Judge Johnson sets four jury trials in January

The Honorable Mark Johnson set Jan. 11, 2022, jury trials for several defendants arraigned during the Sept. 29 session of Antelope County district court in Neligh.

Tiffany Beckman, 35, of Neligh faced Johnson on allegations of obtaining Medicaid assistance by fraud between Nov. 1, 2018, and April 30, 2020, (in an aggregate in excess of $1,500) and obtaining Nebraska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits by fraud between Nov. 1, 2018, and Aug. 31, 2020, (in an aggregate in excess of $1,500.

Both charges are Class 4 felonies, and each carries a potential sentence of up to $10,000 and/or up to two years’ incarceration, with up to two years of post-release supervision.

Beckman pleaded not guilty to both and is set for pretrial hearing Oct. 27, with $5,000 personal recognizance bond continued.

Beckman is represented by Antelope County public defender Patrick Carney.

Jennifer A. Blevins, 35, of Pierce, appeared on a Class 4 felony count, possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, alleged May 14 north of Oakdale. If convicted, Blevins faces up to two years in prison, followed by up to 12 months post-release supervision, and/or up to a $10,000 fine. She pleaded not guilty and pretrial hearing is set Oct. 27. Bond, posted May 15, in the amount of $10,000, 10%, was continued. She is represented by Carney.

George M. Kelly, 28, of Topeka, Kansas, appeared on two Class 3A felony counts of violating requirements of the Sex Offender Registration Act, alleged between March 15 and March 31 and between April 1 and April 15. If found guilty, Kelly faces up to three years in prison, followed by nine to 18 months of PRS, and/or a $10,000 fine. Kelly pleaded not guilty. Pretrial hearing is set Nov. 24.

A $5,000 personal recognizance bond is continued, with conditions allowing him to reside and work in Kansas. He is represented by Carney.

Samantha F, Lowder, 33, currently incarcerated at the Antelope County Jail in Neligh, appeared in front of Johnson on three counts, Count I, theft by receiving stolen property, more than $5,000, a Class 2A felony; Count II, possession of methamphetamine, a Class 4 felony; and Count III, criminal impersonation, also a Class IV felony.

If convicted, Lowder faces up to 20 years in prison on Count I and fines up to $10,000 and/or two years in prison, each, on counts II and III. She pleaded not guilty to all three counts. Pretrial conference is set Nov. 24, with bond in the amount of $50,000, 10%, continued. She is represented by court-appointed attorney, Martin Klein of Neligh. Lowder was remanded to the custody of the Antelope County sheriff, pending posting bond.