The Honorable Donna Taylor presided over the Antelope County Court in the Neligh courtroom last Wednesday, with a light criminal docket. Cases ranged from a hunting violation and driving offenses to accumulating junk. But one defendant left the courtroom after paying a fine, to meet an officer waiting with handcuffs and warrant in hand.

Connor A. Napier, 20, of Orchard appeared for arraignment on two counts, shooting wildlife from the roadway and violating deer regulations. Napier waived his right to counsel and initially pleaded guilty to both counts, before the case took an unexpected turn.

Reading from the complaint,

Taylor questioned Napier regarding shooting a deer when he held an archery permit, and about shooting it out of season. Napier explained he shot the deer with a rifle during rifle season, and he had a rifle permit, but the permit was for an “anterless” deer and he shot a buck that had antlers.

Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler apologized, saying he had read the report from the Nebraska Game and Parks officer incorrectly. The judge reviewed potential fines and requirements for making a judgement on liquated damages and questioned what became of the deer. Abler said it is in a Game and Parks freezer and will probably be donated to someone who can use the meat.

Abler also told Taylor the defendant had been respectful and cooperative with the officer and wasn’t in the habit of violating game laws. He then dismissed Count I.

Taylor fined Napier the minimum $100 on Count II, assessed $50 costs and entered a civil judgement for $2,000 in liquidated damages.

“I will leave it up to the state to pursue collection of the $2,000 judgement,” she said.

As Napier left the courtroom, a Stanton County warrant wasserved on him by an Antelope County officer. According to Stanton County court documents, the warrant was signed by Judge Michael Long on Nov. 9, for failure to pay or appear to show cause for nonpayment of fine and costs ordered for a minor in possession conviction.

Sada L. Carr, 35, of Oakdale appeared before Taylor for sentencing in two cases. She was fined $100 and assessed $50 costs for driving under suspension, after providing proof that she had obtained her driver’s license. She said she was “happy and proud” to display the license, according to Taylor.

Carr faced Taylor a little later, with her court-appointed attorney, Martin Klein of Neligh, for sentencing on a violation of probation.

After reviewing a report from the probation office and hearing recommendations from Abler and Klein, who asked for no extension to probation, Taylor extended it by two months but waived any additional fees. Carr was placed on probation Oct. 6 for conviction of two counts of second-degree forgery.

Kaleb A. Williams, 29, of Elgin faced Taylor for arraignment on a Class 2 misdemeanor, no proof of financial responsibility, alleged Dec. 18, north of Elgin on Highway 14. Williams, accompanied by public defenderMelissa Figueroa, pleaded not guilty and requested jury trial. Pretrial hearing is set Feb. 16. Taylor released Figueroa from her appointment to represent Andrew J. Stephenson, 20, of Jacksonville, Florida, who is accused of a Class 4 felony, possession of a controlled substance, and two misdemeanors, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. On Jan. 18, Omaha attorneys, Jeff T. Courtney and Frankie Hass filed documents as counsel for Stephenson, who posted 10% of a $10,000 bond Jan. 6. Preliminary hearing is set Feb. 16.

Angela Flores, of Neligh did not appear for an 11 a.m. trial on a Neligh junk ordinance violation and Taylor ordered a bench warrant issued. However, Flores did appear later and the trial was held.

The case was prosecutedby city attorney James McNally.

Taylor heard testimony andreviewed several exhibits presentedby McNally, includingphotographs and the defendant’sprevious similar case file. Taylor judged Flores guilty, fined her $100 and assessed $51 costs. Flores was ordered to remove unlicensed vehicle and all other debris from her property (Lot 4, Block 40 in Neligh) by April 6, or appear to show cause why she should not be held in contempt.

If the property is cleared by April 6, Flores will be given $100 credit on fine. Bond, in the amount of $1,500, 10% cash, posted Nov. 21, 2021, when she was arrested for failing to appear in court, is continued.