South Dakota man serves time for January 2020 offenses

Richard L. Bloom, 59, of Hot Springs, South Dakota, appeared before the Honorable Mark Kozisec for sentencing in the Holt County district courtroom in O’Neill on Monday, Dec. 28, 2020.

Bloom was sentenced to seven days in the Holt County Jail, with credit for five days previously served, a $500 fine and his driver’s license was revoked for six months on a Class W misdemeannor count of driving under the influence of alcohol, first offense; and the same for a second Class W misdemeanor, refusal to submit to a chemical test; and a $50 fine for an infraction count, possession of an open alcohol container. He was taxed $147 costs of prosecution as well. The jail sentences were ordered concurrent to one another.

Bloom pleaded guilty to the three counts after reaching a plea agreement with Holt County prosecutor Brent Kelly on Nov. 9, 2020. In return, Kelly dismissed a Class 1D felony count, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person.

Bloom was arrested by a Holt County deputy Jan. 19, 2020, after his vehicle became stuck in snow in the ditch along Highway 275, about four miles northwest of Ewing.

Bloom was represented by Holt County public defender, Rod Smith of O’Neill.