Neligh man faces judge on felony assault of police officer charge

The Honorable Donna Taylor presided over arraignment of several defendants in the Antelope County Court in Neligh on April 20.

Richard C. Jelich Jr., 27, of Neligh faced Taylor on five counts alleged April 16 in Neligh. He is charged with a Class 2 felony, second-degree assault of a peace officer; three Class 1 misdemeanors, obstruct a police officer, resist arrest and obstruct government operations; and a Class 3 misdemeanor, disturbing the peace. Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa was appointed by Taylor on April 18 and bond set at $10,000, 10%. Preliminary hearing is set May 18.

Police were dispatched to Jelich’s apartment in downtown Neligh at 2:30 a.m. April 16. He was allegedly yelling, making loud noises and throwing things against the walls, according to a probable-cause affidavit filed by a Neligh police officer. Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore and two deputies also responded. Jelich refused to open the door and, at one point, allegedly hit a door hard enough to shatter glass in a storm door, which struck the Neligh officer. When officers gained entrance to the apartment, they found the defendant in the bathroom naked, according to the affidavit. He continued to resist officers as he was transported to the Antelope County Jail, and when booking was initiated. According to the document, a deputy deployed her taser to gain control of him.

Sergio S. Martinez, 34, of Clearwater pleaded not guilty to driving under suspension/before reinstated, a Class 3 misdemeanor alleged March 11. He requested jury trial. Pretrial hearing is set May 18. Martinez is represented by court-appointed attorney, Martin Klein of Neligh. Interpreter Perla Alarcon-Flory appeared telephonically. Martinez was cited by a NSP officer March 11, northwest of Clearwater on Orchard Road.

Lisa M. Dugal, 56, of Neligh appeared on an allegation she violated probation. A motion for revocation of probation, filed by Abler on April 5, alleges Dugal failed to produce sample for testing and signed a refusal document March 21. The probation office further alleged she failed to appear at the probation office as instructed the following day. Dugal requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found her indigent and appointed Kyle Peterson of Tilden. Further hearing is set May 18. Dugal was placed on an eight-month term of probation Feb. 2 for a conviction of false reporting.

Anthony S. Osborne, 42, of Valentine appeared on a Class 2 misdemeanor charge, driving during revocation, subsequent offense, alleged April 7, in Neligh. Osborne requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor appointed Figueroa. Further arraignment is set May 18. Personal recognizance bond of $1,500 is continued.

Alexander J. Robinson, 20, of Tilden appeared for arraignment on a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, false reporting, alleged March 19, west of Tilden on a county road. Robinson requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor appointed Figueroa. Further arraignment is set May 18. Personal recognizance bond in the amount of $4,000 is continued.

Xavier W. Hobbs, 20, of Ewing was granted continuance to May 18 for pretrial hearing on two Class 3 misdemeanor counts alleged Jan. 29, willful reckless driving, first offense, and minor in possession.

On April 18, Taylor signed a warrant for the arrest of Dennis D. Sothman, 42, of Atmore, Alabama. Sothman is charged with a Class 4 felony, possession of methamphetamine; a Class 3 misdemeanor, operating a motor vehicle during/after suspension/revocation/impoundment; and an infraction, possession of marijuana, less than one ounce, firsr offense, all alleged Dec. 23. 2021, after Sothman was injured in a traffic accident on Highway 275, between Oakdale and Tilden, according to an affidavit filed by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper. Taylor set bond at $20,000, 10%.