Three sentencings took place Thursday morning at the Custer County Judicial Center. In a story from January 18th, 2018, Virgil L. Ramsdell, 49 of Taylor was found guilty of manslaughter by Judge Karin Noakes, a class IIA felony. He appeared in court Thursday morning, scheduled for sentencing for the outcome of the car accident that occurred on Thanksgiving Day in 2016, where Becky Millard, 56 of Broken Bow was ejected from the car and died.
Kayla Clark began the argument for the state of Nebraska stating that a life was lost because of Ramsdell’s actions, and that he tested positive for three controlled substances following the accident. Clark also stated that the pre-sentence investigation found that Ramsdell shows no remorse for what happened. She finished her statement with the state’s recommendation of between 14 and 16 years in prison.
Ramsdell’s attorney Mike Borders spoke next, stating that if you knew Virgil personally, you would know that he isn’t always the best at expressing himself. Borders went on to say that Ramsdell takes ownership of what happened and would be very appreciative of probation as this was not a purposeful incident and that his past failures at probation were when he was much younger.
Following a statement from Ramsdell where he stated he would show that he could do better, Judge Noakes took a little more time to deliberate before giving her ruling. She stated that while there isn’t anything to indicate motive towards hurting Millard, she was still concerned by his past convictions and substance abuse problems and did see him as a danger. Judge Noakes went on to say that she did not see him as appropriate for probation, and Ramsdell was given a sentence of 3 to 5 years in prison with credit for 22 days served.
Following the sentencing, Borders asked if his client could check himself into jail at 5 pm after getting things in order before serving his time. That request was denied.
Maggie Royle, 40 of Oconto, appeared for sentencing on Thursday as well. Royle had pled no contest to theft, a class I misdemeanor and had been found guilty. She was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,337.65 to Orscheln’s. Judge Noakes followed the recommendation of the state and Royle’s attorney and sentenced her to 2 years of probation. Her posted bond would be applied to the restitution and court costs.
A third sentencing that took place Thursday saw Dakota Hodges, 26 of Hastings, appear on probation violations on three charges of burglary. After hearing statements from the state and Hodges’ attorney Mike Borders, both of which suggested an extension of probation, Judge Noakes stated she was surprised. Hodges had violated a lot of conditions of his probation, and she told Hodges that he must have impressed everyone with the work he has been putting forward to better himself. Hodges stated that he will be moving soon and has a job lined up so he can continue to support his family. Judge Noakes followed the recommendations and said she was encouraged by the direction he was going, and stated that Hodges will remain on probation.
Brian Middour, 38, was arraigned on two charges of witness tampering. He pled not guilty to both charges, and faces a maximum of 2 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine or both if found guilty. His next court date was set for June 11th.
Case CR 16-36 for David Lynch Jr., age 27, was continued. His attorney Mike Borders stated that Lynch is seeing a counselor and has been working on getting into anger management as well, and he would like to see this effort reflected on the pre-sentence investigation. Lynch’s next day in court was set for May 17th.
