Chance L. Smith, age 33 of Cozad, appeared in Custer County District Court on Thursday, August 1st for sentencing and a restitution hearing on an incident that occurred in December of 2021. Smith pleaded no contest and was found guilty of two counts of making terroristic threats (Class 3A felonies) and two counts of assault (Class I misdemeanors) in June of this year. A presentence investigation (PSI) was also ordered at that time. Before issuing the sentencing, Judge Karin Noakes expressed surprise that the PSI recommendation was probation considering the defendant’s previous criminal record and she stressed the serious nature of the offenses. Smith was ordered to five years of intense supervised probation on the counts of terroristic threats and two years of intense supervised probation on the counts of assault, to be served concurrently, but consecutively with any other term of probation he is now serving. Smith was also ordered to 90 days in the Custer County Jail, given credit for 14 days previously served, ordered to obtain a psych evaluation within 60 days of his release from incarceration and to pay restitution of $10,543.20.
The only other criminal case in Custer County District Court on Thursday was a hearing on a motion to transport made by Steven A. Olson, age 71 of Broken Bow. Olson faces charges of terroristic threats, use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, 1st offense resisting arrest, and criminal mischief. In April, Olson was ordered by the court to undergo a competency determination and remains in the Lincoln Regional Center. Matt Furrow, Olson’s attorney, said his client is requesting to be physically present for his August 22nd competency hearing. Judge Noakes sustained the motion.
