O'Neill man 'fires' attorney, goes to jail for assault

Dennis C. Cullen, 65, of O'Neill faced the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt County courtroom in O'Neill on April 4 for sentencing in a case that has taken a few turns.

Cullen was charged with a May 20, 2022, crime, assault in the third degree, in a complaint filed by Holt County attorney Brent Kelly on Nov. 9, 2022. Cullen appeared for arraignment Dec. 6, 2022, accompanied by his attorney at the time, Martin Klein of Neligh. Cullen entered a no contest plea, pursuant to a plea agreement with Kelly. Burdick found him guilty, ordered a presentence investigation report and set sentencing for Ja...