Habitual no show given one more chance

Matthew F. Brandt, 34, of Royal once again failed to appear in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh for sentencing last Wednesday. Brandt was convicted, June 2, of leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, a Class 2 misdemeanor committed Jan 28 in Orchard. His attorney, public defender Melissa Figueroa, requested continuance, indicating Brandt had been in contact with someone who had Covid-19. Antelope County prosecutor Joe Abler objected.

The Honorable Donna Taylor continued sentencing to Oct. 20 and ordered Brandt to provide the court with proof of his relative’s positive test.

“The court will not issue a warrant until after Oct. 20 at 11 a.m., if defendant does not appear,” Taylor ordered.

Sentencing had been continued four previous times, Oct. 6, when someone called Figueroa’s office indicating he was undergoing a root canal; Aug. 18, when he appeared but the prosecutor requested continuance; Aug. 4, when the attorney said he was stranded in McCook; and July 21, no reason given. Taylor reviewed results of a substance abuse evaluation with Brandt Aug. 18, which she said indicated he was a regular user of marijuana and warned he would be tested prior to sentencing.

William D. Anson, 37, of Orchard did not appear for sentencing. Abler requested continuance to file a transport order. Bond in the amount of $5,000, 10%, posted May 13 is continued. Abler withdrew a motion to revoke bond. Anson pleaded guilty July 21, per terms of a plea deal, to theft by shoplifting, committed April 24 at Bomgaars in Neligh.

Casey N. Fulguim, 36, of Conroe, Texas, failed to appear for further arraignment on a Class 1 misdemeanor count of third-degree domestic assault, alleged July 16 in Neligh. His court-appointed attorney, Martin Klein of Neligh requested continuance, Abler objected. Taylor denied the request and issued a bench warrant for Fulguim’s arrest, setting bond at $20,000, 10% cash. She also ordered his previously posted bond ($10,000, 10%) is subject to forfeiture pending proper motion and notice.

Fulguim’s wife, Misty D. Fulguim, 34, of Neligh failed to appear as well. She was set for pretrial hearing on a Class 2 misdemeanor count, assault by mutual consent, also alleged July 16 in Neligh. Taylor ruled Abler may file motion and affidavit for arrest warrant. She was represented by Figueroa.

Taylor ruled the county attorney may file motion, affidavit and order for a warrant for the arrest of Antoine J. Edwards Jr., 27, of Omaha. Edwards failed to appear for arraignment on charges of driving under suspension and speeding, alleged Sept. 6.

Taylor re-issued a warrant calling for the arrest of Adalberto Sanchez, who had failed to appear in 2016. Sanchez was charged with driving under the influence, no operator’s license and possession of an open alcohol container, all alleged June 26, 2016.