Family argument results in probation, jail for one brother

Noah T. Storjohann, 20, of Norfolk appeared in front of the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt County courtroom in O’Neill last week for sentencing on two counts, third-degree assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor. Burdick ordered Storjohann to serve a 12-month term of probation for the June 5, 2022, crimes. He was taxed $60 costs and ordered to pay probation fees totaling $390. Probation order includes 24 days incarceration in the Holt County Jail, to be served two days per month unless waived. Burdick waived the two days set to begin Jan. 27. Additionally, he ordered the defendant to obtain an evaluation for chemical dependency and successfully complete all recommendations; attend one AA meeting per week for the duration of probation and obtain a sponsor for same; and complete an anger-management class. Drug testing may be completed by sweat patch.

Storjohann, who was represented by Forest Peetz of O’Neill, pleaded no contest to both counts Oct. 11, 2022, as part of a plea agreement. In return, Holt County attorney Brent Kelly dismissed additional counts of assault and disturbing the peace and agreed to a probation recommendation.

Storjohann was arrested by a Holt County officer who was called to a disturbance at a rural Holt County residence, involving the defendant, his brother, their mother and both of their girlfriends, according to a warrantless-arrest affidavit filed by the officer. The officer noted that the defendant claimed responsibility for the events and that he was intoxicated, blowing .256 in a preliminary breath test.

Chad A. Doiel, 46, of O’Neill was sentenced by Burdick to a six-month term of probation and a pair of 90-day jail terms. The sentences covered counts I and II, attempted possession of controlled substances, methamphetamine and concentrated THC. He was also fined $100 for Count III, possession of drug paraphernalia. The jail terms are ordered to be served under house arrest. Doiel is subject to electronic monitoring for the duration of house arrest and is ordered to comply with all rules and regulations related to the monitoring device. He may leave his home for medical purposes, only if his probation officer is notified in advance. He was taxed $60 costs of prosecution and ordered to pay a $30 probation-enrollment fee and $30 drug-testing fees. Drug testing may be completed by sweat patch. A probation programing fee of $150 was waived by the judge.

On Dec. 6, 2022, Doiel pleaded guilty to the charges pursuant to a plea deal with Kelly, which also involved dismissal of a Holt County district court case.

Doiel was arrested Oct. 3, 2022, after O’Neill officers were called to a verbal disturbance at Doiel’s residence. According to an affidavit filed by officer Colin Hyatt, officers received permission from the defendant’s spouse to search the camper residence for contraband, leading to the discovery of two black boxes containing drugs. Doiel was represented by Holt County public defender Rodney Smith.

Pamela J. Graser, 70, of O’Neill faced Burdick for arraignment on a Class 2 misdemeanor, second-degree forgery. Graser pleaded guilty, per terms of a plea agreement with Kelly. There was a joint recommendation for a six-month probation sentence. The crime was committed between Aug. 1 and Aug. 18, 2022. Burdick sentenced her to the recommended probation. She was taxed $50 costs and a $30 probation enrollment fee. Probation programming fees of $150 were waived by Burdick. She was represented by Smith.

According to a citation, dated Aug. 18, filed by an O’Neill police officer, Graser had written three checks, signing the account holder’s name without his permission. In addition, the citation alleged she had in her possession a book of the other individual’s personal checks, with one check filled out to cash located in her purse.

John J. Shald, 76, of Stuart faced Burdick for arraignment on two charges, Count I, driving during revocation, a Class 2 misdemeanor, and no valid registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor. A plea agreement was announced. Shald pleaded guilty to a reduced Count I, drive during suspension/before reinstatement, a Class 3 misdemeanor and Kelly dropped Count II. Burdick fined Shald $100 and taxed him $50 costs for the Sept. 10 offense. Shald was represented by Smith.

Matthew S. Spencer, 29, of Bristow had a felony charge dismissed as part of a plea agreement with Kelly, in exchange for guilty pleas to six misdemeanor counts, along with agreement to enhancement conditions for one of them. Burdick sentenced him to seven days in the county jail and a total of $825 in fines - $500 for the enhanced third-offense possession of marijuana charge, a Class 3A misdemeanor; $25 for excess window tint, front and rear windows, a Class 4 misdemeanor; $50 each for two infraction open alcohol container counts; and $100 for each of two infraction counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was taxed $50 costs. Execution of the jail sentence was suspended until Jan. 23. Spencer was cited by an O’Neill officer Aug. 18, 2022.

As part of the agreement, Spencer also pleaded guilty to charges of possession of marijuana and paraphernalia committed Dec. 9, 2022, and was fined $300 and $100, respectively, along with $49 costs. Spencer was represented by Smith.