Sentencing delayed for two convicted in Antelope County court

The Honorable Donna Taylor allowed several defendants continuances when she presided from the bench in the Antelope County courtroom last Wednesday, Aug. 18.

Matthew F. Brandt, 34, of Royal appeared for sentencing on a conviction of leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, a Class 2 misdemeanor committed Jan 28 in Orchard. A continuance was requested to determine the amount of restitution. Antelope County prosecutor Joe Abler said the insurance deductible is $1,000.

Taylor reviewed results of a substance abuse evaluation with Brandt, which she said reported he had not been drinking at the time of the January accident but that he was a regular user of marijuana. She said that would not be allowed if he is sentenced to probation and that he would be tested.

“Come back prepared,” she said. “A jail sentence may be easier.”

She also said he would be tested prior to sentencing, which is continued to Sept. 1. Brandt is represented by Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa.

William D. Anson, 37, of Orchard did not appear for sentencing. Figueroa, appearing on his behalf, requested continuance. She told Taylor that Anson was accepted at a Norfolk treatment facility and had an intake physical scheduled at noon Wednesday. Taylor continued sentencing to Oct. 6. Bond in the amount of $5,000, 10% cash, posted May 13 is continued.

Anson pleaded guilty July 21, per terms of a plea deal, to theft by shoplifting, committed April 24 at Bomgaars in Neligh.

Other cases continued included:

Preliminary hearings for Jared Blevins, 36, and Jennifer Blivens, 35, of Pierce were continued at the request of Abler, who indicated the arresting officer, sheriff Robert Moore, was unavailable. The Blivens are each charged with a Class 4 felony count of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, alleged May 14, north of Oakdale. Taylor continued both preliminary hearings to Sept. 1. Bonds, each in the amount of $10,000, 10%, filed May 16 and May 15, respectively, is continued as well. Jared Blevins is represented by court-appointed counsel Brad Montag of Norfolk and Jennifer Blivins, by Figueroa.

Arraignment for Anthony Williams, 29, of Wayne was again continued, and an amended complaint, adding a pair of third-degree assault charges, was filed by Abler. Williams is now set for arraignment Sept. 1. Bond, in the amount of $4,000, 10%, filed June 28, is also continued. He had appeared July 21, when he initially waived his right to counsel and entered guilty pleas to counts of obstructing government operations and disturbing the peace, alleged June 27 at a Clearwater concert. Abler then requested continuance, citing the potential filing of additional charges.

Arraignment for Dustin W. Rosberg, 33, of Petersburg is continued to Sept. 1. Rosberg is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, first offense, and possession of an open alcohol container, both alleged July 25. Bond filed July 25, in the amount of $1,500, 10%, is continued also.

Pretrial hearing for Aaron D. Biermann, 56, of Wisner was continued to Oct. 6. Bond filed May 2, in the amount of $1,500, 10%, is continued as well. Biermann is accused of DUI, first offense, .15 grams or more, a Class W misdemeanor alleged April 2. He was arrested on a county road near Brunswick. He is represented by Michael Tasset of Oakland.