Page man's Holt County cases go to special court

A 35-year-old Page man has been given the opportunity to resolve two felony cases through the North Central Problem Solving Court.

Problem-solving courts are an alternate route through the criminal justice system for nonviolent drug-related offenders, utilizing a specialized team process within the existing court structure. The court's goal is to protect public safety and increase the participant's likelihood of successful rehabilitation by utilizing validated risk and need assessments, early and individualized behavioral health treatment, frequent and random chemical testing, incentives, sanctions and other rehabilitative and ancillary services. Successful completion can lead to a reduction in sentence for the original crime.

Unsuccessful termination leads to sentencing on the criminal activity that led to the referral. Defendants who are accepted into the problem-solving court sign a contract and agree to pay programing fees.

Francis L. Brundle Jr. appeared in Holt County district court Dec. 12, facing the Honorable Mark Kozisec for pretrial conferences in two criminal cases.

A plea deal was announced, which included Brundle's guilty pleas to first-degree forgery, a Class 3 felony committed Dec. 7, 2021, and to four counts committed April 8, 2022, possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony; operating motor vehicle during time of suspension, a Class 2 misdemeanor; no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor; and display of fictitious plates, a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Brundle pleaded guilty to all counts and Kozisec deferred sentencing, pending his participation in the North Central Problem Solving Court, where he was scheduled to appear Dec. 19. Brundle was ordered to pay $100 restitution to the victim in the forgery case.

Brundle also has three cases pending in Holt County court. Kozisec advised "the county court cases will be resolved by plea agreement with sentencing recommendations therein." They are currently on the Jan. 3, 2023, county court docket.

Bond is continued and conditioned on his compliance with problem-solving court rules and regulations

Brundle is represented by Holt County public defender Rod Smith.