Three High-Profile Cases On District Court Docket Yesterday

Two cattle theft suspects and a county supervisor were scheduled to be in Antelope County District Court on Wednesday.

All three were set to appear on felony theft charges.

Rebecca M. (Bree) Robbins, 22, and Benjamin Johnson, 27, both charged with three theft charges in connection with the theft of cattle north of Neligh, appeared before Judge Mark Johnson.

Court-appointed attorneys Jeff Doerr and Pat Carney, who represent Robbins and Johnson, each requested a continuance for their respective clients. The attorneys stated they needed more time to discuss possible plea bargains and to review taped police interviews of their clients. Judge Johnson continued both cases, setting each pretrial conference for October 29 at 9 a.m.

The judge continued a $100,000 bond for Robbins and a $15,000 bond for Johnson. They were remanded back into the custody of the Antelope County Sheriff's Department and remain incarcerated. 

In the case of Antelope County Supervisor Harlan Brandt, 62, of Oakdale, a continuance was also requested and granted. Brandt's pretrial conference was set for October 29 at 9 a.m. 

Madison County Attorney Joe Smith is serving as a special prosecutor in the case, and Ron Temple of Norfolk is representing Brandt. 

Brandt is charged with theft by deception, a class IV felony, due to the items totaling more than $500. Bond was previously set at $5,000, and Brandt was released on personal recognizance, meaning he owes a personal debt to the state and does not have to pay the bond as long as he appears in court. 

Smith said Brandt is accused of charging gas to the county and the theft of county property. 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 is currently serving his third 4-year term as supervisor, representing District 6. 

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