Holt County sentence extends Orchard woman's time in jail

Hope M. Petite, 28, of Orchard faced the Honorable Mark Kozisek in the Holt County district courtroom in O’Neill on Monday, Dec. 19, for sentencing on six crimes committed Sept. 27, 2020.

Kozisek sentenced Petite to 30 days in the Holt County Jail on Count I, attempted possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). The jail sentence is ordered consecutive to one imposed in an Antelope County district court case. Provided she loses none of her good time, she must serve 23 days before her mandatory release in the Holt County case. She was also ordered to pay fines on infraction counts II through VI - $50 on Count II, possession of open alcohol container; $300 on Count III, possession of marijuana, less than one ounce; and $100 each on counts IV, V and VI, possession of drug paraphernalia. She was taxed $193.86 costs of prosecution.

Petite was represented by court-appointed counsel, Martin Klein of Neligh.

Darrick E. Nekuda, 44, of Stuart appeared in front of Kozisek to be sentenced on four felony counts for possession of controlled substances, in two separate cases.

Kozisek sentenced Nekuda to a three-year term of probation in each case, to be served concurrently. In addition to standard terms of probation, Nekuda is ordered to initiate and complete a short-term residential treatment program within 90 days and, upon completion of the program, participate in halfway house program, including individual therapy; participate in at least three AA/NA meetings per week, obtain a sponsor and maintain regular contact with sponsor; establish and maintain a support system within recovery community; and maintain regular appointments with a physician to monitor mental and physical health and take all medications as prescribed. Kozisek assessed Nekuda $137 costs of prosecution in each case and ordered him to pay probation fees totaling $1,110.

In the first case, a Class 2 felony count, delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) was reduced Oct. 18, pursuant to a plea agreement with Holt County prosecutor Brent Kelly. The crime was committed in September 2020. A plea deal was also reached regarding the second case, with Nekuda pleading guilty to three counts of possession of controlled substances (meth, hydrocodone and tramadol) as charged. In return, Kelly dismissed two Class 3A felony counts, assault on an officer and terroristic threats. The crimes were committed July 5 in Stuart.

Nekuda was represented by Holt County public defender Rodney Smith.