Supreme Court Reverses Court Of Appeal Decision On Hansen

The Nebraska Supreme Court on Friday reversed an earlier decision on Daphne Hansen’s conviction of a 2010 arson. 

Hansen, formerly of Neligh, was convicted in May 2013 of arson in the second degree, a class III felony; conspiracy to commit arson, a class III felony; and consummation of a felony, a class IV felony. She was sentenced to  2 1/2-3 1/2 years in prison. 

In March, the Court of Appeals reversed her conviction and sentence for aiding the consummation of a felony, leaving her with a sentence of 24 to 30 months on the two other convictions.

But on Friday, the Nebraska Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals decision and reaffirmed the original conviction of the class IV felony.

The Supreme Court said, "We conclude that the evidence was sufficient to support Hansen’s conviction for aiding the consummation of a felony. By purchasing household goods for (Jerry) Torres as compensation for the arson, Hansen intentionally aided Torres in enjoying the returns or proceeds from his commission of the crime. Therefore, we reverse the judgement of the Court of Appeals and remand the cause with directions to affirm the conviction.”

Read the complete document

---