Fake IDs from China used to purchase alcohol

Several underage alcohol customers in the area either purchased or had plans to purchase alcoholic beverages using identification cards obtained over the internet.

One of the young men appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor last Wednesday, March 2, to be sentenced on two counts, minor in possession of alcohol and misrepresenting age to obtain alcohol, while a second is scheduled for sentencing March 16.

Jesse M. Green, 18, of Neligh was sentenced to a six-month term of probation, including $220 probation-related fees and a $250 fine on each count. He was assessed $50 costs of prosecution.

Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler recommended 18 months of probation, due to the potential for identity theft. Green’s attorney, Martin Klein of Neligh, argued that his client had “no idea” that other people’s information was at risk and he had no criminal history.

“Anything more than six months’ probation is excessive,” Klein said.

Taylor said she didn’t want to take away from Abler’s concerns, but she had concerns about putting people on probation too long and that six months would take him through graduation, the summer and beginning college.

According to Abler, the IDs, when scanned by a merchant, simply indicated the buyer was of age. However when officers scanned them, other “real” people’s identifying information was displayed, with a photo showing only under a black light, and included identifying information for a woman in Lincoln and one in Omaha. He said Green was the “main contact” for a group who purchased the IDs. He said the more that were purchased, the cheaper they were.

Abler said Green cooperated with officers and the other IDs had been recovered. He said he didn’t believe there was intent for fraud by the defendants.

“They just wanted to buy beer,” he said.

“I just made a mistake, and I realize what I have done,” Green told the judge.

Dustin W. Rosberg, 33, of Petersburg faced Taylor for sentencing on a first-offense driving under the influence conviction, a Class W misdemeanor. He was arrested July 25, 2021, by a Nebraska State Patrol officer who observed him driving left of center on Highway 45. Taylor sentenced Rosberg to a nine-month term of probation, including $310 in related fees; a $500 fine; revoked his driver’s license for 60 days and assessed $150 costs. Rosberg was represented by Ron Temple of Norfolk.

Matthew Jung, 38, of Norfolk appeared for sentencing in two cases. In the first case, Taylor fined him $100 for driving under suspension, $300 for possession of marijuana, $10 for possession of drug paraphernalia, $75 for speeding and $1 costs. Previous costs were handled with bond that was forfeited. The charges stemmed from a traffic stop April 28, 2021, west of Plainview on Highway 20.

In the second case, Jung was fined $50 and assessed $50 costs for failing to appear in court. Jung, who had twice failed to appear, told the judge he “forgot what day it was.”

Cassandra L. Howell, 28, of Trinidad, Colorado, waived her right to preliminary hearing. Taylor bound the case over to the Antelope County district court, where arraignment is set March 30. She is charged with possession of methamphetamine, a Class 4 felony. Howell also requested a reduction of bond. Bond, first set at $20,000, 10%, was reduced to $10,000, 10%, Feb. 16. County attorney Joe Abler objected to further reduction. Taylor denied the request, reasoning the defendant had no connection to the community. Howell was remanded to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore, pending posting of bond. She is represented by Klein.

Preliminary hearing for Howell’s co-defendant, Darrion J. Cescolini, 27, of Denver, was continued to March 16, on a Class 1D felony, possession of heroin with intent to deliver, and a Class 4 felony, possession of heroin. His bond is set at $20,000, 10%.

The couple was arrested Feb. 12, after the vehicle they were passengers in was pulled over by Nebraska State Patrol troopers east of Brunswick on Highway 20.