Albion man fined for assault, prompt payment nets $500 credit

Kristopher Dorrie, 39, of Albion appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday, Feb. 21, on a third-degree assault charge.

Dorrie pleaded guilty pursuant to a plea agreement with Antelope County prosecutor Joe Smith. In return, Smith recommended a fine only.

Although Dorrie testified he didn’t think the victim, Cody Luscomb, was injured, he agreed to pay Luscomb’s restitution claim of $500.

“I picked him up and we went to the ground, no punches,” Dorrie said. “(Luscomb) said he was (injured) but I don’t see how he was.”

Smith said the victim “didn’t care on sentencing.” He had not sought medical treatment but claimed injury and asked restitution for lost wages.

Dorrie’s attorney, public defender Pat Carney, said Dorrie had no criminal history for the last 20 years and explained the altercation between former friends. He said Dorrie, in a defensive move, wrapped Luscomb in a “bear hug” from the rear and took him to the ground.

“On the playground or in the old west, that would have been the end of it,” Carney said.

Taylor ordered Dorrie to pay $500 restitution and fined him $800, with credit to be given on the fine for the $500 restitution if paid by March 6. He was taxed $50 court costs.

Dorrie paid the $500 before leaving the courthouse.

David A. Hertges, 42, of Austin, Minnesota, pleaded guilty, by waiver, to an amended count of no operator’s license. He was fined $75 and assessed $49 costs for the Nov. 28, 2023, offense.

Sentencing for Denis Kerkman, 90, of Tilden on a recent conviction of violating a harassment protection order is continued to March 20. Bond is continued, in the amount of $20,000, 10%, with an order for no contact, neither direct nor indirect, with victim. Kerkman is represented by Carney.

Sentencing was also postponed for Richard C. Jelich Jr., 28, homeless, for violation of probation. Resentencing is continued to March 6. Bond is continued at $10,000, 10%. It will be amended if Jelich is accepted in treatment or for residence at Oxford House and is transported directly from the Antelope County Jail.

A Petersburg man accused of passing a counterfeit $100 bill last fall saw his charge dismissed on Thursday.

Thomas R. Miller, 54, had been denied a request for a bail refund earlier this month. On Thursday, Smith dismissed the forgery charge after Miller assigned the $135 bond held by the county - $100 to Elgin One Stop and $35 toward court costs in the case. He paid the costs balance of $16 on Feb. 21.