Admissibility of evidence discussed in case of mother accused of performing, concealing abortion

MADISON, Neb. – Attorneys discussed the admissibility of certain evidence the case of a northeast Nebraska woman accused of helping illegally terminate her daughter's pregnancy and concealing the fetus.

The potential evidence was put in front of Judge Mark Johnson Tuesday morning in Madison County Court, with 41-year-old Jessica Burgess of Norfolk scheduled for a jury trial later this year.

According to court records, Jessica Burgess and her now 18-year-old daughter, Celeste Burgess, reportedly discussed terminating Celeste's pregnancy via Facebook messages, which were later acquired by law enforcement.

Another person, a then-21-year-old man, pleaded no contest to helping bury the fetus north of Norfolk and was sentenced to probation.

Jessica Burgess's trial is slated for December, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for Nov. 4.

Attorneys for Jessica Burgess filed a motion to quash two of the charges against her last week.

A pre-trial hearing for Celeste Burgess is currently scheduled for Nov. 28, with a jury trial currently expected in January.