Sentence dates set in three county court cases

Kevin M. Socha, 33, of Elgin faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom Wednesday, Nov. 17, for a pretrial hearing on a count of second-offense driving under the influence of alcohol, .15 grams or more, a Class 1 misdemeanor. A plea agreement with Antelope County prosecutor Joe Abler was announced. Abler amended the charge to second-offense non-aggravated DUI and agreed to recommend a minimum sentence. Socha pleaded guilty to the amended charge. An enhancement hearing was held, with Taylor finding one previous conviction was suitable for enhancement. Sentencing is set Jan. 5, 2022. Bond, in the amount of $3,000 10%, posted June 7, is continued. Socha, who is represented by Brad Montag of Norfolk, was arrested for the offense June 4 on Highway 275 on the east side of Neligh.

Antwan J. Deleon, appeared for arraignment on a Class 2 misdemeanor, unauthorized use of a financial device/under $500. He waived his right to counsel and pleaded no contest. Taylor found him guilty of the Sept. 20 offense and set sentencing for Dec. 15.

Stacy Kaup, 41, of Bancroft admitted to violating probation ordered for driving under the influence of alcohol, second offense (.15 grams or more). A report by her probation officer indicated she had been excused from testing Aug. 13, when she said she had COVID symptoms and was going to get tested. She did not provide proof of testing on that date and received negative results on an Aug. 17 test. In addition, she had a positive alcohol test Aug. 20 and reported consuming alcohol Aug. 31. Taylor ordered an updated report from the probation officer regarding defendant’s performance on probation, with recommendations. Sentencing is set Dec. 15. Kaup is represented by Montag.

Kathy S. Genia, 65, of Veblen, South Dakota, faced Taylor on a Class 4 felony count, possession of a controlled substance, alleged Sept. 11. Genia requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found her indigent, appointed public defender Melissa Figueroa and set a preliminary hearing Dec. 1. A $1,500 personal recognizance bond is continued.

Andrew J. Clifton, 43, of Orchard faced Taylor for arraignment on three counts alleged June 22. He entered not guilty pleas to Count I, leave scene of property-damage accident, and counts II and III, willful reckless driving; and requested a jury trial. Pretrial hearing is set Dec. 15. Clifton is represented by court-appointed counsel, Martin Klein of Neligh.

Jonathyn M. Gunderson, 32, of Neligh appeared for arraignment on seven counts alleged Nov. 9. Gunderson, who is represented by Figueroa, pleaded not guilty to all seven charges and requested jury trial. He is accused of: Count I, driving under the influence of alcohol, first offense, a Class W misdemeanor; Count II, refusal to submit to chemical test, also a Class W misdemeanor; Count III, obstructing a police officer, a Class 1 misdemeanor; Count IV, leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, a Class 2 misdemeanor; Count V, operating a vehicle during suspension, a Class 3 misdemeanor; Count VI, careless driving, an infraction; and Count VII, possession of open alcohol container, also an infraction. A bond hearing was held. Taylor reduced bond from $10,000, 10% cash, set Nov. 10, to $3,000, 10%. Pretrial hearing is set Dec. 1. He was remanded to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore, pending posting of bond.

Raymond M. Connot, 61, of Neligh appeared for arraignment on a Class 2 misdemeanor count, assault by mutual consent, alleged Oct. 17 at 301 J Street in Neligh. Connot pleaded not guilty and requested jury trial. Pretrial hearing is set Dec. 15. He advised the court he had hired an attorney but wished to proceed without counsel’s presence.

Justin M. Golter, 46, of Orchard appeared for arraignment on three counts alleged Oct. 15, north of Orchard., Count I, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor; Count II, driving under suspension, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and unlawful/fictitious display of plates, a Class 3 misdemeanor. Golter waived his right to counsel and requested a continuance. Taylor continued arraignment to Dec. 1; $1,500 personal recognizance bond is continued as well.