Keonna Carter files appeal of sentence

    Paperwork was submitted Nov. 30 by Keonna Carter and her attorney appealing her sentence handed down in Chase County District Court last month related to the 2019 death of Annika Swanson.
    In her affidavit, Carter cites “An abuse of discretion and that an excessive sentence was imposed” as reasons for the appeal filed with her attorney Robert Lindemeier of North Platte.
    In Chase County District Court Nov. 18, Carter was sentenced 40-50 years for amended first degree assault and another 30-36 months for kidnapping, both Class II felonies. Judge Patrick Heng imposed the sentences, awarding her credit for the 1,092 days already served in jail.
    Earlier this year, Carter entered into a plea agreement with the prosecution prior to sentencing and avoided a trial.
    The clerk of the Nebraska Supreme Court and Nebraska Court of Appeals acknowledged receipt of the appeal last Thursday.
    Along with the appeal, attorney Lindemeier filed an application for fees Nov. 30 in Chase County District Court, which included 23 pages of billing that totals $20,837.27. Judge Heng approved the amount.
    Lindemeier had been appointed to represent Carter after charges were filed.
    Kevin German, another defendant in Swanson’s case, was found guilty of 2nd degree murder and two counts of kidnapping in an August trial.
    He’ll be sentenced Jan. 26 in Chase County District Court.