Antelope County court cases resolved by plea deals

Two defendants were found guilty and fined by the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday, Feb. 16.

Amy E. Ferguson, 33 of Holden, Missouri, formerly of Royal, entered guilty pleas to charges in two cases, pursuant to plea bargains, and was fined in one case.

The second case was taken up by Taylor first. Charged with a count of third-degree domestic assault and two counts of third-degree assault, all Class 1 misdemeanors, she pleaded guilty to a single Class 3 misdemeanor, disturbing the peace, pursuant to an agreement with Antelope County prosecutor Joe Abler. Abler indicated all three victims had requested “exactly what was done.”

In response to a question by Taylor, Ferguson said she had a disagreement with her former boyfriend and his family and it “got out of hand.” She was fined $400 and assessed $50 costs of prosecution. Bond posted Dec. 30, in the amount of $10,000, 10%, was released, a portion assigned to fine and costs and the balance refunded to the defendant.

She was also scheduled for a preliminary hearing on a Class 3A felony, intentional child abuse and two Class 1 misdemeanors, third-degree assault and negligent child abuse. Abler dismissed the child abuse charges and Ferguson pleaded guilty to the assault charge that was committed Oct. 24, 2021. Abler recommended a sentence of 30 days in the county jail. Ferguson requested, and was granted, a 30-day continuance for sentencing, to allow her time to prepare. Taylor set sentencing for March 16. Noting no bond was in place in the case and bond in the other case had been released, the judge ordered a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.

Richard C. Jelich Jr., 27, of Neligh appeared for pretrial hearing on two counts. He changed his plea to guilty of disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor committed Nov. 29 at 405 N Street in Neligh, and Abler dismissed a count of criminal mischief pursuant to a plea agreement. Taylor fined Jelich $400 and taxed him costs of $50. A bench warrant, issued after the defendant’s failure to appear for a Feb. 2 hearing, was recalled.

Ian T. McConkey, 30, of Mankato, Minnesota, appeared for preliminary hearing on Count I, possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony; Count II, inhaling intoxicating substance, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and Count III, possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction. A plea agreement was announced. Abler reduced Count I to attempted possession of a controlled substance, a Class 1 misdemeanor, dismissed counts II and III; and recommended a 90-day jail sentence, stipulating defense could argue for lesser sentence. McConkey pleaded guilty. Sentencing is set April 6. Bond posted Nov. 17, in the amount of $20,000, 10%, is continued. He is represented by Figueroa.

Trenton D. Ellwanter, 31, of Norfolk pleaded guilty, by waiver, to fishing without a permit. He was fined $100 and $49 costs. He was cited Jan. 18 at Grove Lake.

Taylor granted two defendants’ requests for continuance.

Kaleb A. Williams, 29, of Elgin appeared for pretrial hearing on a Class 2 misdemeanor, no proof of financial responsibility, alleged Dec. 18. The hearing is continued to March 2. He is represented by Figueroa.

Raymond F. Poli, 45, of Neligh appeared for further arraignment on a Class 3 misdemeanor, no operator’s license, alleged Jan. 21, in Neligh. Poli, who was granted a continuance to consult an attorney Feb. 2, appeared without counsel. Upon questioning by Taylor, he said he was trying to reach his attorney “from back home” in Massachusetts, to resolve “something in the system about a $1,000 reinstatement fee.” Taylor continued his arraignment to March 2.