Antelope County district court defendants reach plea bargains

Two defendants entered guilty pleas to amended charges when they faced the Honorable James Kube in the Antelope County district courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Ethan Moses, 20, of Chambers faced Kube, alongside Antelope County public defender Pat Carney, charged with a Class 3A felony, terroristic threats and Count II, intimidation by telephone call, a Class 3 misdemeanor, both alleged April 1. Carney announced a plea agreement had been reached. Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith filed an amended complaint, charging Moses with two Class 1 misdemeanor counts of third-degree assault and agreed to file no additional charges in the case. Kube informed Moses of the possible sentences for the crimes - up to one year in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine on each count.

Moses pleaded guilty. Smith told the judge the crimes were a “boyfriend/girlfriend type thing” and involved text messages received in Antelope County, although they may have been sent from another county. Smith said the texts threatened harm to the victim’s family and in one, he “pretended to be somebody else and threatened himself.”

Kube ordered a presentence investigation report be prepared by a probation officer and set sentencing Oct. 25. Bond, in the amount of $10,000, 10% cash, is continued.

Jordan Knievel, 22, of Neligh also appeared beside Carney, charged with a Class 3A felony, assault on a peace officer, along with two Class I misdemeanors, false reporting and obstructing a peace officer. Carney announced a plea deal. Smith filed an amended complaint, with Count I reduced to a Class I misdemeanor, third-degree assault; and Count II the obstruction of police charge. Kube informed Knievel of the possible penalties for the Class 1 misdemeanors, up to one year incarceration and/or a $1,000 fine for each. Knievel pleaded guilty to both counts. Kube ordered a PSI report and, at Smith’s request, ordered the PSI include a psychological evaluation, with the cost to be borne by Antelope County. Sentencing is set Oct. 25.

Smith told Kube police were dispatched to a “peacekeeping” call that escalated to the officer being injured.

“No great injury,” Smith said. “But (it) was injury as described by statute.”

He said the police officer indicated her behavior was out of character and informed the judge that she has a similar case in Madison County, alleging it involved drugs.

Carney indicated Knievel had completed treatment at Valley Hope..