Judge Taylor arraigns two on felony charges, three for DUI

George M. Kelly, 28, of Topeka, Kansas, appeared before the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom, Aug. 18, on two counts of violating requirements of the Sex Offender Registration Act, alleged March 15 and April 1. Preliminary hearing on the Class 3A felony charges is set Sept. 1. If convicted, he faces potential sentences up to $10,000 fine and/or up to three years imprisonment, with up to 18 months post-release supervision, on each count. Taylor, noting his effort to appear in court, set bond at $5,000, personal recognizance, with terms including an allowance for him to reside and work in Kansas. Kelly is represented by Figueroa.

Bryan K. Bitner, 42, of Niobrara appeared for arraignment on a Class 4 felony alleged May 28, fraudulent insurance act. A conviction of the Class 4 felony carries a potential fine up to $10,000 and/or up to two years in prison, in addition to up to 18 months post-release supervision and restitution. Preliminary hearing is set Oct. 6. Bitner is represented by Brad Montag of Norfolk.

Lindsay Hatch, 21, of Neligh faced Taylor on a Class 1 misdemeanor, child abuse/ neglect. She requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found her indigent and appointed Figueroa. Arraignment is continued to Sept. 1.

Tracy L. Bellemare, 50, of Fremont appeared for arraignment on a second offense driving under the influence charge alleged July 6. The Class W misdemeanor carries a potential fine of $500 and between 30 days and six months in jail, in addition to 18 months driver’s license revocation. Bellemare pleaded not guilty and requested jury trial. Pretrial conference is set Oct. 6. Bond filed July 7, in the amount of $3,000, 10% cash, is continued. She is represented by Nathan Stratton of Norfolk.

According to a probable-cause affidavit, filed by Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore, Bellemare was arrested after officers observed her exceeding the posted speed limit on Highway 275, in Neligh. Moore indicated she showed signs of intoxication, registered .210 on a preliminary breath test at the site and tested .181 on the Data Master during booking procedures at the county jail.

Kevin M. Socha, 33, of Elgin appeared for arraignment on a count of second-offense DUI, .15 grams or more, a Class 1 misdemeanor alleged June 4 on Highway 275 on the east side of Neligh. If convicted, Socha faces a $1,000 fine, a jail sentence from 90 days to one year and revocation of his driver’s license between two and 15 years. He pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference is set Oct. 6. Bond filed June 7, in the amount of $3,000, 10%, is continued. Socha is represented by Brad Montag of Norfolk.

Callie J. Kraft appeared with her attorney, Brad Montag of Norfolk, for arraignment on five counts, Count I, driving under the influence of alcohol, first offense, and Count II, refusal to submit to chemical test, first offense, Class W misdemeanors; Count III, obstructing a peace officer, Count IV, obstruct government operations and Count V, third-degree assault, Class 1 misdemeanors. The offenses were allegedly committed June 1, in Clearwater. She pleaded not guilty and requested jury trial. Pretrial hearing is set for Oct. 6. Bond, in the amount of $10,000, 10% , filed June 2, is continued.

Russell L. Meyer, 63, of Orchard, who is accused of a Class 2 misdemeanor, second-degree trespass/defy order to leave, appeared on a motion to modify bond. Meyer requested permission to travel out of state to attend a vision program in Illinois. Abler offered no objection if the defendant waived his right to a speedy trial first, but informed the judge that a plea agreement had been offered and accepted by Meyer, but acceptance had been withdrawn earlier Wednesday. Taylor granted the bond amendment, informing Meyer his waiver would allow the trial to take place more than six months after charges were filed. Meyer agreed, saying a year later would suit him. Taylor set Meyer’s jury trial Monday, Nov. 22, with Nov. 17 available for any pretrial motions. All other terms of his bond remain in effect, including to have no contact with the alleged victim. Meyer is represented by Figueroa.

Dominac J. Donahey, 21, of Lincoln faced Taylor for pretrial conference on two counts, third-degree assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor, alleged June 26 in Clearwater. Donahey changed his not guilty plea to no contest on Count I, per terms of a plea agreement. In return, Abler dismissed Count II and agreed to file no additional charges and recommend probation. Taylor found Donahey guilty of third-degree assault and ordered a presentence investigation. Bond posted June 30, in the amount of $4,000, 10%, is continued. Donahey is represented by Figueroa.

Martin R. Siems, 46, of Clearwater appeared with his attorney Ronald Temple of Norfolk, for a hearing on a motion in limine and pretrial conference on Class W charges of DUI, first offense, and refusal to submit to chemical test, first offense, both alleged March 20.

A plea deal was announced, that included Abler amending the complaint to include just one count of reckless driving, in exchange for Siems’ guilty plea. Taylor scheduled entry of plea for Oct. 6 and ordered Siems to complete an alcohol evaluation prior to entry of plea and sentencing. Bond filed March 20, in the amount of $1,500, 10%, is continued as well.

Jessie J. Tobin, 33, of Kearney denied allegations in a motion to revoke probation. He had been sentenced to probation for a 2017 conviction of DUI, third offense. A trial is set Oct. 6. Tobin was reminded he remains on probation.