Preliminary hearings set in felony assault cases

Haiden M. Sleister, 18, of Oakdale appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday on a first-degree felony assault charge, alleged Sept. 23 near the Oakdale lagoon.

Taylor set preliminary hearing for Nov. 3. A bond review hearing was held. Abler did not object to a defense request for reduction. Taylor reduced bond to $50,000, 10% cash. He was remanded to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore, pending posting of bond. Sleister is represented by Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa.

Brian J. Tibbens, 50, of Elgin faced the judge on a first-degree felony assault charge, alleged Sept. 26, at a rural Elgin residence. Preliminary hearing is set Nov. 3. A bond review hearing was held. Tibbens’ attorney requested a reduction, Abler objected. Taylor denied the request. Bond continues at $100,000, 10%. Tibbens was remanded to Moore’s custody pending posting of bond. He is represented by Figueroa.

Anthony Williams, 29, of Wayne appeared for further arraignment on an amended complaint charging him with counts I and II, third-degree assault and Count III, obstructing government operations, Class 1 misdemeanors, and Count IV, disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor, all alleged June 27 at a Clearwater concert. Williams filed documents requesting court-appointed counsel and Figueroa was appointed Sept. 29. Pretrial hearing is set Nov. 3. Bond, in the amount of $4,000, 10%, posted June 28, is continued.

Lisa M. Dugal, 56, of Neligh appeared for arraignment on a Class 1 misdemeanor, false reporting, alleged July 15 in Neligh. Dugal requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found her indigent and appointed Kyle Petersen of Tilden. Further arraignment is set Nov. 3.

Angela Flores, 43, of Neligh waived her right to counsel and pleaded not guilty to violating a Neligh junk ordinance. A bench trial is set Nov. 3.

Callie J. Kraft appeared with her attorney, Joel Carlson of Norfolk, for pretrial hearing 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. A plea agreement was announced. Kraft pleaded guilty to counts I and III, offenses committed June 1, in Clearwater. In exchange, Abler dropped counts II, IV and V. Taylor ordered a presentence investigation report including a drug and alcohol evaluation and set sentencing Dec. 1. Bond, in the amount of $10,000, 10%, filed June 2, is continued.

Bryan K. Bittner, 42, of Niobrara appeared for a preliminary hearing on a Class 4 felony, fraudulent insurance act, $1,500 to $5,000, alleged May 28, 2019. The charge was amended by Abler to a Class 1 misdemeanor, criminal attempt-fraudulent insurance act. Bittner pleaded no contest and was found guilty by Taylor. Sentencing is set Nov. 3. Bittner is represented by Bradley Montag of Norfolk.

Jesse J. Tobin, 33 of Kearney appeared for trial on a motion to revoke probation ordered on a 2017 third-offense DUI conviction. A plea agreement was announced. Tobin admitted accusations that he violated terms of probation. Per the agreement, Abler will recommend the statutory jail sentence and Figueroa will provide comments for a different disposition. Tobin was reminded he remains on probation and is ordered to comply with all terms and conditions.

Kevin M. Socha, 33, of Elgin appeared 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. He requested continuance to consider a plea deal offered by the county attorney. Taylor continued the hearing to Nov. 3. According to a pretrial report filed by Abler, the agreement would include Socha pleading guilty to an amended charge, DUI, second offense (non-aggravated). It would also include Abler’s agreement to file no additional charges and a recommendation for probation, fine and statutory license revocation. Bond filed June 7, in the amount of $3,000, 10%, is also continued. Socha is represented by Montag.

James A. Kreizel, 37, of Creighton was granted a continuance for sentencing on a count of driving under suspension/before reinstated, a Class 3 misdemeanor committed July 6 near the intersection of highways 13 and 20. Sentencing is now set Nov. 17.

Stacy Kaup, 41, of Bancroft, appeared on an alleged probation violation. Kaup requested continuance to consult an attorney. Taylor granted the request. Arraignment is continued to Nov. 3.

Abler dismissed felony charges against A. Jared Blevins, 36, of Pierce. Blevins and co-defendant Jennifer A. Blevins, 35, also of Pierce, were each charged with possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, Class 4 felonies alleged May 14 north of Oakdale. AJ Blevins’ case dismissal, without prejudice, was filed Oct. 1. Jennifer Blevins remains on the Antelope County district court docket.