Federal probation search results in drug charges for Oakdale man

Max S. Kerkman, 34, of Oakdale faced the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on June 7, for first hearing on a pair of Class 4 felony drug possession charges. He is accused of possessing methamphetamine and oxycodone June 6.

If convicted, Kerkman faces up to $10,000 fine and/or up to two years incarceration for each count.

He requested continuance and told Taylor that he would retain an Omaha attorney, Tom Peterson, who had represented him in prior cases. Taylor set preliminary hearing July 5 and continued bond.

“What is bond? I have not been told yet,” Kerkman said. “I have the money but I don’t have my wallet or anything.”

Deputy Lyle Juracek informed Taylor that Kerkman had a “federal hold, so he can’t bond out.”

Taylor explained Juracek’s statement to Kerkman, “If you pay $2,000 (bond), then federal authorities will pick you up for whatever other case.”

He was remanded to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore, pending posting of bond in the amount of $20,000, 10%.

According to an arrest affidavit filed by a Nebraska State Patrol officer, Kerkman had recently been in federal prison and was serving a term of post-release supervision. U.S. probation officers requested assistance from NSP for a June 6 probation search at Kerkman’s residence, where officers found a small plastic bag containing a substance that field tested positive for meth, as well as five pills in a gun safe. The pills were later identified, with the assistance from a call to the poison control hotline, as oxycodone/acetaminophen.

Three defendants had their cases continued to July 5.

Gaylen L. Dredge, 60, of Neligh faced Taylor for further arraignment, accused of driving during revocation, a Class 2 misdemeanor alleged March 20. Dredge, as he had in May, told Taylor he would plead guilty, adding that he has paid the insurance but was tired of continually having his license suspended, so did not plan to have it reinstated. Taylor explained the reinstatement process and reasons for suspension and encouraged him to reconsider his options.

Wade Silbernagel, 28, of Orchard appeared, alongside Antelope County public defender Pat Carney, for preliminary hearing on a Class 3A felony allegation of violating the Nebraska Sex Offender Registration Act. Carney requested a one-month continuance. He said they were working on resolution. Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith agreed. Bond, in the amount of $10,000, 10%, is also continued.

Shane Sleister appeared on a Village of Oakdale nuisance ordinance violation. He told Taylor he was nearly done cleaning up the property. Smith, serving as special village attorney, asked to continue the case for one more month. He said he would check on the property in a couple weeks and probably dismiss the case.