Judge denies Neb. inmate’s request to rename himself ‘Sinner’ citing religious beliefs

Neb. judge: Inmate can’t rename himself ‘Sinner’

LINCOLN, Neb. — He may have broken the law, but a Nebraska inmate still can’t change his name to “Sinner Lawrence Bilskirnir. Court documents say 23-year-old Jonathan L. Thomas cited his Norse religion in seeking the name change to Sinner Lawrence Bilskirnir. He says he “is a heathen and Thor is his ‘High God.’”

But Lancaster County District Judge Steve Burns denied the request. He said government agencies will need to closely track Thomas because of his criminal record and three child-support cases against him.

Thomas is serving time for attempted burglary, receiving stolen property and methamphetamine possession. He is due to be released in 2014.

Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, www.journalstar.com