Preliminary hearing continued on felony drug charge

Joaquin S. Echeverria, 28, of Brenham, Texas, (in custody) appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last week for preliminary hearing.

Escheverria is accused of a Class 1 C felony, possession of more than 28 grams of methamphetamine, with intent to deliver, alleged Feb. 19. Antelope County public defender Pat Carney requested continuance. Taylor continued the hearing to March 20.

Escheverria was remanded back to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore, pending posting $100,000, 10% cash, bond.

James A. Brady, 68, of Neligh, accompanied by his attorney, Joel Carlson of Norfolk, appeared for further arraignment on a Class 1 misdemeanor alleged Nov. 25, 2023, in Neligh. Brady pleaded not guilty to third-degree assault and requested a jury trial. Taylor set pretrial hearing for March 20. Bond is continued at $4,000, 10%.

Dennis Statler, 54, of Neligh faced Taylor for first hearing on a Class 4 felony bad check charge.

Statler requested a continuance so he could consult an attorney. Taylor continued the hearing to March 20.

Kriss Sanderson, 57, of Norfolk failed to appear for first hearing on a Class 4 felony count of issuing a bad check, alleged Aug. 7, 2023. Taylor ruled the county attorney may file motion, affidavit and order for an arrest warrant.

Julius Tauber, 21, Camp Lejune, North Carolina, through his attorney Ron Temple of Norfolk, again requested a continuance. Assistant county attorney Joe Hurd did not object. Taylor continued arraignment to April 3, on two Class 3 misdemeanor counts of intimidation by phone call, alleged Sept. 17-18, 2022.

Tauber is represented by Douglas Stratton of Norfolk.

The complaint was filed by Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith on June 12, 2023. Tauber has yet to appear in the county courtroom on the allegations. He filed a written not guilty plea in January and, according to the judge, acknowledged in writing that multiple continuances do not count against the state’s responsibility to provide a speedy trial.