O'Neill man bound over to Holt County district court on felony charges

Michael J. Long, 32, of O’Neill was recently bound over to the Holt County district court when he faced the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt County courtroom on several felony charges in two separate cases.

Long waived his right to preliminary hearing and was bound over March 15, on three felonies alleged June 5, 2021, two Class 4 felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, (methamphetamine and a sedative, eszopiclone) and first-degree false imprisonment, a Class 3A felony. He is also charged with two infractions, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

He also waived his right to preliminary hearing on a count of possession of meth, alleged Nov. 12, along with possession of paraphernalia.

Jurisdiction on infraction counts in both cases was waived to district court. All charges in both cases allegedly occurred in O’Neill.

Long was granted multiple continuances for arraignment and failed to appear on two occasions. He filed a $1,500 personal recognizance bond Aug. 24. A surety bond, in the amount of $25,000, 10% cash, was ordered as part of an arrest warrant filed Dec. 7, 2021, after he failed to appear in court. The warrant was served Dec. 18, 2021, and bond posted Dec. 20.

Long filed a document to act as a self-represented defendant Jan. 4. Burdick appointed Holt County public defender Rodney Smith on Jan 18. Ron Temple of Norfolk filed his appearance as counsel March 15, when Smith was allowed to withdraw.

Long, on March 28, was granted continuance of his district court arraignment, until April 11.

Lauren L. Pash, 18, of Neligh pleaded guilty to a count of possessing marijuana, one ounce or less, first offense, an infraction committed Jan. 25, in O’Neill. Pash was fined $300 and taxed $49 costs. Pash was self-represented.

James A. Vissia, 55, of Wessington Springs, South Dakota, pleaded guilty, by waiver, to three commercial vehicle violations. He was fined $35 on a charge of reciprocity, no trip permit/portable, a Class 3 misdemeanor; $100 for failure to have or carry fuel permit, a Class 4 misdemeanor; and $50 for doing interstate commerce with a South Dakota intrastate license, a Class 3 misdemeanor. He was taxed $49 costs. Vissia was cited by a Nebraska State Patrol carrier enforcement officer March 7, south of O’Neill.