Atkinson man reconsiders waiver of attorney

An Atkinson man, who was scheduled for sentencing and a restitution hearing in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last week, reconsidered a previous choice to waive his right to counsel.

Michael R. Pulis, 46, pleaded guilty on July 5, to Count I, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor; operate an unregistered vehicle, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and careless driving, an infraction, all committed Dec. 21, 2022, when he was involved in a two-vehicle collision west of Neligh.

He told the judge he had recently undergone surgery and will not be able to work for a “couple of months,” prompting him to request an attorney.

The Honorable Donna Taylor appointed Antelope County public defender Pat Carney and continued sentencing to Sept. 6.

Ronald E. Murray, 60, of Norfolk appeared for arraignment on May 2022 charges, Count I, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor; Count II, no registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and Count III, no operator’s license, a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Murray requested court-appointed counsel. Taylor appointed Carney and set further arraignment Sept. 6.

Murray was cited by an Antelope County deputy in Oakdale on May 6, 2022. He was also given verbal warning for two stop sign violations. He failed to appear in court June 15, 2022, and a warrant was issued Aug. 17, 2022. The warrant was served by Madison County authorities April 7 this year and Murray filed a $1,500 personal recognizance bond. He again failed to appear in court April 19 and a second warrant for his arrest was issued May 3. The warrant was served last week in Norfolk and Murray posted $1,500, 10% bond.

Ronald E. Murberger, 47, and Melissa A. Murberger, 47, of Neligh each appeared for arraignment on a charge of third-degree assault (mutual consent) alleged June 29 in Neligh. They both requested court-appointed attorneys, entered not guilty pleas and requested jury trials. Pretrial hearings are set Sept. 6. Ronald Murberger is represented by Carney and Melissa Murberger, by Klein.

Max S. Kerkman, 34, of Oakdale appeared without counsel on a pair of Class 4 felony drug charges, possession of methamphetamine and oxycodone.

Kerkman requested court-appointed counsel. Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith objected, pointing out the difference between income and expense on Kerkman’s application. Taylor denied the request but continued the case to Sept. 6. to allow Kerkman time to retain counsel. Bond, in the amount of $20,000, is continued.

Kerkman was arrested following a June 6 federal probation search at his Oakdale residence.

Taylor ruled Smith may file motions for warrants on individuals who failed to appear in court last week.

Marta E. Yanes Cambara, 53, of Neligh was truant for the second time on a felony bad check charge. Yanes Cambara is accused of writing multiple checks, totaling more than $2,100, to Thriftway Market in Neligh during a three-day period, from May 30 and June 2.

Mary Fay Cicero, 24, of Wausau, Wisconsin, failed to appear to show cause for not filing waiver nor appearing in court on a May 19 speeding ticket.