Ninety-year-old man pleads guilty to violating protection order

Denis F. Kerkman, 90, of Tilden appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on Jan. 3, for pretrial conference on a charge of violating a protection order, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Kerkman pleaded guilty, pursuant to a plea agreement. In return, Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith agreed to recommend probation, with no jail time. Taylor ordered a pretrial investigation and set sentencing Feb. 7. Bond is continued, in the amount of $20,000, 10%, with an order for no contact, neither direct nor indirect, with victim. He is represented by Antelope County public defender Pat Carney.

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Jay L. Herrera, 22, of Vermillion, South Dakota, waived his right to preliminary hearing and was bound over to Antelope County district court on charges he failed to appear for a hearing. Taylor appointed Martin Klein, who represents him in the other case. He is set for arraignment Jan. 31. Bond is continued at $30,000, 10%. He was remanded to the custody of the Antelope County sheriff’s office.

Kevin R. Lloyd, 58, of Plainview pleaded guilty, by waiver, to hunting without permission, a Class 3 misdemeanor. He was fined $200 and taxed $49 costs. Lloyd was cited by a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officer Nov. 12, south of the county line on 870 Road.

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Kristopher T. Dorie, 39, of Albion appeared for pretrial hearing on a count of third-degree assault, alleged Aug. 22. Carney asked Taylor to set the case for a change of plea hearing and sentencing. Taylor set the hearing Feb. 7.

Tyler S. Zawacky, 30, of Elgin faced Taylor on three counts alleged Oct. 28, Count I, leave scene of property-damage accident and Count II, no proof of financial responsibility, both Class 2 misdemeanors, and Count III, fictitious plates, a Class 3 misdemeanor. He pleaded not guilty and requested jury trial. Pretrial hearing is set Feb. 7. Zawacky is represented by Carney.

Cameron J. Schindler, 19, of Neligh appeared for pretrial conference on charges in two cases. Charges include a Class 3 misdemeanor, minor in possession of alcohol, alleged Oct. 7 and three alcohol-related charges alleged Oct. 15, Count I, driving under the influence, a Class W misdemeanor; Count II, MIP; and Count III, speeding, an infraction. Carney said the case is “nearly resolved” and asked for a continuance. Taylor continued the hearing to Feb. 7, with $1,500 personal recognizance bond also continued.

Ronald Murray faced Taylor for pretrial hearing on three counts, no proof of financial responsibility, no registration and no operator’s license, alleged May 5, 2022. Carney requested continuance. He said the defendant needs more time to get insurance. A $1,500 personal recognizance bond is continued.

Thomas R. Miller, 54, of Petersburg appeared, without counsel, for further arraignment on a Class 2 misdemeanor, second-degree forgery, alleged Oct. 11, when he is accused of passing a counterfeit $100 bill at Elgin One Stop.

Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith requested continuance. He said he had requested reports from the Antelope County sheriff’s office but had not received them. Taylor continued arraignment to Feb. 7.

Miller asked for refund of his bail.

Taylor denied the request, “You will get it back when the case is done.”

Newell Douglas, 53, of Petersburg will have his bail returned, less a 10% processing fee and $51 court costs. Smith dismissed three Class 4 felony counts of issuing bad checks, second offense, upon Douglas’ payment of $531.37 restitution.