Elgin woman found guilty of single Neligh ordinance violation

Linda Mack of Elgin appeared for trial on five counts of violating Neligh’s dangerous building ordinance last week in the Antelope County courtroom.

Mack had waived her right to counsel and pleaded not guilty, when she was arraigned Aug. 2, to a single count of maintaining a dangerous building in the city, alleged “on or about the 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9th day of June.” In the meantime, on Aug. 16, Neligh city attorney James McNally filed an amended complaint, separating the charge to five individual counts.

After hearing testimony and reviewing evidence Oct. 4, the Honorable Donna Taylor found Mack guilty of Count I and dismissed the remaining four counts. Sentencing is set Dec. 6.

Richard C. Jelich Jr., 28, of Neligh appeared, alongside Antelope County public defender Pat Carney, for pretrial hearing on a count of third-degree assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor alleged June 14 at a Neligh residence.

Jelich changed his plea to guilty, per terms of a plea agreement and Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith agreed not to oppose probation. Carney told the judge his client, anticipating probation, requested sentencing to be held that day due to beginning a new job. However, Taylor denied the request, ordered a presentence investigation and set sentencing Nov. 15.

“If he wants to be placed on probation, it is important that we get some information,” she said.

Jelich asked if he could complete the PSI with probation officials in Columbus, where he now works, and requested his bond (10% of $10,000) be returned, citing his need to purchase a vehicle. Taylor denied both requests. She said the bond owed him will be returned after sentencing and indicated the PSI needs to be done through the Norfolk probation office but that location of his supervision if probation is ordered would be determined by probation officers.

Ronald E. Murray, 60 of Norfolk failed to appear for pretrial hearing on three counts, no proof of financial responsibility, operating an unregistered vehicle and no operator’s license. Taylor issued a bench warrant for his arrest, setting bond at $5,000, 10%.

On Sept. 18, Taylor issued a warrant for the arrest of Newell Douglas, 52, of Petersburg, who failed to appear for arraignment Sept. 6. He is charged with three Class 4 felony bad check counts, totaling $531.37, alleged May 30, June 3 and June 11, all to Elgin One Stop.