Posted: 6/7/05
Omnibus hearing set for Nierling
An omnibus hearing for Charles R. Nierling, 30, has been set for July 25 at 1 p.m. in Third District Court in Caledonia.
Nierling requested the hearing before Judge James Fabian on May 27, which was his second court appearance on charges of third and fourth degree criminal sexual conduct.
He is accused of raping a woman at her boyfriendís house in Eitzen in the early morning hours of May 17. He is now out on bail.
Third degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and $30,000 fine. Fourth degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Shefelbine sentenced
Jeremiah Shefelbine, 29, Caledonia, was sentenced in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Circuit Court on June 1 by Judge Michael Mulroy to three years in prison for felony theft and another two years for pressuring a fellow jail inmate to lie on the witness stand.
Shefelbine pled guilty on April 25 to theft and solicitation to commit perjury charges connected to a robbery at the Maid-Rite Cafe in La Crosse on August 30, 2004.
Jessica L. Burmester, 23, Caledonia, also faces charges relating to the case. She worked at the cafe at the time of the robbery. She has been charged with conspiracy to deliver cocaine, aiding felons, and obstructing officers.
Burmester is accused of obstructing an officer by lying about facts in the case and by passing on information from Shefelbine to another person.
Second examination for George
On June 1, Judge Fabian ordered a second competency evaluation for Rickey George of Violet Hills, Arkansas.
George has already undergone a Rule 20 evaluation for the court to see if he is competent to assist in his own defense, and if at the time of the offense he knew right from wrong. Georgeís attorneys, public defenders Kurt Knuesel of Winona and Sam Jandt of La Crescent, made the request for a second exam.
George has been charged with numerous crimes over the past year, including harassment stalking, violating a harassment restraining order, obscene or harassing phone calls, disorderly conduct, making terroristic threats, driving without a valid Minnesota license, and fifth degree assault.
George is also appealing a decision by Judge Fabian to terminate Georgeís parental rights with his two children, who have been placed in foster care. The Minnesota Court of Appeals heard oral arguments from his attorney, Kurt Knuesel, and Houston County Assistant Attorney Susan Harnack on April 21 at the St. Paul Judicial Center. The court has 90 days to make a ruling.
Caledonia Argus
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