Sioux City couple appears in county court on felony drug charges

A Sioux City, Iowa, couple, Brent A. Jonas, 45, and Christina M. Jonas, 37, appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on Oct. 5, for first hearings on felonies. They are each facing two counts alleged Sept. 18, Count I, a Class 2A felony, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and Count II, a Class 4 felony, possession of methamphetamine. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison on Count I and up to two years and/or a fine up to $10,000 on Count II. Preliminary hearings are set Nov. 2.

Antelope County public defender Pat Carney of Norfolk had been appointed earlier to represent Brent Jonas, who remained in custody. Carney requested bond be reduced from $50,000, 10%, to $10,000, 10%. Although Taylor commented the amount was “normally pretty low” for the felony charges, she amended bond to $10,000, 10%, with requirement for a waiver of extradition. She warned Jonas that if he was arrested for “any reason whatsoever,” bond would go back to the original amount.

Christina Jonas, who posted 10% of her $50,000 bond Sept. 19, requested court-appointed counsel. In answer to questions by Taylor, Jonas said her mother had put up her bond but couldn’t afford to pay for an attorney. Taylor appointed Martin Klein of Neligh.

The couple was arrested near 846 Road on Highway 14 by an Antelope County deputy sheriff, after he pulled over a vehicle, driven by Brent Jonas, allegedly traveling 83 miles per hour in a 65-mph zone.

According to a probable-cause affidavit filed by the deputy, items located in the vehicle allegedly included a cream containing THC and marijuana, a clear pipe containing a white substance that field tested positive for meth and dozens of commercially packaged marijuana products, several containing concentrated cannabis or THC oil, including edibles, creams and leaf marijuana. Two bags had slips of paper inside with individuals’ names.

Koda K. Fernau, 18, of Clearwater appeared for first hearing on a felony count of making terroristic threats, and for arraignment on two misdemeanor counts of disturbing the peace, alongside his court-appointed attorney, Ryan Stover of Norfolk. If convicted of the Class 3A felony, he faces a penalty of up to three years of incarceration, up to a $1,000 fine or both. If convicted of the Class 3 misdemeanors, he faces up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail. Preliminary hearing was set on the felony charge Oct. 19. Fernau was remanded to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore, pending posting of bond set at $25,000, 10% cash. On Oct. 7, Taylor sustained a motion filed by Stover, to allow Fernau to make contact with Summerland School staff for education purposes.

Fernau’s charges stem from actions he allegedly committed Sept. 2, Sept. 6 and Sept. 9. Allegedly, while riding on a Summerland bus Sept. 2, he commented about purchasing a firearm and, while at work in Neligh on Sept. 9, he allegedly threatened to shoot up a Summerland Public School bus.

Lynn D. Koinzan, 62, of Elgin faced Taylor, without counsel, for arraignment on a Class 3 misdemeanor count of reckless driving. He said he had retained an attorney, although he could not recall the lawyer’s name. He waived representation for arraignment purposes only, pleaded not guilty and requested jury trial. Pretrial hearing was set Oct. 19. He was cited Aug. 31, in Elgin, by an Antelope County deputy.

Adam M. Babl, 35, of Norfolk appeared for further arraignment in two cases. In the first case he is charged with, Count I, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and Count II, no registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor, both alleged June 18. If he is convicted, Babl faces potential penalties of up to $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail on Count I and up to $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail on Count II. In the second case, he is charged with DUI, +.15, a Class W misdemeanor, alleged July 8. Conviction would lead to a potential penalty of a $500 fine, seven to 60 days in jail and one-year driver’s license revocation. Babl entered not guilty pleas to all counts and requested jury trial. Pretrial hearing is set Nov. 2. A $1,500 personal recognizance bond is continued. Babl is represented by Carney.

Justin M. Golter, 47, of Orchard appeared alongside Carney, for further arraignment on three Class 1 misdemeanor counts related to his alleged flight from officers after an appearance in district court Aug. 31, resisting arrest, obstructing officers and obstructing government operations. He pleaded not guilty and requested jury trial. Pretrial hearing is set Nov. 2. He was remanded to Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore’s custody, pending posting of $50,000, 10% cash bond, in addition to a $250,000, 10% bond issued in the district court case.

Two defendants failed to appear for arraignment. Taylor ordered arrest warrants be issued upon Abler’s filing of proper affidavits and motions.

Jacob Thramer, 31, of Oakdale was truant on second-degree trespassing and criminal mischief charges, both alleged Sept. 2, and Heather Rokahr, 37, of Elgin failed to appear on possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, both infractions alleged July 11, near Elgin.