O'Neill man found competent for trial, pleads to five charges

A 19-year-old O’Neill man, originally accused of 11 criminal charges alleged April 9, 2023, has been found competent to stand trial.

During Sept. 25, 2023, arraignment proceedings in the Holt County district courtroom in O’Neill, after the entry of a guilty plea to amended charges, the Honorable Mark Kozisek questioned defendant Ethan J. Peterson’s competency and ordered an evaluation.

Following the evaluation by a Norfolk specialist, Kozisek found Peterson is competent and the matter proceeded to a plea hearing Jan. 8. A plea bargain with Holt County prosecutor Brent Kelly was announced, whereby the defendant pleaded guilty to five charges contained in an amended information. He was adjudged guilty as charged of Count I, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, a Class 3A felony; Count II, possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony; Count III, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a Class 1 misdemeanor; Count IV, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited offender, a Class 4 felony; and Count V, terroristic threats, a Class 3A felony.

Counts VI through XI were dismissed by Kelly. There was no sentencing recommendation.

Kozisek ordered a presentence investigation and set sentencing March 11.

Peterson is represented by Martin Klein of Neligh.