MORRILL COUNTY -- The Nebraska Court of Appeals has upheld the sentencing of a Morrill County man on child pornography charges.

In May 2024,  Duane Owen, Jr., was charged in Morrill County District Court with 25 counts of possession of child pornography, 1 count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, 1 count of third degree sexual assault on a juvenile, and 1 count of intentional child abuse.

As a result of a plea agreement, charges were amended, dismissing all charges except five counts of possession of child pornography, Class IIA felonies, and - 2 - agreed to not file any further charges resulting from the known allegations. In exchange, Owen entered no contest pleas to the amended charges, according to court records.

Owen was sentenced to 15 to 20 years imprisonment on each count, to be served consecutively. 

Owen's case was brought before the Nebraska Court of Appeals. Owen claimed the "sentencing judge abused her discretion in sentencing him because her statements show she was biased against him," according to court records.

The Appeals Court disagreed with Owen's position, upholding the sentencing of Morrill County District Court. 

He began serving a 75-year sentence with the Nebraska Department of  Corrections on Oct. 7, 2024.