South Dakota inmate sentenced for Holt County crime via Zoom

Adam D. Lorenz, 33, of Springfield, South Dakota, faced the Honorable Kale Burdick via Zoom from a South Dakota Department of Corrections’ facility on July 2, to be sentenced for two Class 3 misdemeanor counts of unauthorized use of financial devices, committed in February 2023.

Burdick sentenced Lorenz to 10 days in the Holt County Jail on each count, to be served concurrently and concurrent to sentence he is currently serving in South Dakota. He is ordered to pay $158.87 restitution to Julie Tielke and was taxed $60 costs.

Lorenz pleaded guilty Aug. 1, 2023, pursuant to a plea agreement with Holt County prosecutor Brent Kelly, who dismissed two counts, criminal possession of a financial transaction device and theft of lost property.

Lorenz was represented by Holt County public defender Rod Smith.

Burdick issued warrants for the arrests of two defendants from Houston, Texas. The men had both been granted permission by Burdick to appear via Zoom but failed to follow through.

Both had been released on personal recognizance bonds May 20, after their May 19 arrests by a Nebraska State Patrol officer.

Joseph J. Daniels, 32, failed to appear for first hearing on a Class 4 felony, possession of a controlled substance.

Cree L. Melvin, 33, failed to appear for arraignment on two counts, possession of legend drugs, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and possession of marijuana, an infraction.

Daniels’ warrant calls for a $25,000, 10% cash bond, while Melvin’s is $5,000, 10%.

Dezhanay M. Houston, 28, of Omaha did appear for arraignment via Zoom.

He waived his right to counsel and pleaded guilty to three counts, no valid registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor; no proof of insurance, a Class 2 misdemeanor; and speeding 6-10 mph over posted limit, an infraction, all committed Oct. 21, 2023. Burdick fined Houston $25, $100 and $25, respectively, and taxed him $50 costs. A warrant issued in December 2023 was recalled.

John K. Eades, 49, of O’Neill appeared for sentencing on two counts, third-degree assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and disturbing the peace, a Class 3 misdemeanor. Eades’ sentence includes a six-month term of probation, including $210 fees and he was taxed $60 costs of prosecution. Conditions of probation include 12 days in jail, two days each month, beginning July 26, unless waived by the court; attendance at two AA meetings. per week and obtain sponsor for same; complete a co-occurring evaluation within 45 days and complete all recommendations.

Eades was self-represented.

Eades was arrested by O’Neill officers who responded to a report of a physical altercation at his residence April 3.

Corbin W. Kellum, 19, of Page appeared in person and pleaded no contest to minor in possession of alcohol, a Class 3 misdemeanor committed Dec. 15, 2023. He was judged guilty by Burdick. He was fined $300 and taxed $50 costs. Michael Sholes of O’Neill was appointed counsel for Kellum.

Sydney Weber, 26, of Atkinson faced the Burdick on July 9, charged with driving under revocation, a Class 2 misdemeanor. A plea agreement was entered with Weber pleading guilty to an amended charge, no operator’s license, a Class 3 misdemeanor, as part of the agreement. Burdick fined Weber $100 and assessed $50 costs of prosecution for the April 6 offense.

Weber was represented by Smith.

Wyatt A. Boettcher, 26, of Spencer, who had previously waived his right to counsel, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, a Class 2 misdemeanor committed Jan. 1. He was fined $300 and taxed $50 costs.

Colton R. Hull, 27, of Bristow pleaded guilty, by waiver, to fishing without a permit, a Class 2 misdemeanor committed May 26 under the Niobrara River Bridge on the south side of the river on 503 Avenue. He was fined $100 and taxed $49 costs. Reed was cited by a Nebraska Game and Parks officer.