Burglary defendant posts $100K bond

Mindy Richmond, a Sidney woman facing 21 counts of burglary, was released from custody last Friday after posting her $100,000 bond.

Richmond had been held since her arrest on June 11, following searches of her vehicle and two Sidney residences linked to her.

The 34-year-old woman is accused of taking part in a string of residential burglaries throughout Cheyenne County, targeting prescription medication, cash and designer clothing.

On Friday, Richmond's case was moved from county to district court after 12th Judicial District Court Judge Russell Harford found there was enough evidence to continue the criminal proceedings.

At the hearing, Richmond's court-appointed attorney, James Korth, also asked that his client's bond be reduced. After Richmond's arrest, bond was set at $100,000, with the provision she could be released after posting 10 percent.

Korth argued Richmond has no criminal history and there is no evidence she'd be a flight risk. If bond were lowered and she was released, Korth explained, his client could seek drug treatment and attend an upcoming court hearing in Logan County, Colo. for charges she faces there.

Nebraska Assistant Attorney General Doug Warner, who has been assigned as a special prosecutor in the case, asked the judge increase the bond.

Warner said the case against Richmond in Cheyenne County developed from her arrest in Logan County. That two states are pursuing criminal charges against Richmond is "not a positive thing for her," Warner said.

Harford said the defendant's bond was set when she initially only faced a handful of charges, but now that an amended complaint had be filed – listing 21 counts – the $100,000 amount is appropriate.

"I don't think bond is unreasonable – now with 21 counts," the judge said.

Harford left the bond amount unchanged.

"I'm not going to raise, or lower," he said.

The judge explained bond is not meant to be a punishment, but rather to ensure the defendant appears in court at scheduled hearings.

Despite no changes to the bond amount, Richmond posted $10,000 – 10 percent of the $100,000 bond – later that day.

As part of the conditions of her release, Richmond is prohibited from having contact with Tanya Yates, another woman connected to the burglaries who, in interviews with police, divulged information about the alleged crimes. Yates has not been charged in conjunction with the burglaries.

Additionally, Richmond is prohibited from consuming drugs or alcohol and is subject to random searches of her person, vehicle, residence and property.

Richmond is scheduled to appear in Cheyenne County District Court on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 8:30 a.m.