CUSTER COUNTY—The Custer County District Courtroom had a lengthy docket for Thursday, October 22 but only a few felony cases we presented in front of Judge Karin Noakes.
Luis Valdez, 23 of Broken Bow, was arraigned on one alleged charge of possession of THC (class IV felony). Valdez’s attorney Michael Borders said that a plea deal was in the works and would most likely be resolved in the coming months.
Valdez pled not guilty to the lone charge and the case was set for a jury trial on February 8 at 9 AM with a pre-trial conference scheduled on January 21. If a plea deal is not reached and he is found guilty, Valdez could face up to two years in prison and be fined up to $10,000.
Ivan Morales, 29 of Thorton, CO, will serve a three-year probation term after being sentenced on one amended charge of possession of THC with intent to distribute (IIA felony). Through the plea deal, probation was recommended by both the State and Morales’ attorney, Daniel Stockmann.
Stockmann stated that his client has been attending classes regarding his substance abuse prior to the sentencing which was going well. Judge Noakes also agreed that probation was appropriate as the structure would be a benefit for Morales.
