District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Miguel Avalos-Diaz, 26, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced November 30, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for four drug trafficking charges, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Avalos-Diaz to 260 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Avalos-Diaz’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
In August, a jury convicted Avalos-Diaz of conspiracy to distribute meth and cocaine and found him not guilty of a gun charge. The day before trial, Avalos-Diaz pleaded guilty to three charges, including two counts of distribution of a controlled substance and one charge of possession with intent to distribute meth.
Omaha police received information from a cooperator that 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. All three times, the cooperator bought meth from Avalos-Diaz. During the third drug deal, Avalos-Diaz also “fronted,” i.e. provided on credit, one ounce of cocaine.
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 co-defendant Jose Salvador 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.
Avalos-Diaz’s advisory sentence under the United States Sentencing Commission guidelines was increased because he maintained a premise for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance and possessed a weapon in connection with a drug offense.
A total of $36,598 in cash has been forfeited to the United States as proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.
Perez, 27, of Omaha is scheduled to be sentenced on January 24, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Nebraska attorney was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for filing false individual income tax returns.
Thomas Campbell, of Bennington, pleaded guilty on July 27 to one count of filing a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2014 and 2018, Campbell, a licensed attorney since 2011, was the owner and manager of TLN Law, a solo-practice law firm in Omaha. Campbell controlled the law firm’s finances and was aware of substantial amounts of cash payments his firm received for legal services. For 2014 through 2018, Campbell did not report over $2.8 million in cash his firm received, which flowed through to, and should have been reported on, his personal tax returns. In total, Campbell caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $400,000.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Brian C. Buescher ordered Campbell to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $407,665 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Susan T. Lehr for the District of Nebraska made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Ferretti for the District of Nebraska prosecuted the case.
Omaha Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Thomas Campbell, 41, of Bennington, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 30, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for filing a false individual income tax return. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Campbell to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Campbell’s release from prison, he will begin a 1-year term of supervised release. Campbell was also ordered to pay $407,665 in restitution to the United States.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2014 and 2018, Campbell, a licensed attorney since 2011, was the owner and manager of TLN Law, a solo-practice law firm in Omaha. Campbell controlled the law firm’s finances and was aware of substantial amounts of cash payments his firm received for legal services. For 2014 through 2018, Campbell did not report over $2.8 million in cash his firm received, which flowed through to, and should have been reported on, his personal tax returns. In total, Campbell caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $400,000.
“IRS Criminal Investigation takes violations of our tax laws very seriously,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock. “It’s important for all taxpayers to have confidence that the tax system is fair, and all are paying their share.”
In praising the work IRS Criminal Investigation did on this case and the sentence imposed, Acting U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr stated, “This case ends years of investigation and goes to show that no one, regardless of their position or status, is above the law. Millions of Americans every year pay their taxes in accordance with the law. Mr. Campbell was not immune from that obligation.”
Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Ferretti for the District of Nebraska prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation.
Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor and Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Alan Walker, 41, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 30, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for abusive sexual contact with a minor and for failing to register as a sex offender. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Walker to 108 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Walker’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
In September 2022, Walker entered a family residence and groped an 11-year-old child’s buttocks as the child slept. The child woke up to Walker’s inappropriate touching and reported his conduct to a trusted adult, who notified law enforcement.
In 2012, Walker was convicted in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, for Sexual Assault of a Child in the 3rd Degree, requiring him to register as a sex offender. Beginning in September 2022, Walker failed to update his registered address as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Kansas Woman Sentenced for Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Amy Shepherd, age 44, of Wichita, Kansas, was sentenced on November 30, 2023, in federal Court in Omaha, Nebraska, for wire fraud. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Shepherd to 18 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Shepherd’s release from prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Shepherd 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 (hereinafter “Roadrunner”) uses Electronic Funds Source (hereinafter “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. Amy 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 an Electronic 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 September 19, 2023, Bradford pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2023, at 1:30.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Distribution and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Adam E. Schenkelberg, 37, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 29, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for receipt and distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Schenkelberg to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Schenkelberg will begin a 5-year term of supervised and will be required to register as a sex offender. Schenkeberg was also ordered to pay special assessments in the amounts of $7,500 and $5,000 pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Victim Assistance Act of 2018, and the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, respectively.
On May 5, the Nebraska Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) concerning the upload of child pornography on Kik, an online file sharing service. The CyberTipline reports indicated that the user of a specific internet protocol (IP) address uploaded fourteen image and video files depicting child pornography between March 19, 2022, and March 23, 2022. Nebraska ICAC investigators received another CyberTipline report on August 25, 2022, noting the upload of four image and video files depicting child pornography from Kik on June 29, 2022. Investigators determined that the same suspect IP was assigned to Schenkelberg’s residential address in Sarpy County, Nebraska.
On November 3, 2022, investigators executed a warrant to search Schenkelberg’s home. Investigators seized several of Schenkelberg's electronic devices for forensic examination. On December 26, 2022, pursuant to a search warrant, Apple Inc. provided data from Schenkelberg’s Apple iCloud account. Investigators examined the Apple iCloud data and forensically examined the devices seized from his residence. From the iCloud account and the accessible electronic devices, investigators located additional images of child pornography, some involving toddlers. Schenkelberg’s cache of child pornography consisted of over 600 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 Nebraska State Patrol’s ICAC Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Machine GunRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Mar D. Maluoth, 25, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced November 29, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, for the illegal possession of a machine gun. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Maluoth to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Maluoth’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Maluoth was found guilty by a jury on July 20, 2023, after a three-day trial.
On September 23, 2022, Omaha police were conducting surveillance in the area of 30th and Manderson Street in Omaha, watching a house in search of a wanted escapee. Officers surveilling the house observed an unknown male walk from the back of the residence into the alleyway carrying what the officers believed to be a rifle. The male entered a black Kia Optima that was observed leaving the area from the alleyway.
Officers left the surveillance location and began following the black Kia Optima (‘Kia’) as it traveled westbound near 45th and Lake Streets. Officers conducted a traffic stop when the Kia failed to stop at a stop sign. Maluoth, who was the front seat passenger, began leaning forward in his seat as if concealing something when officers first approached the vehicle. Officers later observed what appeared to be marijuana ‘shake’ in the car and an open container of alcohol.
Due to Maluoth’s furtive behavior and continuous failure to follow officer commands, he was ordered out of the car. Once removed from the vehicle, Maluoth was detained in handcuffs and frisked for weapons. Officers then searched under Maluoth’s seat and found a Glock 23, .40 caliber handgun with a ‘Glock switch,’ allowing the firearm to function as a machinegun. When taken into evidence, the gun was found to have a round in its chamber and a partially loaded, extended high-capacity magazine.
Omaha police tested the firearms functionality in a controlled setting at the forensics unit and determined the firearm operated as a machinegun.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Fort Calhoun Man Sentenced for School ThreatRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nathan Joseph Bonacci, age 21, of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 29, 2023, in federal Court in Omaha, Nebraska, for impeding or interfering with a federal officer. United States Magistrate Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Bonacci to 6 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Bonacci’s release from prison, he will begin a 1-year term of supervised release.
On February 10, 2022, Bonacci posted to the Discord app “I have an rpk chambered in 7.62 a 556 Ak74 and 2m1911s. This Monday 2/14/22 I will drive my car (filled with 5k worth of amo) to Roosevelt Elementary School in Council Bluffs, IA (517 N 17th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501) and I will kill as many people as I can find at 09:00 (9 am) @ everyone I will drive my blue Nissan Ultima (plate number [redacted] (nebraska plates))”.
A user on the iFunny app came across the post and forwarded it via email to the principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, who then advised law enforcement. The FBI assigned a Special Agent to investigate the potential threat. The FBI investigation included obtaining emergency disclosures from Yahoo! and Twitter, which lead to identifying the IP address used to post the threat was maintained by Cox Communications. Additional investigation revealed the Cox Communications subscriber was Bonacci’s brother. The FBI Special Agent interviewed Bonacci’s brother, who recognized the username used to post the threat was Bonacci’s. Bonacci was subsequently located and interviewed.
Bonacci acknowledged he transmitted the communication but indicated he posted it to a group of his friends because he thought his friends would find it to be funny.
Bonacci’s false threat impeded the assigned Special Agent from accomplishing his other assigned duties and interfered with his ability to work on legitimate investigations due to a need to determine if this was a valid threat to an elementary school.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
California Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Shipping Marijuana to NebraskaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Shawn Thomas, 34, of Roseville, California, was sentenced on November 29, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Thomas to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Thomas’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
Thomas was identified as being involved in drug distribution as a result of an ongoing investigation into Thomas’ co-conspirators. From approximately October 2018 to December 2020, conspirators regularly shipped multi-pound boxes of marijuana from the Sacramento, California, area to Omaha, where other conspirators would distribute it. These shipments were made via the United States mail and commercial shipping services like FedEx. A 22.5-pound box of marijuana was seized from an Omaha residence on December 18, 2020. Thomas was in the residence at the time of the search with three co-defendants.
Review of FedEx shipping records and conspirators’ cell phone messages determined that Thomas was responsible for mailing the packages. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Buescher found that Thomas was responsible for conspiring to distribute at least 100 kilograms (220.4 pounds) of marijuana.
The three other co-defendants were sentenced earlier this year. Aarion Jenkins, 29, and Marques Eiland, 29, both of Omaha were sentenced to 40 months and 31 months respectively. Julio Ayala, 33, of Sacramento was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Police Department, and Sacramento County (California) Sheriff’s Office.
This prosecution 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Launder MoneyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Carlos Martinez Desmoineaux, 47, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 21, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to launder money. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Desmoineaux to time served, approximately 24 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Desmoineaux will also serve a 2-year term of supervised release.
In 2009, Desmoineaux agreed with a confederate to use Desmoineaux’s bank account in Trinidad and Tobago to launder proceeds from marijuana sales. Wire transfers totaling $77,700 were sent to Desmoineaux’s bank account from locations in the United States, and an additional $10,800 cash was transported by the confederate to Trinidad and Tobago and deposited into the account. All the funds were generated from the sale of marijuana. Desmoineaux sent $88,500 by wire transfer to an airplane seller in Oklahoma to help finance the purchase of an airplane that the confederate planned to use and later did use to transport marijuana. Desmoineaux surrendered to authorities in Colombia in 2022 and was extradited to the United States in 2023.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS Criminal Investigations.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Wesley T. Vavra, 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 21, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Vavra was convicted of the charge by a jury on August 23, 2023. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Vavra to 235 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Vavra’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.
Between May 2022 and July 16, 2022, Vavra communicated on the Whisper application and through text messages with someone Vavra thought was interested in “open family play dates.” The other Whisper user was a law enforcement officer working in an undercover (“UC”) capacity pretending to be a father with an 8-year-old child. Vavra arranged to meet the UC on July 18, 2022, to engage in sexual acts with the supposed father’s 8-year-old child. Vavra was arrested upon arrival at the meetup location in Omaha. Vavra’s cell phone was seized. Analysis of Vavra’s phone showed that in addition to communicating with the UC, Vavra was also communicating with someone he thought was a 13-year-old female during this same timeframe. The 13-year-old female was also a law enforcement officer working in an undercover capacity.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Douglas County’s Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Convicted for Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that William Lamb, 55, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 20, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for escape from custody. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Lamb to 2 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Lamb’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
On August 2, 2004, Lamb was sentenced for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On August 27, 2022, Lamb was transferred to Dismas Charities in Omaha, Nebraska, a Residential Reentry Center, to complete his sentence. On June 16, 2023, RRC staff conducted a routine vehicle search of Lamb’s vehicle and discovered what appeared to be a white, crystalline substance consistent with meth. Upon questioning of the substance by RRC staff, Lamb exited the facility, entered his vehicle, and drove off the property without authorization. He did not return to the RRC and was later arrested in Oklahoma.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Santiago Montes-Osorio, 30, a Mexican citizen most recently living in Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 21, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States Chief District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Montes-Osorio to 114 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Montes-Osorio’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On July 21, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Montes-Osorio’s vehicle in Omaha and found approximately 872 grams of meth. A search of Montes-Osorio’s residence in Omaha uncovered approximately 2,437 grams of meth and $19,451 cash. A search of a storage unit in Council Bluffs, Iowa, that Montes-Osorio had access to uncovered another 21.9 kilograms of meth.
The $19,451 cash was forfeited as proceeds of illegal narcotics sales.
This case was investigated by multiple agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Omaha Police Department, the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department, and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force.
Kansas Woman Sentenced for Witness Retaliation PlotRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Juanita Gibson, age 38, originally of Hillsboro, Kansas, was sentenced on November 21, 2023, in federal Court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to assault a witness and attempted assault of a witness. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Gibson to 24 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Gibson’s release from prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
In the fall of 2021, Johnny Dolph (hereinafter “Dolph”) was being investigated by the United States Secret Service for financial crimes to include crimes involving counterfeit currency and checks. Dolph claims to be a “shot caller” in the Irish Mob Gang, a street gang that originated in Oklahoma. In September 2021, Victim 1’s husband was arrested in Nebraska for forgery counts. Victim 1’s husband was coming to Nebraska to assist Dolph in his forgery activities. Following Victim 1’s husband’s arrest, Dolph and Jennifer Norwood A/K/A Jennifer Dolph (hereinafter “Norwood”) began contacting Victim 1 in attempts to prevent her from cooperating with law enforcement. Dolph believed Victim 1 and Victim 1’s husband were cooperating with law enforcement. As a result, Dolph put a “green light” on Victim 1 and her husband.
In October 2021, a search warrant was obtained through the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska for Dolph’s apartment in Omaha. This search warrant was signed by Magistrate Judge Susan Bazis and the affiant for the warrant was a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service.
Following the execution of the search warrant, Dolph and Norwood began researching the affiant agent and magistrate judge listed on the search warrant. Dolph and Norwood also reached out to individuals outside of Nebraska providing information about Victim 1, where Victim 1 resides, and where family members of Victim 1 lived.
On November 19, 2021, Dolph contacted Kate Ruth A/K/A Kate Winter A/K/A Kate Hill (hereinafter “Ruth”) and requested that she travel from Kansas to Omaha, Nebraska to attempt to carry out his “green light” on Victim 1. Dolph instructed Ruth to go to Greyhound and attempt to pick up a ticket that had been purchased in a third party’s name. Ruth was instead driven to Nebraska from Kansas by Gibson. Gibson obtained a red pickup truck to drive she and Ruth to Omaha. During the drive to Nebraska, Dolph sent Gibson and Ruth money for gas over CashApp, inquired to the status of their travel, and provided directions on where to park once they arrived at his apartment.
Dolph and Norwood let Gibson and Ruth stay at their apartment in Omaha. While there, Dolph, Norwood, Gibson, and Ruth researched Victim 1.
On September 2, 2022, Gibson was interviewed by the United States Secret Service and admitted to coming to Nebraska with Ruth at Dolph’s request. Gibson admitted that the purpose of the trip was to find a female that Dolph was looking for.
The individual from Kansas was sentenced in 2022 to time-served after serving a nine-month sentence for possession of counterfeit currency and possession of a document making implement or authentication feature and is currently serving a five-year term of supervised release. On August 17, 2023, Dolph was sentenced to a total of 150 months’ imprisonment for felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm following a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; 2 counts of false statement during the purchase of a firearm; conspiracy to tamper with documents or proceedings; tampering with documents or proceedings; 2 counts of conspiracy to assault a witness; and 2 counts for attempted assault of a witness. On November 14, 2023, Norwood pleaded guilty to making false statements during the purchase of a firearm, conspiracy to destroy evidence, and conspiracy to assault a witness. Ruth is currently pending trial and are presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the Omaha Police Department, and the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Neligh Woman Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Danelle Charf, 49, of Neligh, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 20, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for making a false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement in connection with health care services. Chief Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Charf to two months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Charf’s release from prison, she will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Charf was also ordered to pay $573,337.53 in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid.
Charf previously owned Wanek Pharmacy in Neligh, Nebraska, and Tilden Pharmacy in Tilden, Nebraska. Agents began investigating in the fall of 2020 after receiving a tip. Several current and former employees were interviewed by investigators. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who worked at the Wanek and/or Tilden Pharmacies reported that Charf was responsible for adjusting orders from suppliers so that brands were commonly unavailable. The witnesses corroborated the complainant’s report that the pharmacies were billing for name brand while dispensing generic medications. Employees also reported that Charf was submitting claims for prescriptions where the pharmacy anticipated that the prescription would not be filled by the customer and had not, in fact, been filled.
Investigators then chose some beneficiaries at random to interview and located beneficiaries who had been prescribed a name brand medication but were dispensed a generic. Investigators were able to photograph the medications with name brand prescription labels placed on generic medications.
An invoice review was done, comparing all of the claims submitted to Medicare and Medicaid by Wanek and Tilden Pharmacies to how much of the same drugs were ordered by the pharmacies during the same time period. Even excluding claims to private insurance companies, the reconciliation showed that Wanek did not have adequate purchases to support their claims for 1,032 of the 3,676 drugs reviewed, resulting in a loss of $369,837.38. Tilden did not have adequate purchases to support their claims for 612 of 1737 drugs reviewed, resulting in a loss of $203,500.15.
This case was investigated by the HHS Office of Inspector General and Nebraska Attorney General Office.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Theft of Mail and Mail KeyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Rockie Dubray, 35, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced November 20, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln for stealing a Post Office mailbox key and theft of mail. United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Dubray to five years of probation.
Between March and September 2022, the United States Postal Inspection Service received numerous complaints from customers not receiving packages supposed to be delivered to lockers in several USPS locations in Lincoln. On August 3, 2022, the Post Office received similar complaints from customers not receiving their packages at the College View Station branch in Lincoln, Nebraska. Investigators installed a surveillance camera in the lobby.
On August 8, 2022, packages were stolen from the parcel locker at College View Station. Surveillance video from the night before captured a white female using a master key to open mail lockers and take packages. The female had a large, distinctive tattoo on her right leg.
On September 3, 2022, video surveillance captured the same white female using a master key to access the lockers, but on this occasion, she was unable to remove the key from the lock. The female was still able to open the locker, however, and she stole packages.
Still photos from the video surveillance were processed using facial recognition technology. Rockie Dubray was identified as the female in the surveillance videos. On September 27, 2022, Dubray was interviewed by a United States Postal Inspector and admitted to stealing packages from the parcel lockers on a couple occasions using a master key given to her. She admitted that she still had the contents of one of the stolen packages at her home.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jesse Cervantes, Jr., 52, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 20, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Cervantes to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Cervantes’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
In March and May of 2022, an undercover investigator made a total of eight purchases of meth, totaling approximately nine ounces, from Cervantes in Lincoln. On May 19, 2022, investigators served a search warrant on Cervantes’s Lincoln residence and vehicle. In the vehicle, they found two bags of meth weighing a total of just under one pound. One of the two bags, weighing 224 grams, was tested by the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory for purity, and was found to be 100% pure.
Cervantes agreed to talk to law enforcement officers and said he obtained about 100 pounds of meth from a source in Omaha in about March of 2022. He got five pounds from a second source in Omaha. He said he had about five customers who were buying pound or multiple-pound quantities of meth. He also sold smaller amounts to a few people. Cervantes said the meth found in his vehicle belonged to him.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Lexington Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jonathan Beale, 23, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced November 20, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Honorable John M. Gerrard, Senior United States District Judge, sentenced Beale to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Beale’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
Operating from at least June 2021 until October 2022, Beale and others were responsible for trafficking in meth brought into the state. Officers from a variety of local, state, and federal agencies pieced the conspiracy together using eyewitness information, electronic evidence, surveillance, and search warrants.
On February 23, 2022, officers obtained a search warrant for Beale’s residence in Lexington. Located in the search was another co-defendant, who appeared to be living in Beale’s basement. In addition, the search located nearly eleven ounces of meth, items consistent with narcotic packaging, and over two thousand dollars. Searches at additional locations in the Lexington area netted additional meth and currency from other co-defendants.
This case was investigated by the CODE Drug Task Force, Lexington Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Striking Man in Head with Baseball BatRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that David Snow, 39, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 16, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. United States District Court Chief Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Snow to 37 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Snow’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On January 19, 2021, Snow was at a residence on the Winnebago Indian Reservation with the victim and another witness. Snow and the victim got into a verbal altercation, which escalated to a physical assault when Snow picked up an aluminum bat and struck the victim in the head with the bat. Snow fled the residence. The victim suffered an external headwound as well as a subarachnoid hemorrhage and was hospitalized as a result of the assault.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Woman Sentenced for Trafficking Methamphetamine Through NebraskaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Teresa Martinez, 47, a Mexican citizen recently living in the Fresno, California area, was sentenced on November 15, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Martinez to 87 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Martinez’s release from prison, she 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. Martinez was the driver of the Expedition and Martinez’s daughter and co-defendant, Daisy Flores, was the passenger. A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately eight pounds of meth and approximately four pounds of marijuana. Crime laboratory testing of the meth confirmed purity of approximately 89 percent.
Flores has pleaded guilty to the same charge and is scheduled for sentencing on January 3, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Otoe County Sherriff’s Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department assisted with testing of the methamphetamine.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 15 Months’ Imprisonment for Assault at Eppley AirfieldRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Chol Magwit, 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 15, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for interference with security screening personnel. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Magwit to 15 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Magwit will be required to complete a 3-year term of supervised release.
On April 7, 2023, Magwit forced open two separate doors to restricted areas and made it onto the tarmac at Eppley Airfield. Magwit was tackled when he refused commands to stop his movement and before he made it to the active operating area. Magwit was then arrested. Magwit did not appear impaired and said he wanted to go to Egypt. During the arrest, Magwit assaulted an airport officer who had security duties within the airport, and bit the officer’s hand, penetrating the officer’s skin and causing him to require medical treatment. The assault interfered with the performance of the airport officer’s duties while undergoing treatment for his injuries.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, and the Omaha Airport Authority Airport Police.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kyrell Wells, 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced November 14, 20223 in federal court in Omaha for felon in possession of a firearm. Chief United State District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Wells to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Wells is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On August 11, 2022, Omaha Police Department gang officers observed Kyrell Wells enter Phillips 66 on 59th and Sorensen Parkway. Officers were aware he had several warrants. Officers entered the gas station and ordered Wells to put his hands up. Wells initially complied but then attempted to run. Officers took Wells to the ground and a handgun fell from Wells’ waistband, down his sweatpants, to his ankle. The gun was loaded with one in the chamber. The firearm was a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson. Wells is a convicted felon from a tampering with witness charge in November of 2021.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Killing Bald EagleRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Domingo Zetino Hernandez, 21, of Guatemala, was sentenced on November 14, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson sentenced Zetino Hernandez to time served. Zetino Hernandez has been in custody since March 20, 2023. Zetino Hernandez is subject to removal proceedings with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
On or about February 28, 2023, law enforcement received a report of a suspicious vehicle located at the Wood Duck Wildlife Management Area, located in Stanton County, Nebraska. Law enforcement arrived at Wood Duck and approached the vehicle with Ramiro Hernandez Tziquin and Zetino Hernandez as the occupants. During the encounter, Zetino Hernandez admitted that he shot a bird and that it was in the trunk of the vehicle. Law enforcement obtained consent to search the vehicle and found one bald eagle carcass. Zetino Hernandez admitted to taking and possessing the bald eagle found in the trunk of the vehicle without being permitted to do so.
Co-defendant Hernandez Tziquin remains at large. Hernandez-Tziquin, who was living in Norfolk, Nebraska, at the time of the incident, is believed to have fled the local area around the time his arrest warrant was issued, and to date has not been located. Hernandez-Tziquin may currently be living with family or associates in Nebraska, Texas, or elsewhere. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking information regarding the current location of Hernandez-Tziquin. There may be a reward available for information leading to an arrest by calling 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477) or online at https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips. Callers may remain anonymous.
This case was investigated by United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Nebraska Games and Parks Commission, and the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office.
Bellevue Man Sentenced to 9 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Terrell C. Bass, 40, of Bellevue, Nebraska, was sentenced November 15, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Bass to 108 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Bass’s release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release. Bass also gave up any right or claim he may have had in over $61,000 in currency seized during the investigation.
On February 18, 2022, Douglas County deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of 18th and Vinton Street, Omaha, Nebraska, on a vehicle driven by Bass who deputies knew had a suspended driver’s license. Bass’s identity was confirmed, and a front seat passenger was identified as codefendant, Holly Fleming. A drug detecting canine was deployed and indicated to the odor of narcotics coming from within the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed approximately 10.5 pounds of meth in two bags, one found on the passenger floor containing items indicating the bag belonged to Fleming, the other found on the back seat.
That same day a search warrant was authorized for Bass and Fleming's North Omaha residence and served by FBI and OPD. The search of the residence revealed 16 pounds of meth, two firearms, and over $61,000 in cash. During a post arrest interview Fleming admitted to her involvement in drug dealing and claimed all the evidentiary items were hers.
Cell phone search warrants were obtained for phones found during the search and revealed a video showing Bass assisting Fleming in removing a gas tank from a vehicle and removing packages of methamphetamine from within. Texts messages found in the phones revealed Bass was assisting Fleming with drug trafficking. A jail phone call between Bass and Fleming was discovered where Bass acknowledged that he assisted Fleming with drug dealing.
Holly Fleming has pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in connection with drug distribution and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 16, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Omaha Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 140 Months’ Imprisonment for Distribution and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Donald R. Hamilton, 37, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 8, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for receipt and distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Hamilton to 140 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Hamilton will begin a 5-year term of supervised and will be required to register as a sex offender.
On several dates beginning in March 2021 and ending on August 29, 2021, an investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol was conducting an online investigation on a peer-to-peer file sharing network. The investigator identified a specific residential internet protocol (IP) address associated with unique file identifiers from known images of child pornography. The investigator was able to make a direct connection to the suspect’s IP address and was able to download files containing child pornography using investigative software. Further investigation revealed Hamilton was the suspect.
On September 28, 2021, the Nebraska State Patrol executed a search warrant at Hamilton’s residence on Read Street in Omaha. During the forensic examination of Hamilton’s residence, the Nebraska State Patrol located evidence of the specific peer-to-peer client software on Hamilton’s device.
The files downloaded between March 27, 2021, and August 29, 2021, totaled 670 images and 25 videos. These 695 files included depictions of child pornography containing prepubescent children, adults having sex with children, and children being bound with ligatures.
Hamilton had been on pretrial release pending sentencing, but it was revoked on October 27, 2023, when the Court learned that Hamilton had attended a birthday party in the company of children in violation of his conditions of pretrial release. Hamilton failed to report the contact.
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 Nebraska State Patrol.
Nehawka Man Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nolan Balfour, 34, of Nehawka, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 8, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for bank fraud. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Balfour to 30 days’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Balfour’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. As part of his sentence, Balfour was ordered to pay $500,205.93 in restitution to First Nebraska Bank.
On March 4, 2013, Balfour and his wife signed a Promissory Note with First Nebraska Bank for the amount of $1,160,000. The note was a 5-year commitment and was renewable annually. On March 11, 2016, this note was modified. The purpose of this note was to finance Balfour’s farming operations in the Nehawka, Nebraska area. In 2014, Balfour began having shortfalls and was having trouble with his loan. On January 10, 2017, Balfour submitted a financial statement to First Nebraska Bank for Fiscal Year 2016. In this financial statement, Balfour overstated his assets, specifically, the amount of corn and soybean that had been harvested and the heads of livestock that he had on hand. Balfour signed this balance sheet stating that it was true and correct when he knew that the information contained in this financial statement was not true and correct. Balfour knew that this financial statement was going to be relied upon by First Nebraska Bank in deciding whether or not to renew his loan. In 2018, Balfour filed for bankruptcy and, during the bankruptcy proceedings, admitted that this financial statement was false and that he knew it would be relied upon by First Nebraska Bank. First Nebraska Bank suffered an economic loss as a result of Balfour’s misrepresentations. First Nebraska Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Hastings Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Armando Ibarra, 50, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced November 6, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Ibarra to 156 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ibarra’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Between August of 2019 and May of 2021, Ibarra reached an agreement with others to distribute meth in Hastings, Nebraska. Ibarra sold meth to confidential informants and police found meth at his residence and in his car during several traffic stops.
This case was investigated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Hastings Police Department, and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Hastings Woman Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Rosa Valtierra, 31, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced November 6, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for distribution of methamphetamine. Senior U.S. District Judge Gerrard sentenced Valtierra to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Valtierra’s release from prison, she will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
In February 2021, agents purchased meth from Valtierra through a confidential informant. The informant purchased the meth outside an apartment complex in Lexington, Nebraska. At the apartment complex, Valtierra got out of a vehicle, approached the informant’s vehicle, and provided the meth. The buy was audio recorded by law enforcement. The meth was lab tested and confirmed to be approximately 25 grams of a meth mix.
In March 2021, agents again purchased meth from Valtierra through the informant. This occurred in Lexington, Nebraska. Valtierra got into the informant’s vehicle and provided the drugs. The drugs were lab tested and there was at least 23 grams of actual meth.
This prosecution 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Campbell Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Jeremy A. Kinney, 49, of Campbell was sentenced November 6, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Kinney to 156 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 216 months. There is no parole in the federal system. Additionally, Kinney was ordered to forfeit $5,000 cash that was seized in the investigation. After Kinney’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Investigators obtained a court-authorized tracking device on Kinney’s 2014 Nissan Maxima. Based on information from the tracker, visual surveillance, and analysis of phone records and jail calls, investigators obtained a search warrant for Kinney’s car. On May 26, Kinney’s Maxima was tracked while traveling from Colorado and heading northeast on Interstate 76. A Nebraska State Patrol trooper noticed the car heading eastbound in Furnas County, Nebraska, and attempted a traffic stop. Kinney, who was driving at the time, sped up which prompted a pursuit by law enforcement.
During the pursuit, Kinney drove eastbound in westbound traffic lanes, at times passing westbound traffic on the shoulder. Investigators used spike strips to stop Kinney’s car. Kinney continued to pass vehicles while driving on the shoulder of oncoming traffic lanes. A tactical vehicle intervention team was able to direct the Maxima into a ditch. During the pursuit, Kinney threw objects from the Maxima. Investigators returned to the areas where Kinney was seen tossing items and located a baggie containing approximately 0.6 pounds of suspected meth. Investigators found $5,000 cash bundled on the front passenger seat and a 9 mm handgun on the ground near where the Maxima had stopped.
Investigators returned to the roadway where the first bag of drugs was found and located an additional bag containing 1.2 pounds and third bag containing 1.3 pounds of meth. The drugs were sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crim Laboratory where a forensic scientist confirmed the presence of meth.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Trident Drug Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Javier De Leon Marin, 32, of Monterrey, Mexico, was sentenced on November 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Barajas to 108 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release. De Leon Marin also agreed to the forfeiture of $169,283 that was seized as part of the investigation.
On April 11, 2022, an undercover (UC) Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration contacted a Mexican-based source of supply about purchasing four ounces of meth that could be delivered to the UC in Omaha. Arrangements were made, and later that day Gerson Ortega-Corado arrived and exchanged $1,000 for four ounces of meth.
On May 18, 2022, the UC again contacted the Mexican-based source of supply and made arrangements for a one-pound delivery of meth. Later that day, the UC met with De Leon Marin and exchanged $3,700 for 418 grams of pure meth. Following the controlled buy, De Leon Marin was followed around to various locations. One of the locations that De Leon Marin visited was an apartment in the area of 10th and Bancroft in Omaha. He was also followed to several storage units.
On June 16, 2022, the DEA executed search warrants at the 10th and Bancroft apartment and the storage units. At the 10th and Bancroft location, 26.3 kilograms of pure meth and $160,000 were seized. At the storage units, agents seized $31,562, $2,303, and $6,980.
Oretga-Corado was sentenced on August 15, 2023, to 168 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, and the Omaha Police Department.
Bennington Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Daniel A. Christianson, 39, formerly of Bennington, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for distributing child pornography. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Christianson to 96 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Christianson will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Christianson was ordered to pay a special assessment totaling $1,100.
In 2021, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office conducted an undercover investigation regarding the use of peer-to-peer file sharing of child pornography on the internet. During the investigation, investigators identified an IP address associated with Christianson that had shared video files of child pornography using peer-to-peer computer software between June 20 and June 21, 2021. Investigators determined the IP address associated with Christianson had shared child pornography videos on at least two occasions. On October 28, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Christianson’s Bennington residence, during which he admitted to downloading and viewing child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Aiming Laser Pointer at OPD HelicopterRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Richard C. Detty, 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 1, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Detty to 15 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Detty’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
At about 9:30 pm on October 23, 2021, Detty was outside his workplace in Omaha when he aimed a laser pointer at a helicopter flying overhead. It was the Omaha Police Department helicopter, which was on patrol at the time. The beam illuminated the helicopter’s cockpit. The pilot was startled but maintained level flight, and neither the pilot nor the observer in the helicopter were injured.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.
Norfolk Man Sentenced to more than 11 Years’ Imprisonment for Possession of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Rafael Hernandez, 30, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 1, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Hernandez to 140 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hernandez’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On August 27, 2022, a Platte County Sheriff's Deputy saw a vehicle driving southbound on Highway 81 in Platte County Nebraska with a defective headlight. A traffic stop was initiated and while the deputy spoke to the driver, he detected the odor of burnt marijuana and conducted a search of the vehicle. Prior to the search, the passenger was identified as Rafael Hernandez and registered owner of the vehicle.
As the search moved to the trunk, Hernandez stated that the vehicle was his, everything in it was his, and that the driver had no knowledge of it. It was at this time that a drawstring backpack was located in the trunk containing 1.14 kilograms of meth.
Both the driver and Hernandez were transported to the Platte County Detention Facility where Hernandez said the driver had nothing to do with the drugs and that Hernandez didn't want to get him in trouble. The driver was not charged.
This case was investigated by the Platte County Sheriff's Office and Columbus Police Department.
Gering Man Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that George Liakos, 64, of Gering, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 27, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for Bank Fraud. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Liakos to 36 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Liakos’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. As part of his sentence, Liakos was ordered to pay $5,059,035.43 in restitution to First Interstate Bank.
Great Western Bank, which was subsequently acquired by First Interstate Bank, was a banking corporation with locations in Iowa, Colorado, South Dakota, and Nebraska, including a banking office in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Great Western Bank’s deposits were insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Liakos conducted a farming operation in Bayard, Nebraska, primarily growing beans, corn and sugar beets as well as raising cattle for sale.
Beginning in April 2017 and continuing through May 2019, Liakos misrepresented the amount of commodities he had in storage, cattle inventory, and acreage of crops and concealed his debt from Great Western Bank in order to secure approximately $11 million in loans.
As a part of his scheme to obtain money from Great Western Bank, on June 2, 2017, Liakos executed Loans and a Security Agreement with Great Western Bank. The loans and security agreement consisted of a revolving line of credit, machinery and equipment loan and a livestock loan. In approving the Loans and Security Agreement, Great Western Bank relied upon information provided by Liakos reflecting current commodity and livestock inventory, accounts receivable, loans, and accounts payable which he knew materially overstated his commodity inventory and materially understated and failed to report loans and accounts payable. As part of this agreement, Liakos granted Great Western Bank a security interest in assets and farm products as collateral for the loan. As a result of the Liakos’s scheme and artifice to defraud, Great Western Bank sustained a financial loss of $3,940,007.80.
After the sentencing, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “George Liakos’ crime may not have been violent, but there were real victims. His years of lies and falsifying documents led to a local bank’s loss of more than seven million dollars. Today’s sentence illustrates the FBI’s mission to investigate complex fraud cases and bring to justice those who enrich themselves at the expense of others by breaking the law.”
Matthew T. Wilkins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General said “I want to thank the US Attorney’s Office, OIG special agents, and our investigative partners for their hard work on this investigation. When the integrity of the United States Department of Agriculture’s farm loan programs is violated by criminal conduct, the Office of Inspector General will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law.”
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr stated, “Today’s sentencing is the product of nearly four years of investigating and prosecuting Liakos for making material misrepresentations to the Commodity Credit Corporation and Great Western Bank to obtain significant lines of credit. His misrepresentations and actions resulted in millions of dollars in loss being sustained by Great Western Bank. Today’s result reflects our office’s commitment to work with our federal partners such as the FBI and USDA-OIG to bring white collar criminals to justice.”
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to more than 12 Years’ Imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Baldemar Rodriguez Baldwin, 47, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced in Omaha on October 27, 2023, in federal court for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine (actual). Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Baldwin to 147 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Baldwin’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On August 25, 2021, law enforcement utilized a cooperating witness who purchased 104 grams of actual methamphetamine from Baldwin inside of his Omaha apartment.
On September 2, 2021, law enforcement along with Baldemar’s Probation Officer contacted Baldemar at his Omaha apartment to conduct a probation search. Baldemar was advised of his rights and the reason for the search. Baldemar admitted to purchasing a ½ pound of methamphetamine approximately one month prior and selling it to make some quick money. When told that no meth was found during the search, Baldemar said he must have gotten rid of it. The search did reveal a drug scale with residue that Baldemar said would be dirty as he had used it. At the time he sold the meth to the cooperating witness, Baldemar was on supervised release for a 2012 drug conviction in which he was sentenced to more than 10 years’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Sarah N. Baldwin, 31, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 27, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual (pure). Senior United States District Court Judge M. John Gerrard sentenced Baldwin to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Baldwin’s release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On February 10, 2022, Baldwin was a passenger in an SUV which was stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 80 in Lancaster County due to a mechanical issue. A Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputy stopped to assist and during the contact learned the SUV had been reported stolen by Baldwin and that Baldwin had an active warrant for her arrest. Baldwin was arrested on the warrant and taken to the Lancaster County Jail.
After Baldwin was lodged in the Lancaster County Jail, investigators listened to phone calls she made from the jail in which she asked her mother to get the SUV and to get her son’s bookbag and another bag out of the SUV. Investigators obtained consent to search the SUV from the registered owner and found a Nike fanny pack containing methamphetamine. Baldwin made additional calls from the jail in which she asked a friend to get the fanny pack out of the SUV. Testing of the contents of the fanny pack at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime lab showed it contained at least 100 grams, (approximately 3 ½ ounces), of actual (pure) methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Holdrege Woman Sentenced for Possession of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jade Wondercheck, 44, of Holdrege, Nebraska, was sentenced October 27, 2023, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Wondercheck to 140 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Wondercheck’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
In December of, 2022, an officer with the Omaha Police Department was on patrol and observing a house, which he knew to be involved in drug trafficking. Officers had previously conducted three traffic stops of vehicles leaving this residence, each resulting in a pound of methamphetamine or cocaine being seized. On this occasion the officer observed a black Chrysler 300 leave the residence. The vehicle failed to signal a turn a few blocks down and a traffic stop was conducted.
Wondercheck was a backseat passenger in the vehicle, with two other occupants. While speaking with another passenger of the vehicle, the officer could see open beer bottles and smell marijuana. Based on these observations, the officer decided to conduct a probable cause search. Wondercheck was searched and two baggies of methamphetamine were located concealed in her pants. A lab confirmed the drugs were 91 grams of pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Grand Jury - October 2023Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 4 unsealed Indictments charging 4 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.
* Paul J. Gray, age 48, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender beginning on or about July 20, 2023, and continuing to on or about September 14, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Raul Enrique Imperial Ochoa, age 24, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about September 27, 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.
* Jason M. Viera Penalbert, age 37, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Viera Penalbert with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl beginning on or about May 16, 2023 and continuing to on or about May 18, 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 Viera Penalbert with possession with intent to distribute cocaine on or about May 18, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is a 20 year’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than three years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Spenser Ware, age 35, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition on or about October 11, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is a 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, and a $100 special assessment.
Nigerian National Extradited to Nebraska to Face Fraud Scheme ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the extradition of Alex Ogunshakin, 40, of Nigeria, to the District of Nebraska on a Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Indictment, filed in August 2019 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria granted the United States’ request for extradition, which was submitted in May 2020. Ogunshakin, a Nigerian national, was arrested in Nigeria and ultimately surrendered to the United States. Ogunshakin had an initial appearance on the Indictment on September 29, 2023. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson ordered Ogunshakin remain detained pending trial.
Ogunshakin, who was on the FBI Cyber’s Most Wanted List, is alleged to have participated in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme from January 2015 to September 2016. The BEC scheme defrauded businesses in the District of Nebraska and elsewhere of more than $6 million. According to the indictment, Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators posed as the chief executive officer, president, owner, or other executive of the targeted company. Using e-mail accounts spoofed to make it appear as though they were from the company’s true business executive, Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators directed business employees or recipients of the e-mail to complete wire transfers. The business employees, believing the requests were legitimate, complied with the wire transfer requests and wired the money as instructed by Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators.
It is alleged Ogunshakin provided bank account information to the co-conspirators who sent the fraudulent e-mails, and which directed business employees to wire money to accounts controlled by Ogunshakin and others. These bank accounts largely belonged to victims of internet romance scams, who were instructed by co-conspirators to transfer the funds to other bank accounts.
Some of Ogunshakin’s co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced. Adewale Aniyeloye, one of the fraudsters sending the spoofed e-mails to the target business, was sentenced in February 2019 to 96 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,570,938.05 in restitution. Pelumi Fawehinimi, a bank account facilitator, was sentenced in March 2019 to 72 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,014,159.60 in restitution. Onome Ijomone, a romance scammer, was sentenced in January 2020 to 60 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $508,934.40 in restitution after his successful extradition from Poland. Other co-conspirators remain at large.
FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Cyber Criminal Alex Ogunshakin worked with other co-conspirators (who remain at large and on the FBI Cyber's Most Wanted fugitive list) to defraud victims in the U.S. of millions of dollars. His indictment, arrest, and extradition should send a message to his co-conspirators and other cyber criminals: The FBI will remain vigilant in their pursuit of criminals both domestic and abroad. Disrupting these cyber criminal groups and their victimization of U.S. persons and businesses is a priority for the FBI, DOJ, and our international law enforcement partners. The FBI wishes to thank its partners in Nigeria, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and National Central Bureau, Abuja – INTERPOL (Nigeria Police Force), for their past and continued assistance in pursuing those that engage in Business Email Compromise and other fraud schemes.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Nigerian Ministry of Justice’s Central Authority Unit provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Ogunshakin.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Omaha Women Sentenced for Paycheck Protection Program FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tamika R. Cross, 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Omaha by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 42 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Cross will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Chief Judge Rossiter ordered Cross to pay restitution of $552,287.26.
Co-defendant Davida J. Anderson, 53, of Omaha, was sentenced on October 5, 2023, in Omaha by Chief Judge Rossiter to four years of probation, with the condition of five months’ home detention, and a fine of $5,000. Anderson pleaded guilty in June 2023 to making False Statements to the Small Business Administration. Anderson was also ordered to pay restitution of $3,921.60, in addition to the loan repayments she had already made in the amount of approximately $78,432.
During 2020 and 2021, Cross submitted applications for PPP and EIDL loans on behalf of her purported businesses and herself, as a sole proprietor, and obtained several PPP loans and an EIDL grant. Those loans were created or expanded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the loan applications, Cross misrepresented the average monthly payroll that her purported businesses paid, the net revenue from her purported businesses, and the gross income she received as a sole proprietor. In fact, the businesses did not have employees and thus had no payroll, and Cross did not generate revenue as a sole proprietor.
In addition to loan applications submitted on her own behalf, Cross provided direction and guidance to others concerning creating the appearance of ongoing businesses, creating phony supporting documents, and obtaining larger loans by inflating the amount the applicant businesses purportedly paid in past compensation or had received in revenue. Cross assisted with preparing fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of more than ten other persons. The applications substantially inflated the compensation paid by the businesses and the gross revenues earned by the businesses. Cross also prepared fraudulent documents for submission in support of loan applications, such as false tax documents.
Cross submitted, and assisted others in submitting, fraudulent applications for PPP and EIDL loans and advances totaling $3,399,769. The applications contained material misrepresentations and were supported by false documents. Cross and the co-defendants obtained approximately $903,238 in loans and advances.
“This defendant submitted false documents certifying a number of employees and payroll for a business that had neither. She collected PPP loan proceeds based on lies and helped others do likewise,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock. “We are committed to investigating those who defrauded the government and robbed businesses truly in need of pandemic relief.”
Co-defendant Anderson submitted or caused to be submitted applications for Paycheck Protection Program loans in 2020 and 2021.
Anderson worked with Cross to prepare and submit loan applications that misrepresented payroll for a purported business, revenue for a sole proprietorship and falsely stated she had no other business. In fact, the business had no employees and Anderson did not earn income as a sole proprietor. The PPP applications were also supported by false tax documents, some of which Anderson signed. Anderson submitted or caused to be submitted fraudulent applications for loans totaling approximately $118,532, and she obtained $78,432.
The following co-defendants were sentenced previously:
Bion A. Flint, sentenced on September 15, 2022, to 10 months’ imprisonment, three years supervised release, and ordered to pay $45,833 in restitution;
Jeremy D. Sanders, sentenced on March 10, 2023, to four years of probation, and ordered to pay $21,304.88 in restitution;
Lakeda R. Sanders, sentenced on March 10, 2023, to four years of probation, and ordered to pay $27,793.79 restitution; and
Ronnie E. Cross, sentenced on June 23, 2023, to 21 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $78,427.30 restitution.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The cases were investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Papillion Woman Sentenced for Mail FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Paula R. Creps, 52, of Papillion, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Omaha by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 6 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Creps pled guilty in July 2023 to Mail Fraud and had already paid restitution of $44,884.95.
From about November 2015 to July 2022, Creps was the Director of the Sarpy County Court Appointed Special Advocates ("Sarpy CASA"). Sarpy CASA staff and volunteers serve as Advocates in Juvenile Court proceedings. The juveniles are typically wards of the state who have been removed from their homes due to reported abuse or neglect. The Advocates support the juveniles during the court process and submit reports to the Juvenile Court concerning the juveniles’ best interests.
In addition to their normal duties as Advocates, CASA volunteers and staff can help juveniles and their families obtain needed items or pay for special events using charitable contributions that are held by Lift Up Sarpy County (LUSC). Sarpy CASA can also expend government grant funds that LUSC holds.
As Director, Creps managed the operation of Sarpy CASA, oversaw its staff and volunteers, and approved expenditures of charitable contributions and grant funds.
From about March 2019 to July 2022, while she was Director of Sarpy CASA, Creps fraudulently obtained approximately $44,884.95 in goods and services that were paid for or reimbursed by LUSC from charitable contributions and grant funds that it held. Creps did so by submitting false payment reports and reimbursement requests for expenditures that purportedly were for charitable or government purposes, but in fact were for the benefit of herself or her family. Creps supported the fraudulent requests with forged receipts.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.
Iowa Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Francisco J. Zapata, Jr., 22, of Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on October 4, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for sexual abuse of a minor. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Zapata to 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from federal prison, Zapata will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Zapata will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), a federal law.
An FBI investigation identified a minor victim who disclosed meeting Zapata through social media in the Spring of 2021. The minor reported having sexual contact with Zapata on the Winnebago Indian Reservation. At the time of the sexual contact, the minor was 14 years old, and Zapata was 20 years old. Because the offense happened on an Indian Reservation and the minor was less than 16 years old, there was federal jurisdiction for the offense.
When the FBI interviewed Zapata, he admitted having sexual contact with the minor.
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.
California Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jose Rico, 26, of California, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 grams or more of Fentanyl. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Rico to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On July 20, 2022, the Commercial Interdiction Unit was working the Trailways bus station at 16th and Jackson Streets in Omaha. Law enforcement observed Rico depart the bus, traveling from Los Angeles, California, to Cincinnati, Ohio. The officer asked Rico about his travel plans, which he had difficulty answering, and Rico began shaking. The officer took Rico to the back room of the bus terminal, where he read Rico his Miranda rights before searching Rico’s bag. Seven kilos of a white powdery substance were located and two packages of approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills. A forensic lab confirmed the pills and powder were both fentanyl. One of the packages contained Xylazine with fentanyl. Xylazine is a tranquilizer used by veterinarians and is not approved for use in humans. When mixed with street drugs, Xylazine can cause serious medical issues and death by overdose.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Bennington Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Chad Moseman, 37, of Bennington, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for distribution and receipt of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Moseman to 100 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Moseman will serve 5 years of supervised release.
In July 2021, while conducting an undercover peer-to-peer child pornography investigation, an FBI task force officer in Omaha observed an IP address advertising child pornography to share. The officer confirmed the files advertised child pornography. The IP address resolved to Moseman’s residence in Bennington. The FBI executed a search warrant at Moseman’s residence and seized his electronic devices. A forensic examination showed peer-to-peer software had been utilized on Moseman’s computer. Moseman’s computer also contained images of child pornography captured in thumbnail cache as well as other digital artifacts showing child pornography had been accessed and deleted on the computer. Digital evidence, including text messages, further showed Moseman was at home at the time of the online activity.
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 FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Justin Britthouer, 36, formerly of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Britthouer was sentenced to 132 months in prison and will also serve 5 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On August 13, 2022, Britthouer was stopped for erratic driving by the Beatrice Police Department. While performing standardized field sobriety tests, Britthouer admitted there were drugs in the vehicle he had been driving. The resulting search of the vehicle located three bags of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was tested by the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab, which confirmed it was methamphetamine. The total amount seized was at least 68 grams pure methamphetamine. Britthouer admitted to distributing drugs in southeast Nebraska during an interview and was arrested.
This case was investigated by the Beatrice Police Department.
Man Sentenced for Role in $55M Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Florida man was sentenced today to six years in prison for orchestrating an investment scheme that defrauded more than 10,000 victims of over $55 million.
According to court documents, Michael Glaspie, 72, of Palm City, marketed an investment opportunity under the name “CoinDeal” or “Coin Deal.” Glaspie claimed that CoinDeal would yield extremely high returns on the premise that a consortium of wealthy buyers was about to acquire one or more technology companies that Neil Suresh Chandran, 51, of Las Vegas, allegedly owned and operated under the banner of “ViRSE.” To entice investors to put money into CoinDeal, Glaspie falsely promised that in the event the returns from CoinDeal failed to materialize, he would repay investors their money with seven percent annual interest over three years. In fact, Glaspie knew he had no means of making such repayments.
According to court documents, to support his false repayment promise, Glaspie deceptively claimed that he had an exclusive and lucrative contract with AT&T to distribute government‑funded phones. He also claimed that the Better Business Bureau was distributing an app that he developed, and it would yield over $400 million in revenue. In reality, Glaspie had no such contract or distribution agreement. Furthermore, when the promised sale of Chandran’s companies did not close, Glaspie transmitted investor funds to Chandran after falsely representing to CoinDeal investors that he would not do so. Glaspie also falsely claimed that he never paid himself with CoinDeal investor funds, when in truth, he misappropriated nearly $2.5 million of victim investments for personal purposes, including trading cryptocurrency, paying his employees’ salaries, and buying a life insurance policy for a family member.
Chandran was arrested on June 29, 2022, for allegedly defrauding more than 10,000 victims of over $45 million.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Susan T. Lehr for the District of Nebraska, and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Omaha, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles Field Offices.
Assistant Chief William E. Johnston and Trial Attorney Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald J. Kleine for the District of Nebraska prosecuted the case.
All potential investor victims of this fraud are encouraged to visit the webpage www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/united-states-v-chandran to identify themselves and obtain more information on their rights, including the opportunity to submit a victim impact statement.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Davonte Brown, 24, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to 24 months’ imprisonment. Brown’s sentence follows his conviction for being an unlawful user of controlled substances who possessed a firearm. Brown was also sentenced to a two-year term of supervised release to be served after he completes his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. Brown pleaded guilty to his offense on June 23, 2023.
The indictment against Brown was filed on June 17, 2020. Brown was allowed to be released from custody while his case was pending. One of the conditions of his release required that he stay in contact with the United States Probation Office. At some point after he was allowed to be on pretrial release, Brown absconded, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Brown was located and arrested on January 5, 2023. At today’s sentencing hearing, Senior Judge Gerrard remarked that Brown’s offense would typically receive an 18-month term of imprisonment. However, because Brown absconded, Judge Gerrard added an additional six months to Brown’s sentence.
On April 17, 2020, a person in Lincoln purchased a KelTec rifle from a gun store. Brown later posted a video on Snapchat which depicted him in possession of that rifle. Police executed a search warrant at the home of the person who purchased the firearm. The KelTec rifle was recovered, and it was examined for fingerprints. Two sets of fingerprints were found on the rifle, one of which matched Brown’s fingerprints.
At the time when Brown possessed the rifle, he was an unlawful user of marijuana. Between contacts with law enforcement, and postings on social media, evidence was obtained showing Brown in possession of marijuana between July 2018 and May 2020.
The investigation was conducted by the Lincoln Police Department’s Gang Unit, which works with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in referring some cases for federal prosecution. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives also assisted by helping to trace the origins of the firearm. 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.
Wilber Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kenneth Brinton, 65, formerly of Wilber, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for one count of possession of child pornography. Brinton was sentenced to 156 months in prison and will serve 13 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The investigation of this case began when Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) was informed that Brinton was arrested by the Beatrice Police Department for sexual assault of a child, child enticement, and additional charges regarding a minor. SCSO officers applied for a search of Brinton’s residence to further that investigation. During the execution of the search warrant, numerous videos of child pornography were located on Brinton’s computer. Overall, there were 57 videos and 8 images that contained child pornography located on Brinton’s electronic storage devices. Some of the files depicted minor females in the bathroom of Brinton’s residence. Brinton appeared in many of the videos as he turned on and off the camera before the minor would enter to use the bathroom. During the investigation he admitted to recording and saving these videos.
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 and the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.
35-Year-Old Omaha Man and Registered Sex Offender Sentenced in Armed Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Cordell R. Bridgeman, 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 28, 2023, in federal court in Omaha by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 238 months' imprisonment. On June 23, 2023, Bridgeman pled guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two weapons charges for brandishing firearms during and in relation to the two-armed robberies. After his release from prison, Bridgeman will begin a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department determined that on September 18, 2020, Bridgeman, wearing a blue hoodie with the hood up, a light blue surgical mask, and dark pants, entered the Speedee Mart located at 100 West Centennial Road, Papillion, Nebraska. Bridgeman walked to the cooler and selected a beverage. Bridgeman proceeded to the register and requested a pack of "Diamond Swisher" cigars. When the employee requested identification to purchase the cigarettes, Bridgeman pulled out a gun and set it on the counter and demanded money from the register. The employee removed the drawer from the register. Bridgeman told the employee that she had five seconds to place the contents of the drawer in a plastic bag.
That same day, Bridgeman robbed the Walgreens located at 3001 Dodge Street, in Omaha, Nebraska. Bridgeman approached a Walgreens employee working the counter and asked where hand sanitizer was located. When the employee went to scan the hand sanitizer, she saw that Bridgeman had a gun pointed at her at waist level in his right hand. Bridgeman told the employee to give him "Everything in the drawer" and "No funny business." The employee was having a hard time opening the register, and Bridgeman started counting backwards from three to one. The employee placed all the money that was in the register on the counter. Bridgeman grabbed the money, stuffed it in his pocket, and left the store.
At sentencing, the government argued Bridgeman used excessive violence during the commission of these robberies. The government further informed the court that Bridgeman was a registered sex offender at the time he committed the armed robberies. He updated his sex offender registry with Sarpy Country on the same day he committed the robberies, in the same clothing. That evidence, along with the cooperation of several brave eyewitnesses, helped to secure the convictions in this case.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Roberto Balbuena-Ignacio, 36, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Balbuena-Ignacio to 235 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Balbuena-Ignacio will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.
Beginning in May 2021, an informant working for the DEA contacted Balbuena-Ignacio to purchase methamphetamine. Arrangements were made by Balbuena-Ignacio and on May 20, 2021, the informant met with an individual later identified as co-defendant Cash C. Cosgriff, and successfully purchased one pound of methamphetamine.
Two additional drug deals, on June 23, 2021, and July 14, 2021, were also arranged with the informant meeting Balbuena-Ignacio and purchasing one pound of methamphetamine on each occasion.
As part of the investigation, it was determined that a residence located in the area of 10th and Center in Omaha was being utilized by members of the conspiracy. A search warrant was executed on this residence on August 2, 2021, after Teodoro Alejandro Castillo-Rincon and Francisco Martinez-Mungia were observed carrying bags in. During the search almost 57 pounds of methamphetamine and 2 kilograms of cocaine were found.
Cosgriff was sentenced on August 17, 2023, to 120 months’ imprisonment. Castillo-Rincon was sentenced on June 26, 2023, to 135 months’ imprisonment. Martinez-Mungia was sentenced on October 19, 2022, to 135 months’ imprisonment. Balbuena-Ignacio had a greater criminal history than his co-conspirators which resulted in him receiving a higher sentence.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department.