The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

Two defendants waived their rights to preliminary hearings on felony charges in the Holt County court when they faced the Honorable Kale Burdick in the O’Neill courtroom Dec. 6.

William D. Liermann, 63, of O’Neill filed a written waiver of his right to preliminary hearing. He is charged with five felony counts - counts I and II, delivery of a controlled substance (oxycodone), Class 2 felonies; Count III, possession of a controlled substance (heroin), a Class 4 felony; Count IV, possession of a deadly weapon (knife) by a prohibited person, a Class 3 felony; and Count V, possession of a controlled substance (diazepam), a Class 4 felony. He is set for arraignment in the Holt County district court Jan. 23. A $5,000 personal recognizance bond is continued. Liermann is represented by Douglas Stratton of Norfolk.

Liermann was arrested June 29 by a Holt County investigator, following execution of a search warrant on a shop located on Highway 20 in O’Neill. The shop was occupied by Liermann and two other individuals. Shawn Crist, who along with William Liermann resided at the shop, was also arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. His case is pending in the Holt County district court. James Liermann of Englewood, Colorado, who was a visitor, was cited for the possession of marijuana and released.

Members of the O'Neill police department, Brown County sheriff's office, Holt County sheriff's office and Nebraska State Patrol assisted in execution of the search warrant.

Darrick E. Nekuda, 45, of Stuart waived his right to preliminary hearing on a Class 4 felony, possession of a controlled substance (meth). Nekuda is set for district court arraignment Jan. 23, 2023. Bond posted June 28, in the amount of $15,000, 10% cash, is continued. He is represented by Holt County public defender Rod Smith.

Nekuda was arrested by a Holt County investigator, who conducted searches of Nekuda, his vehicle and his residence at the request of a Nebraska probation officer. A urine test performed at the time was allegedly positive for the presence of meth.