BEATRICE – A Beatrice man has been ordered to state prison for drug convictions in three criminal cases against him.
28-year-old David Fentress was ordered to serve a four-to-eight-year Nebraska prison term for delivery of a hazardous drug and three drug possession convictions.


He was sentenced Tuesday by Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner. Defense Attorney Chuck Bentjen said his client was at a point of hopelessness, with addiction. He said the best hope for his client was to get into a "competent" treatment program, one Bentjen says the state's prison system doesn't have.
Deputy Gage County Attorney Justin Huber said Fentress received a benefit in exchange for his pleas, with the state agreeing not to seek an habitual criminal designation for multiple felony convictions.


Fentress acknowledged responsibility for the crimes, admitting he was kicked out of treatment for losing his temper with treatment staff.


District Judge Schreiner said Fentress has a criminal history dating back to age 15 and the state has made several attempts to help him.
Judge Schreiner said, "prison is not the greatest place to resolve problems or get help, but sometimes the state gets backed into a corner....a judge gets backed into a corner...when you don't avail yourself of those treatment options that we try to give you to keep you out of prison. Because frankly, Mr. Fentress, noboby wants you in prison...apparently, other than you."


Fentress received credit off his sentences for 194 days spent in custody. He drew two-year prison terms for each of the three drug possession counts and four-to-eight years for the drug distribution violation….but the sentences will be served at the same time.


In a separate district court case Tuesday, 38-year-old Joshua Schwisow, of Omaha…formerly of Fairbury…was sentenced to 300 days in Gage County Jail for third-offense shoplifting, a felony. Because of time already served, he’ll be eligible for release almost immediately. He was ordered to serve twelve months post-release supervision. Schwisow is currently serving a Jefferson County probation term.