Arrest warrants pending for two no show defendants

Two defendants failed to appear in Antelope County courtroom in Neligh for hearings in criminal cases last Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Matthew F. Brandt, 34, of Royal again failed to appear for sentencing. His attorney, public defender Melissa Figueroa, requested continuance, Antelope County prosecutor Joe Abler objected.

The Honorable Donna Taylor ordered a warrant be issued for his arrest, as she indicated would happen at the time of his previous no show.

Brandt was convicted of leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, a Class 2 misdemeanor committed Jan 28 in Orchard. Sentencing had been continued several times since he pleaded guilty, per terms of a plea deal, June 2. Taylor had reviewed results of a substance abuse evaluation with Brandt in August, which she said indicated he was a regular user of marijuana and warned he would be tested prior to sentencing.

Andrew J. Clifton, 52, of Orchard failed to appear for arraignment on three counts alleged June 22, a Class 2 misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an accident and two Class 3 misdemeanor counts of willful reckless driving, first offense. Taylor ruled the county attorney may file affidavit, motion and order for arrest warrant.

Abler, the following day, notified Clifton that arraignment was continued to Nov. 3, noting failure to appear would necessitate a warrant for his immediate arrest.