Two criminal cases were heard in Custer County District Court on Thursday, September 5th. Judge Karin Noakes presided over both cases.
Phillip S. Duncan, age 53 of Broken Bow, appeared with court-appointed counsel for an arraignment. Duncan is charged with one count of use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, a Class II felony; one count of possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, a Class III felony; six counts of terroristic threats, Class IIIA felonies; two counts of 3rd degree assault, Class I misdemeanors; one count of intimidation by telephone or an electronic device, a Class III misdemeanor; and one count of being a habitual criminal. The charges stem from alleged offenses that occurred on July 5, 2024. Duncan pleaded not guilty to all charges and a jury trial was set for January 16, 2025. Andrew Hanquist, Duncan’s attorney, asked the court to consider a bond reduction from the current $250,000 with 10% privilege and the State presented their opposition to a bond reduction. Judge Noakes denied the request.
Also appearing in District Court was Jesse L. Menzie, age 48 of Sargent, who appeared for a hearing on a motion for withdrawal of his court-appointed attorney, Matthew Furrow. Menzie stated that it was his intent to represent himself and Judge Noakes granted the withdrawal, appointing Furrow as stand-by counsel. Menzie remains in Custer County Jail after being booked on August 1st. He is charged with one count of 1st degree assault, a Class II felony; one count of child abuse, a Class IIIA felony, one count of stalking, a Class IIIA felony; and one count of criminal mischief, a Class III misdemeanor.
