Teen sentenced to probation, restitution in Neligh break-ins

Two of four young men charged in connection with March 21 break-ins at two Neligh businesses, Neligh Vape Shop and the Fit Stop, were set for sentencing in the Antelope County district courtroom in last week. Each had been convicted of one Class 3A felony, criminal attempt burglary.

Trinity Graham, 18, was accompanied by his court-appointed attorney, Brad Montag of Norfolk.

In line with the recommendation in presentence investigation reports, Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler recommended probation.

“I think that is the best sentence at this time for these young individuals,” he told the judge.

Montag agreed, asking his client be sentenced similarly to a codefendant, a 16-year-old juvenile who was adjudicated June 1, in Antelope County Court. He said Graham is currently employed and working toward obtaining a GED, after dropping out of high school. He said Graham was “following along” and wasn’t on his medication which led to making poor decisions.

“(It’s not) an excuse, he knows better,” the lawyer said.

Graham said his family was upset with him. He also told the judge he was “just following along with my codefendants.”

Johnson quoted his grandmother, who used to ask if his friends jumped off a bridge if he would also.

“It’s applicable,” he said. “Think for yourself, before you do something like this, think about your mom…and dad and brother. They spent all this time caring for you then you do something like this. You could go to prison, what would you do there?”

Graham was sentenced to an 18-month term of probation, including $570 in fees, along with restitution, jointly and severally with his three co-defendants, in the amounts of $4,956 to Neligh Vape Shop and $730.56 to Craig Smith for damage to the building that housed the two businesses. Graham was ordered to pay a minimum of $100 per month to the businesses.

Harley Snyder, 20, of Oakdale appeared with his court-appointed attorney, Frederick Bartell, of Norfolk. Snyder had not finished required forms related to a PSI, indicating his phone had been out of service. After a stern lecture, Johnson continued sentencing to Dec. 21. Snyder’s personal recognizance bond was amended to add a condition to appear at all appointments with the probation office to complete the PSI.

“If you fail, you will be brought back in here,” the judge said. “That kind of excuse is only going to work once.”

The remaining codefendant, Christopher W. Robinett, 19, of Neligh is set for sentencing Nov. 30.