Neligh man appears in county court, accused of violating probation

Pepper W. Marchant, 23, of Neligh faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom May 18 for a violation of probation hearing and a request to waive an upcoming jail sanction. Marchant requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor found him indigent and appointed Antelope County public defender Patrick Carney of Norfolk. The case is continued to June 1.

Information to revoke probation, filed by Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler on May 16, alleges Marchant violated a condition of probation to refrain from unlawful conduct, when he was arrested by Norfolk Police for second-degree criminal trespass, driving under the influence, 15+ or refusal, and possession of an open alcohol container Feb. 15. Marchant was placed on a 24-month term of probation Feb. 17, 2021, on four Class 1 misdemeanors, Count I, assault public safety officer with bodily fluid, counts II and III assault and Count V, obstructing a peace officer. He was also sentenced to 90 days in the Antelope County Jail, with credit for 81 days served prior to sentencing, on Count II and 90 days in the ACJ on Count III, to be served concurrently. The second jail order was modified in October 2021, to three waivable 30-day sentences, with the next set to commence June 1, if not waived.

Richard C. Jelich Jr., 27, of Neligh faced Taylor for pretrial hearing on five counts alleged April 16. He pleaded guilty to four counts, committed at his downtown Neligh apartment, pursuant to a plea agreement with Abler - three Class 1 misdemeanors, obstruct a police officer, resist arrest and obstruct government operations, and a Class 3 misdemeanor, disturbing the peace. In return, Abler dismissed a felony count, second-degree assault of a peace officer. Taylor ordered a presentence investigation report and set sentencing June 15. Jelich also requested a reduction of bond. Taylor reduced the $10,000, 10% bond to $5,000, 10%, instructing the county court office to issue a $500 refund to the defendant. He was represented by Carney.

Sergio S. Martinez, 34, of Clearwater was granted continuance of pretrial hearing on a charge of driving under suspension/before reinstated, a Class 3 misdemeanor alleged March 11. Martinez is represented by court-appointed attorney, Martin Klein of Neligh.

Sadie S. Dorn, 42, of Norfolk, who was set for a status hearing on a charge of driving under suspension, alleged May 28, 2020, requested continuance. Taylor continued the hearing to June 1. Bond posted Feb. 6, in the amount of $1,500, 10%, is continued. Dorn is self-represented.

Lisa M. Dugal, 56, of Neligh requested continuance of her hearing on allegations she violated probation. Taylor continued the hearing to July 6. Dugal is represented by court-appointed attorney Kyle Peterson of Tilden. She was placed on probation Feb. 3 for a conviction of false reporting.

Raymond F. Poli, 45, of Neligh requested continuance to finish the process to obtain a driver’s license. Taylor granted his request and set the next hearing for July 6. Poli is charged with having no operator’s license, alleged Jan 21 in Neligh. He is represented by Carney.