Atkinson man bound over to district court on solicitation charges

A 20-year-old Atkinson man was bound over to the Holt County district court on three Class 4 felony counts of soliciting prostitution, with the alleged person solicited being under the age of 18.

Jerry D. Beall Jr. waived his right to counsel and his right to a preliminary hearing when he faced the Honorable Kale Burdick on the allegations in the Holt County courtroom in O’Neill on May 9. He is set for arraignment in the district court May 22.

The complaint, filed by Holt County attorney Brent Kelly on April 19, alleges the crimes were committed Sept. 22, 2022.

Burdick also sentenced two defendants during last week’s county court proceedings.

Jacob R. Owens, 41, of Emmet was sentenced to time already served in the Holt County Jail.

Owens appeared for further arraignment on two charges, Count I, third-degree domestic assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and Count II, felony child abuse. A plea agreement was announced. In exchange for Owens’ no contest plea to Count I, Kelly dismissed Count II. Burdick sentenced Owens to 40 days in the county jail, with credit for 41 days previously served. The extra day served was applied to Owens’ $50 costs.

According to an arrest affidavit, Owens was arrested at his Emmet residence March 31 by officers with the Holt County Sheriff’s Department.

Ethan E. Wiekamp, 42, of O’Neill appeared for arraignment for second-offense DUI, committed March 27 in O’Neill. Pursuant to a plea bargain, the defendant entered a guilty plea and Kelly agreed to recommend probation, to include 30 days in the county jail. In addition, Kelly agreed to recommend a furlough from jail for the defendant to attend inpatient treatment.

Burdick fined Wiekamp $1,000, revoked his driver’s license for 30 months and ordered an 18-month term of probation, including $570 in fees. He was taxed $50 costs of prosecution. As part of his probation, Wiekamp was ordered to attend three AA meetings per week and obtain a sponsor for same. Burdick ordered Wiekamp to report directly to the jail for booking. Upon completion of the booking process, he was to be released to attend treatment at a Colorado facility.

Wiekamp was represented by Ashley Boettcher of O’Neill.