Neligh man sentenced to probation for 2021 assault

Matthew R. Thomas, 37, of Neligh appeared in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on July 3 to be sentenced for third-degree assault, a Class 3 misdemeanor committed nearly three years ago - in October 2021.

Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith told the judge that Thomas’ former wife, who was not present at the hearing, had requested he receive some jail time so their children would see he got some punishment. Thomas’ attorney, Michelle Schlecht of Norfolk asked for probation.

The Honorable Donna Taylor sentenced Thomas to a 12-month term of probation. Terms include 30 days in the Antelope County Jail, beginning March 3, 2025, if not waived. Taylor ordered him to continue therapy, to take medication as prescribed and to follow a parenting plan included in his recent divorce decree. He was taxed $50 costs and $390 probation fees.

As part of the May 15 plea bargain, Smith had reduced a Class 3A felony child abuse charge to the misdemeanor assault charge and Thomas pleaded no contest. The deal also included a joint recommendation for probation.

Kris Sanderson, 57, of Norfolk, appeared on a Class 4 felony, issuing a bad check. A plea bargain was announced. Sanderson pleaded guilty to an amended Class 2 misdemeanor bad check charge. Smith noted that restitution had been paid.

Taylor sentenced Sanderson to 13 days in the Antelope County Jail, with credit for 14 days previously served, and $49.69 restitution to Mr. S’s. The extra day credit was applied to costs.

Sanderson was represented by Antelope County public defender PatCarney.