Judge rules release of exhibits, on motion by convicted rapist
Joseph Buttercase is serving a sentence of up to 41 years
By News Channel NebraskaBEATRICE – A man serving a 25-to-41-year prison term for rape and other charges, had his motion granted by a Gage County District Judge Thursday, for release of trial exhibits.
Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner ordered the release of items in the case of 43-year-old Joseph Buttercase, who is being held at the Omaha Correctional Center. Buttercase was convicted in a Gage County District Court jury trial in December, 2012 of 1st degree sexual assault, 1st degree false imprisonment, strangulation and 3rd degree domestic assault.
The judge ordered that exhibits are to be released to Phillip and/or Maria Buttercase, within 14 days. The exhibits to be released are photographs of property.
The ruling followed a hearing Thursday morning in which Joseph Buttercase appeared by video. He was representing himself, without an attorney.
According to state prison records, Buttercase has a scheduled parole hearing in November of this year. His projected release date from prison is late May, of 2032.