Criminal cases were heard Oct. 24 in Custer County District Court

The Custer County District Court met 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, told the court that a settlement had been reached in the case. Robinson then pleaded no contest to the amended charge of attempted possession of a controlled substance with attempted distribution, a Class 3A felony. Judge Noakes found the defendant guilty of this charge and ordered that a presentence investigation and chemical dependency assessment be completed before sentencing on January 2, 2025.

A competency hearing was held for Michael D. Larreau, age 28 and Arnold. Larreau is currently at Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) participating in a skills recovery program. After reviewing a report obtained from LRC staff, the State ordered the defendant to remain at the center until he was found fit to stand trial. Another competency review hearing has been scheduled for December 19, 2024.

Steven A. Olson, 71, of Broken Bow, also appeared at a competency hearing. A report was submitted by the Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) and based on the report, the state requested that 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 reviewing the report, Judge Noakes ordered that Olson remain at the LRC for further treatment. He will return to court on December 19, 2024 for another competency review.

The last criminal case heard Thursday morning was State v. Sabri A. Tirkash. Tirkash, 59, of Schuyler, appeared at a hearing on a motion to revoke probation. Judge Noakes appointed a lawyer to represent the defendant and scheduled a hearing for November 21, 2024, at which he will admit or deny the allegation. Tirkash was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond.

Two criminal cases were also heard in the district court on Thursday afternoon. Plea hearings have been filed in both cases and KCNI/KBBN News will have more information on those hearings this weekend.