Antelope County judge accepts guilty pleas from defendants

Tyson A. Belitz, 23, of Neligh appeared in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday, July 6, alongside his attorney, Jeff Doerr of Neligh. He faced the Honorable Donna Taylor for arraignment on a Class 3 misdemeanor, reckless driving, first offense, committed June 4 in Neligh. Belitz pleaded guilty. He faces up to a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail and up to a one-year revocation of his driver’s license.

Taylor questioned Belitz about the offense, asking if alcohol was involved. Belitz admitted he had consumed alcohol. The judge asked county attorney Joe Abler if there was an investigation for driving under the influence. Abler said there was, with a Datamaster test result of .104. Taylor ordered Belitz to obtain an alcohol evaluation and set sentencing for Aug. 3.

Michael R. Braband, 27, of Elgin appeared with his attorney, Dennis Morland of Norfolk, for further hearing on five felony counts of issuing bad checks totaling $572.23 in 2021. A plea agreement was announced. Braband had paid restitution to all five merchants. He pleaded guilty to two amended counts, reduced by Abler to Class 2 misdemeanors. The county prosecutor dismissed the remaining three counts. Taylor said she needed time to sort through the information.

Taylor set sentencing for Aug. 3. Bond posted April 16, in the amount of $10,000, 10%, is continued.

Makenna L. Taake 20, of Norfolk appeared for arraignment on a Class 3 misdemeanor count of minor in possession of alcohol, committed at a concert in Clearwater June 25. According to Abler, Taake admitted to a deputy that she took a “sip” of alcohol. A preliminary breath test administered by the Antelope County deputy registered .189. Taake waived her right to counsel and pleaded guilty. Taylor told her to be more honest with officers in the future and fined her $300 and assessed $50 costs of prosecution.