Stuart man charged with sexual assault of child, bound over to district court

Jacob J. Dobias, 33, of Stuart waived his right to preliminary hearing when he appeared in front of the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt County courtroom in O’Neill on Tuesday, July 19.

Holt County attorney Brent Kelly filed a complaint June 9, charging Dobias with first-degree sexual assault of a child, a Class 1B felony alleged July 2, 2021. The complaint states the defendant, “being 25-years of age or older, subjected the victim, who was at least 12 years of age but less than 16 years of age, to sexual penetration.” He is set for arraignment in the district court Aug. 29.

Dobias was arrested May 6. Bond was initially set at $150,000, 10% cash, including condition for no contact with the alleged victim nor any nonfamily member under 18 years of age. Burdick reduced bond to $35,000, 10%, May 10, with the same terms. Dobias was released from jail after posting $3,500 that day.

Dobias’ attorney of record is Renee Mathias of Berry Law Firm in Omaha.

Burdick bound other defendants, who also waived their rights to preliminary hearings, over to district court as well, waiving jurisdiction for all misdemeanor and infraction counts to the district court.

Dennis J. Nekolite, 32, of O’Neill had charges in two cases bound over to the district court, where arraignment is set Aug. 15.

In the first case Nekolite was bound over on three felony counts of possessing controlled substances - methamphetamine, diazepam and oxycodone, all alleged April 26 in O’Neill. He is also charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under suspension.

In the second case, he was bound over on the same three felony charges, alleged May 26. In that case he also faces four misdemeanors - disturbing the peace, driving under suspension, no valid registration and an open container violation.

Bond is continued, in the amount of $5,000, 10%. He was transported to court from the Antelope County Jail in Neligh, where he is being held, pending posting of bond. Nekolite is represented by Holt County public defender Rodney Smith.

Joshua A. Boettcher, 30, of Stuart is set for arraignment Aug. 15 in the district court on two felony counts, possession of a controlled substance (meth) and possession of a deadly weapon (knife) by a prohibited person. Misdemeanor/infraction counts in the case include operating a motor vehicle during time of revocation, subsequent offense; no proof of financial responsibility; no valid registration; possession of marijuana; and possession of drug paraphernalia. The crimes are all alleged May 7 in rural Holt County. Personal recognizance bond is continued in the amount of $1,500. He is represented by Smith.