O'Neill man is sentencing no show

A 39-year-old O’Neill man failed to appear for sentencing, on year-old charges, in the Holt County district court last week - for the second time.

Joshua J. Speth, 39, of O’Neill was scheduled for sentencing Sept. 19. On his behalf, Holt County public defender Rodney Smith requested a continuance. Holt County attorney Brent Kelly moved for a bench warrant. The Honorable Mark Kozisec overruled Smith’s motion and took the matter under advisement pending preparation of the warrant by Kelly, within 14 days. He ordered the warrant provide no bond, with a hearing to be held the first regular session of court after service of the warrant.

As part of a plea deal, Speth pleaded no contest May 9, to charges including third-offense driving under the influence of alcohol, high test, a Class 3A felony; operating motor vehicle during time of suspension, a Class 2 misdemeanor; driving without headlights, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and an open container violation, all committed July 9, 2021. Sentencing was set July 18, then continued to Aug. 15, when he failed to appear. It was then rescheduled for Sept. 12 and finally, continued to Sept. 19.