Neligh woman faces judge for alleged assault on officer

Jordan J. Knievel, 21, of Neligh faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on April 5 on three counts, Count I, third-degree assault on a police officer, a Class 3A felony; Count II, false reporting, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and Count III, obstructing a police officer, also a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Taylor advised Knievel of the possible penalties if she is convicted of the charges, including up to three years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine on Count I and up to one year and/or $1,000 fine on each counts II and III. Knievel requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor appointed Antelope County public defender Pat Carney and set further hearing April 19.

Knievel was arrested April 2 after she allegedly called 911 reporting a disturbance at a Neligh convenience store where she was employed, according to a probable-cause affidavit filed by Neligh police officer Darin Ternus. She allegedly refused to leave the store, argued with family members and officers, eventually refused to exit the police cruiser and kicked the officer during the booking process at the Antelope County Jail.

Ethan B. Moses, 19, of Chambers appeared alongside his attorney, Brad Montag of Norfolk, on Count I, terroristic threats, a Class 3A felony; and Count II, intimidation by phone call, a Class 3 misdemeanor, alleged between March 30 and April 1. Taylor informed Moses of the potential penalties if he is convicted of the charges, up to three years imprisonment and/or up to $10,000 fine on Count I and up to $500 fine on Count II.

Montag asked for continuance, suggesting Taylor set a status hearing in 30 days. Smith requested a preliminary hearing be set instead. “It’s a felony, we don’t want to linger too long in county court,” he said.

Taylor set preliminary hearing for May 3 and continued bond posted April 2, in the amount of $10,000, 10% cash, with condition for no contact with the alleged 16-year-old victim. Bond conditions were amended to allow Moses to take a planned trip to Iowa.

Geoffrey A. Carr, 23, of Oakdale appeared for arraignment on, Count I, leave scene of property-damage accident, a Class 2 misdemeanor; Count II, littering, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and possession of open alcohol container, an infraction, all alleged Feb. 19. Carr pleaded not guilty to all three counts and requested jury trial. Pretrial hearing is set May 3. Carr is represented by Martin Klein of Neligh.

Sadie M. Eberhardt, 39, of Creighton failed to appear for arraignment on a charge of driving during revocation/impound, a Class 2 misdemeanor, alleged Jan. 31 in Orchard. Taylor ordered a bench warrant be issued, setting bond at $1,500, 10% cash. In addition, a $1,500 personal recognizance bond filed Feb. 1 is subject to forfeiture upon motion and notice.

Taylor also ruled that Smith may file motions with supporting affidavits for the arrest of three additional defendants who failed to appear in court last week.

William Hamernik, 83, of Omaha failed to appear for arraignment on two charges, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and no valid registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor, alleged Nov. 24, 2022.

Gilda Perez, 46, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, failed to appear for arraignment on two counts, driving during revocation, a Class 2 misdemeanor; and speeding, an infraction, alleged Dec. 27, 2022.

Michael R. Pulis, 46, of Atkinson failed to appear on three counts, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor; no valid registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and careless driving, an infraction, alleged Dec. 21, 2022.

Two Oakdale residents failed to appear on complaints alleging violations of the village’s nuisance ordinance. Smith, on behalf of the Village of Oakdale, made a motion to continue both cases. Taylor continued arraignment for Shane Sleister and Tom Wilkinson to April 19.