Trial set in 2020 Antelope County case

A Norfolk woman appeared in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last week on charges alleged nearly two years ago.

Sadie S Dorn, 42, faced the Honorable Donna Taylor for arraignment on a charge of driving under suspension, alleged May 28, 2020, west of Neligh. She waived her right to counsel and pleaded not guilty to the Class 3 misdemeanor that carries a possible penalty of up to $500 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail and up to one year revocation of license, or only a $152 fine if the license has been reinstated before sentencing. She told the judge the charge was a misunderstanding, that she had never actually lost her license and had documentation to support her claim. Taylor told her she could present evidence at a trial, asking if Dorn was requesting jury trial or a bench trial.

“Just a trial to the judge,” Dorn said, then explained, “I just mean we don’t need a bunch of other people.”

Taylor told her she could show her documentation to the county attorney, if she wished, but cautioned anything she said could be used against her at trial.

A bench trial is slated April 6. Bond, in the amount of $1,500, 10% cash, is continued.

Dorn had failed to appear at an arraignment hearing in July 2020 and a warrant was issued for her arrest. The warrant was served by Platte County sheriff’s department Feb. 15 and she posted bond.

Two Neligh men reached plea deals with the county attorney. Simon Beacom, 19, and Jesse M. Green, 18, each entered guilty pleas to counts of minor in possession of alcohol and misrepresenting age to purchase alcohol. Abler agreed to file no additional charges and recommend probation.

Both admitted purchasing alcohol in Clearwater with “fake IDs,” which Abler said were “not issued by the state of Nebraska or any other state. Beacom said he consumed the alcohol at his home.

Green, represented by Martin Klein, of Neligh, had already scheduled an alcohol evaluation and sentencing is set March 2. Beacom, who is self-represented, was ordered to obtain an alcohol evaluation, with sentencing set March 16.

Hope M. Llanos, 32, of Schuyler appeared on a charge of interfering with government operations, a Class 1 misdemeanor alleged Jan. 8 at the Antelope County Law Enforcement Center in Neligh. Conviction of the charge carries a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year in jail. Llanos requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor appointed the public defender and continued arraignment to March 2.