BEATRICE – A 55-year-old Beatrice man convicted of violating Nebraska’s Sex Offender Registry Act by driving an unreported vehicle, said he took a judge’s advice to heart while serving time…as a basis to turn his life around.


"When I first got on probation here, I was a little stubborn, but I quit being stubborn and started shaping up. I love my job, I've paid over fifteen hundred dollars on my probation and fines. I put my driver's license on the back burner, because this is more important. I put my priorities in order...and I'm going to keep doing that, your honor."


A judge Thursday sentenced Dusty Mayhew on a one-year probation term…with both the state and defense saying Mayhew has made significant progress. He’s worked for one year now at a local manufacturer, making more than $20 an hour, earning performance honors and promotions. He is required to register for life, as a convicted sex offender.


Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner remembers when he told the defendant that whether he paid all costs he owed between a prior court date and Thursday’s sentencing, would weigh heavily on the sentence he received.


"I think you took that to heart because I almost tripped over you in this courthouse here because so often you're giving us money to pay all of that off. I think you want to do well, Mr. Mayhew. A matter of fact, I think this is probably as good as you've done, your entire life...(Mayhew)...Yes, sir."


Defense Attorney Dustin Garrison says his client, who’s fought drug addiction, has been sober for five years. Mayhew told the judge he remembers the words the judge said as he was serving a prison term.


(Schreiner)..."Didn't you come in here five years ago, barely able to walk? (Mayhew)..."Yes, sir." (Schreiner).."You didn't seem to have any problems coming in today." (Mayhew)..."That's right, your honor...I told you, I took a turn when I was in there(prison)"...(Schreiner)..."I remember that, now."...(Mayhew)..."It was all your words."..(Schreiner)..."You're doing the work....I just sit up here and say things."...(Mayhew)..."I just believed in you, is what I did."


Mayhew, while making good wages, has struggled to earn his G-E-D. The judge urged him to continue to work toward that goal, because he believes the defendant can achieve that.