Davis is given probation in pivot wire theft case

HARTINGTON - The last individual involved in a thefts of center pivot wiring at five separate farms in Cedar County has been sentenced in Cedar County District Court.

Kailee Davis, 38, entered a plea agreement in which she pleaded guilty to three counts of felony criminal mischief, in exchange for the dismissal of two other felony criminal mischief charges and a misdemeanor theft charge.

As part of the plea agreement, the county attorney’s office agreed to jointly recommend 36 months of probation with Davis’ attorney, Luke Henderson, Norfolk.

As part of the sentence handed down by Judge Bryan Meismer, Davis was also ordered to serve 90 days in jail in three 30-day increments which can be waived by the probation officer. She received credit for seven days already served in jail.

Meismer ordered Davis to pay $300 in restitution in the case. Even though monetary damages incurred by the victims were estimated at more than $47,000, Davis did not have the means to pay more, according to court documents.

Davis was allegedly seen on a game camera located at one of the sites where wire was cut and stolen.

During the investigation, a deputy located cut wire along field fence lines alongside rural county roads.

Davis’ arrest was a result of a joint investigation with the Nebraska State Patrol and the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office.

Chris Barta, Irene, S.D., and Phelan Schwager, Randolph, were also implicated in the same criminal mischief and wire theft incidents. Barta received a probation sentence while Schwager was sentenced to prison.