County Supervisor Appears In District Court Wednesday

An Antelope County supervisor charged with felony theft appeared in district court on Wednesday morning.

Harlan Brandt, 62, of Oakdale, appeared in court with his attorney Ron Temple of Norfolk. Madison County Attorney Joe Smith is serving as a special prosecutor in the case.

Temple requested a continuance for Brandt's pretrial conference in order to allow him more time to review investigative reports.

"The police reports are 6 inches thick with multiple receipts and a log relevant to fuel usage and things of that nature," he said.

Judge Mark Johnson granted the request and Brandt's pretrial conference was continued to December 17. His $5,000 personal recognizance bond was continued.

On a previous court appearance, Brandt entered a not guilty plea to theft by deception, a class IV felony. The charge is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both. Restitution may also be required.

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 serving his third four-year term as supervisor, representing District 6. 

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.

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