Orchard teen's Holt County case goes to special court

A 19-year-old Orchard woman has been given the opportunity to resolve two felony cases through the Northeast Nebraska Problem Solving Court.

Makenzie A. Dow appeared in Holt County district court last week, facing the Honorable Mark Kozisec for two cases.

A plea deal was announced, which included dismissal of one case by Holt County attorney Brent Kelly. That case included accusations of the June 16 theft of firearms and wallets with several credit cards, a social security card and driver’s license, from vehicles, as well as contributing to the delinquency of a child related to three juveniles involved in the alleged crimes.

Pursuant to the plea bargain, Dow pleaded guilty to four charges in an amended complaint filed by Kelly in the other case - Count I, theft by receiving stolen property, a Class 2 misdemeanor; Count II, possession of a financial transaction device, a Class 4 felony; Count III, criminal possession of a financial transaction device, a Class 2A felony; and Count IV, possession of a stolen firearm, also a Class 2A felony. The original complaint included a Class 2 misdemeanor count of theft by receiving and three Class 4 counts of possessing financial devices. The crimes were committed June 16-17.

Sentencing was deferred, pending the outcome of Dow’s participation in problem-solving court.

Dow also has six cases pending in Holt County court, including numerous charges alleged in June, theft by unlawful taking, theft by receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, obstructing a peace officer, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, child abuse related to juveniles found hiding in the trunk of her vehicle during a traffic stop, reckless driving and speeding. Kozisec advised sentencing on the county court cases will be made upon joint recommendation for probation and restitution. They are currently on the Jan. 10, 2023, court calendar, three for arraignment and three for pretrial conference.

Bond is continued and conditioned on her compliance with problem-solving court rules and regulations. Her first appearance in the problem-solving court was to be Monday, Dec. 19.

Dow is represented by Holt County public defender Rod Smith in all the cases.