Defendants sentenced on drug, weapons charges

McCOOK, Neb. — In Red Willow County District Court Monday, Christopher L. Merklin, 39, St. Francis, Kan., pleaded guilty to attempt of a Class 4 felony, amended from possession of a controlled substance, and pleaded guilty to possession or use of drug paraphernalia, an infraction, and was sentenced to 75 days in jail with credit for 34 days served as well as a fine of $100 for an infraction.

Joshua M. Hanson, 22, McCook, pleaded guilty to possession or receiving a stolen firearm, a Class 2A felony, and was sentenced to 360 days in jail with credit for 161 days served, and pleaded no contest to possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, and sentenced to 300 days with credit for 162 days served.

Charges of accessory to a Class 2 or 2A felony, a Class 3A felony, drug paraphernalia, no operator’s license and violating a stop sign were dismissed.

Elmer Longberry, 49, McCook, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, and was sentenced to two years in prison with credit for two days served, and was sentenced to 6-8 years in prison for possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, a Class 1D felony, with credit for 193 days served.

Other charges including drug paraphernalia, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, a Class 3 Felony, carrying a concealed weapon 1st offense, a Class ! misdemeanor, were dropped.

Gregg A. Klein, 32, Beaver City, pleaded no contest of carrying a concealed weapon — first offense, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, and was sentenced to 36 months probation on each count.

Charges of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, a Class 3 felony, possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, both infractions, improper or defective vehicle lighting and no proof of insurance, both misdemeanors, were dropped.