Woman given chance to have felony conviction dismissed

An Oakdale woman who recently pleaded guilty to felony drug possession, will see her case dismissed, if she successfully completes a specialized court program.

Sarah J. Ward, 46, of Oakdale appeared in front of the Honorable James Kube, in the Antelope County district courtroom in Neligh on March 2, for arraignment on a Class 4 felony count of possession of methamphetamine.

Ward, who waived her right to preliminary hearing during Antelope County Court proceedings March 1, was represented by Antelope County public defender Pat Carney. A plea deal was announced. Ward entered a guilty plea in exchange for the opportunity to participate in the Northeast Nebraska Adult Felony Drug Court program.

Kube deferred sentencing and allowed Ward to participate in the program.

The post-plea intensive supervision treatment program is designed for adult felony drug offenders in the seventh judicial district of Nebraska that includes Antelope County.

According to Nebraska.gov, adult drug courts are an alternate route through the criminal justice system for nonviolent drug-related offenders, utilizing a specialized team process that functions within the existing court structure. Upon successful completion of the program - a minimum of 18 months of specialized supervision and treatment - the charge will be dismissed.

Ward’s bond was set at $10,000, personal recognizance.

Ward was arrested Jan. 5 at her Oakdale home by Antelope County sheriff Robert Moore after a search warrant was executed. According to a probable-cause affidavit filed by Moore, the warrant was issued after Moore was contacted by an Oakdale resident.