Stuart man gets two 24-month prison sentences

Kyle R. Boettcher, 33, of Stuart appeared before the Honorable Mark Kozisek in the Holt County district courtroom Dec. 27, for sentencing on two Class 4 felonies.

Kozisek sentenced Boettcher to 24 months in a facility under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, for operation of a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and 24 months, for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), to be served concurrently. He was given credit for 86 days served in the county jail prior to sentencing. He was taxed $149 costs of prosecution as well.

Provided he loses none of his good time, Boettcher must serve 12 months, less 86 days, before attaining mandatory release.

Boettcher was remanded to the custody of the Holt County sheriff, to be transported to the Nebraska Penal and Correctional Complex at Lincoln.

Boettcher pleaded guilty to the two counts Oct. 25, pursuant to a plea agreement with Holt County attorney Brent Kelly. In return, Kelly dropped two additional counts of possessing controlled substances (suboxone and alprazolam) and a count of second-degree trespassing/defy order to leave.

According to an affidavit signed by an O’Neill police officer, Boettcher led officers on a chase March 18, 2021, reaching speeds of more than 50 miles per hour on city streets and alleys, driving left of center and failing to stop at stop signs, before abandoning the vehicle to flee on foot onto the grounds of the city water treatment plant. The plant had signage prohibiting trespassing. Several additional agencies were enlisted in an unsuccessful search for Boettcher in the heavily wooded area. A warrant for his arrest, issued April 9, was served April 29.

Boettcher was represented by Holt County public defender Rod Smith.