South Dakota man found sleeping in Orchard home sentenced

A South Dakota man who was found sleeping in a rural Orchard living room in March appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor at the Antelope County courthouse in Neligh last week.

Douglas H. Jenkins, 36, of Brookings, waived his right to counsel and pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal trespassing, a Class 1 misdemeanor committed March 29.

Jenkins told the judge he had been driving for more than 20 hours and thought the farmhouse was abandoned.

“I know I must have,” he said. “I deeply apologize, it wasn’t my intent to enter anyone’s property.”

Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith recited a lengthy criminal history, including burglary and theft convictions, with the most recent in 2012, as well as a pending protection order violation in South Dakota.

“He’s a burglar and has been for a long time,” Smith said, although he acknowledged “most were a while ago.”

“That was 18 years ago, sir,” Jenkins responded. “I am 36 now…I was a troubled child.”

Taylor sentenced Jenkins to seven days in the Antelope County Jail, with credit given for seven days already served. He was taxed $50 costs.

According to a probable-cause affidavit, filed by Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore, officers were dispatched to a residence along Highway 20 east of Orchard. An 11-year-old boy had discovered the defendant sleeping on a couch when returned home after school. The boy “backed out of the house” and called his mother, who then called 911. When officers arrived, they found Jenkins’ van parked along the highway nearby and Jenkins inside the home, wrapped in a blanket, still sleeping on the couch. He did not respond to officers’ commands until Moore began removing the blanket. The sheriff reported, “It was apparent (Jenkins) was very high, he was not able to follow any questioning.” A pipe with marijuana was found later during an inventory of the van.

Ray M. Connot, 58, of Neligh appeared in front of Taylor on a speeding charge, driving 93 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone. He pleaded not guilty. Taylor found him guilty and fined him $200 and $49 costs for the Feb. 6 offense. He was cited by a Nebraska State Patrol officer west of Elgin on Highway 70.

Nayeli Rodriguez Jacobo, 25, of O’Neill appeared for arraignment on a count of no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor. Rodriguez Jacobo waived her right to counsel and pleaded guilty. Smith verified she had current insurance coverage. Taylor fined her $100 and $50 costs.

Kimberly K. McAllister, 20, of Ewing appeared for further arraignment on a Class 2 misdemeanor, driving during revocation/impound. Smith amended the charge to driving during suspension, a Class 3 misdemeanor. McAllister waived her right to counsel and pleaded guilty to the Jan. 11 offense. She showed proof her license had been reinstated. Taylor fined her $100 and assessed $50 costs.

Dominic Lee, 34, of Norfolk pleaded guilty, by waiver, to possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction; defective vehicle lighting, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and no valid registration, also a Class 3 misdemeanor. He was fined $100, $25 and $25, respectively, and taxed $49 costs for the Dec. 17, 2022, offenses committed in Neligh.