O'Neill woman's drug case goes to special court

A 22-year-old O’Neill woman has been given the opportunity to resolve her felony case 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, while unsuccessful termination leads to sentencing on the criminal activity that led to the referral. A defendant who is accepted into the problem-solving court signs a contract and agrees to pay an enrollment fee and $100 monthly programing fees.

Trinity Mosel appeared in Holt County district court April 24, facing the Honorable Mark Kozisec for arraignment on a Class 2A felony, possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, with intent to deliver; a Class 4 felony, possession of a controlled substance, concentrated THC; and an infraction, possession of drug paraphernalia.

A plea deal was announced, which included Mosel pleading guilty to all three counts in exchange for Holt County attorney Brent Kelly’s agreement not to oppose deferment of sentencing. Kozisec adjudged her guilty as charged and deferred sentencing, pending participation in the North Central Problem Solving Court, where she was scheduled for first appearance May 1. Bond is continued, conditioned on compliance with the rules and regulations of the drug court.

Mosel was represented by Holt County public defender Rod Smith.

Shawn D. Crist, 35, of O’Neill faced Kozisec for sentencing April 17.

Kozisec sentenced Crist to a two-year term of probation for his conviction of possession of methamphetamine, a Class 4 felony committed June 29, 2022. Probation terms include obtaining and maintaining employment at least 32 hours per week. During weeks in which he does not work 32 hours, he is ordered to perform one hour of community service for every two hours he is short of the 32 hours work. He is also required to obtain a chemical dependency evaluation within 30 days and complete any recommended course of treatment. He was taxed $147 costs of prosecution and $750 in probation-related fees.

Crist, who was represented by court-appointed counsel, Michael Sholes of O’Neill, pleaded no contest to the charge Feb. 22, after reaching a plea agreement with Kelly, who dismissed two infractions, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Crist was arrested after a search warrant was executed at a shop building located at 49164 Highway 20 in O’Neill, occupied by Crist and two other men. According to a probable-cause affidavit filed by Holt County investigator Steven Binkerd, a glass pipe with a white residue and a baggie containing white crystals that field tested positive for meth and multiple other items of drug paraphernalia were found in Crist’s bedroom.