Sidney man arraigned, pleads guilty to child abuse

A 26-year-old Sidney man pleaded guilty to a charge of child abuse – a class IIIA felony – on Monday.

Devon Holder, 26, who was arrested in late March, initially faced an additional charge of attempted possession of child pornography. Through a plea deal, that was dismissed in exchange for a guilty plea to the child abuse charge.

Holder's case was first called in Cheyenne County Court on Monday morning; however, he waived the preliminary hearing. His case was then sent to Cheyenne County District Court.

The accused made his guilty plea during an arraignment in front of District Court Judge Derek Weimer, also on Monday.

According to court documents, Holder sent sexually explicit text messages to a 16-year-old female in Sidney. In the messages, Holder allegedly requested the recipient send photographs of herself in various states of undress, and he also wrote that he desired a sexual relationship with the victim.

The Sidney Police Department was made aware of the text messages and arrested Holder on March 20.

During an interview with police, Holder admitted knowing the victim before requesting an attorney, according to court documents.

Cheyenne County Attorney Paul Schaub said Holder faces a potential jail term of up to five years.

Holder will be sentenced in District Court on May 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cheyenne County Court House.