Antelope County felony cases bound over to district court

Andrew F. Sternberg, 32, of Creighton faced the Honorable Donna Taylor, on Wednesday, April 20, in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on a Class 2A felony, theft by unlawful taking, more than $5,000, alleged Feb. 23.

Sternberg waived his right to preliminary hearing and was bond over to the Antelope County district court, where he was set to appear for arraignment April 27. Taylor reduced bond to $25,000, 10% cash. Taylor appointed Antelope County public defender Patrick Carney of Norfolk on April 18.

Taylor signed a warrant for Sternberg’s arrest April 12, setting bond at $100,000, 10%, after a motion was filed by Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler. The charges involve more than $11,000 in alleged unauthorized transfers of funds from a victim’s bank account, according to an affidavit filed by Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore.

Three men facing felony charges in alleged burglaries of Neligh businesses, waived their rights to preliminary hearings when they appeared in front of Taylor last Wednesday. Taylor bound the three cases over to the district court, where they were set to appear for arraignment April 27. They are each charged with two counts of burglary and one count of theft, $1,500-$4,999. Bond hearings were held for each of the three defendants as well. They appeared with their respective court-appointed attorneys.

Harley J. Snyder, 19, of Oakdale appeared beside attorney Frederick Bartell of Norfolk. Taylor amended $25,000, 10% cash bond to $25,000, personal recognizance, with conditions that he live with his father, maintain curfew by being at his father’s residence between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. each day and have no contact with his co-defendants.

Christopher W. Robinett, 10, of Neligh appeared with Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa of Norfolk. Taylor amended his $25,000, 10% bond to $25,000 PR, with condition to reside with his brother in Hartington, maintain curfew by being at brother’s residence between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily and have no contact with his co-defendants.

Trinity Graham, 18, of Neligh appeared alongside attorney Brad Montag of Norfolk. Taylor amended his $25,000 PR bond to remove his curfew. His bond also includes a condition for no contact with co-defendants.

A fourth co-defendant, a juvenile, who appeared in front of Taylor along with parents and attorney, denied the same three charges. Taylor set curfew at 6 p.m. and denied a request to remove an ankle monitor. Ajudication is set June 1. The juvenile defendant, represented by Martin Klein of Neligh, is also ordered to have no contact with co-defendants.

William L. Knievel, 69, of Neligh also waived his right to preliminary hearing on a Class 3A felony, assault on a police officer, alleged March 29 outside the Antelope County Law Enforcement Center in Neligh. Taylor bound the case over to the district court, where Knievel was set to appear April 27. Three misdemeanor charges, obstruct police, obstruct government operations and disturbing the peace, were dismissed by Abler, without prejudice, and may be refiled in the district court. Bond in the amount of $20,000, 10% cash, posted April 6, is continued. He is represented by Figueroa.

Tori A. Wooters, 26, of Albion appeared for preliminary hearings in two related cases. She waived her right to the hearing on two counts in the original case, possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence, both Class 4 felonies alleged Jan. 19. Three misdemeanor counts, driving under the influence of drugs, refusal to submit to chemical test, first offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia, were dismissed by Abler, without prejudice. Taylor bound the case over to district court, where Wooters was set for arraignment April 27.

She was returned to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore, pending posting of bond, in the amount of $10,000, 10%.

In the second case, she was charged with a Class 4 felony, failure to appear while on bond. Pursuant to a plea agreement with Abler, Wooters pleaded guilty to a reduced charge, attempt of the Class 4 felony, a Class 1 misdemeanor committed when she failed to appear Feb. 16. Abler recommended a 45-day jail sentence. Taylor followed the recommendation and assessed her $50 costs of prosecution. Wooters was given credit for 30 days previously served, with credit for one day to go toward costs. She is represented by Figueroa.