A busy morning in the District Court room on Thursday, September 21: A continuance was granted for Jeffrey P. Scott, 51, of Anselmo who was originally scheduled to appear for sentencing. John L. Stewart, 37, of Anselmo, appeared for a pretrial hearing and a motion for co-counsel. Judge Karin Noakes denied the motion to appoint co-counsel. Stewart’s attorney Mark Porto said depositions will be taken on Friday. A divorce hearing was also held and Stewart expressed that there are two children involved whom he has not spoken with because he has not been allowed permission to contact them.
Christopher Gallett, 27, of Broken Bow, appeared for violation of probation. He was originally given four years of probation in December of 2013. According to the court, he has not been making payments. Mike Borders was appointed to represent Gallett, who will either admit or deny probation violations on October 19.
A thirty-seven year old Hastings man, Aaron M. Brannigan, also appeared for motions to revoke probation in two separate cases. He waived his right to an attorney and admitted to violations of failing to report to the probation office and failing to pay fees. Sentencing is scheduled for October 19 at 9:45 a.m.
A bench warrant was issued for Danielle E. Blake, 30, of Anselmo who did not appear on Thursday morning for a motion to revoke probation.
In September of 2016, Johnathan W. Lindner, 22 of Broken Bow, allegedly committed a Class IIA felony of burglary by breaking into the Ansley Market. He and another man reportedly stole cigarettes, pop, and caused damage to the door. Lindner appeared for pretrial hearing on Thursday and has previously been in problem solving and drug court. He told the judge he has been sober for 90 days. Mike Borders said there is a plea agreement and that restitution will likely be ordered to be paid.
Callaway resident Devin R. Jaworski, age 25, admitted to violating probation. Sentencing is scheduled for November 30. The case for 30-year-old Tausha D. Gray, Merna, was continued to October 5.
Judge Noakes will take into advisement issues brought up by County Attorney Steve Bowers and Mike Borders, who is representing Kevin Williams, 30, of Broken Bow. During the hearing, an alleged break-in was described by both parties in which Borders told the court that Williams had permission by the renter of a home to break the door – in order to get inside. Bowers explained that Williams allegedly broke in with the intent to steal contents from inside the home.
After receiving a PSI and chemical dependency evaluation, Judge Noakes sentenced Cleveland D. Sledge, 51 of Broken Bow, to four years of probation with restitution to be paid, and a counseling requirement for grief and substance abuse. County Attorney Steve Bowers said the state did not object to probation, but recommended five years due to Sledge’s history. Attorney Mike Borders believes Sledge is an appropriate candidate for probation and told the court that Sledge plans to seek custody of his daughter. In July, Sledge had pled guilty to a Class IV felony: possession of a financial transaction device. The state read that Sledge had stolen bank cards and credit cards and used them out of town this past June.
