A pretrial hearing was set for Wednesday, Sept. 17 to address fraud charges filed against Bert Hertzog, 55, of Winsted during court action Tuesday. On that same day in September, Hertzog will also undergo an omnibus hearing that will address unrelated charges of attempting to ‘escape’ taxes pertaining to the ownership of a Mercedes.

Hertzog was present during the courtroom proceedings, but said nothing. The attorneys negotiated dates, and the time in court was short.

The pretrial is a proceeding conducted before an official trial to clarify facts and points of law. It will pertain to fraud charges that stem from posing as a licensed commercial vehicle inspector last year.

An omnibus hearing, set to address charges pertaining to failure to pay sales tax in relation to the ownership of a red 2007 Mercedes, is when evidence is established, including testimony of police officers and other witnesses. It takes place before the arraignment. It is usually followed by a plea (either a trial, guilty plea or plea bargain).

Other Hertzog stories:
Hertzog’s court case bumped/more details on alleged ‘escaping’ tax charge
(Aug. 4, 08), click here.
Bert Hertzog charged with attempting to ‘escape’
taxation (June 27, 08) , click here.
Hertzog’s attorney challenges search warrant (April 29, 08), click here.
Bert Hertzog hires ‘Super Lawyer’ (March 17, 08), click here.
Hertzog to challenge search warrant (Feb. 08), click here.
Winsted man faces charges of giving false inspections (July 2007), click here.
WCCO’s report of the initial charges (July 2007), click here.

Hertzog has been charged with two counts – one gross misdemeanor intent to “escape taxation” and a misdemeanor vehicle registration infraction related to the Mercedes. Other unrelated charges are pending of Hertzog allegedly issuing fake inspection stickers to commercial vehicles even though he wasn’t licensed to do so. For the latter, he is charged with theft-by-swindle (a felony), aggravated forgery, (a felony) and inspecting vehicles without certification.