Stuart man sentenced to jail for meth possession

Kyle L. Boettcher, 31, of Stuart faced the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt Count courtroom in O’Neill last Tuesday, Dec. 15, for a hearing on four counts, Count I, possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony; Count II, no valid registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor; Count III, possession of marijuana and Count IV, possession of drug paraphernalia, infractions.

A plea deal was reached, resulting in Holt Count prosecutor Brent Kelly reducing Count I to attempted possession, a Class 1 misdemeanor, with a joint sentencing recommendation of 10 days in jail on Count I and fines on the remaining three counts. Boettcher pleaded guilty to the July 26 crimes committed near O’Neill.

Burdick sentenced him to 10 days in the Holt County Jail on Count I, commencing Dec. 21, with credit for nine days previously served; one day in the county jail on Count II, consecutive to the days on Count I; a $300 fine on Count III; and a $100 fine on Count IV; and assessed $50 costs of prosecution.

Boettcher was represented by Holt County public defender Rodney Smith of O’Neill.

Katherine A. Stuthman, 40, of O’Neill appeared for arraignment on two counts, Count I, no valid registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and Count II, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor.

She waived her right to counsel and pleaded guilty to Count II, pursuant to a plea deal. Kelly dismissed Count I and agreed to recommend a fine on Count II.

Burdick fined her $150 and she was taxed $50 costs of prosecution.

Tony L. Zechmann, 42, of Creighton pleaded guilty, by waiver, to a Nebraska Game and Parks violation, of deer regulations, a Class 2 misdemeanor. He was fined $100 and taxed $49 costs. Zechmann was cited Nov. 14, about four miles east of Page, for hunting within 200 yards of a baited area.

John M. Parks, 59, of O’Neill pleaded guilty, by waiver, to discharging a firearm from a public roadway, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and was fined $100 and $49 costs. He was cited Nov. 19 about 20 miles northeast of O’Neill, near the intersection of 892 Road and 501 Avenue.