler, the trial is expected to last one-half day. The report also indicated a plea deal had been offered to the defendant.

Brandt is represented by Figueroa.

Rogelio R. Geronimo, 29, of Royal, appeared for arraignment on a Class 3 misdemeanor count, alleged Feb. 26, driving under suspension.

Through an interpreter, Geronimo requested a continuance to consult with an attorney. Taylor granted the request, continuing arraignment to May 19.