Judge orders jail for driver in January Elkhorn River crash

Xavier W. Hobbs, 20, of Ewing appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor last Wednesday, May 18, in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh. He was set for pretrial hearing on two counts, Count I, willful reckless driving, first offense; and Count II, minor in possession of alcohol, age19/20, both Class 3 misdemeanors. A plea agreement was announced. Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler reduced Count I to reckless driving, still a Class 3 misdemeanor, and Hobbs pleaded guilty to both counts.

Taylor sentenced Hobbs to 15 days in the Antelope County Jail on each count, to be served concurrently. His driver’s license was impounded for 60 days and he was taxed $50 costs of prosecution. The charges stemmed from a Jan. 29 accident, when Hobbs’ vehicle went into the Elkhorn River two miles east of Clearwater. Hobbs was represented by Antelope County public defender Patrick Carney of Norfolk.

Robert S. Reynolds, 55, of Pierce, who appeared for arraignment, waived his right to counsel and pleaded guilty to three counts, possession of marijuana, one ounce to one pound, a Class 3 misdemeanor, possession of drug paraphernalia, an infractions, and speeding, six to 10 miles over the posted limit, also an infraction. Taylor fined him $400, $25 and $25, respectively, and assessed $50 costs.

Anthony Williams of Wayne did not appear for a hearing on a motion to forfeit/revoke $4,000, 10% cash bond, posted June 30, 2021. The motion was filed by Abler after Williams twice failed to appear in court for sentencing on charges related to an incident at a concert in Clearwater last June.

Taylor ordered bond forfeited, with funds applied to fines/costs and the remaining balance to be paid to the county treasurer, pursuant to state statute.

Williams pleaded guilty to third-degree assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor, Jan. 5, pursuant to a plea agreement. Abler dismissed a second assault count and an obstructing government operations charge. He was set for sentencing Feb. 2 and when he did not appear, it was rescheduled for Feb. 16, when he was again a no show.

A warrant for Williams’ arrest, signed by Taylor in February, remains active. He was represented by public defender Melissa Figueroa.