Three Antelope County district court defendants accept plea deals

The Honorable Mark Johnson found three defendants guilty, when he presided over Antelope County district court Wednesday, May 25, in Neligh.

Andrew F. Sternberg, 32, of Creighton faced Johnson for pretrial hearing on two Class 2A felony counts, theft by unlawful taking, more than $5,000, and unauthorized use of a financial transaction device, more than $5,000. Sternberg pleaded guilty to Count II, pursuant to a plea agreement with Antelope County prosecutor Joe Abler, who dismissed the theft charge and agreed to recommend probation at sentencing, contingent on results of a presentence investigation report. Sternberg agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $11,132.56. Bond posted April 26 is continued at $25,000, 10% cash. Sternberg is represented by Antelope County public defender Pat Carney of Norfolk.

William L. Knievel, 69, of Neligh appeared for pretrial hearing on a Class 3A felony, assault on a police officer, and three misdemeanor charges, obstructing police, obstructing government operations and disturbing the peace, all alleged March 29 outside the Antelope County Law Enforcement Center in Neligh. A plea agreement was announced. Count I was reduced to a Class I misdemeanor by Abler, who also agreed to file no additional charges related to the incident. Knievel pleaded guilty to all four counts. Johnson ordered a presentence investigation and set sentencing July 27. Bond in the amount of $20,000, 10%, posted April 6, is continued. Knievel is represented by Carney.

Tori A. Wooters, 26, of Neligh appeared for pretrial hearing on Jan. 19 allegations, Count I, possession of a controlled substance, and Count II, tampering with physical evidence, both Class 4 felonies; Count III, driving under the influence of drugs, and Count IV, refusal to submit to chemical test, first offense, both Class W misdemeanors; and Count V, possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction. A plea deal was announced. Abler amended Count II to criminal attempt of tampering with physical evidence, a Class I misdemeanor, and dismissed counts III, IV and V. Wooters pleaded guilty to Count I and the amended Count II. Johnson ordered a PSI and set sentencing July 27. Personal recognizance bond, filed April 27, was continued at $10,000. Wooters is represented by Carney.

Johnson sustained defense motions to continue three cases. Pretrial hearings are continued to Aug. 31, with jury trials placed on the Sept. 19 docket.

Christopher W. Robinett, 19, of Orchard appeared for pretrial hearing on two Class 2A felony counts of burglary and a Class 4 felony count, theft, $1,500-$4,999. A $25,000 PR bond, filed May 11, is continued, with condition that he be at his mother’s Orchard home between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. He and three co-defendants are charged in connection with March 21 break-ins at two Neligh businesses, Neligh Vape Shop and the Fit Stop He is represented by Carney.

Jose J. Gonzales, 39, of Clearwater appeared beside Carney for pretrial conference on seven counts alleged March 11, counts I through IV, Class 3A felonies, attempted second-degree assault; counts V and VI, Class 1 misdemeanors, intentional domestic assault and third-degree assault; and Count VII, a Class 3 misdemeanor, willful reckless driving. Bond posted April 19 is continued, in the amount of $25,000, 10%.

Justin M. Golter, 46, of Orchard appeared for pretrial hearing on charges alleged Aug. 20, 2020 – Count I, possession of methamphetamine, with intent to deliver (two ounces), a Class 1D felony; Count II, possession of meth, a Class 4 felony and counts III and IV, theft by receiving stolen property, $1,500 to $5,000, Class 4 felonies. Bond, posted Oct. 20, 2021, in the amount of $50,000, 10%, is continued. He is represented by Carney.

Johnson signed a warrant for the arrest of Collin L. Willert, 21, current address unknown, who failed to appear for a hearing to show cause for nonpayment of $138 is costs from a 2019 case. The judge set bond for $1,500, 10% cash. Willert was sentenced April 24, 2019, by the Honorable James Kube to concurrent sentences of six months, six months and one year in a Nebraska Department of Correctional Services facility for respective counts of theft, second-degree trespass and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, all committed Jan. 14, 2019, in Oakdale.