O'Neill man to see two years in prison, consecutive to time for crimes in four other counties

Dennis J. Nekolite Jr., 33, of O’Neill appeared in front of the Honorable Mark Kozisec to be sentenced for his conviction of 13 crimes committed between May 26 and July 27, 2022, including five felonies, six misdemeanors and two infractions.

Nekolite was sentenced to an institution under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, with the jail sentences imposed on counts I -III, V-IX and XI-XII to be served concurrently and the sentence on Count X to be served consecutively to the others. The sentences for counts IV and XIII are fines only. All jail sentences imposed are ordered to be served consecutively to those recently imposed in Madison, Hall, Buffalo and Wheeler counties.

Provided he loses none of his good time, Nekolite must serve 24 months, less 143 days credit for time previously served, before attaining mandatory release.

The breakdown of jail time/fine per crime includes:

• Count I, disturbing the peace, Class 3 misdemeanor, one month;

• Count II, driving under suspension, Class 3 misdemeanor, one month, license revoked one year;

• Count III, no valid registration, Class 3 misdemeanor, one month;

• Count IV, open alcohol container, infraction, $50;

• Count V, possession alprazolam, Class 4 felony, 24 months;

• Count VI, possession of diazepam, Class 4 felony, 24 months;

• Count VII, possession of methamphetamine, Class 4 felony, 24 months;

• Count VIII, possession of cocaine, Class 4 felony, 24 months;

• Count IX, willful reckless driving, Class 3 misdemeanor, one month;

• Count X, operate motor vehicle to avoid arrest, Class 4 felony, 24 months, license revoked two years;

• Count XI, driving under the influence of alcohol, Class W misdemeanor, one month, $500, license revoked one year;

• Count XII, driving under suspension, Class 2 misdemeanor, one month, license revoked one year; and

• Count XIII, open alcohol container, infraction, $50.

Nekolite pleaded guilty to the 13 counts as part of a plea deal Nov. 16, 2022. In return, Holt County attorney Brent Kelly dismissed three 2022 Holt County district court cases and a 2022 Holt County court case, with costs taxed to Holt County.

Nekolite was transported to Holt County for court from a Nebraska Department of Corrections facility in Lincoln and was remanded to Holt County sheriff Ben Matchett’s custody to be transported to the Nebrska Penal Complex at Lincoln following his sentencing.

He was represented by Holt County public defender Rod Smith.