Disruptive courtroom behavior lands O'Neill man in jail

An O’Neill man was ordered to spend seven days in the Holt County Jail for criminal contempt of court on Aug. 30. The Honorable Kale Burdick found Dennis J. Nekolite Jr., 32, was in direct contempt of court for continued disruptive and disrespectful behavior in the Holt County courtroom, including use of vile or insulting language. Burdick journaled, “The seven days shall not be counted toward any credit for time served in the current case.”

Nekolite was in court for arraignment on five counts alleged July 27, including a Class 4 felony, operating motor vehicle to avoid arrest. He is also charged with willful reckless driving, driving under the influence, driving under suspension and possession of an open alcohol container. Nekolite requested court appointed counsel and Burdick appointed Holt County public defender Rod Smith. Preliminary hearing is set Sept. 20. Bond is continued at $100,000, 10%.

According to an affidavit filed by a Holt County investigator, Nekolite was arrested after he allegedly failed to stop and led officers on a chase on O’Neill area streets, highways and county roads, culminating with a fire on the interior of the vehicle as he exited it. He allegedly told officers he had just got out of jail in Hall County that day. The investigator reported Nekolite’s preliminary breath test registered .197 grams/210 liters, while a post-arrest chemical test result was .203.

Brett N. Heinrich, 20, of Hickman pleaded guilty, by waiver, to possession of alcohol by a minor, ages 19/20, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and possession of false identification, an infraction. Heinrich was fined $300 and $50, respectively, and $50 costs.