Public Defender Withdraws From Betts' Trial

AUBURN – A district court in Nemaha County has allowed the public defender to withdraw in the defense of an Auburn man who is scheduled for trial in May on charges of sexual assault of a child.

Public Defender Keith Kollasch was scheduled to defend 50-year-old Brian Betts at a bench trial, but asked to withdraw after additional charges were filed this winter against Betts.

Betts faces up to life in prison, if convicted of the new charges.

Judge Julie Smith said the defense may be taken up by the state Commission on Public Advocacy.