Eighty-nine-year-old man faces judge for protection order violation

Denis F. Kerkman, 89, of Tilden faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on Aug. 17, to be arraigned on a Class 1 misdemeanor, violation of a protection order. If convicted, Kerkman faces a potential penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment.

Kerkman requested court-appointed counsel, specifically asking for Martin Klein. Taylor initially appointed Antelope County public defender Pat Carney, but as Kerkman appeared to misunderstand her multiple times, she finally asked Abler if he had any objection to appointing Klein. With no objection, she changed the appointment to Klein.

As the judge continued attempts to explain actions in both Antelope County and Pierce County, where Kerkman faces similar charges that were alleged on two separate dates, Kerkman began making statements including, “I went to visit my wife because I love her very much.” He also made allegations regarding law enforcement, claiming, among other things, that he was “molested by a county sheriff.” Taylor made several attempts to quiet him until he had an opportunity to speak with his lawyer.

“You have an attorney in Pierce County and in Antelope County to talk to about all this,” she said before setting further arraignment for Sept. 7. He was remanded back to Sheriff Robert Moore’s custody, pending posting of bond in the amount of $5,000, 10%.

A domestic abuse protection order was issued against Kerkman by Boone County District Court Judge Rachel Daugherty on April 13 and remains in effect for one year, with his spouse listed as the protected party. Kerkman was arrested at his Tilden residence on an Antelope County allegation that he contacted her at her Neligh residence Aug. 9.

Kerkman posted 10% of a $1,500 bond April 21, after his arrest on the first Pierce County charge. That bond is up for revocation. He then posted 10% of a new $20,000 bond June 19, after his arrest on the second Pierce County charge. After he failed to appear in Pierce County court Aug. 10, while he was in custody on the Antelope County charge, a warrant was again issued for his arrest and a hold placed at the Antelope County Jail, with a new bond set at $25,000, 10%.

Jake R. Short, 22, of Meadow Grove, appeared for arraignment on a pair of Class 2 misdemeanor counts of second-degree forgery, alleged in February and March. If convicted, Short faces the potential for fines of $1,000 and/or six months in jail for each count, in addition to restitution to the victims. A complaint, filed by Abler on July 8, alleges Short forged two checks between Feb. 26 and March 3, in amounts of $67.12 and $66.61, to JB Mart and another, in the amount of $300, to Heritage Bank on Feb. 27, all on the account of the same individual. Short requested court-appointed counsel. Carney was appointed, with further arraignment set Sept. 7.

Isaac W. Anderson, 37, of Brunswick appeared alongside Klein, his new court-appointed attorney, for further arraignment on a Sex Offender Registry Act violation, a Class 3A felony. Klein was appointed by Taylor on Aug. 11, replacing Carney, who withdrew due to a conflict of interest.

Klein told the judge he had a “couple of things to look at,” before Anderson waives his right to a preliminary hearing. A status hearing is set Sept. 7. Bond, in the amount of $5,000, 10%, posted July 8, is continued.

Shana Padilla, 46, of Brunswick appeared for arraignment on a Class II misdemeanor count, no proof of financial responsibility, alleged July 19. If convicted, Padilla faces up to a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail. She waived her right to counsel, pleaded not guilty and requested a bench trial. Abler requested time to subpoena a Dairyland insurance agent to determine the exact time insurance was effective. Taylor set the case for trial Oct. 5.

Bobbi S. Jenkins, 37, of Plainview appeared for arraignment on two counts alleged July 12, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and traveling on a closed road, an infraction. A conviction of Count I carries a potential penalty of up to $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail, while Count II carries a maximum fine of $100. Jenkins requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor appointed Carney. Further arraignment is set Sept. 7. Jenkins was cited by an Antelope County deputy southeast of Oakdale.

Ashley A. Coleman, 34, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, failed to appear on an infraction count of possessing drug paraphernalia, alleged July 9 in Neligh. Taylor ruled that county attorney may file motion, affidavit and order for arrest warrant.

Further arraignment for Matthew J. Wright, 48, of Oakdale on three counts alleged July 2 in Oakdale, child abuse, a Class 3A felony, and two counts of first-degree assault, Class 1 misdemeanors, is continued to Sept. 7. Bond posted Aug. 7, in the amount of $10,000, 10%, with condition for no contact, directly nor indirectly, with his stepchildren, and written permission from anyone he resides with, is continued as well. Wright is represented by Carney.