County Supervisor Brandt Charged With Theft By Deception

An Antelope County supervisor has been charged with felony theft by deception.

According to Madison County Attorney Joe Smith, Harlan Brandt was charged Thursday in Antelope County Court with the Class 4 felony of theft over $500. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail.

Smith said Brandt is accused of charging gas to the county and the theft of county property. He said the allegations took place between June 2011 and April 2014. Due to statute of limitations, Smith said he could only charge Brandt with actions allegedly taking place during the last three years.

Brandt, 62 of Oakdale, is serving his third four-year term as supervisor, representing District 6. When asked how this charge affects Brandt's serving on the Board of Supervisors, Smith said he could not comment and that his status will be determined by the rest of the supervisors.

Smith said he was appointed as special prosecutor in the case due to conflict of interest with County Attorney Joe Abler.

“The Antelope County attorney is a very good lawyer and is quite capable of handling the case,” Smith said. “But because he is the Antelope County attorney and the case involves a public official, it takes a special prosecutor.”

According to Smith, the initial investigation began with the Antelope County Sheriff’s office in December 2013 and then was turned over to the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Attorney General’s office.

Brandt is scheduled to make his first court appearance on June 4 at 9:30 a.m.

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