By Sandy Schroth
Editor 

Plea deals reached in Antelope County theft cases

 

September 8, 2022



Several cases that came before the Honorable Mark Johnson in the Antelope County district courtroom in Neligh last week were resolved by plea agreements with Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler.

Sammie M. Diaz, 44, of Clovis, New Mexico, appeared with his attorney, Martin Klein of Neligh, for pretrial hearing on a Class 3 felony, theft, more than $1,500. Klein announced the plea deal. Diaz pleaded guilty to the charge as alleged. In return, Abler agreed to file no additional charges related to the case and to recommend probation or 360 days in jail, whichever is supported by a presentence investigation that Johnson ordered to be conducted by the Norfolk probation office. Johnson noted the crime, committed between Oct. 25-27, 2014, was a “pre-2015-2016 Class 3 felony which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 fine, with a minimum of one year incarceration.

When asked by Johnson to describe his actions, Diaz said, “It was a while ago, I don’t exactly remember. I was high on drugs for many days, was drunk, just hooked trailer up to truck…didn’t know where the trailer came from.”

Abler said the trailer was taken from Lazy T Tire in Orchard and was recovered near Ewing.

Sentencing is set Oct. 26. Bond posted March 30, is continued, in the amount of $10,000, 10% cash.

Three teenagers, charged in connection with March 21 break-ins at two Neligh businesses, Neligh Vape Shop and the Fit Stop, appeared for pretrial hearings, each charged with two Class 2A counts of burglary and a Class 4 felony count of theft, more than $1,500. Plea agreement terms included Abler filing an amended complaint, charging each of the teens with one count of criminal attempt burglary, a Class 3A felony. He dismissed the balance of the charges and agreed not to object to probation sentences if recommended in presentence investigation reports. The young men agreed to joint restitution of $5,696.66 to the businesses and pleaded guilty to the charges. Johnson advised them of the potential sentence each faced, up to three years incarceration and/or $10,000 fine. There is no minimum sentence.

The teens recited similar accounts of the March 21 crimes, saying that together they planned to rob the vape shop, entering about 3 or 3:30 a.m. after the window in a door was broken, and taking items from the businesses.

Harley Snyder, 19, of Oakdale appeared with his court-appointed attorney, Frederick Bartell, of Norfolk. He is set for sentencing Oct. 26. Bond is continued.

Trinity Graham, 18, was accompanied by his court-appointed attorney, Brad Montag of Norfolk. His sentencing is also set Oct. 26. Bond is continued.

Christopher W. Robinett, 19, of Neligh appeared alongside Antelope County public defender Patrick Carney of Norfolk. His sentencing is scheduled Nov. 30. Bond is continued.

A fourth codefendant, a 16-year-old juvenile, was adjudicated on one count of burglary and one count of theft, June 1, in Antelope County court.

 

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