THURSDAY, OCT. 29 – Several criminal cases were heard in Custer County District Court Thursday, Oct. 29, before District Judge Karin L. Noakes.
Murphy Case
Charles M. Murphy, 48, of Mason City, appeared for arraignment on six criminal charges stemming from alleged incidents occurring June 23, 2023.
Murphy faces six felony charges, including first degree sexual assault of a child between the ages of 12 and 15, a Class IB felony; two counts of incest involving a person younger than 18, both Class IIA felonies; third degree sexual assault of a child, a Class IIIA felony; and two counts of intentional child abuse without injury, both Class IIIA felonies.
Murphy entered pleas of not guilty to all six counts. The court scheduled a jury trial for Feb. 8, 2027, at 9 a.m., with a pretrial conference scheduled for Jan. 21, 2027, at 10 a.m. Murphy’s previous bond conditions were continued, and was returned to the sheriff’s custody.
Pittman Case
Joseph A. Pittman, 37, of Cozad, appeared for arraignment on five criminal charges stemming from an alleged incident on Sept. 17, 2026.
The charges include driving under the influence of alcohol, first offense; theft by receiving stolen property in the amount of over $500; flight to avoid arrest; refusal to subject to a chemical test, first offense; and willful reckless driving.
According to the court notes, the theft charge is classified as a Class IIA felony, while the flight to avoid arrest charge is a Class IV felony. The remaining charges are misdemeanors.
Pittman entered pleas of not guilty to all five counts. A jury trial was scheduled for Feb. 8, 2027, at 9 a.m., with a pretrial conference scheduled for Jan. 21, 2027, at 10 a.m. The court continued Pittman’s existing bond conditions, and was returned to the sheriff’s custody.
For other court appearances from the Custer County District Court on Thursday, October 29, 2026 see the Custer County Chief.
