Several criminal cases were heard in Custer County District Court on Thursday, January 23, with Judge Karin L. Noakes presiding.
In State v. Darrin L. Ostrander, Judge Noakes had previously found the 30 year old from Broken Bow guilty of 3rd degree sexual assault. After a pre-sentence investigation report and an addendum to the report were entered into evidence, Ostrander was sentenced to 30 days in jail beginning January 27th and given credit for 9 days already served. Ostrander was also given two years probation, with the requirement that he attend outpatient counseling for substance abuse and for being a sex offender. Ostrander also must follow outpatient recommendations, and register with the Nebraska sex offender registry.
In State v. Miranda L. Luera, a 39 year old from Broken Bow, both sides are waiting for an evaluation on the defendant to be returned, along with a decision on whether Luera will be accepted to the North Central Problem Solving Drug Court. Luera is charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, with intent to distribute, which is a Class II felony. A motion to dismiss a second count of the charge was accepted. Luera pleaded not guilty, and a trial was set for June 9th, with a pre-trial hearing on May 15th.
In State v. Francisca E. Miller, a 38 year old Broken Bow resident, a plea agreement was reached. In exchange for Miller entering a no contest plea for Count I of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, Count II was dismissed. Possession of a controlled substance is a Class IV felony. On November 15, 2024, a home in which Miller was present was searched and found to have used syringes with meth residue and other drug paraphernalia. Judge Noakes scheduled sentencing for February 20th. In addition, Miller’s attorney requested a bond reduction for the defendant. After hearing argument from the State, Judge Noakes denied the request.
