Sealed Evidence Presented During Lierman Court Appearance

Nearly 100 pages of sealed evidence was presented Friday afternoon during Darryl Lierman's court appearance.

Lierman, 49, of Neligh is represented by attorneys Ron Temple and Fredrick Bartell.

The first motion taken up by the court was a motion to take depositions. The state, represented by Joe Smith, sought 23 depositions. 

Temple brought to the court's attention that 17 of the depositions were medical staff at Richard Young Hospital, who would not release to him information regarding the alleged victim, because of confidentiality issues. 

Temple also presented to the court a 97 page medical document on the alleged victim which was to be sealed evidence. 

Smith also told the court that the alleged victim is currently hospitalized and it is unsure when the time and terms of her deposition can be set.  Lierman became noticeably emotional when the condition of the alleged victim was discussed.

Judge Mark Johnson ruled the that motion be pending and set a status hearing for Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 11:30 for an update on the condition of the alleged victim.

The defense also had a motion for an appointment of an expert witness which was sustained. Four motions of limene were discussed and were overruled but taken under advisement.

A motion in limine is a motion filed by a party to a lawsuit which asks the court for an order or ruling limiting or preventing certain evidence from being presented by the other side at the trial of the case.

Hearings will be held on March 14, 15 and 16. Pretrial in this matter is still set for March 30 and the trial will be May 16.

Lierman is charged with three counts of first degree sexual assault of a child (class 1B felonies), three counts of third degree sexual assault of a child and four counts of child abuse (class IIIA felonies).