Order to Show Cause Hearing Held for Man Who Failed to Appear for Sentencing

A hearing Tuesday in Fourth Judicial District Court in Sheridan addressed a petition filed by the State to forfeit bond and revoke an order of release for Michael Widick for violating conditions of his bond that were set on August 9, 2021 in Circuit Court. Widick was charged with felony child abuse for an alleged incident that occurred on August 8, 2021 at a residence in Sheridan County. Widick, at a change of plea hearing in District Court on January 22, pleaded guilty to the charge. He was ordered to contact Probation and Parole to begin the presentence investigation process, but failed to do so. Widick did not appear for his scheduled sentencing on April 19 and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

Widick, at Tuesday’s order to show cause hearing, admitted to violating conditions of his bond. District Court Judge Darci Phillips revoked Widick’s bond and ordered him to be held at the Sheridan County Detention Center without bond until his sentencing. Phillips said Probation and Parole will conduct the presentence investigation while the defendant is incarcerated and the date for sentencing will be set within the next 45 to 60 days. Sheridan County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Christina White is recommending Widick be sentenced to 3 to 5 years in prison.