Judge finds Oakdale man guilty of nuisance

Shane Sleister of Oakdale appeared in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last week, for trial on an Oakdale nuisance violation, alleged last February on his property at 606 Rath Street.

Special village assistant attorney, Joe Smith, had previously offered a deal after some abatement work was completed by the defendant. Smith agreed to dismiss the charge if Sleister paid $50 court costs. Sleister did not comply and the case was set for trial.

Sleister, who was self-represented, told the Honorable Donna Taylor that two vehicles that remain near his home need transmissions, which are there but he is unable to complete the work because his tools are in a pickup being held at the county impound yard. He said he had asked for them to be released “seven or eight times.”

He said some vehicles on the property belonged to others and that he had contacted the owners to remove them.

Smith called two Oakdale village employees Vicki Carstens and Brett Kysar, and chairman of the village board, Kyle Guggenmos, The witnesses testified regarding the village ordinance, notification sent to Sleister and a complaint that was received regarding a trailer and unlicensed vehicles on Sleister’s property.

Taylor asked Sleister if he had any evidence. When he began to explain, she told him he would first need to take the witness stand and be sworn in.

Slesiter replied, “I’m good” and declined giving sworn testimony.

When he subsequently said he hadn’t received a letter and didn’t have an opportunity to get the property cleaned up, Taylor stopped him.

“You said you didn’t want to be sworn and tell the truth,” she said. “This was filed...and the village has met (its) burden of proof.”

She also reminded Sleister the case resulting in the impound of his tools was filed in September, “You had six months...(and) there were many beneficial offers (that) didn’t work out.”

She found Sleister guilty and set sentencing March 6.

Sleister also appeared for pretrial hearing on two charges alleged Sept. 20, Count I, flight to avoid arrest, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and Count II, driving under suspension, a Class 3 misdemeanor. An oral defense motion for continuance was granted and Taylor held a hearing on Sleister’s Dec. 12, 2023, motion to release tools.

Smith consented to the release of tools from the pickup, other than a Milwaukee impact. Taylor ordered Sleister’s wallet, items in the wallet and the tools be released, with the exception of the Milwaukee impact wrench.

Pretrial is continued to Feb. 7. Bond is continued in the amount of $4,000, 10% cash. He was represented by Antelope County public defender Pat Carney.