Orchard man goes to prison for intended sale of meth

Justin M. Golter of Orchard will spend at least four years in prison for a crime committed more than two years ago.

Golter, 47, faced the Honorable Mark Johnson in the Antelope County district courtroom in Neligh on Nov. 30, for sentencing. Golter faced up to 50 years of incarceration for his conviction of a Class 1D felony, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, committed Aug. 13, 2020.

Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler brought to the judge’s attention incidents that occurred after Golter’s Aug. 31 conviction, when he fled the courthouse to avoid a test of his urine for the presence of drugs. He later tested positive for methamphetamine when he was booked into the Antelope County Jail. Because Golter may have been under the influence at the time of his plea, Johnson set the conviction aside and re-arraigned Golter on the felony charge. Golter again pleaded guilty, per terms of an Aug. 31 plea deal.

In return for the plea, Abler had dismissed three Class 4 felony allegations, possession of a controlled substance and two counts of theft by receiving stolen property, a trailer and an all-terrain vehicle, each valued between $1,500 and $5,000.

Abler reviewed the case history. He said a search of Golter’s vehicle after the 2020 traffic stop revealed a Crown Royal bag between the driver seat and the center console, containing about two ounces of meth, along with a roll of cash ($1,100) and a digital scale. He said other sale paraphernalia was found in the vehicle as well.

The prosecutor said he did not think Golter was a viable candidate for probation due to his criminal history and previous unsuccessful probation attempts.

Golter’s attorney, Antelope County public defender Pat Carney, said Golter had identified some of his issues in a letter sent to the court.

He said Golter’s addiction had “pretty much defined his life until now…He understands he has to face the consequences today.”

“I am an addict,” Golter told the judge. “Sheriff Moore and staff have led me in the right direction… the letters were heartfelt.”

Johnson sentenced him to an indeterminate term of not less than five nor more than eight years in a facility under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. He was given credit for 91 days previously served and was taxed $147 costs of prosecution. He must serve four years, less the 91 days, before attaining eligibility for parole.

Golter was remanded to Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore’s custody, to be transported to Lincoln.

Johnson also sentenced Christopher W. Robinett, 19, of Neligh for attempted burglary. Robinett was sentenced to a 24-month term of probation for his role in March 21 break-ins at two Neligh businesses, Neligh Vape Shop and the Fit Stop. He was also ordered to pay restitution, jointly and severally with his three co-defendants, in the amounts of $4,956 to Neligh Vape Shop owner and $730.56 to Craig Smith for damage to the building that housed the two businesses.

Terms of probation include payment of probation fees totaling $750 and $148 costs; 90 days in the county jail, with credit for 40 days previously served. The remaining 50 days may be waived on the recommendation of the probation officer.

“You really need to pay attention, so you don’t need to come back to be resentenced,” Johnson told the teenager. “Take this as an opportunity.”

Originally charged with two counts of burglary and one count of theft, Robinett pleaded guilty to the amended charge Aug. 31, pursuant to a plea bargain. The amended charge carried a potential for up to three years of incarceration and/or up to $10,000 fine.

Co-defendant Harley Snyder, 19, of Oakdale is set for sentencing Dec. 21, while Trinity Graham, 18, was sentenced Oct. 26. A fourth codefendant, a 16-year-old juvenile, was adjudicated on one count of burglary and one count of theft, June 1, in county court.