Beatrice man reaches plea deal in 2020, 2021 drug cases

BEATRICE – A 38-year-old Beatrice man will be sentenced in early November on reduced drug charges in a 2021 case and for violation of his post-release supervision from a 2020 case.

James Orton is scheduled to be sentenced November 2^nd for possession of a controlled substance and two counts of aiding in felony distribution of methamphetamine.  As part of a plea deal, prosecutors sought dismissal of two charges of drug distribution and a habitual criminal enhancement.  At a hearing Wednesday before Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner, Orton pleaded no contest to the reduced charges. 

In the 2020 case, Orton was given a two-year state prison term in October of 2020, along with one-year of post-release supervision.   He admitted to violating terms of that supervision.

At sentencing, the Gage County Attorney’s Office says it will recommend Orton receive a four-year state prison sentence with 120 days credit for time spent in custody… and that the remaining time on his post-release supervision be served in prison at the same time.

Orton was arrested as a result of a drug investigation in Beatrice and a rural area where controlled purchases of illegal drugs were made.