Sydney M. Abbott, 31, of O’Neill appeared in front of the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt County courtroom in O’Neill on Feb. 20, for sentencing on three crimes committed Aug. 15, 2023, in O’Neill, Count I, driving under the influence of alcohol, a Class W misdemeanor; Count II, leave scene of accident, a Class 2 misdemeanor; and Count III, obstruct a peace officer, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Burdick placed Abbott on probation for 18 months, including 10 days in the Holt County Jail on each counts I and III, to be served concurrently. She was given credit on Count I jail time for five days previously served and the time scheduled for Feb. 24 was waived. The remaining five days is set to begin March 2.

In addition, Burdick revoked her driver’s license for 18 months and fined her $500 for Count I and an additional $500 on Count II. She was ordered to pay probation fees totaling $625 and $115 costs of prosecution.

Abbott pleaded guilty, pursuant to a plea deal, Dec. 5. In return, Holt County prosecutor Brent Kelly amended Count I to DUI, second offense, low test.

Abbott was arrested Aug. 15, 2023, after reports that she had run another vehicle off the road before running into a sign near the carwash on Pioneer Road and a state speed-limit sign.

She then was reported to have turned into Christiansen Trailer Court on 494 Ave. and, allegedly, attempted to hide her vehicle behind a trailer and entered the trailer. After officers arrived, she was reported to have exited through a bedroom window and fled on foot. She was located in a nearby bean field, was returned to the trailer court and detained.

An ambulance was called due to an injury sustained when she hit the sign, but she declined transport. Officers subsequently transported her to Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital to have the injury checked and blood drawn for a blood-alcohol test. The test result was .166, more than three hours after the arrest.

According to the arrest affidavit, Abbott said she hadn’t been driving and was kidnapped. She told officers someone stole her vehicle while she was in it.

Jerry D. Beall, 21, of Atkinson faced Burdick on Count I, no valid registration, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and Count II, no proof of financial responsibility, a Class 2 misdemeanor. Beall pleaded guilty to Count II in exchange for Holt County attorney Brent Kelly’s dismissal of Count I. Burdick fined Beall $100 and assessed $50 costs. Beall was cited by an Atkinson police officer Jan. 10.

Bradley R. Leise, 28, of Omaha pleaded guilty, by waiver, to one count, drive under suspension/before reinstated, a Class 3 misdemeanor committed Aug. 19, 2023. He assigned bond funds to the $100 fine and $49 costs. Leise’s bond had been ruled forfeited Sept. 19, 2023, and a warrant was issued. The warrant was served Feb. 12 and he posted another $5,000, 10% cash bond. First bond was reinstated Feb. 20 and the balances released after payment of fine and costs.