Sep 10, 2019

December trial scheduled for Broken Bow mayor

Posted Sep 10, 2019 3:14 PM

BROKEN BOW, Neb. (AP) - A trial has been scheduled for a central Nebraska mayor who's accused of threatening the job of a police officer investigating a fight outside a bar for which the mayor has been charged.


Custer County Court records say a judge set a starting date Monday of Dec. 12 for Broken Bow Mayor Jonathon Berghorst. He's pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanors: oppression under the color of office, and assault.


Berghorst is accused of injuring a man during the April 6 fight. The court records say the mayor later used his position in attempt "to injure, deceive, harm, or oppress another person: Broken Bow Police Officer David Taylor."


A grievance document filed by another officer says Berghorst was belligerent and didn't cooperate with the police investigation and threatened Taylor's employment by asking Taylor, "Do you like your job?"


The mayor also is facing a recall attempt.