Bail set at $1 million in Holt County sexual assault case

A 36-year-old O’Neill man is being held in the Holt County Jail on a $1 million bond on charges of sexual assault of a child.

Michael L. Ford was ordered held without bond by the Honorable Kale Burdick when he was arrested Jan. 25. Holt County public defender Rod Smith was appointed as counsel.

Burdick subsequently sealed the arrest affidavit, citing identifying information regarding a minor victim. He held a bond review hearing Feb. 6, setting bond at $1 million, 10% cash. Bond conditions also include a provision for no contact with the alleged victim nor the victim’s mother. Ford will need t...