NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The August plea deal of a North Platte man accused in multiple cases of violence against a woman continues to stir outrage, leading to a courthouse protest this week.
Nathan Creel, 29, accepted a plea agreement in Lincoln County District Court last month. Prosecutors dropped several charges — including assault and witness tampering — in exchange for his no-contest plea to first-degree domestic assault.
The charge stems from an April 26 incident at the Lincoln Highway RV Park. Deputies responding to the scene found a woman with her eyes swollen shut and bleeding from her nose and head. She was hospitalized in Lincoln and treated for multiple injuries to her head and upper body.
Creel had initially faced additional charges of first- and third-degree assault and two counts of witness tampering, after investigators said he urged the victim during jail video calls to withdraw her statements. Those charges were dismissed under the plea deal.
On Tuesday, protesters gathered at the corner of 4th and Jeffers in front of the courthouse, saying the plea deal was far too lenient.
“This should be attempted murder,” said protester Kerri Tucker. “He was stomping on her face with cowboy boots when her daughter walked in — and her daughter is the only reason she’s alive right now. She underwent surgery for a detached retina and will likely be blind in that eye.”
Tucker showed photos of the victim before and after the attack. “She will never look the same again,” she said. “They threw out half his charges and gave him a plea deal. How many chances does a man get before he finally kills a woman? Nathan Creel will kill somebody if he gets out.”
For Jess Wilson, another survivor protesting outside the courthouse, the case is part of a larger crisis. “They are constantly reoffending. They manipulate, they control, they break women down mentally, emotionally, and financially until it turns physical. Too often, it ends with someone dead,” she said.
Wilson urged women to recognize the warning signs early and to speak up before it’s too late. “A lot of these relationships wear a mask, and you don’t even realize you’re in one until you’re trapped. Statistically, a woman can be abused 35 times before she actually reaches out for help,” she said. “Please — don’t wait. Reach out. Ask questions. There are people in this community who understand what you’re going through and will help you.”
She also cautioned that leaving can be dangerous, but silence is even more so. “Trying to get out can be the most dangerous time, but it’s not something you can take lightly. You deserve better. No one deserves to walk around with black eyes and broken noses,” Wilson said.
While the protest largely focused on women, Wilson and Tucker emphasized that men can also be victims of domestic violence. “Abuse doesn’t discriminate,” Wilson said. “We’re here for women today, but men face this too. They often stay silent because of stigma, but they deserve the same support and resources.”
Both women said Nebraska laws must change to better protect victims. “A piece of paper does not protect us,” Tucker said. “Probation and slaps on the wrist don’t protect us. This cycle has to end.”
Despite their anger, protesters said they were grateful law enforcement has taken Creel off the streets for now. “I want to give a shout out to the North Platte Police Department,” Wilson said. “They’re starting to realize this is a serious problem, and these guys need to be held accountable.”
Tucker added that protesters plan to return to the courthouse next month for Domestic Violence Awareness Month — which also coincides with Creel’s sentencing.
For now, Creel remains in custody at the Lincoln County Detention Center. The court has recommended an eight- to 10-year prison sentence, with formal sentencing set for Oct. 20 at 1:30 p.m.