Negligent child abuse case dismissed

A child abuse charge was recently dropped against a Plainview man after he met terms of an agreement between his attorney and the Antelope County prosecutor.

Christopher L. Beltz, 33, had pleaded not guilty in November 2020, to allegations he committed child abuse, negligently, on Aug. 17, 2020. A motion to continue his pretrial hearing, filed by his attorney, James Walz of Omaha, to allow time for completion of a parenting class, was sustained by the Honorable Donna Taylor in January.

The charge was dismissed by Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler in March after Beltz paid $49 costs.

“(The case) was dismissed as a result of an agreement between my office and Mr. Beltz’ attorney,” said Abler in response to an email sent by the Advocate.  “The case was dismissed once Mr. Beltz completed and met the terms and conditions of that agreement.”