Plea deal reached, charges amended in sexual assault case

During a Feb. 9 Antelope County District Court hearing covering pretrial motions in a case involving Thomas Warnke, 22, of Beatrice, the Honorable Michael Long was notified a plea agreement, with amended information, was reached.

Earlier that morning, Antelope County Attorney Joseph Smith requested to consolidate two cases against Warnke for the purpose of the hearing. Long granted the motion.

Defense attorney Dustin Garrison made a motion to sequester witnesses. Smith did not object but requested the two lead witnesses remain in the courtroom. Long agreed with both requests.

Following testimo...