District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Fremont Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Troy Brewer, 50, formerly of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 8, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Brewer to 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Brewer’s release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
In the early morning hours of August 2, 2022, Brewer was in his vehicle when he was contacted by Fremont Police. Based upon their observations, the officers searched the vehicle and found a pill bottle near the driver’s door. Inside the bottle was 14 grams of actual methamphetamine. They searched the car further and found Ziploc baggies in the center console and a digital scale with drug residue on it inside a backpack. When Brewer pled guilty, he admitted he knew the drugs were in the vehicle and that he intended to distribute them.
This case was investigated by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office and the Fremont Police Department.
McCook Man Sentenced to 31 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jeron Messersmith, 29, formerly of McCook, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 7, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for attempted production of child pornography and production of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Messersmith to 372 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Messersmith’s release from prison, he will begin a 20-year term of supervised release. Additionally, Messersmith was ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution.
In February of 2021, Messersmith’s cellphone was downloaded and reviewed as part of a child sex assault investigation. While reviewing the phone, law enforcement discovered child pornography. Law enforcement additionally found numerous text messages and social media conversations between Messersmith and several minor females. In the conversations, Messersmith often requested sexually explicit files from each minor and engaged in romantic and sexual conversations. Photos or videos of each of the minor victims were located on Messersmith’s phone. Pursuant to some of the messages, Messersmith had attempted to travel to another state to engage in sexual relations with one of the minor females.
This case was investigated by the McCook Police Department and brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
- Lexington Man Sentenced for Transporting Child Pornography
Kearney Man Sentenced for Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Royce Love, 45, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 2, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for receipt of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Love to 84 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Love is released from prison, he will begin an 8-year term of supervised release.
Love was contacted online by a vigilante group who posed as a minor female. A conversation ensued in which the group attempted to get Love to agree to meet with the minor female for a sex act. Ultimately, Love stopped communicating with the account and blocked it without ever agreeing to meet. The group then confronted Love in person at his residence and called police.
Love agreed to allow to law enforcement to search his phone. When the search was performed, police discovered multiple images of child pornography involving minor females. Police contacted Love again about a week later when the search was complete. After being advised of the Miranda warnings, Love was asked about the images. Love said he could not remember exactly where he had obtained the images, but he did acknowledge receiving them over the internet.
Additional electronic devices were seized after the second interview. When those devices were searched, police located additional images depicting children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Kearney Police Department and brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison for Role in Meth Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Angelica Agena, 41, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 6, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Agena to 54 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Agena will be required to complete a 5-year term of supervised release. A federal jury convicted Agena of these charges on November 11, 2023.
On June 29, 2022, Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputies stopped a red Camaro for having an inoperable taillight. Neither the driver, Gary Payton, nor the passenger, Agena, had a valid driver’s license. A deputy observed an open alcoholic beverage container behind the passenger seat. Deputies thereafter searched the Camaro and its contents.
During the search, one of the deputies opened Agena’s purse which was left on the floor on the front passenger side when she was asked out of the car. The deputy found a large gallon-sized bag containing suspected methamphetamine inside the purse. Deputies performed a field test on the substance in the bag and presumptively confirmed that the substance was methamphetamine. The deputies also seized Payton’s and Agena’s phones as evidence. Information from the phones revealed Agena and Payton’s involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in the Lincoln and Omaha areas.
The suspected methamphetamine from the vehicle was sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory for confirmatory testing. The lab confirmed the that the bag found in Agena’s purse contained approximately 7 ounces of methamphetamine, a quantity intended for distribution.
In a separate Indictment, Gary Payton pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to imprisonment for 72 months on June 6, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, the Lincoln Police Department, and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Grand Island Women Sentenced for MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tarra Arcos, 47, and Glenda Aguilar, 67, both of Grand Island, Nebraska, were sentenced on Monday, February 5, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Arcos to 132 months’ imprisonment; and Aguilar to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Arcos and Aguilar are released from prison, each will begin an 8-year term of supervised release. Approximately $66,000 in United States currency was forfeited to the United States as part of sentencing.
In March of 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of meth from Glenda Aguilar at the residence of Tarra Arcos, Aguilar’s daughter. During this transaction, Aguilar stated that Arcos could supply a larger amount of meth.
The following day, investigators executed a search warrant at Arcos’ residence where they seized over 10 ounces of meth and approximately $66,000 in United States currency.
Tarra Arcos and Glenda Aguilar both have a prior federal conviction for selling meth.
This case was investigated by the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) Task Force which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Former Bank Employee Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jacqueline R. Brandt, 44, of Minden, Iowa, was sentenced on January 31, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for bank fraud. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Brandt to time served and five years of supervised release and ordered that she pay $64,102.52 in restitution. Brandt will be required to pay at least $1,000 per month toward restitution during her sixty-month term of supervised release.
During approximately November 2019 to July 2022, Brandt used her access as a Foundation One Bank employee to embezzle funds from customers’ accounts and to steal cash from the bank. Brandt fraudulently obtained a total of approximately $118,337.52, of which Foundation One Bank was able to recover $54,235.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Methamphetamine and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jose Salvador Perez, 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced February 2, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for two charges – (1) conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and (2) possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Perez to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Perez’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
Omaha police received information from a cooperator that co-defendant Miguel Avalos-Diaz was distributing meth and cocaine. Police used the cooperator to make three “controlled buys” from Avalos-Diaz in February and March of 2022.
After the third drug deal, police searched a residence in south Omaha near Bellevue on March 30, 2022. Inside, officers encountered and arrested Avalos-Diaz and Perez. Police seized approximately 2.5 pounds of meth, more than $36,000 in cash, and a loaded .45-caliber handgun. Officers also found evidence of cocaine distribution in the residence, including six digital scales, cutting agents, a vacuum sealer, and small amounts of cocaine packaged in baggies. Review of both defendants’ Facebook messages dating back to December 2021 revealed a conspiracy to distribute meth and cocaine throughout the time period of the messages.
A total of $36,598 in cash has been forfeited to the United States as proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. An Audi sedan, registered to Perez and driven by Avalos-Diaz to the controlled buys, has also been forfeited as property that facilitated illegal drug trafficking.
Avalos-Diaz, 27, of Omaha was sentenced to 260 months’ imprisonment on November 30, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Woman Sentenced to 7 ½ Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Wendi Reich, 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced February 1, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Reich to 90 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Reich’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On December 13, 2021, Omaha Police officers executed a search warrant on Wendi Reich’s Omaha residence and recovered 300 grams of meth from her possession. The investigation revealed that Reich was being supplied pound quantities of meth by codefendant Cornejo-Lopez, who pled guilty and was sentenced to 400 months’ imprisonment on October 25, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Arlington Man Sentenced for Attempting to Disable Railroad EquipmentRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Allan J. Love, Jr., 50, of Arlington, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 31, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for attempting to disable railroad equipment. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Love to 12 months’ and 1 day imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Love’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
On September 3, 2019, west of the 16th Street railroad crossing in Blair, Nebraska, a Union Pacific Railroad track maintenance worker discovered an approximately 6-foot-long green metal pipe lodged in the space between the railroad track switch bar and rail, making it impossible to fully move the switch into position.
Through investigation and law enforcement contacts with Love, law enforcement seized a green metal pipe found in Love’s pickup truck on April 30, 2020. Forensics performed on the green pipe found lodged in the railroad track and the green pipe found in Love’s truck determined the paints used on both pipes were indistinguishable in color, texture, and chemical composition. A metallurgy examination of the pipes determined that both were sections of welded, low-carbon steel tube with similar outer diameter, wall thickness, and weld manufacturing features.
Law enforcement also executed a search warrant on Love’s Google account. Within the Google account law enforcement found a photo taken on July 20, 2019, of the 16th Street railroad crossing in Blair showing the stretch of railroad track where the green pipe was found.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Phoenix Man Sentenced for Role in Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tut Chuol, 43, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced on January 31, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Chuol to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Chuol’s release from prison, he will begin a four-year term of supervised release.
On December 2, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) intercepted a package at UPS Next Day Air that had been shipped from Arizona to Omaha. A narcotics trained canine indicated to the package. It was opened and the package contained 1,000 M30 pills that tested positive for fentanyl. A controlled delivery of the package was made to the addressee. A search of the addressee’s phone and Snapchat messages led to the identification Chuol as being the individual that sent the package.
A warrant was issued for Chuol’s arrest. On February 8, 2023, DEA agents went to Chuol’s residence in Phoenix to make the arrest. Chuol was home and taken into custody without incident. A search of his residence by law enforcement located two pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Mexican National Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine and Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Israel Robledo-Cardenas, 48, of Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced January 31, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Robledo-Cardenas to 120 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge, and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the gun charge. After Robledo-Cardenas’s release from prison, he will be deported to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.
On November 15, 2022, a Butler County Deputy Sheriff observed Robledo-Cardenas driving a vehicle in Rising City, Nebraska. At the time the Deputy knew Robledo-Cardenas did not have a valid operator’s license. After a traffic stop, Robledo-Cardenas gave a false name and was placed under arrest. His vehicle was towed to an indoor facility where a canine was deployed and alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from within. A subsequent search revealed 104 grams of meth along with a 9 mm handgun in a compartment behind the center console.
This case was investigated by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbus Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 46 Months’ Imprisonment for Possessing Multiple Firearms as a Felon and over a Pound of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Robert Peck Jr., 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana. Senior United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Peck to 46 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Peck’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
In July 2020, the Omaha Police Department received multiple Crime Stoppers tips regarding Peck selling narcotics and possessing firearms despite his felon status. While executing a search warrant of Peck’s apartment in Omaha, law enforcement seized over a pound of marijuana and four firearms. Peck had previously been convicted of a felony for possession of more than a pound of marijuana and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Jury Convicts Man of Drug and Firearm Charges as Repeat OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that a federal jury on January 25, 2024, returned verdicts against Donnale Clay, 40, of Tacoma, Washington. The jury found Clay not guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and guilty of felon in possession of a firearm. The jury also found Clay guilty of the lesser-included offense of possession of methamphetamine. The verdicts followed a two-day trial in front of United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher. Judge Buescher scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2024. Clay faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for the firearm conviction and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 days up to two years for the drug charge.
The evidence at trial established that on April 27, 2022, interdiction officers with a DEA task force were conducting routine surveillance at the Omaha bus terminal when a bus from Denver arrived. Officers visually examined the luggage compartment and noticed a suspicious suitcase. Officers set the suitcase next to the bus to observe if anyone would pick it up. Clay came and retrieved the suitcase. During a consensual conversation, the officer noticed other suspicious factors about Clay’s travel. Clay told the officer he was travelling from Tacoma to St. Paul, Minnesota. After granting consent to search the suitcase, Clay ran away. He was taken into custody after a short pursuit.
A search of the suitcase uncovered three handguns, including a loaded .38-caliber Colt semi-automatic. A search of a backpack Clay had been wearing uncovered about 689 grams (1.51 pounds) of methamphetamine, about 60 grams (weight with packaging) of fentanyl pills, and an Airsoft pistol.
After the jury returned the guilty verdicts on the two charges, it found that Clay had a prior conviction for a drug offense, enhancing his minimum and maximum sentences for the possession charge.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nebraska State Patrol. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office conducted forensic testing of the drugs. An agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also testified.
Drug Task Force Operation Leads to 19 ArrestsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that on January 23, 2024, an operation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Nebraska State Patrol led to the arrest of 19 people and the unsealing of at least nine indictments. Those arrested and a summary of their charges and the penalties include the following.
An indictment was unsealed charging Alejandro Ruiz (age 41), of California, Guadalupe Ramirez (38) of North Platte, Roberto Duran (33) of Brule, Michael Shawn Harrell (47) of Ogallala, Eduardo Gomez (33) of North Platte and Carl McKinney (37) from Kentucky, with conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine between January of 2021, and January of 2022. A conviction on that charge carries a possible penalty of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million; and a term of supervised release not less than five years. Ramirez, Gomez, and Harrell also face charges of possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, they each face a term of imprisonment of five years to life, consecutive to the drug charge; a $250,000 fine and up to 5 years of supervised release. Harrell was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. A conviction of that charge carries a penalty of not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.
An indictment was unsealed charging Jamie Hopkins (37), Michael Stroble (30); Joey Romero (36), and Luke Schwartz (30) all of North Platte, with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and distribution of meth between July 2022 through February of 2023. The penalties are not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million; and a term of supervised release not less than five years.
An indictment was unsealed charging Jessica Binegar (37) of North Platte, John Hernandez (35) of Lincoln and Brad Leeper (46) of North Platte with distribution of 5 grams or more of meth (actual) between March and June of 2022. Leeper was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The possible penalties for distribution are not less than five years, nor more than 40 years in prison; a fine of up to $5 million; and a term of supervised release following the prison term of not less than four years.
Wesley Kraft (36) of Lincoln, was charged with distribution of five grams or more of meth (actual) during April of 2023 and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Timothy Huisman (39) of North Platte, was charged with distribution of five grams or more of meth (actual) in February of 2023.
Shane Ross (46) of Ogallala, was charged with distribution of five grams or more of meth (actual) in July of 2022.
Richard Torres (44) of Brule, was charged with conspiracy and distribution of more than five grams of meth (actual) between December 2021 and August of 2022.
Timothy Maisner (62) of North Platte, with possession with intent to distribute of 50 grams of more of methamphetamine (actual) and distribution of methamphetamine during January and July of 2023.
Eddie Houpt (59) of North Platte, was charged with distribution of five grams or more of meth (actual) in June of 2022.
To report tips on drug trafficking, please contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 402-492-8688 or the Nebraska Crime Stoppers tipline at 1-800-422-1494.
These cases were investigated by the CODE Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and Army National Guard Counter Drug Unit. The investigation and arrests were also assisted by the U.S. Postal Service, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, La Vista Police Department, the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) Task Force, the Western Intelligence Narcotics Group (WING) Task Force, the Capitol Region Safe Streets Task Force (CRSSTF), the Lincoln/Lancaster County Metro Fugitive Task Force, the Lincoln and Keith County Attorney’s Offices, and Nebraska District 11 Probation Office.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)
operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal
organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven,
multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at
https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nicole D. Hamzeh, 32 of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on January 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Hamzeh to 54 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hamzeh’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On December 11, 2021, law enforcement observed a 2018 Dodge Charger driving in Omaha without valid license plates. Officers initiated a valid traffic stop and made contact with Hamzeh, the driver of the vehicle, and her passenger, Randall Bates.
Officers smelled marijuana emanating from the vehicle and Hamzeh also reported to the officer that there was a fireball whiskey ‘shooter’ open in the vehicle. Hamzeh indicated that she had borrowed the vehicle from a friend and did not have the registration, but when officers ran a data check on the vehicle, the system showed that the vehicle was reported stolen. Hamzeh’s driver’s license was suspended, and Bates had an outstanding arrest warrant.
Officers arrested Hamzeh and located 184 grams of actual meth on her person. During a post-Miranda interview with law enforcement, Hamzeh admitted that she had been trafficking 6 pounds of meth during the prior 3 weeks—to include the 184 grams of actual meth seized.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Mexican National Sentenced to more than 12 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jose Arevale-Villalobos, 39, of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced January 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Arevalo-Villalobos to 151 months’ imprisonment. After Arevalo-Villalobos’s release from prison, he will be deported to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.
On May 19, 2022, Omaha Police officers executed a search warrant on a South Omaha residence after obtaining information that 5 pounds of meth was located inside. The search revealed one pound of meth hidden in a bedroom that officers determined had been occupied by Arevalo-Villalobos. Another four pounds of meth was found in a storage room and a gun was found in the basement.
On May 27, 2022, Arevalo-Villalobos was arrested in Omaha after being found in possession of a controlled substance. During a post-arrest interview, Arevalo-Villalobos was asked about the May 19, 2022, search warrant and admitted to handling the one-pound package of meth found in the room he had been staying in.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Mexican National Sentenced to 8 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Ivan Lima-Olivarria, 43, of Nayarit, Mexico, was sentenced January 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Lima-Olivarria to 96 months’ imprisonment. Lima-Olivarria also forfeited any claim he had to $14,770 in U.S. currency seized during his arrest. After Lima-Olivarria’s release from prison, he will be deported to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.
On November 23, 2022, law enforcement went to a Bellevue motel room after receiving information that a Hispanic male was staying there with more than 2 pounds of meth. Officers contacted Ivan Lima-Olivarria after knocking on the motel room door. Lima-Olivarria was found to be the sole occupant and gave consent to search the room. Officers located approximately 11.5lbs of meth and $14,770 in cash. It was determined that Lima-Olivarria was in the country illegally and had previously been deported for a drug offence. A search of cell phones found in the motel room revealed drug related content during the last year.
This case was investigated by the Bellevue Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Man Sentenced in Firearms and Drug Trafficking Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Rodolfo C. Falcon, 45, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for his participation in a firearms conspiracy in the furtherance of drug trafficking. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Falcon to 24 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Falcon’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
Rodolfo Falcon owned a house that was the central location for the distribution of marijuana, marijuana derivatives, and cocaine. Falcon rented that house out to several younger drug dealers including Kenneth Blair, Alexis Bernal-Lopez, and Keland Strong. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force performed a search of the residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, currency, drug paraphernalia, and several firearms. Falcon, who has a distinctive tattoo on his hand, was seen in photos posing with firearms. One of the firearms shown in the picture was recovered from the residence. Agents also located a stolen firearm and AR15 rifle.
At the time of the search, Kenneth Blair was in the basement of the residence along with two apparent narcotics customers. Drugs and cash were also recovered from that location. Keland Strong used an upstairs room that contained numerous firearms. Falcon lived on the main level of the home where agents recovered cash, cocaine. and personal identification documents. Evidence of significant marijuana distribution such as wrappers for large quantities of marijuana were also recovered. This, along with the text messages between the group members revealed that the home was being used as a main distribution hub and that Bethow, Bernal-Lopez, Strong, and Blair all worked together to sell drugs, particularly marijuana to ‘serves’ (their code word for narcotics purchasers) and would drive each other to sales and work together to get the right types of THC cartridges and marijuana to customers.
On September 28, 2023, Majok Bethow: pled guilty to firearms conspiracy in the furtherance of drug trafficking and was sentenced on January 11, 2024, to 24 months imprisonment to run concurrently with a federal case charging him with possessing a machinegun.
On September 28, 2023, Kenneth Blair pled guilty to firearms conspiracy and was sentenced December 21, 2023 to 21 months imprisonment.
On November 17, 2023, Keland Strong pled guilty to firearms conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; sentencing is set for February 8, 2024.
On November 20, 2023, Alexis Bernal Lopez pled guilty to firearms conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; sentencing is set for February 16, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Man Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Oscar Ulises Quiroz Ayon, 32 of Mexico was sentenced January 19, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine and fentanyl drug conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Ayon to 33 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ayon’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
Beginning in August 2021 and continuing to November 4, 2021, Ayon agreed with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of meth actual and over 100 grams of fentanyl analogue.
Throughout the day on November 4, 2021, agents conducted surveillance on Ayon’s codefendant Colleen Wiand. That afternoon, Wiand drove to the Supermercado, located at 3548 Q Street, in Omaha, where she parked.
Shortly after, Ayon arrived in the parking lot, parking next to Wiand.. Ayon placed an item in Wiand’s car then both cars departed. Omaha Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop in Wiand’s car and recovered a box containing approximately 13.4 pounds of pills marked ‘M-30,’ suspected fentanyl in pill form. Wiand was then taken into custody.
Officers conducted a traffic stop on Ayon near 30th and Chandler Streets in Omaha. After receiving his Miranda warnings, Ayon admitted that approximately two months ago he arrived in Omaha from Sinaloa, Mexico for the specific purpose of receiving controlled substances.
The morning of November 4, 2021, Ayon admitted that he received a phone call from someone in Mexico who instructed him to go to the Casey’s located at 72nd and Grover Streets, in Omaha, to meet a white male who gave him a TV box. The same person in Mexico then told Ayon to meet a woman at the Supermercado located at 36th and Q and deliver the TV box.
The following codefendants have all previously pled guilty to the drug conspiracy and been sentenced: Wiand, Mayra Rendon, Darbelio Lorenzo-Genchi, Iris Gallardo-Salado, Samantha Cawyer, Giovana Cisneros and Emidio Becerra.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and
transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Joseph S. Martin, 23, formerly of Hebron, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 18, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for distribution of child pornography after having previously been convicted of possession child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Martin to 20 years’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Martin’s release from prison, he will begin a 30-year term of supervised release. Judge Buescher ordered Martin to pay $24,000 in restitution.
On November 9, 2021, Homeland Security Investigations in Omaha received several cyber tips from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and Nebraska State Patrol (NSP). One such cyber tip included information forwarded by Facebook to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that related to child exploitation material distributed by a Facebook user on July 12, 2021. Facebook identified the IP address and account that uploaded the suspected child pornography image. Facebook confirmed the Facebook account username belonged to Joseph Martin. Additional investigative work determined the IP address and associated phone number belonged to Martin.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Martin’s Facebook account which contained several images of child pornography. When interviewed, Martin admitted to law enforcement that approximately 500 images of child pornography would be located on various cyber sites associated with him.
Martin was previously convicted on August 23, 2019 and March 19, 2021, of possession of child pornography, both in the Douglas County District Court, Douglas County, Nebraska.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Traveling to Have Sex with a Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Christopher Carreras, 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 17, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for traveling with the intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor and possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Carreras to 168 months’ imprisonment for each count. The sentences will run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Carreras’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. District Judge Buescher ordered Carreras to pay $3,000 in restitution.
Carreras began online chatting with the minor victim who was based in Texas. On February 26, 2022, Carreras traveled from Nebraska to Texas to meet up with the minor victim. After meeting face-to-face in a shopping mall, Carreras handed the minor victim his hotel room key. The minor victim used the key to enter his hotel room where the two engaged in sexual activity. Carreras traveled to meet up with the minor victim on other occasions in 2022. The minor victim ultimately reported what happened. The FBI obtained and executed a search warrant for Carreras’s residence in Nebraska on October 6, 2022, where electronic devices were seized.
Law enforcement review of the devices revealed records of online chat messages between Carreras, the minor victim, and at least one other apparent minor female. Through the chats, the minor victim communicated that they were about to turn 16 years old. Additionally, the review of the devices located known child pornography video files and images.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Nevada Man Sentenced for Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Johnny Bradford, age 52, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced on January 17, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for wire fraud. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Bradford to time served. Bradford will immediately begin a 3-year term of supervised release as a condition of his release, Bradford will serve a 6-month term of house arrest. Bradford was also ordered to pay $112,257.80 in restitution.
Roadrunner Temperature Controlled is the refrigerated trucking division of Roadrunner Transportation Systems and it is located in Sarpy County, Nebraska. Roadrunner Temperature Controlled (“Roadrunner”) uses Electronic Funds Source (“EFS”), an electronic wire transfer service, for their driver cash advances.
Amy Shepherd was employed by Roadrunner from July 25, 2016, through June 21, 2019. During her employment at Roadrunner, Shepherd, was a Customer Service Manager, Driver Business Leader Manager, and, most recently, a Dispatch Lead Manager. Shepherd was a Dispatch Lead Manager from October 13, 2018, to June 21, 2019. Shepherd worked remotely from her home in Kansas. Johnny Bradford II was a driver employed by Roadrunner from February 28, 2017, until May 4, 2018.
From February 1, 2018, through June 21, 2019, Shepherd, used her position with Roadrunner as a Dispatch Lead Manager to fraudulently generate advances and enter EFS check codes into Roadrunner’s accounting system. Shepherd characterized the advances as relating to legitimate business purposes, for example repairs, washouts, or trailer unloading. Shepherd entered the advances for current Roadrunner drivers. After generating the check code, Shepherd sent the check code to Bradford. Bradford filled out the EFS checks with the check code he received from Shepherd. Bradford then cashed the checks at vendor establishments. After Bradford received the funds, he would use Western Union to send portions of the money he received from the fraudulent driver advances back to Shepherd. One such wire occurred on June 9, 2019, when a check in the amount of $826.64 was initiated by Shepherd, in Kansas purportedly being for “TRL16452 Alternator” through Roadrunner’s accounting system in Nebraska, to Bradford in Nevada. As a result of the scheme and artifice to defraud, from February 1, 2018, through June 21, 2019, Shepherd and Bradford caused an actual loss of $112,257.80.
On November 30, 2023, codefendant Shepherd was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for her role in this crime.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 16 Months for Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tevin T. Randolph, 23, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 17, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Randolph to 16 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Randolph’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On May 21, 2023, at about 3:00 am, police dispatch received 911 calls. The callers reported hearing people yelling, followed by gun shots, and then glass breaking. Police responded to the apartment complex where Randolph lived. The window to his apartment was broken and soil was observed scattered inside and outside the apartment. Randolph was observed yelling when police arrived. The dispute, according to Randolph, was between him and two women.
Police observed a live round of ammunition on the carpet just inside the doorway to Randolph’s apartment. Randolph denied knowing it was there. Randolph agreed to allow police to search his apartment. When police later went to retrieve the round of ammunition, it was gone. They asked Randolph where it went, and he said he did not know. A later review of an officer’s body camera recording would show Randolph picking it up off the ground and putting it into his pocket. During the search of Randolph’s apartment, a Glock magazine, loaded with six rounds of 9mm ammunition was found in a drawer near a stove in the kitchen. Officers also discovered four fired shell casings on the ground near a sidewalk beneath Randolph’s balcony. The officers learned Randolph had an active warrant for his arrest. He was searched incident to his arrest and the round of ammunition which the officers had seen earlier on the floor in Randolph’s apartment was found in his pocket. Randolph was prohibited from possessing ammunition due to prior felony convictions for assaulting an officer and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Randolph pleaded guilty to his offense on October 19, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Former Omaha Councilman and Former Omaha Police Officer Sentenced for Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Vincent J. Palermo, 50, of Omaha, Nebraska, and Richard Gonzalez, 55, of Papillion, Nebraska, were sentenced on January 16, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to commit honest services fraud. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Palermo to 18 months’ imprisonment and Gonzalez to 18 months’ imprisonment. Additionally, Palermo was sentenced to a consecutive 9-month term of imprisonment for a violation of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. After Palermo’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release. After Gonzalez’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Senior Judge Gerrard ordered Palermo to pay $10,292.28 in restitution and Gonzalez $66,749.35 in restitution.
From January 2018 to April 1, 2023, Palermo, while an Omaha City Councilman, received personal and financial benefits to include airfare, luxury hotel accommodations, travel arrangements, and other items of value in exchange for official actions. These benefits were intended to influence Vincet Palermo’s actions as an Omaha City Councilman to benefit the Police Athletics for Community Engagement (PACE) and the Latino Peace Officers Association (LPOA). During this time, co-defendant Gonzalez was the Executive Director of PACE and a member of LPOA. Palermo failed to disclose to the City Counsel the private benefits that he was receiving while taking official acts for the benefit of LPOA and PACE.
From 2017 to April 1, 2023, Gonzalez conspired to defraud donors of the LPOA, the LPOA Board, and PACE for his own personal benefit. Gonzalez, a retired Omaha Police Department Captain, without having full LPOA Board authority, conducted financial transactions for his personal benefit using LPOA funds. LPOA funds were misused by Gonzalez for trips, meals, and gambling. Gonzalez also misused LPOA funds to purchase trips for friends and co-defendant Palermo, which included a trip to Las Vegas.
After Tuesday’s sentencings, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Both former city councilman Vinny Palermo and former police officer Richard Gonzalez were entrusted to represent our communities' interest, but instead chose to betray that trust through their abuse of public office for personal gain. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate, pursue, and hold accountable those who violate their oath of office to enrich themselves. Public corruption is a top criminal investigative priority for the FBI, and we encourage everyone in our community to continue to come forward and report abuses of public office.”
Co-defendant Johnny Palermo’s change of plea hearing is scheduled for January 18, 2024, in Lincoln. Co-defendant Jack Olson’s trial is scheduled for April 10, 2024, before Senior Judge Gerrard in Lincoln. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Anthony Jermaine Branch, 42, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 16, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Branch to 132 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Branch’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On three occasions in October of 2022, a confidential informant working with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force bought meth from another person who was seen by investigators going into Branch’s apartment before making the deliveries. On a fourth occasion, the seller was seen meeting with Branch in a vehicle before making the delivery. A total of 142.38 grams of meth was obtained over the course of these four buys. Purity testing at the Nebraska State Patrol lab showed a total of at least 64 grams of actual methamphetamine.
On October 28, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Branch’s Lincoln apartment. Before the warrant was executed, Branch was seen leaving his apartment as the passenger in a vehicle. He was contacted at a convenience store and was found in possession of approximately 15 grams of meth and $480 in cash, $20 of which was later found to be Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force buy money. During the search of Branch’s apartment, investigators found an additional 131 grams of meth. Purity analysis showed at least 120 grams of actual meth. Investigators also found $3850 in cash, $760 of which was later found to be Task Force buy money.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Firearms Conspiracy and Illegal Possession of a Machine GunRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Majok Bethow, 24, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on January 11, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for illegal possession of a machine gun and participation in a firearms conspiracy in the furtherance of drug trafficking. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Bethow to 24 months’ imprisonment on each charge to run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Bethow’s release from prison, he will begin a concurrent 3-year term of supervised release.
On March 26, 2022, Omaha Police Department officers initiated a traffic stop southeast of South 32nd and Q Streets after they observed a vehicle without license plates. After pulling over the vehicle, the rear driver's side passenger door opened, and an occupant fled on foot. Officers gave chase and the party, later identified as Bethow, was taken into custody. A search of his person located a Glock 19X, 9 mm handgun loaded with a 24 round extended magazine containing 18 live rounds. The firearm slide had a black metal auto sear installed on the back of it, a “Glock switch,” that allowed it to function as a machinegun.
Bethow was also charged in a firearms conspiracy after law enforcement learned that codefendant Rodolfo Falcon owned a drug stash house that was the central location for the distribution of narcotics. Falcon rented the house out to younger drug dealers who were also documented gang members: codefendants Kenneth Blair, Alexis Bernal-Lopez, Majok Bethow, and Keland Strong each rented the residence from Falcon for some portion of the conspiracy.
The Safe Streets Task Force of the Greater Omaha area conducted a search of the residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, currency, drug paraphernalia, and three firearms. Falcon was observed posing with one such firearm in photos of himself that were recovered during the search. Flacon is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
At the time of the search, Kenneth Blair was in the basement of the residence, where text messages amongst the group confirmed was the portion of the house that Blair regularly occupied. Two apparent narcotics customers were located with Blair in the basement at the time of the search. Drugs and cash were also recovered from the basement. Keland Strong used an upstairs room that contained numerous firearms. Falcon was found on the main level of the home where cash and cocaine were recovered along with identification documents.
Evidence of significant marijuana distributions, such as wrappers for large quantities of marijuana were also recovered. This, along with text messages between the group, revealed that the home was being used as a narcotics distribution hub and that Bethow, Bernal-Lopez, Strong, and Blair all worked together to sell drugs.
Kenneth Blair pled guilty to firearms conspiracy and was sentenced on December 21, 2023, to 21 months imprisonment.
Codefendants Rodolfo Falcon, Keland Strong and Bernal-Lopez have all pled guilty to the firearms conspiracy. Sentencing is scheduled for January 19, 2024, February 8, 2024, and February 16, 2024, respectively.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Omaha Police Department.
Colorado Woman Sentenced to more than 11 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Melanie Margaret McDonald, 38, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced January 11, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced McDonald to 135 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After McDonald’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On August 26, 2021, an Omaha traffic stop of two men resulted in the discovery of five pounds of meth and two firearms. Both men were arrested, indicted, and have since cooperated with law enforcement. Both men identified McDonald as one of the men's sources for pound quantities of methamphetamine dating back to October of 2020.
The investigation revealed Facebook messages where McDonald discussed the arrest of her co-conspirators, and all of their involvement in the drug conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Richard Allan Knight, 53, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 10, 2024, in federal court in Omaha for possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Knight to 210 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Knight’s release from prison, he will begin a 15-year term of supervised release. Judge Buescher ordered Knight to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000. Knight will also be required to register as a sex offender.
On June 29, 2021, an officer with the Omaha Police Department responded to a radio call of found property by the owner of a residence on Curtis Avenue, in Omaha. Between May 2, 2021, and June 29, 2021, Knight had been living in the residence and a white 2011 Forrest River camper trailer parked at the residence. The officer conducted a search of the home and trailer where he found a digital hard drive in the trailer, which was owned by Knight. The homeowner also gave the officer a cellular phone belonging to Knight found in the garage of the residence.
A search warrant was obtained for digital hard drive and the cellular phone. Forensic review of the devices revealed images and videos depicting minors, some under the age of 12, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. There were also numerous images and personal information found on the devices confirming Knight’s ownership of both.
Knight was convicted on March 14, 1997, of 1st Degree Sexual Abuse in Marion County, Oregon. Knight was also on federal supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender when the instant offense occurred.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Woman Sentenced for Trafficking Methamphetamine Through NebraskaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Daisy Flores, 22, of Fresno, California was sentenced on January 3, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Flores to 121 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Flores will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On February 6, 2022, an Otoe County sheriff’s deputy pulled over a Ford Expedition near the Nebraska-Iowa border for a traffic violation. The Expedition was driven by Flores’s mother, Teresa Martinez, and Flores was the passenger. A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine and approximately four pounds of marijuana. Crime laboratory testing of the methamphetamine confirmed purity of approximately 89 percent.
Martinez was sentenced in November to 87 months imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Otoe County Sherriff’s Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office assisted with testing of the methamphetamine.
Iowa Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Johana Madrid, 29, of Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for her involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Madrid to 150 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On August 17, 2022, in Wayne County, Nebraska, a call came in about two suspicious people attempting to get into a resident’s car. Nebraska State Patrol troopers responded and encountered Oscar Villa and Johana Madrid on the side of the road on Nebraska Highway 35 and 849 Road. Both claimed they were on their way to Iowa for drug treatment but couldn’t really explain how they wound up on the side of the road. Madrid admitted to having methamphetamine in her bookbag and a firearm was located on the ground nearby. They also found a large meth shard in the fitted sheet Madrid had originally draped over herself.
Villa and Madrid were taken into custody. While in custody, troopers searched Madrid’s phone which showed a map of a field near the intersection where the two were encountered which contained a location pin. Using that map and pin, troopers found a bookbag that was covered by soybean plants. Inside the bookbag was approximately 20 pounds of pure meth.
Villa was sentenced on November 29, 2023, to a term of imprisonment of 240 months.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Man Sentenced in Firearms Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kenneth D. Blair, 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced December 21, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for his participation in a firearms conspiracy in the furtherance of drug trafficking. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Blair to 21 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Blair’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
Rodolfo Falcon owned a house that was the central location for the distribution of marijuana, marijuana derivatives, and cocaine. Falcon rented that house out to several younger drug dealers including Kenneth Blair, Alexis Bernal-Lopez, and Keland Strong. Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force performed a search of the residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, currency, drug paraphernalia, and several firearms. Falcon, who has a distinctive tattoo on his hand, was seen in photos posing with firearms. One of the firearms shown in the picture was recovered from the residence. Agents also located a stolen firearm and AR15 rifle.
At the time of the search, Kenneth Blair was in the basement of the residence along with two apparent narcotics customers. Drugs and cash were also recovered from that location. Keland Strong used an upstairs room that contained numerous firearms. Falcon lived on the main level of the home where agents recovered cash, cocaine. and personal identification documents. Evidence of significant marijuana distribution such as wrappers for large quantities of marijuana were also recovered. This, along with the text messages between the group members revealed that the home was being used as a main distribution hub and that Bethow, Bernal-Lopez, Strong, and Blair all worked together to sell drugs, particularly marijuana to ‘serves’ (their code word for narcotics purchasers) and would drive each other to sales and work together to get the right types of THC cartridges and marijuana to customers.
On September 28, 2023, Majok Bethow: plead guilty to firearms conspiracy in the furtherance of drug trafficking; sentencing is January 11, 2024.
On October 27, 2023, Rodolfo Falcon plead guilty to firearms conspiracy and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of drug trafficking; sentencing is January 19, 2024.
On November 17, 2023, Keland Strong plead guilty to firearms conspiracy and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of drug trafficking; sentencing is February 8, 2024.
On November 20, 2023, Alexis Bernal Lopez plead guilty firearms conspiracy and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of drug trafficking; sentencing is February 16, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Felon Sentenced for Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Christopher Evans, 33, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced December 21, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Evans to 24 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Evans’ release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On January 29, 2022, Omaha police officers observed a vehicle fail to signal its turn. Officers conducted a traffic stop and upon contact with the vehicle observed an open container of alcohol in Evans’ lap and another open container in the center console. Co-defendant Bath Kuol was seated in the front passenger seat and Evans was the driver. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a Glock 19x 9mm handgun with a loaded 33 round magazine inside of the center console.
Evans admitted to law enforcement that he knew the firearm was in the vehicle and admitted to handling it. Prior to January 29, 2022, Evans had been convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance.
Bath Kuol was sentenced on February 17, 2023, to 63 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kelvin Baez-Adames, 32, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced December 20, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for his participation in a fentanyl drug conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Baez-Adames to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Baez-Adames release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
From August 2021 to May 4, 2022, Baez-Adames and co-defendant Kiara Jimenez ran an online company to sell M-30 pills utilizing Bitcoin. The M-30 pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration in Omaha began its undercover operation after pills were seized in Nebraska with the moniker “THEMESSIAH11.”
An undercover address was utilized to purchase pills online from THEMESSIAH11. DEA purchased 60 blue pills later identified as fraudulent M-30 pills containing fentanyl. The pills were sent in a Crunch N’ Munch box to prevent detection. The DEA set up another purchase and the tracking number for the order was from the Bronx, New York. This package contained more fentanyl pills hidden in another Crunch N’ Munch box. Surveillance was conducted in the Bronx and codefendant Kira Jimenez was observed leaving the defendant’s apartment to deliver 10 packages. The packages were intercepted by DEA and all contained fentanyl inside Crunch N’ Munch boxes. On May 4, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the defendant’s apartment in the Bronx. Law enforcement seized fentanyl pills, drug paraphernalia and several cases of Crunch N’ Munch. Baez-Adames is responsible for one kilogram of fentanyl analogue.
Kiara Jimenez pled guilty to fentanyl drug conspiracy and will be sentenced on January 24, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Scott A. Berndt, 54, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 20, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Berndt to 14 years’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Berndt’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
From November 2020 to May 2021, Berndt and others arranged to have large quantities of meth sent by mail to the Lincoln, Nebraska area. Postal records show at least ten shipments delivered to Lincoln which were believed to have contained meth, and which weighed between 1.69 pounds to over 11 pounds. Berndt and others then broke those shipments down into smaller quantities and resold the meth they received to others in Lincoln. Police also uncovered money transfer records where Berndt sent money to people in Arizona during that same period. Berndt pleaded guilty to his offense on April 17, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Albion, Nebraska Man Sentenced to more than 8 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jake Brian Spiegel, 42, of Albion, Nebraska, was sentenced December 20, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Spiegel to 105 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Spiegel’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On May 28, 2022, Spiegel was arrested after being found in possession of over 50 grams of meth. He posted bond and was arrested again on June 12, 2022, in Merrick County, Nebraska, after being found in possession of more than 50 grams of meth. Shortly after Spiegel’s arrest, codefendant Cheryl Ann Gonzalez arrived at the scene and was arrested after she was found in possession of more than 150 grams of meth. Gonzalez told law enforcement that she was intending to deliver the meth in her possession to Spiegel. Gonzalez has a motion pending and a trial date will be scheduled after its resolution.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Oxford Man Convicted for Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Eric L. Eggers, 39, of Oxford, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 19, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for felon in possession of a firearm. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Eggers to 36 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Eggers’ release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On August 24, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant of Eggers’ residence in Furnas County, Nebraska. During the search, law enforcement located 16 firearms in total. Eggers admitted that he knew that the firearms were in his residence and that he knowingly possessed them. He also admitted that he knew he could not legally possess them. Eggers had previously been convicted of a felony in 2012.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Furnas County Sheriff’s Office.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Firearms Possession and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Josef D. Barraza, 25, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced December 18, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln for firearms conspiracy and possession of a weapon in furtherance of drug trafficking. United States Senior District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Barraza to 204 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Barraza’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
Josef D. Barraza was prohibited from purchasing firearms in the State of Nebraska because of previous drug and firearms convictions. Due to his inability to purchase firearms, he made an agreement with his co-defendant Rachel Pageler to purchase firearms for him. Barraza would then illegally transfer and sell these firearms to other third parties.
In November of 2020, investigators executed a series of search and arrest warrants for members of the No Names Demon gang in Lincoln, Nebraska. On that same day, Pageler reported to police that some weapons had been stolen, when in fact, at Barraza’s direction, the weapons were transferred or sold to gang members. Those weapons were used by members of the gang in robberies and rival gang shootings and threats.
Upon his arrest in June 2021, investigators with the Lincoln Police Department went to the shared residence of Barraza and Pageler. Investigators seized firearms, including multiple Glock handguns and ammunition, one with an extended clip that was loaded and controlled substances, including methamphetamine and marijuana. Investigators also recovered $1,200 in United States currency from Barraza, who was unemployed. Pageler is set to be sentenced for her role in the crimes in February 2024.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options to prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crime face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community faces.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.
Grand Island Man Sentenced to 50 Months for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Felix Chacon, 61, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 18, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for distribution of methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Chacon to 50 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Chacon’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
In February 2018, Chacon twice met with an informant and sold the informant methamphetamine during controlled purchases which were monitored and recorded by police. In total, Chacon sold the informant 57 grams of actual or pure methamphetamine. Chacon pleaded guilty to his offense on August 30, 2023.
Chacon’s sentencing included an enhancement for obstruction of justice. After his initial arrest on the charges in this case, Chacon was released from custody pending trial. However, Chacon failed to appear for trial on July 26, 2021. He was later arrested in January 2023 in New Mexico. Because he failed to appear for trial and absconded, an enhancement under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines applied.
This case was investigated by the Trident Drug Task Force. The members of that task force include the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Department, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Nigerian Extradited to the District of Nebraska on Business Email Compromise Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the extradition of Afeez Akinloye, 42, a Nigerian national, from South Africa to the District of Nebraska on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and access device fraud filed in July 2018. The United States requested Akinloye’s extradition in November 2021, and South African authorities arrested him based on the U.S. request in September 2022. Subsequently, a South African court ordered his extradition in May 2023, and the Minister of Justice ordered his surrender in September. In coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South African authorities ultimately surrendered Akinloye to the United States on December 8, 2023. Akinloye had an initial appearance on the Indictment on December 12, 2023. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson ordered Akinloye remain detained pending trial.
The Indictment charges Akinloye with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section, 1349 and with access device fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029. It is alleged that Akinloye participated in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme from September 2016 to June 2017. The BEC scheme involved real estate transactions. Akinloye and his co-conspirators would learn of a real estate transaction closing and send fraudulent emails to have the wire proceeds wired to accounts they could access. As a result of this scheme, business in Nebraska and elsewhere were defrauded of over $1,850,000.
Akinloye is the first of the co-conspirators to appear on the Indictment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Akinloye.
Grand Jury - December 2023Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned nine unsealed Indictments charging 11 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Ravier Olivas-Valenzuela, age 32, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Carlos Daniel Ruelas, age 21, of Phoenix, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Olivas-Valenzuela with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about July 31, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Ruelas with possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture of cocaine on or about July 31, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jaime Ramos-Gonzalez, age 63, of Lexington, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about September 20, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Brian I. Gonzalez, age 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charge Gonzalez with receipt and distribution of child pornography from between on or about March 27, 2023, and on or about November 15, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Gonzalez with possession of child pornography on or about November 15, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
* James L. Hatten, II, age 52 of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a five-count Indictment. Counts I and II charge Hatten with sex trafficking of a minor and production of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct from on or about May 1, 2022, through September 1, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Hatten with sexual exploitation of children from on or about May 1, 2022, through September 1, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Counts IV and V charge Hatten with distribution of a controlled substance to a person under the age of 21 from on or about May 1, 2022, through September 1, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 1 year and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 6 years, and a $100 special assessment.
* Gene Milton Jr., age 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Milton with possession with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl on or about December 4, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Milton with possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about December 4, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 30 years’ up to life imprisonment consecutive, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Milton with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about December 4, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than three years, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ronnie James Colvin, III, age 21, of Omaha, Nebraska and Jonathan Ayer, age 20, of Omaha, Nebraska, are charged in a five-count Indictment. Count I charges Colvin and Ayer with conspiracy to commit bank fraud from no later than January 31, 2023, and continuing to December 7, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than five years, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II and III charges Colvin and Ayer with bank fraud on or about May 5, 2023, and on or about May 12, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than five years, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Colvin with robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States on or about January 31, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 25 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, and a $100 special assessment. Count V charges Colvin with using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about January 31, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than three years, and a $100 special assessment.
* Neon Chang, age 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Counts I and II charge Chang with production of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about January 18, 2019, and or about February 17, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Chang with receipt or distribution of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct from at least on or about April 5, 2022, and continuing to on or about March 4, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Chang with possession of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about November 30, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Omaha Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that James Lee Pokorny, 53, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on December 8, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr., sentenced Pokorny to 82 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Pokorny’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On September 13, 2021, Pokorny sold a confidential source 25.02 grams of actual meth. Then, on October 4, 2021, and October 8, 2021, Pokorny met with his source of supply and then sold a confidential source 51.57 and 50.19 grams of actual meth.
Pokorny agreed with at least one other person to distribute 126 grams of actual meth in Omaha between September 13, 2021, and October 8, 2021.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Gabriel Ramirez, 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced December 8, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr., sentenced Ramirez to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ramirez’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Ramirez also gave up any right or claim he may have had in $9,140 in currency seized during the investigation.
On March 18, 2022, law enforcement conducted a controlled narcotics buy from Ramirez utilizing a confidential informant who purchased 217 grams of meth from Ramirez in the Omaha area.
On April 14, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Ramirez’s South Omaha residence and vehicle and seized 3271 grams of meth, 21 grams of cocaine, and US Currency. During a post-Miranda interview, Ramirez admitted to being a drug courier for the Sinaloa Cartel and had been receiving and selling meth for the Cartel since approximately September of 2021. Ramirez estimated that over the past he had picked up and sold between 300 and 400 pounds of meth for the Cartel.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
York Man Sentenced for Receipt, Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jerry W. Lackey, 36, of York, Nebraska, was sentenced December 7, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Lackey to a total of 64 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Lackey’s release from prison, he will begin a 7-year term of supervised release.
In December of 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported a CyberTip to the Nebraska State Patrol that an individual was sending child pornography to others. The report included the email address, username, and IP address associated with the offending account, as well as several offending videos.
Investigators obtained subpoenas and were able to identify the subscriber as Lackey. A search warrant for the residence was obtained and executed. In executing the warrant, officers made contact with Lackey at the residence. In an interview with investigators, Lackey admitted to downloading and viewing the child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Former Gretna Postal Carrier Sentenced for Desertion of MailRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kevin Radik, 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced December 7, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for desertion of mail. United States Magistrate Judge Michael Nelson sentenced Radik to one year of probation.
Radik had been employed as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Gretna, Nebraska, since 2009. In 2023, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General began investigating after receiving reports of Radik not delivering the weekly ads and newspapers to an apartment complex along his route. Investigators observed Radik on video removing a postal bin from a postal vehicle and placing it in the back of his personal vehicle. Radik was found with twenty pieces of mail in his personal vehicle. Radik admitted that since December 2022 or January 2023, he had not been delivering bulk business mail to the apartment complex and would instead throw the mail away in a dumpster. Radik indicated that he had intended to throw away the mail found in his vehicle at his home. Radik advised that not delivering the bulk mail saved him five minutes on his route.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
California Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Oscar Villa, 37, from California, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Villa to 240 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On August 17, 2022, in Wayne County, Nebraska, a call came in about two suspicious people attempting to get into a resident’s car. Nebraska State Patrol troopers responded and encountered Oscar Villa and Johana Madrid on the side of the road on Nebraska Highway 35 and 849 Road. Both claimed they were on their way to Iowa for drug treatment but couldn’t really explain how they wound up on the side of the road. Madrid admitted to having meth in her bookbag and a firearm was located on the ground nearby. They also found a large meth shard in the fitted sheet Madrid had originally draped over herself.
Villa and Madrid were taken into custody. While in custody, troopers searched Madrid’s phone which showed a map of a field near the intersection where the two were encountered which contained a location pin. Using that map and pin, troopers found a bookbag that was covered by soybean plants. Inside the bookbag was approximately 20 pounds of pure meth.
Madrid has pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing on January 3, 2024.
This case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, and the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Firearms ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Clyde Lamar Pace, 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 1, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for a firearms conspiracy and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Pace to 90 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Pace’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
A drug trafficking investigation in the Omaha area revealed Pace was using social media to communicate the sale of controlled substances and firearms between January 2021 and April 2022. Pace used his social media account to make arrangements to sell controlled substances and weapons to other account users. Pace also posted photos of firearms and controlled substances from within his residence on his social media account. On May 2, 2022, law enforcement searched Pace’s Omaha residence and seized a weapon and a pound of marijuana.
Co-defendant Braniff was sentenced on October 27, 2023, to 21 months’ imprisonment for drug user in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bellevue Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Mark P. Nielson, 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 1, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Nielson to 130 months’ imprisonment for the drug distribution and a consecutive 60-month term for the firearm possession. There is no parole in the federal system. After Nielson’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Additionally, Nielson forfeited $1,914 of U.S. currency to the United States.
On July 17, 2022, Omaha police officers saw a 2002 Dodge Stratus parked at the gas pumps of Casey’s located at 3435 S. 42nd Street, Omaha. Officers saw the driver of the car, later identified as the Nielson, asleep in the driver’s seat. Containers of alcohol were seen inside the car as well as a handgun on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat.
The firearm behind the driver’s seat was a Sig Sauer P320 9mm handgun. DNA testing showed that Nielson’s DNA was on the firearm. Officers also located 83 grams methamphetamine, $1,914.00, and an additional handgun magazine next to the Sig Sauer in the car.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Omaha Police Department.
Grand Island Man Sentenced to 52 Years for Conspiracy to Produce Child Pornography and Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Scott Lee Meyer, 34, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 1, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for conspiracy to produce child pornography and production of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Meyer to 624 months’ imprisonment. Meyer will then serve the remainder of his life on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Meyer was additionally ordered to pay $11,250 in restitution as well as a $9,000 special assessment which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of crimes.
This case initiated in July of 2022 with an investigation by the FBI in an attempt to identify children in a series of child pornography images which were being shared online. Through the investigation it was determined that the files were associated with Scott Meyer and Scott Simmons. Simmons was previously sentenced to 60 years in prison on July 6, 2023, regarding the same case.
On August 25, 2022, a search warrant was received to search Meyer’s and Simmons’ residence. During the search warrant, it was determined that the residence was where many of the child exploitation files were produced. Numerous electronic devices were seized from the residence. Meyer was at the residence during the execution of the search warrant. He agreed to be interviewed and admitted that he and Simmons had engaged in photographing and recording prepubescent boys in a sexually explicit manner. He admitted that these images and videos were produced at their residence and other locations to include various hotels. Four child victims were identified and interviewed by child advocate interviewers.
A forensic examination was completed of Meyer’s and Simmons’ personal cellphones. Each phone contained more than 400 files of child pornography. A large majority of these files found on the phones were original productions of the minor victims in this case.
Meyer was previously convicted in 2013, for two counts of sexual assault of a child in the 1st degree in Hall County District Court, Nebraska. Meyer and Simmons met while both were serving sentences for child-sex offenses in Nebraska. Meyer and Simmons distributed the images and videos they produced of the victims in this case on the Tor network using encrypted forms of email to further hide their identities. They additionally directly shared the files they created with at least one acquaintance they made while serving their prior sentences.
Following today’s sentencing, Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr expressed “The sentencing today of Scott Meyer and the July Sentencing of Scott Simmons reflect the seriousness of the crimes these men jointly committed. Their actions were reprehensible, unspeakable, and carefully planned for their own gratification without regard for the lives they were affecting. The sentences imposed although significant do not erase the impact their conduct will have on the children and their families for years to come.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Cozad Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Christopher P. Twohig, 45, of Cozad, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 1, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more methamphetamine (actual) and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Twohig to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Twohig’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On March 22, 2023, officers in Cozad, Nebraska, attempted to arrest Twohig on a state arrest warrant. Twohig was located and apprehended in a parking lot at a convenience store. Approximately 47 grams of meth was found in Twohig’s coat, along with multiple empty baggies. A firearm was also found in his vehicle with over 100 rounds of ammunition. The suspected meth was sent to the lab, and the lab determined that there was about 45.24 grams of meth, of which at least 41 grams was actual meth.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nebraska State Patrol, and Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.