Custer County District Court was in session on Thursday, October 24, 2024, with Judge Karin Noakes presiding.
A status hearing was held for Charles E. Robinson, age 52 of Denver, Colorado. The defendant’s attorney, Brian J. Davis of Cozad, Nebraska, informed the Court that a plea agreement had been reached in the case. Robinson then entered a plea of no contest to the amended charge of attempted possession of a controlled substance with attempt to distribute, a Class 3A felony. Judge Noakes found the defendant guilty of that charge and ordered a presentence investigation and a chemical dependency evaluation be completed prior to sentencing on January 2, 2025.
A competency review hearing was held for Michael D. Larreau, age 28 of Arnold. Larreau is currently at the Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) participating in a competency restoration program. After reviewing a report received from staff at the LRC, the State requested the defendant remain at the center until deemed competent to stand trial. Another competency review hearing was set for December 19, 2024.
Steven A. Olson, age 71 of Broken Bow, also appeared for a competency review hearing. A report was submitted by the Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) and based on the report, the State requested Olson remain at the LRC for treatment to restore competency. Olson’s attorney, Matthew Furrow told the Court his client believes he is competent to stand trial. After review of the report, Judge Noakes ordered Olson to remain at the LRC for continued treatment. He will return to court on December 19, 2024 for another competency review.
The last criminal case heard on Thursday morning was State v. Sabri A. Tirkash. Tirkash, age 59 of Schuyler, appeared for a hearing on a motion to revoke probation. Judge Noakes appointed an attorney to represent the defendant and set a hearing for November 21, 2024 when he will admit or deny the allegation. Tirkash was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond.
Two criminal cases were also heard in District Court on Thursday afternoon. Both cases were entry of plea hearings and KCNI/KBBN News will have further information about those hearings this weekend.
