Felon who 'forgot' bound over on weapon charge

Christopher J. Deepe, 49, of Broken Bow was bound over to the Holt County district court on a Class 1 D felony, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, first offense.

Deepe faced the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt County courtroom in O’Neill on May 14. He waived his right to preliminary hearing and Burdick bound the case over to district court, where he was set for arraignment June 17.

Bond is continued at $75,000, 10% cash. Deepe is represented by Frederick Bartell of Norfolk.

Deepe, who was employed at the Holt County Locker in Stuart, allegedly regularly used a .22 rifle in the course of his employment.

According to an arrest affidavit filed by a Holt County deputy, on Feb. 14, Deepe allegedly sent a text message to a Holt County investigator indicating the rifle used to kill cows at the locker was missing. He later texted that it had been located.

A report was also received from a Nebraska brand inspector who had been conducting an inspection at the locker Feb. 29, alleging he witnessed Deepe was carrying a handgun in a holster on his hip. He claimed he needed the weapons for protection and “forgot” he was a felon, according to the deputy’s affidavit.

The deputy indicated Deepe has a 2002 felony child abuse conviction in Wyoming.