CUSTER COUNTY – Several criminal cases, including burglary related sentencing and multiple felony charges, were heard during proceedings on Thursday, November 12, in Custer County District Court.
Shawn V. Boger
One of the cases involved Shawn V. Boger, who entered a no contest plea to an amended charge of criminal attempt, a Class 3A felony, in connection with a series of burglaries in Custer County in August 2023.
According to the factual basis presented in court, by state attorney Kayla C. Clark, the burglaries occurred August 27, 2023, at Jim’s Bar in Oconto, Evans Feed in Callaway and Country Partners Coop in Callaway.
The investigation determined the losses totaled $1,880, including $580 at Jim’s Bar, $150 at Evans Feed and $1,150 at Country Partners Coop.
Boger’s plea agreement called for a two year prison sentence to run concurrently with sentences in cases from Cass, Otoe and Sherman counties. The agreement also included $1,880 in restitution.
The judge Karin L. Noakes sentenced Boger to two years in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, followed by nine months of post release supervision. He was also ordered to pay the restitution within three years of his final release from incarceration.
During the sentencing, judge Noakes stated, “I do not believe you are an appropriate candidate for probation,” citing his criminal history and seriousness of the offense.
Jared J. Meister
Jared J. Meister was sentenced after being found guilty of theft, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Due to conflicting amounts provided at separate times with the investigator, victim impact statement and during depositions. State attorney Clark stated $5,000 is an actual loss that could be proven at a restitution hearing and so that was the agreed amount.
Meister’s attorney John D. Icenogle noted Meister’s “decision wasn’t thought through, the actions then became a snowball and we ended up here…”
The court ordered Meister to serve two years of probation and pay $5,000 in restitution to Mitch and Roxanne Huggins. Payments are to begin December 1, 2026 with a minimum monthly payment of $210.
Judge Noakes also ordered Meister to complete probation programming and comply with conditions involving employment, drug and alcohol use and random searches.
Louis E. Keezer
Louis E. Keezer appeared for arraignment on two separate cases involving multiple charges.
In case number CR 26-37, Keezer is charged with possession of a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine, in connection with an alleged incident August 22, 2026, in Custer County.
In case number CR 26-38, charges include second degree domestic assault with a dangerous instrument, failure to stop and render aid following an accident involving an injury, and willful reckless driving. The alleged offenses occurred August 21, 2026 in Custer County.
Keezer entered not guilty pleas to all charges. A jury trial is scheduled to begin February 8, 2027 at 9:00am.
Trenton R. Esch
Judge Noakes also considered the state’s motion to dispose of evidence in the case involving Trenton R. Esch.
The motion involved firearms and ammunition. With no objections filed or individuals appearing to object, the court granted the state’s motion and ordered the listed evidence destroyed.
Mark A. Koch
In a civil matter involving Mark A. Koch and the City of Sargent, the court heard arguments concerning a request for relief involving city actions and building permits.
The court dismissed Koch’s third cause of action, which requested an order directing the Sargent Police Department to arrest an individual. Judge Judge Noakes determined that an arrest decision is a discretionary function of a police officer that is in the executive branch.
Judge Noakes took the remaining two causes of action under advisement and said a written order would be issued.
