WILLMAR -- A much quieter and more cooperative Terry Dean Nemmers appeared in Kandiyohi County District Court Monday, four days after being held in contempt.
Nemmers, 44, of Glenwood appeared in court Thursday after the charges he faced were amended to include a felony count of aggravated forgery. But the appearance was cut short after Nemmers' behavior tested the judge's patience, earning him 90 days in jail for contemptuous conduct. Nemmers allegedly refused to come forward and sit at the counsel table, answered questions with questions and wore a shirt with the words "NO KANGAROO COURT."
His hearing was rescheduled for Monday by Judge Donald M. Spilseth.
On Monday, a docile Nemmers cooperated with the proceeding, standing when the judge entered, answering questions and not talking out of turn.
Because of Nemmers' behavior Monday, Spilseth vacated the remainder of Nemmer's contempt sentence. Spilseth went on to explain the charges Nemmers faces and set a one-day jury trial for March 13. Spilseth also appointed an advisory counsel to Nemmers, who has insisted on representing himself.
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Nemmers was arrested and charged after an incident Oct. 12 when he was caught driving a vehicle with fake license plates that read "JOHN 7:24."
According to the complaint, Nemmers allegedly refused to identify himself to the officer and said he would only speak to a judge. A Willmar Police officer found Nemmers' expired driver's license in the vehicle, but the license did not contain a photo.
He was originally charged with a gross misdemeanor for intending to evade taxes and a misdemeanor for driving an unregistered vehicle. The felony charge was supposed to be added to the list Thursday, but a full explanation of the charge was not given because of Nemmers' alleged actions. The charge was read in full Monday.
Despite Nemmers' good behavior Monday, he has been warned for his disruptiveness more than once. At his first appearance Oct. 13, he referred to the bond amount on his release form as "ransom for kidnapping." He was also threatened with contempt at another appearance Oct. 23. Nemmers is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 13 for an omnibus hearing.
