Update; Panhandle Scanner has been contacted by the reported victim in this case demanding that we get our story straight before printing this court report. We reminded her that we report what law enforcement reports, and if something is incorrect, she should contact her lawyer for any discrepancies in the police report. She was claiming that the facts of the case were incorrect. We again advised her to contact the source, not us. We are reporters. We are not investigators with the government.
(GERING, Neb.) — A Gering man faces upcoming sentencing in Scotts Bluff County Court after entering no-contest pleas to amended assault and peace disturbance charges stemming from an August domestic dispute involving a chainsaw.
Ryan J. Rohnke entered no-contest pleas before County Judge Mark L. Kovarik to assault causing bodily injury (a Class 1 misdemeanor) and disturbing the peace (a Class 3 misdemeanor). The charges were reduced from original counts of third-degree domestic assault and negligent child abuse under a plea agreement.
According to an arrest affidavit, officers responded around 2:00 a.m. on August 28, 2026, to a residence on 12th Street in Gering after a 13-year-old juvenile reported that his stepfather was heavily intoxicated and attempting to break down an interior door.
Upon arrival, the juvenile told police that Rohnke had retrieved a chainsaw during an argument over loud music and tried to break through a locked bedroom door, though he was unable to get the chainsaw started. The teenager reported taking the chainsaw away from Rohnke and placing it outside near the back door, where officers subsequently located it.
Inside the home, police spoke with Rohnke’s girlfriend, who stated that Rohnke pushed her to the ground, slapped her across the face, and bit her on the right cheek during the altercation. She further reported that Rohnke squeezed her hand while she held a speaker cord, breaking an acrylic nail and injuring her finger.
Prosecutor Allison M. Witcofski represented the State during Tuesday’s hearing, while defense attorney William E. Madelung represented Rohnke.
Judge Kovarik accepted the no-contest pleas, found Rohnke guilty on both amended counts, and ordered a full presentence investigation. Rohnke was also advised of federal firearm restrictions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9).
Sentencing is scheduled for November 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Scotts Bluff County Courtroom 1.
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