Plea bargains accepted in county court cases

Andrew J. Clifton, 43, of Orchard appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday, Feb. 2, for pretrial conference on three counts. A plea deal was announced, resulting in Clifton pleading guilty to Count I, leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and Count II, willful reckless driving, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and agreed to pay restitution in full to the victims. Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler dismissed a second willful reckless driving charge and agreed to file no additional charges related to the June 22 incident in Orchard. Taylor ordered Clifton to obtain an alcohol/drug evaluation from a certified alcohol/drug counselor. Sentencing is set March 16. Clifton is represented by court-appointed counsel, Martin Klein of Neligh.

Roger R. Hauf, 19, of O’Neill appeared for pretrial hearing on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, .15 grams or more, second offense, a Class 1 misdemeanor. A plea bargain was reached. Abler amended the charge to DUI, second offense, agreed to file no additional charges in the case and recommend probation at sentencing. Hauf pleaded guilty to the reduced charge, a Class W misdemeanor committed Sept 12, 2021. An enhancement hearing was held, with Taylor finding a prior Holt County DUI conviction was suitable for enhancement. Sentencing is set March 16. Bond posted Sept. 13, 2021, in the amount of $3,000, 10% cash, is continued. Hauf is represented by Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa.

Dustin W. Rosberg, 33, of Petersburg faced Taylor on Count I, DUI, first offense, a Class W misdemeanor committed July 25, 2021, and Count II, possession of an open alcohol container, an infraction. Rosberg pleaded guilty to Count I, per the plea agreement. Abler dismissed Count II, agreed to file no additional charges in the case and recommend probation at sentencing. Sentencing is set March 2, $1,500, 10%, bond is continued. Rosberg is represented by Ron Temple of Norfolk.