Jailhouse Bite Leads to Probation

(GERING, Neb) — A 29-year-old Scottsbluff woman was sentenced Thursday in Scotts Bluff County District Court to two years of probation for assaulting a police officer.

District Judge Dobrovolny sentenced Desiree M. Starke, also identified in court filings as Desiree M. Rome, on Nov. 12 following a September plea agreement. Starke was also ordered to pay $148 in court costs and $750 in probation and drug-testing fees.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Scottsbluff Police Officer Weatherman, the charges stem from a May 31 emergency call at a Scottsbluff residence.

Officers initially responded for a welfare check after Starke reported thoughts of self-harm. Medical personnel were called when she appeared to have a seizure. Police placed Starke under an emergency protective custody hold — a temporary hold used to transport someone to a medical facility for an urgent mental health evaluation — and took her to Regional West Medical Center.

While in the emergency room, Starke allegedly punched a nurse in the stomach with a closed fist as the nurse attempted to take her blood pressure. Weatherman placed Starke under arrest and transported her to the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center.

Upon arrival at the jail, Starke refused to exit the patrol car. When Weatherman attempted to lift her out of the vehicle, Starke bit the officer on his left hand, breaking the skin and drawing blood.

Prosecutors originally charged Starke with two Class 3A felonies: third-degree assault on a health care professional and third-degree assault on a peace officer. Under a plea agreement filed by prosecutor Winston and defense attorney Landers, Starke pleaded guilty Sept. 10 to assaulting a peace officer. The charge involving the nurse was dismissed.

Starke appeared via video for Thursday’s hearing and addressed the court before Dobrovolny imposed the two-year probation sentence.

The case is now closed, and no further court dates are scheduled.

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