Charge reduced for man accused of assaulting county worker

An 18-year-old Oakdale man accused of assaulting an Antelope County road employee Sept. 23, near the Oakdale lagoon, had a felony charge amended to a misdemeanor after the prosecutor reviewed police and medical records.

Haiden M. Sleister appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday. A first-degree felony assault charge, alleged Sept. 23 near the Oakdale lagoon was reduced to a Class 1 misdemeanor, third-degree assault. The amended complaint, filed by Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler on Oct. 19, still includes a second Class 3 misdemeanor count of willful reckless driving.

A motion filed by Abler indicated the decision to amend the charge came after reviewing reports received that day regarding the victim’s injury. He determined there was evidence the defendant “caused the victim bodily injury … rather than serious bodily injury” as alleged in the original complaint.

Sleister entered not guilty pleas to both charges and requested jury trial. Taylor reduced bond from $50,000, 10% cash, to $5,000, 10%, with condition that he reside with his mother and be home by 8 p.m. nightly. Pretrial hearing is set Nov. 3. Sleister was remanded to Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore’s custody, pending posting of bond. He is represented by Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa.