Forgery defendants appear in court

Two Oakdale women have admitted to committing forgery as part of the sale of a “friend’s” vehicle. The 2000 GMC Yukon had been parked at the residence of one of the defendants while the vehicle’s owner was out of town for several weeks.

Sada L. Carr, 34, changed her pleas to a pair of second-degree forgery counts last week after reaching a plea deal with Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler. In return for guilty pleas to the Class 1 misdemeanors, Abler agreed to file no further charges (first-degree conspiracy to commit forgery and forgery in the first degree, both Class 3 felonies) related to the incident and to recommend probation if a presentence investigation report supports it, with restitution to be determined at sentencing.Carr was represented by court-appointed attorney, Martin Klein of Neligh.

Carr withdrew her not guilty pleas and pleaded no contest. Taylor found her guilty of both counts, ordered a PSI and set sentencing for Oct. 6.

A codefendant, Donneceia McFarland, 34, appeared to be sentenced for her part in the crime. McFarland had pleaded guilty to a single count of second-degree forgery June 16, pursuant to a plea deal with Abler.

On McFarland’s behalf, court-appointed attorney, Melissa Figueroa requested probation, telling Taylor her client was a stay-at-home mom to three children ages 14, 13 and 4, and was a caretaker for her mother. She wanted to stay home with her children until the 4-year-old starts school next year.

Taylor sentenced her to six months of probation, including fees of $180, and $60 costs of prosecution. She was ordered to find employment for at least 20 hours per week and pay $500 restitution to Shane Sleister, by Jan. 4, 2022, or obtain a written statement/receipt showing payment if already paid.

McFarland had presented a copy of a cashier’s check as proof of paying the restitution.

“I am not going to accept that. It doesn’t say what it’s for or anything,” Abler said.

McFarland asked Taylor if she could submit a receipt from Sleister’s girlfriend, who the check was given to. Taylor indicated the receipt has to be signed by Sleister.

According to Abler’s recitation of the case history, McFarland forged the signature of Shannon Boyd, the owner of the Yukon, on a bill of sale showing it was “gifted” to Carr, who subsequently filed a sales/use-tax form, showing the vehicle was a gift.

Abler said Carr forged an application with the county treasurer for a new title and after selling the vehicle for $500 to Sleister, signed the fraudulent title over to him.

According to Abler, Boyd has been unable to get a clear title to her vehicle, due to the fraudulent title that was issued. Taylor asked if Sleister would sign it.

“No, he’s in prison,” the prosecutor said. “Last I talked to him, he didn’t have the $500 back.”