O'Neill man receives multiple jail sentences

Alexander W. Larson, 20, of O'Neill was sentenced to serve time in the Holt County Jail by the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt County court Dec. 17, for crimes in three separate cases.

Burdick sentenced Larson to 30 days, with credit given for 30 days previously served, and $92.87 costs of prosecution, for a conviction of assault in the third degree, threaten in menacing manner, a Class 1 misdemeanor committed April 3. Larson pleaded no contest July 23 and was judge guilty.

He was sentenced to serve 60 days, with credit for 31 days previously served, and costs of $2, for attempt of a Class 4 felony, a Class 1 misdemeanor committed April 4. The charge was reduced from a Class 3A felony count of terroristic threats by Holt County attorney Brent Kelly, pursuant to a plea agreement July 23. Kelly also dropped a Class 4 felony count of tampering with a witness in return for Larson's no contest plea.

In the third case, Larson was sentenced to serve 45 days for a conviction of assault in the third degree, threaten in menacing manner, and 15 days for false reporting, Class 1 misdemeanors committed April 23. Larson pleaded no contest to the charges July 23.

The jail sentences were ordered consecutive to each other.

Larson failed to appear for sentencing in all three cases Sept. 17 and a bench warrant was issued. The warrant was served Oct. 23 by the Holt County sheriff's department. He was represented by public defender Rodney Smith of O'Neill, who was appointed after Martin Klein of Neligh was allowed to withdraw by Burdick on Sept. 17.

Larson was also set for sentencing Dec. 30 in two Holt County district court convictions, for August and September felony terroristic threat counts.

Rowdy J. Berger, 26, of O'Neill was also sentenced by Burdick in the Holt County court Dec. 17. He appeared on two counts, Count I, driving under suspension, a Class 3 misdemeanor and Count II, speeding 11-15 miles per hour over the limit, an infraction, both offenses alleged Nov. 13. Berger pleaded guilty to Count II and was fined $75 and costs of $49. He pleaded not guilty to Count I. A pretrial hearing is set for Jan. 21, 2020.

Billy F. Sproles Jr., 42, of Bristol, Tennessee, pleaded guilty by waiver to two Class 3 misdemeanor counts, Count I, violation of permit rules, running after dark, and Count II, no registration in truck. He was fined $25 on each count and costs of $49 for the Nov. 5 offense.

Mistaline D. Nilson, 53, of Ewing pleaded guilty to a Class 3 misdemeanor, procuring tobacco for a minor. Nilson was fined $50 and costs of $50 for the Nov. 16 offense.

Grady E. Seymour, 48, of O'Neill pleaded guilty to violating an open-burning ban Nov. 17 and was fined $100 and $49 costs.

Larry J. Kerr, 59, of Highmore, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to four offenses committed Nov. 20 south of O'Neill. He was fined $35, on a count of reciprocity-no trip permit/portable, a Class 3 misdemeanor; $100 on failure to have or carry fuel permit, a Class 4 misdemeanor; $100 for no hours of service log in commercial motor vehicle, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and $50 for no proof of ownership, a Class 5 misdemeanor; along with $49 costs.

Jared L. Helkenn, 29, of Hamill, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to several offenses committed Oct. 24, on the north side of O'Neill. He was fined $75 and $25, respectively for two counts of overweight on axle/axles, infractions; $35 for reciprocity – no trip permit/portable, a Class 4 misdemeanor; $100 for failure to carry fuel permit, a Class 4 misdemeanor; and $100 for driving commercial vehicle without obtaining a CDL, a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Perry J. Winer, 20, of Atkinson pleaded guilty to violating Nebraska Game and Parks' deer regulations Nov. 23. He was fined $100 and $49 costs.