O'Neill man goes to jail for theft of fishing gear

Trey A. German, 21, of O’Neill faced the Honorable Kale Burdick for sentencing last Tuesday, June 22, on a Class 1 misdemeanor count of theft by deception, $501 - $1,499.

Burdick sentenced him to 95 days in the Holt County Jail, with credit for five days previously served. He was taxed $62 costs of prosecution. German was ordered to stand committed to the HCJ until costs are paid in full.

The crime, committed Feb. 15, was not reported until Feb. 23, when the victim received a monthly billing. German made two separate purchases at Bomgaars in O’Neill. He charged the purchases to the account of Spring Lake Angus Company, with assistance, via telephone, from a female and a male accomplice, who claimed to be authorized users of the charge account. He purchased an ice auger for $534.99 at about 9:30 a.m. and an ice-fishing tent for $368.07 at about 6 p.m. Both items were recovered.

German, after waiving his right to counsel, pleaded guilty to the crime when he faced Burdick for arraignment May 4.

Veronica M. Hartz, 20, of Bassett appeared for sentencing on two Class 3 misdemeanors committed March 7, Count I, amended to driving under suspension/before reinstated and Count II, no valid registration. Burdick fined her $250 on Count I and $25 on Count II and assessed $50 costs of prosecution. Hartz waived her right to counsel and pleaded guilty April 13.

Kedron R. Koehler, 24, of O’Neill appeared in front of Burdick for sentencing on two counts committed April 9 in O’Neill, Count I, driving under suspension/before reinstated, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and speeding, 21-35 miles per hour over the posted limit (40 mph in 15 mph zone), an infraction. He was fined $100 on Count I, $200 on Count II and assessed $50 costs.

Koehler was arrested May 15, on a warrant issued May 11 after he failed to appear in court. He posted bond in the amount of $3,000, 10% cash the same day. He waived his right to counsel and pleaded guilty to both counts May 18, pursuant to Kelly’s agreement to recommend fines and delay sentencing one month.

Michael D. McDaniel, 30, of Potter faced Burdick on four counts. Pursuant to a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to two counts, possession of marijuana, one ounce or less, admitting second-offense enhancement, a Class 4 misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction. In return, two additional counts of possession of paraphernalia were dropped by Kelly.

Burdick fined McDaniel $400 and $100, respectively, for the May 13 offenses committed in O’Neill, and taxed him $50 costs of prosecution.

Michael R. Johns, 27, of O’Neill waived his right to counsel, pleaded guilty and was fined $100 and taxed $50 costs for an infraction count of possessing drug paraphernalia, committed May 1 in O’Neill.

Kaley M. Hoffman, 25, of O’Neill was fined $50 and taxed $49 costs for possession of an open alcohol container, an infraction committed May 13 in O’Neill.

Hoffman waived her right to counsel and pleaded guilty to the charge after reaching agreement with Holt County prosecutor Brent Kelly, who dismissed a count of possession of marijuana, second offense, once ounce or less.

Burdick signed a warrant for the arrest of Daniel M. Randall, 26, of O’Neill, who failed to appear for sentencing.

A warrant was previously issued for Randall’s arrest Feb. 16 when he failed to appear in court for arraignment. He was arrested on that warrant Feb. 25, and was subsequently convicted of theft by shoplifting, second offense, March 23, after reaching a plea deal with Kelly. Kelly amended the complaint, striking three of four prior convictions, and agreed to file no further charges as a result of the incident.

Randall pleaded guilty to the amended complaint and agreed to pay restitution of $30.

Ana L. Aleman, 20, of O’Neill pleaded guilty, by waiver, and was fined $20 and $49 costs for allowing a dog to run at large in O’Neill on May 22.

Walter D. Mason, 47, of Norfolk pleaded guilty, by waiver, and was fined $50 and assessed $49 costs for an infraction count, possession of open alcohol container, committed June 16 in O’Neill.

Milton Thomas Reiman, 59, of O’Neill pleaded guilty, by waiver, to two counts. He was fined $100 for hauling hay commercially on farm plates, $100 for hauling hay with only one strap and assessed $49 costs. He was cited by a Nebraska State Patrol carrier enforcement officer June 3 on Highway 275 west of Ewing.

Joseph R. Wright, 57, of Creighton pleaded guilty, by waiver, to a Class 2 misdemeanor Game and Parks violation, fishing without permit, committed May 29 in Atkinson. He was fined $100 and assessed $49 costs.