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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 1C felony, possession of more than 28 grams of methamphetamine, with intent to deliver.

Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith called Nebraska State Patrol trooper Seth Miller to the stand. Miller testified that Escheverria possessed 74-76 grams of methamphetamine when he was stopped for speeding Feb. 19. Miller also testified that during a five-minute period, the defendant had offered several stories about his plans for the drugs.

Carney cross examined the trooper about the defendant’s intentions for the drugs within the state of Nebraska. He said if there was an intent to sell, it was not in the state of Nebraska.

He opined, “There needs to be some nexus (link, connection) to Nebraska.”

Taylor disagreed.

“Mr. Carney, that’s a very interesting argument,” she said. “(It) might be an argument for motion to quash in district court.”

She bound the case over to Antelope County district court, where Escheverria was scheduled for arraignment March 27. Escheverria was remanded back to the custody of Antelope County sheriff Bob Moore, pending posting 10% of a $100,000 bond.

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James Brady, 69, accompanied by his attorney Joel Carlson of Norfolk, faced Taylor for pretrial hearing on a count of third-degree assault. Carlson announced a plea agreement, which included Brady pleading no contest. Carlson asked a fine be assessed that day but Antelope County Attorney Joe Smith requested a presentence report or “at least an alcohol evaluation.”

Taylor found Brady guilty and ordered a presentence report by the probation office. Sentencing is set May 1. Bond is continued at $4,000, 10%.

Oakdale man pleads guilty

A plea bargain was announced between Smith and an Oakdale man, who was set for trial in two cases.

Shane Sleister, 49, (in custody), appeared in two similar cases, accused of Count I, resisting arrest, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and Count II, driving during suspension, a Class 3 misdemeanor, alleged Sept. 20, 2023, in Oakdale; and Count I, operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, a Class 1 misdemeanor; Count II, driving during revocation, a Class 2 misdemeanor; and Count III, reckless driving, a Class 3 misdemeanor, all alleged Jan. 5 in Oakdale.

Smith filed amended complaints, changing Count I in the September case to obstructing a peace officer, still a Class 1 misdemeanor. Count II remained DUS, a Class 2 misdemeanor.

In the January case, Count I remained operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, a Class 1 misdemeanor; Count II was reduced to a Class 3 misdemeanor and Count III was dismissed.

Carney requested probation sentences. Taylor ordered a PSI and set sentencing April 17.

Sleister, who also has two cases pending in Knox County and one in Madison County, requested a reduction in bond in the Antelope County cases.

“I have a lot on my plate in court, a lot on my plate at home, bills are piling up,” he said. “I have a fine due May 1 also.”

Taylor reduced bond in the January case from $25,000, 10%, to $10,000, 10%, the same as the September case.

“I don’t think it will help you much,” she said. “(It) still means you need to post $2,000.”

Sleister was remanded to Moore’s custody, pending posting of bond.

Sentencing continued in

three-year-old case

Joyce D. Beach, 23, of O’Neill faced Taylor on a three-year-old case.

Beach was convicted in March 2021, of driving under suspension Feb. 17, 2021. She failed to show up for sentencing June 2, 2021, and a warrant was subsequently issued for her arrest. The warrant was served March 15 in O’Neill by a Nebraska State Patrol officer and she posted 10% of a $1,500 bond.

Taylor granted Beach’s request to continue sentencing, to April 17, warning the defendant it was the last time a continuance would be granted.

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First hearing for Dennis Statler, 54, of Neligh, on a Class 4 felony bad check charge is continued to April 3.

Pretrial hearing for Tyler J. Bredvick, 28, of Butte on a Class 2 misdemeanor, driving under suspension, alleged Dec. 15, 2023, is continued to April 17.