District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to Four Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Justin D. Liekhus, 31, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 15, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to four years’ imprisonment for possession of child pornography. Liekhus was also sentenced to a ten-year term of supervised release to be served after he completes his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. Liekhus pleaded guilty to his offense on May 17, 2023.
Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol received information from Dropbox, Inc. that certain user accounts had been storing child pornography. The IP address associated with those accounts tied back to Liekhus’s residence in Lincoln. On October 6, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Liekhus’s residence during which a laptop and a memory card were found. The laptop and a memory card contained multiple videos depicting minors, including prepubescent minors, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. During an interview with a Nebraska State Patrol investigator, Liekhus admitted the devices which contained the child pornography were his, and that he had been downloading child pornography.
The investigation was conducted by the Nebraska State Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations and 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 Attorneys’ 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.
22-Year-Old Man Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting Sleeping VictimRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kason Cline, 22, of Walthill, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 15, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska, by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. for one count of sexual abuse of an incapable victim. Cline was sentenced to 54 months in prison and will serve 5 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was initiated in July of 2022 by the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services after receiving a call from Twelve Clans Unity Hospital in Winnebago, Nebraska regarding a patient who wished to report a sexual assault. The Omaha Nation Tribal Police responded and spoke with the victim who relayed she had been drinking with Cline on the Omaha Nation Indian Reservation, when she passed out and fell asleep in Cline’s bed. When she woke up, Cline was sexually assaulting her. Because the victim was asleep at the time the sexual act occurred, she was unable to consent or decline participation in the conduct. A search warrant was executed at Cline’s residence to recover evidentiary items related to the assault. Cline was interviewed and ultimately admitted to the sexual assault.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Los Angeles Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Robert Culberson, 45, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Culberson to 120 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 180 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On June 14, 2021, Omaha Police Department (OPD) Officers were conducting surveillance of co-defendant Kashaun Lockett’s residence located on Curtis Avenue in Omaha. OPD Officers arranged a controlled buy from Lockett for methamphetamine. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of Lockett, he fled from police. Simultaneous to Lockett’s flight, Culberson was seen at Lockett’s Curtis Avenue residence. Officers conducting surveillance observed Culberson leave the residence and toss unknown items into the tree line at the back of the property. Lockett’s residence was searched, and officers found approximately 121 grams of methamphetamine.
Culberson and co-defendant Gary Lockett, who was also present outside the Curtis Avenue residence, were detained while officers went to the tree line to investigate. Officers recovered approximately 197 grams of methamphetamine and a Glock pistol from the tree line near where Culberson was seen tossing the items.
Kashaun and Gary Lockett are scheduled for trial on October 2, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Gerso Ortega-Corado, 26, of Guatemala, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Ortega-Corado to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a two-year term of supervised release. Ortega-Corado 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 communicated with a Mexican-based source of supply about purchasing four ounces of methamphetamine that could be delivered to the UC in Omaha. Arrangements were made, and later that day Ortega-Corado arrived and exchanged $1,000 for four ounces of methamphetamine.
On June 16, 2022, the DEA executed a number of search warrants on stash houses and storage sheds that had been identified as being utilized by the Mexican-based source of supply. At one of the stash houses, Ortega-Corado was observed leaving the location and was detained. A search of this location resulted in 26.3 kilograms of pure methamphetamine being seized. The apartment manager confirmed that Ortega-Corado resided at the residence. Additional evidence seized from that location included Ortega-Corado’s driver’s license, immigration paperwork, and $160,000. In total, $169,283 was seized from the different locations.
This case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, and the Omaha Police Department.
Lincoln Man Found Guilty of Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Richard E. Tripp, 71, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was found guilty today by a jury in federal court in Lincoln. Tripp was convicted of one count of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. Sentencing has been set for November 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. before Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Tripp faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 40 years in prison for the distribution count. For the possession count, Tripp faces a minimum of 10 year and up to 20 years in prison.
Imgur, LLC reported uploads of 38 suspected child pornography image files to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). In turn, NCMEC issued Cybertipline Reports to investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, an investigative unit of the Nebraska State Patrol. Based upon information provided in the Cybertipline Reports, investigators were able to determine that the images were uploaded to the Internet from Tripp’s residence in Lincoln, where he was living with two registered sex offenders. After examining his devices, investigators found more than 1,400 files containing child pornography involving prepubescent children, toddlers, and infants. Some of the children depicted in the image files were subjected to bondage, and some were subjected to bestiality.
Tripp is a registered sex offender, convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a child in the first degree in 2007. There were two victims involved in the 2007 case.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that on August 3, 2023, Alma L. Zapien, 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for money laundering conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Zapien to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will also be subject to a three-year term of supervised release.
Zapien was arrested after Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service Agents learned she was assisting known drug traffickers by sending illicit drug proceeds to Mexico through wire remitter services she managed at her local convenience stores. Between June 2021 and June 2022, Zapien agreed with Javier De Leon Marin to wire transfer illicit drug proceeds from Omaha to individuals in Mexico. Over that time period, Zapien conducted more than 200 such wire transfers, totally more than $250,000 in drug proceeds to the drug trafficking organization in Mexico.
Javier De Leon Marin has pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and will be sentenced on November 3, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service
Ewing, Nebraska Woman Sentenced in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Lindsey Ann Rokahr, 40, of Ewing, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for her participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Rokahr to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
In May 2020, the Holt County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and the united States Postal Inspection Service, began investigating Rokahr and Dallas Rhinehart for their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Norfolk area. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that Katherine Marie Tacheira would mail multi-ounce packages from California to different recipients in Nebraska. The USPS was able to determine that three packages of methamphetamine were sent by Tacheira to Rokahr in July, August, and September of 2020. The September package from Tacheira to Rokahr was intercepted and contained three ounces of methamphetamine. Rokahr was found responsible for receiving at least 13 ounces in the mail.
Rhinehart was sentenced on March 13, 2023, to 130 months’ imprisonment. Tacheira was sentenced on May 16, 2023, to 120 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Holt County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and United States Postal Inspection Service.
Columbus Man Sentenced to 5 Months in Prison for Mail Fraud and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jerald Schreiber, 66, of Columbus, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for mail fraud and making false statements. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Schreiber to 5 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Schreiber will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Schreiber must also pay $138,184 in restitution.
On May 12, 2023, following a four-day jury trial, Schreiber was found guilty of mail fraud and two counts of making false statements to a government entity. The case arose out of fraudulent applications Schreiber made to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of the Farm Service Agency’s 2018 market facilitation program. The evidence at trial showed that Schreiber falsified on two applications the number of hogs he had at his farms. On an application for one of his farms, he stated that he had 9,079 hogs. This application resulted in the USDA mailing Schreiber approximately $72,631. On an application for a different farm, he stated he had 8,194 hogs. This resulted in the USDA mailing Schreiber approximately $65,682. Both of these farms had substantially fewer hogs than Schreiber claimed. By inflating the number of hogs, Schreiber received more money than he was entitled. Once he received the inflated payments, he deposited them into checking accounts.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Stapleton Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Possession of Drugs and FirearmsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Joseph Lynn Duran, 38, of Stapleton, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 2, 2023, to 12 years’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and for being a felon in possession of firearms. After his release from prison, Duran will begin a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Duran pleaded guilty to both offenses on March 30, 2023.
On September 13, 2021, a deputy sheriff in Lincoln County, Nebraska, attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Duran. Duran did not stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued that continued into Logan County. During the pursuit, Duran tossed a duffel bag out the window of his vehicle. Police recovered the duffel bag a short time later and found it contained about four ounces of methamphetamine.
Duran continued driving toward his home in rural Logan County. He was eventually stopped a couple hundred yards away from his driveway. Police obtained a search warrant for his home. Among other things, they located a safe which contained items with THC (the major psychoactive component found in marijuana), ammunition, and a pipe bomb. In a second safe in the home, police located several firearms. One of the firearms was a Mini-14 rifle with a folding stock. In the garage, police located approximately five pounds of marijuana packaged for sale from marijuana dispensaries in the states of Washington and California. Duran had prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and members of the CODE Task Force. The CODE Drug Task Force is made up of law enforcement agencies from several counties in west-central and southwest Nebraska, and they focus on investigating cases involving the distribution of controlled substances.
Stapleton Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Possession of Drugs and FirearmsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Joseph Lynn Duran, 38, of Stapleton, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 2, 2023, to 12 years’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and for being a felon in possession of firearms. After his release from prison, Duran will begin a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Duran pleaded guilty to both offenses on March 30, 2023.
On September 13, 2021, a deputy sheriff in Lincoln County, Nebraska, attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Duran. Duran did not stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued that continued into Logan County. During the pursuit, Duran tossed a duffel bag out the window of his vehicle. Police recovered the duffel bag a short time later and found it contained about four ounces of methamphetamine.
Duran continued driving toward his home in rural Logan County. He was eventually stopped a couple hundred yards away from his driveway. Police obtained a search warrant for his home. Among other things, they located a safe which contained items with THC (the major psychoactive component found in marijuana), ammunition, and a pipe bomb. In a second safe in the home, police located several firearms. One of the firearms was a Mini-14 rifle with a folding stock. In the garage, police located approximately five pounds of marijuana packaged for sale from marijuana dispensaries in the states of Washington and California. Duran had prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and members of the CODE Task Force. The CODE Drug Task Force is made up of law enforcement agencies from several counties in west-central and southwest Nebraska, and they focus on investigating cases involving the distribution of controlled substances.
Maine Woman Sentenced to 42 Months for Possession of Drugs with the Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Arica Marie Downs, 36, of Rumford, Maine, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 42 months’ imprisonment for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. After her release from prison, Downs will begin a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Downs pleaded guilty to her offense on March 7, 2023.
On March 9, 2022, Downs and Judith Ann Deandrade were traveling east on Interstate 80 in a rental car when they were stopped by a Lancaster County Deputy Sheriff for following a semitruck at too close of a distance. During the traffic stop, a police canine was walked around the exterior of the car and alerted to the odor of drugs emanating from the vehicle. The deputy then searched the vehicle. In the area near where the two women had been seated, the deputy located syringes, small baggies, and about a half-ounce of fentanyl. When the deputy searched the trunk, he located approximately 18.5 pounds of methamphetamine. Both were arrested. Law enforcement learned that Deandrade arranged the trip from Boston to Las Vegas to pickup up the methamphetamine, and that Deandrade offered Downs a pound of methamphetamine to accompany her on the trip.
Deandrade died in custody on April 21, 2022, while this case was pending.
The investigation was conducted by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Seward County Sheriff’s Office.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Discharging a Firearm During a Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Buongkhoy Daniel Wal, 19, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 13 years’ imprisonment for discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Wal was also sentenced to a five-year term of supervised release to be served after he completes his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. Wal pleaded guilty to his offense on March 21, 2023.
On August 2, 2021, police responded to reports of a shooting which occurred near the Edgewood Theaters and Target on the south side of Lincoln. Jayden Prentice, Christopher Duncan, and Riley Mills were present when police arrived. Duncan and Prentice had suffered gunshot wounds. First responders resuscitated Duncan using CPR. All were then transported to the hospital. Duncan and Prentice each spent a month in the hospital being treated for their wounds, and Duncan had to have one of his legs amputated.
The investigation would later reveal that a group of people, including Wal and Xavier Gary, arranged to purchase a half-pound of marijuana from Prentice, Duncan, and Mills. The planned purchase was a ruse for a robbery. Wal and an unknown person got into the back of Duncan’s vehicle. Both Wal and the unknown person were seen carrying firearms. Wal began counting out money. At that time, the unknown person pulled out his gun, said something to the effect of, “this is how this is going to go,” and then shot Prentice in the face. Mills was seated in the backseat next to Wal and the unknown person. Mills and the unknown person began struggling over the gun. Meanwhile, several more gunshots were heard being fired just outside the car. Wal, the unknown person, and the others in their group then fled the scene. In their haste to get away, they dropped one of the firearms, a .45 caliber handgun. Ballistics reports showed that handgun was the weapon which fired the shot that struck Prentice, and it fired at least one of the shots that struck Duncan. A DNA profile was also found on that firearm. The DNA profile was found to contain a mixture of DNA from three people, and it was consistent with Wal and Gary both being contributors.
Gary pleaded guilty to his offense, attempted possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, on March 21, 2023. Prentice, Duncan, and Mills each pleaded guilty to offenses involving the possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. On June 24, 2022, Mills was sentenced to a 92-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Prentice was sentenced on July 6, 2022, to a 72-month term of imprisonment, and a three-year term of supervised release. Duncan is scheduled for sentencing on November 7, 2023.
The investigation was conducted by the Lincoln Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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.
Former Omaha Police Officer Sentenced to 36 Years for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Christopher Groth 39, of Gretna, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Groth was sentenced to 432 months in prison and will serve 20 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Groth was additionally ordered to pay a $3,000 special assessment which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of crimes.
This case initiated in February of 2022 with an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation into several cyber tips from Yahoo! which indicated that Groth was uploading child pornography onto his email accounts. After a search warrant was received it was determined that several of the images located on the account were likely original productions created by Groth involving a child which depicted sexually explicit conduct. A residential search warrant and arrest warrant were executed immediately following this discovery. Groth, who was determined to be a police officer with the Omaha Police Department, was arrested while at work without incident and was very soon after removed from his position with OPD.
A review of Groth’s devices and accounts conducted by the FBI revealed eight images which were produced by Groth on two occasions in 2020 involving a single child victim. Groth emailed these images to himself in February 2021 as a method of saving the files. A search of Groth’s phone and email account revealed more than 700 child exploitation files depicting other unidentified children which he appeared to receive online and subsequently saved using his email account.
“No one is above the law,” said Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr. “Mr. Groth’s crime was committed against the most vulnerable of our society, a child. The sentence imposed by Judge Gerrard reflects the seriousness of Groth’s conduct and hopefully acts as deterrent for others. The United States Attorney’s Office thanks the FBI for its quick actions in this case as well as OPD for their cooperation and responsiveness.”
After the sentencing, Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “In an appalling and heinous way, Christopher Groth violated his sworn oath as a police officer by victimizing children. Today’s sentence ensures that he is held accountable for his actions. Investigating this type of crime is one of the Bureau’s highest priorities and FBI Omaha will remain relentless in our pursuit to protect children from predators.”
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.
Sutherland Woman Convicted for Trafficking in a Password or Other Similar InformationRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Lacie Brown, 21, of Sutherland, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for trafficking in a password or other similar information. Brown was sentenced to one year of probation. There is no parole in the federal system.
On July 21, 2021, UNL-PD received a complaint concerning student loan fraud. Victim 1 reported that he was contacted by a loan services company after a third loan attempt was denied. He was completely unaware of the first two loans which were already dispersed. Victim 1 was notified that in all three incidents he was marked down as the co-signer and the primary signer was Lacie Brown.
Through subsequent investigation it was determined that Brown used Victim 1’s Social Security Number and date of birth on the student loan applications listing Victim 1 as a co-signer and subsequently creating a login on his behalf and signing on his behalf as well. Victim 1 is a relative of Brown’s and there was no evidence Victim 1’s information was illegally acquired by Brown.
This case was investigated by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police Department and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Woman Sentenced to 117 Months for Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Racheal Cain, 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha after being convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Cain to a total of 117 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Cain will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
In September 2021, Omaha police conducted surveillance on an apartment that was suspected of being used to distribute methamphetamine. Cain lived in the apartment with her boyfriend, co-defendant Andrew Sackett.
On September 23, 2021, Cain was arrested during a traffic stop after leaving the apartment. Police found a small amount of methamphetamine in the vehicle. Cain admitted to selling methamphetamine and told officers that methamphetamine was in her apartment along with at least one firearm. Cain consented to a search.
In the apartment, officers found more than 100 grams of methamphetamine with purity of 95 percent, along with three firearms and $11,902 in cash. Police seized an additional $677 from Cain at the jail. As part of the plea, Cain forfeited the $12,579 to the United States as being illegal drug proceeds.
Sackett pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced to a total of 147 months in prison on July 10, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Colorado Hunter Sentenced for Lacey Act Violation Stemming from Nebraska HuntRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Michael T. Ban, 50, of Elbert, Colorado, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for violations of the Lacey Act. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Ban to 2 years’ probation for unlawful transportation of wildlife in interstate commerce. Ban was ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $5,000 and pay restitution in the amount of $4,000. As part of his probation terms, Ban shall not hunt, fish, trap, provide guiding or outfitting services, or assist or be present with anyone engaged in those activities for one year.
A joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division determined that in September of 2019, Ban traveled to Nebraska to conduct an archery mule deer hunt. During the hunt, Ban unlawfully shot a mule deer in Lincoln County, Nebraska, and subsequently transported a taxidermy shoulder mount including parts of the unlawfully taken trophy deer back to his Colorado residence.
As contained in the plea agreement accepted by the Court and admitted by Ban, the investigation determined that in the fall of 2019, Ban traveled to Noble Outdoors, a commercial big game guiding business located in North Platte, Nebraska, to hunt mule deer during the archery season. During the hunt, Ban unlawfully shot a mule deer buck with 5 X 5 antlers in velvet without a valid deer permit and during closed season hours at approximately 11:12 P.M. on September 6, 2019. After taking the deer while guided and accompanied by the Noble Outdoors owner, Ban purchased a Nebraska Non-resident Archery Deer Permit the following day in order to conceal the fact the deer was taken without a permit. Under Nebraska state law, hunters are required to possess a valid permit and habitat stamp prior to hunting or taking mule deer and are authorized to hunt only during the legal shooting hours from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Today’s sentencing is part of the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by Noble Outdoors and its owner, associates, and clients between 2015 and 2021. In total, 17 defendants have been sentenced and ordered to pay a more than $65,000 in fines and restitution for state and federal violations related to the interstate transport of unlawfully taken wildlife, shooting deer from the road; taking deer and pronghorn without a valid permit, taking deer with a firearm during archery season, taking deer during night-time closed season hours; dumping carcasses in waters of the state; hunting without permission; and improperly checking or registering big game.
The operation was a joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that George Buck, 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 26, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Buck to 120 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Buck will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
From July of 2016 to January of 2022, Buck was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana, in the Omaha area. Buck was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. During the conspiracy, on October 2, 2017, law enforcement found Buck in possession of a Ruger LCP .380 handgun. On October 8, 2020, and October 15, 2020, Buck sold fentanyl to a confidential informant.
Co-defendants Ty-Sean Nunn, Willis Parker, Anthony Hill-Gaines, Dominique Thomas, and Jerrell Jackson have all pleaded guilty to charges related to the conspiracy. Thomas was sentenced on June 7, 2023, to 90 months of imprisonment. The others are pending sentencing. Only co-defendant Terrance Traynham is pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, and the Bellevue Police Department.
Omaha Attorney Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Thomas O. Campbell pleaded guilty today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for willfully filing a false tax return, a felony. United States Magistrate Judge Susan M. Bazis conducted the plea hearing and will recommend to United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher that he accept Campbell’s guilty plea and plea agreement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2014 and 2018, Campbell, of Omaha, was the owner and manager of TLN Law, a solo practice law firm. During this time, Campbell filed annual personal tax returns that understated TLN Law’s gross receipts by more than $2.8 million. In total, Campbell caused a tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) exceeding $250,000.
Campbell is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of up to three years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. District Judge Buescher will determine any sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The IRS-Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case.
Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Steven Israel Mendoza, 33, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Mendoza to 120 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months of imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 180 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On October 15, 2019, a confidential source arranged to purchase a half pound of methamphetamine and a shotgun from Mendoza. The confidential source drove to Mendoza’s Blondo Street residence and met Mendoza at the back door before entering the residence. The confidential source purchased methamphetamine for $2,500 and a 12-gauge shotgun for $500. A forensic lab determined the methamphetamine to be 95% pure.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department.
Iowa Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine.Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Lukas Allen Vogt, 29, of Guttenberg, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Vogt to 9 years’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On August 26, 2021, an Omaha Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that failed to maintain its lane at mile marker 441 eastbound on Interstate 80. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Vogt and a passenger was identified as co-defendant Cody Lee Fischer. A Police Service Dog was deployed during the stop and alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from within the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed a bag of methamphetamine in the glove box. Two loaded semi-automatic handguns were found in a black duffle bag on the back seat of the vehicle. A search of the trunk revealed approximately five pounds of methamphetamine in multiple sandwich bags.
After both men were arrested, Fischer admitted traveling from Denver, Colorado, where he purchased the methamphetamine and intended to sell it in Luxemburg, Iowa. Fischer admitted the guns were his and that Vogt was being paid to drive. Fischer was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment on July 6, 2022.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Omaha Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Brainard Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Samuel Richardson, 57, of Brainard, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Possession of Child Pornography. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Richardson to 70 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Following the completion of his incarceration, Richardson will serve a 10-year term of supervised release. Richardson was also ordered to pay $5,100 in special assessments.
Richardson came to law enforcement’s attention stemming from multiple cyber tips from Microsoft (Bing) for activity occurring between March and May 2021 involving images of child pornography.
On February 10, 2022, the Nebraska State Patrol executed a search warrant at Richardson’s home in Brainard. During the search warrant, law enforcement seized Richardson’s computer, phone, and an external hard drive. Richardson was interviewed and admitted to having seen at least one of the images from the cyber tips. Richardson admitted to viewing child pornography and that law enforcement would find child pornography on his computer and external hard drive. Richardson’s devices were forensically examined, and 5,000 images of child pornography were found.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Victor Gabriel Gonzalez-Garcia, 52, of San Luis, Arizona, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Gonzalez-Garcia to 14 years’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On June 22, 2021, Bartolo Roman-Tapia was arrested after a search warrant of his Omaha residence revealed 28 one-pound packages of crystal methamphetamine and $18,754 in drug proceeds. Investigators learned that Roman-Tapia had received the 28 pounds of methamphetamine on June 19, 2021, at an Omaha gas station. Video surveillance from the gas station showed Roman-Tapia meeting with a passenger of a white Saturn and handing him a black suitcase containing narcotics proceeds. While at the gas station, the driver of the Saturn entered to pay for gas and was identified as Victor Gabriel Gonzalez-Garcia by video from inside the store. The investigation revealed that after leaving the gas station, the occupants of the white Saturn delivered 28 pounds of methamphetamine to Roman-Tapia at a nearby location.
On September 16, 2022, investigators arrested Gonzalez-Garcia who admitted that he was the driver of the white Saturn that delivered methamphetamine to Omaha on June 19, 2021. Gonzalez-Garcia also admitted to transporting loads of narcotics from Phoenix, Arizona to Omaha on several occasions during the last five years.
The $18,754 seized on June 22, 2021, was previously forfeited to the United States as proceeds from narcotics trafficking. Roman-Tapia was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment on April 19, 2023.
This case was the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations.
Omaha Woman Convicted of Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Fabiola Diaz, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Diaz to 100 months’ imprisonment. He also ordered her to serve 3 years of supervised release after her release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
Between January 2020 and August 13, 2020, Diaz conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Omaha area. On January 14, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the Omaha residence Diaz shared with her boyfriend and co-defendant, Steven Garcia, and seized 22.6 grams of actual methamphetamine. On August 13, 2020, law enforcement conducted a controlled drug transaction against Diaz and purchased 22 grams of actual methamphetamine. On November 17, 2020, law enforcement made another controlled buy against Diaz after which she fled in her vehicle. While fleeing, Diaz struck two police cars, recklessly placing law enforcement in danger before being arrested.
Steven Garcia has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 17, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 85 Months for Felon in PossessionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Federico Cortez, 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Cortez had multiple prior felony convictions out of the State California for gang activity and one for felon in possession of ammunition. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Cortez to a term of 85 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Between July 7, 2022 and July 8, 2022, Cortez sold weapons that were stolen from a burglary of a firearms store, Frontier Justice gun club, to an undercover informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”). After Cortez sold the stolen weapons, ATF searched his residence where they recovered another stolen firearm. Cortez argued for a lower sentence, but Judge Buescher found the circumstances of the crime deserved a lengthier sentence and ordered Cortez be immediately remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jorge R. Lopez, 31, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jorge R. Lopez, 31, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lopez to 30 months’ imprisonment on the robbery charge and 84 months’ consecutive on the brandishing charge, resulting in 114 months in the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from federal prison, Lopez will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On July 1, 2022, officers responded to a radio call to Ground Floor Guitar in Omaha for an armed robbery. The store owner told officers that two men entered the store separately before displaying a black handgun and robbing the store owner of cash and property, specifically several guitars and at least one amplifier. Various customers were also robbed by being instructed to “hand over their wallets.”
Codefendant Marco Lopez instructed all the victims to move down into the basement where he locked them and a dog into a bathroom, telling them not to come out or he would “shoot them,” while displaying a handgun.
The victims eventually left the bathroom and called 9-1-1.
On July 2, 2022, Omaha Police were responding to a tip related to a residential break-in, which identified codefendant Marco Lopez as a suspect. Marco is cousins with Jorge Lopez. Jorge Lopez was interviewed and admitted that both he and Marco Lopez had robbed the guitar store and that Marco took the cash and guitars with him to Texas when he left after the robbery. Police searched the truck used in the robbery, finding a wallet belonging to one of the victims and other materials linking the truck to the robbery. Marco Lopez was located and arrested in Texas before being extradited to Nebraska.
Marco Lopez has pleaded guilty to the charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 7, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Former Oakland Police Chief Sentenced for Misuse of Public FundsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Terry A. Poland, 34, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 25, 2023, by the Honorable Michael D. Nelson, United States Magistrate Judge, to three years of probation, 60 days of which must be served in jail as a condition of probation. There is no parole in the federal system. Poland pleaded guilty in April 2023 to Misuse of Public Funds. Poland paid $14,631.00 in restitution, agreed to surrender his law enforcement certification, and not to work as a law enforcement officer in the future.
During February 2020 to January 2021, Poland purchased about 27 gift cards in four transactions from a sporting goods store operating in Nebraska, using the charge account that the City of Oakland had at the store. Poland was the Oakland Police Chief at the time. The total value of the gift cards that Poland acquired with Oakland’s funds was $14,631.00.
Poland used the gift cards to acquire items for the use of himself and family members. Poland purchased among other things women’s and children’s clothing, an ice fishing house, an auger, fishing equipment and a basketball backboard. Poland made most purchases using the gift cards at store locations in Nebraska but made at least one purchase online.
An outside auditor questioned the acquisition of the gift cards. At the request of the outside auditor, the Oakland City Clerk requested additional receipts from Poland. Poland stated that all the gift cards were used to purchase ammunition for the Oakland Police Department and provided to the City Clerk five purported receipts, each captioned “Purchase Statement.” Each Purchase Statement was purportedly from the store and reflected the purchase of ammunition on a particular date during August 2020 to January 2021.
The Purchase Statements that Poland provided to the City Clerk were phony. They were not issued by the store, and the transactions, item numbers, and item descriptions did not match the store’s records.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Zachary Northey, 30, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln for distributing heroin.Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Zachary Northey, 30, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln for distributing heroin. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Northey to 110 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.
From November 26, 2018, to January 2, 2019, Northey was distributing heroin in Lincoln. During this time, one of Northey’s customers overdosed twice but was revived through medical intervention. On January 8, 2019, Northey delivered heroin to that same individual, who overdosed on a third occasion and subsequently died.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Marijuana Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Ryan D. Terry, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Terry received a sentence of 37 months’ imprisonment with a three-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system. Terry was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
A cooperating individual (“CI”) met with Terry and co-defendant Jeffrey Dailey (“Dailey”) for the purpose of buying 5 pounds of marijuana. Terry brought a tub containing pound quantities of marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages. Terry showed the CI two types, stating he had 20 pounds of one and 35 of the other. Terry and Dailey indicated they could obtain anything the CI wanted, and that the product was being transported directly from California. The CI agreed to buy all 20 pounds of one variety, take 5 pounds of the other variety, and obtain the remainder if the CI’s customer liked the 5 pounds. Terry and Dailey agreed to transport the marijuana to another location once they retrieved some additional bundles of the product from Terry’s home.
Agents observed Terry and Dailey retrieve large black duffel bags from Terry’s home and then place them into Dailey’s vehicle before driving away. A marked police cruiser began following Dailey’s car from several blocks away. As the cruiser tried to catch up with Dailey’s vehicle, Dailey pulled over and Terry began walking away on foot. Terry was apprehended nearby, and an officer conducted a traffic stop of Dailey’s vehicle. In the trunk police found approximately 49 pounds of marijuana.
A post-arrest, Mirandized statement by Terry indicated he had been selling marijuana in various quantities over the past 6 or more years, making between $100 per pound to $200 per pound, that he would receive anywhere from 10 pounds to up to 30 pounds per month, but that it varied based on the market conditions. According to Terry, the most he had ever received in a given month was 70 to 90 pounds.
A search of Terry’s Omaha home found several pounds of THC wax, “shatter” and edibles, electronic scales, packaging materials, and $116,500 in United States Currency, later confirmed as narcotics sales proceeds.
A financial investigation into Terry’s activities found that TNT Associates, LLC, the real properties located at 7610 Hartman Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska and 8608 Templeton Drive, Omaha, Nebraska were derived from proceeds of narcotics sales or otherwise used to facilitate the commission of narcotics sales. Each property was forfeited to the United States as part of the plea agreement in the case. Terry was allowed to retain his family home after paying to the United States $41,440, the amount of equity from drug proceeds.
Terry’s co-defendant, Jeffrey Dailey, has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing which is scheduled for September 21, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 140 Months for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that William Lewis Gienger, 57, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine. Gienger received a sentence of 140 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
In February 2021, the DEA was investigating Tomas Lorenzo-Cruz for his role in distributing methamphetamine in the Omaha area. Pursuant to a court order, agents were intercepting Lorenzo-Cruz’s phone calls and messages. On February 21, 2021, a call from someone who identified themselves as “Bill” contacted Lorenzo-Cruz about purchasing some methamphetamine. The caller was eventually identified as Gienger. On the way to deliver 285 grams of pure methamphetamine to Gienger, Lorenzo-Cruz was stopped, and the methamphetamine was seized. After the traffic stop, Lorenzo-Cruz was intercepted calling Gienger and told him that the police just seized the methamphetamine that was to be delivered.
Lorenzo-Cruz was sentenced on May 16, 2023, to 135 months’ imprisonment.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 135 Months for Possessing with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Pedro Adolfo Robles, 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., for Possessing with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Robles received a sentence of 135 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
On January 29, 2020, deputies with the Seward County Sheriff’s Office conducted simultaneous traffic stops on a Ford F150 pickup truck and a tow truck hauling a Cadillac Escalade while both were traveling on I-80 in Seward County. The Escalade was found to be smuggling 27 pounds of methamphetamine. Deputies determined that the Escalade had broken down in Hebron, Nebraska, and was being towed to Omaha, Nebraska. The owner of the Escalade, Gonzalez-Gardea, was a passenger in the F150 pickup truck. The driver of the F150 pickup truck, Rex Kmiecik, and a passenger riding with the tow truck, Pedro Robles, were also arrested. Kmiecik and Robles had driven from Omaha to help get the Escalade towed to Omaha.
Kmiecik was sentenced on September 13, 2021, to 132 months’ imprisonment. Gonzalez-Gardea was sentenced on August 23, 2021, to 135 months’ imprisonment.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Seward County Sheriff’s Office, the DEA, and the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Tax Evasion and Role in Multi-Million Dollar EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Jeffrey Stenstrom, 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher to 30 months’ imprisonment for Income Tax Evasion and 78 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering; these terms of incarceration were ordered to be run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Stenstrom will serve a two-year term of supervised release. As part of his sentence Stenstrom was ordered to pay $5,146,816.51 to victim property owners who were clients of Darland Properties, LLC and $1,954,505.10 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Stenstrom also admitted to forfeiture allegations and has forfeited his interest in a 2020 McLaren 600LT Spider, a lake home in Fremont, Nebraska, a home in Queen Creek, Arizona, two commercial properties in Nebraska, nearly $2.2 million in life insurance policy proceeds, approximately $ 74,743.00 in currency, and multiple items of jewelry and luxury watches.
Stenstrom owned and operated Stenstrom Services, Inc. (hereinafter SSI) from 2006 through approximately 2021. SSI described itself as a commercial remodeling and repair business. Brett Cook was the Vice President of Darland Properties, LLC. In that role, Cook was entrusted to negotiate prices for work to be completed on properties managed by Darland Properties and authorize payments to be made from the real estate trust accounts of Darland Properties’ clients. Stenstrom had been in a decades’ long relationship with Cook. Cook is now deceased.
Beginning in approximately 2015, Cook used his position as the Vice President of Darland Properties to direct repair work to SSI. SSI performed no skilled labor, had no employees, and all regular laborers were unskilled. Most of the work SSI performed on behalf of Darland Properties was subcontracted. Cook was the initial point of contact for many of the subcontractors and directed the subcontractors that all work must be run through SSI. Cook and Stenstrom used SSI to fraudulently obtain monies from Darland Properties’ clients by causing SSI to bill for work that was not performed, overbilling for work, and causing SSI’s inflated invoices to be submitted to insurance companies to obtain insurance proceeds to which Darland Properties’ clients were not entitled to.
From 2012 to 2016, Stenstrom derived income from Stenstrom Services. Stenstrom Services generated $752,744 in 2012, $469,140 in 2013, $641,010 in 2014, $731,091 in 2015, and $575,466 in 2016. On May 30, 2018, the IRS assessed $1,725,532.91 related to unpaid income tax owed by Stenstrom. On December 14, 2018, Stenstrom provided a signed Form 433-A to an IRS Revenue Officer. This form omitted numerous assets owned by Stenstrom that were being held in the name of a third party to include a second home in Queen Creek, Arizona valued at approximately $1,000,000, a Ferrari 488 Coupe valued at $200,000 to $300,000, a boat, an ATV, a Jeep, and a home located in Fremont, Nebraska, valued at approximately $450,000. Stenstrom also excluded the transfer of a home in Gilbert, Arizona, to another party for below fair market value.
In 2019, the IRS placed a tax levy on Stenstrom’s accounts. Cook and Stenstrom ceased directing work to SSI and began directing work to Midwest Property Maintenance Solutions (hereinafter MPMS) which was created by Cook and a family member of Cook. Cook, his family member, and Stenstrom used MPMS to fraudulently obtain money from Darland Properties’ clients by billing for work that had previously been completed by SSI, billing for work that was not performed, billing for warranties it did not provide and were previously paid for by Darland Properties’ clients, and overbilling for work that was done.
The proceeds from the wire fraud scheme were deposited into SSI’s, MPMS’s, and Cook’s bank accounts where the fraudulently obtained funds were commingled with legitimate funds. The funds were then transferred to various bank accounts held in Cook’s name, Stenstrom’s name, Cook’s family member’s name, AZ Midwest Properties, LLC, 14334 Industrial Road, LLC, and B & B Real Estate, LLC (a real estate partnership that Cook was a partner in), where they were further commingled with legitimate funds. The proceeds were then used to acquire residential and commercial real estate, luxury vehicles, life insurance policies, jewelry, watches, credit card purchases, and loan payments. Cook, Stenstrom, and Cook’s family member concealed the scheme by laundering the proceeds through various business and personal bank accounts, purchasing and selling the aforementioned assets, and subsequently using those proceeds to acquire additional assets. In total, the scheme resulted in excess of $5,100,000.00 being fraudulently obtained from Darland Properties’ clients for the personal benefits of Cook, his family member, and Stenstrom.
“This case shows that regardless of the tactics used to avoid tax obligations, IRS Criminal Investigation will take all necessary steps to unravel the scheme and bring those who break our tax laws to justice,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge, Thomas F. Murdock. “This joint effort with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the tax system is fair for all citizens.”
FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “In a clear-cut case of greed, Jeffrey Stenstrom and his co-conspirator embezzled more than five million dollars to support their lavish lifestyle. FBI Omaha is dedicated to investigating and holding accountable those, like Stenstrom, who fraudulently enrich themselves at the expense of their hard-working victims.”
“Today’s sentencing is the culmination of a three-year investigation into the criminal activities of Jeff Stenstrom and Brett Cook that involved the collaboration of our office and multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies spanning multiple states in addition to a parallel civil suit initiated by our office’s asset forfeiture unit,” said Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr. “Today’s sentencing is an example of our office’s determination to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute white collar criminals, to divest those criminals of the wrongfully obtained proceeds, and to seek restitution for victims.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Fentanyl Resulting in Death and Serious InjuriesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Russell L. Rucks, Sr., 52, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today to 26 years’ imprisonment, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and a detectable amount of fentanyl, resulting in the death of one person and serious bodily injuries to two others, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following his release from prison, Rucks will serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Rucks will also forfeit $5,084.00 in cash to the United States of America, and he was ordered to pay $9,700.00 in restitution to the mother of victim who died.
On July 24, 2021, a Lincoln woman called 911 after her fiancé collapsed after returning home from a trip to a gas station. Lincoln Fire and Rescue, (LFR), arrived and performed lifesaving measures, including administering two doses of Narcan. After the second dose of Narcan, the victim began to regain consciousness and was transported to a Lincoln hospital. The victim later told investigators he had been purchasing small amounts of cocaine about every seven to 10 days from Russell Rucks, Sr. for about a year. Just before his overdose, he said he met with Rucks and bought $20 worth of what he believed to be cocaine. He snorted the cocaine and suffered an overdose. Phone records for the victim and Rucks confirmed the victim had been communicating about drug transactions. A medical expert reviewed first responder and hospital records for the victim and found he faced a substantial risk of death had he not been given Narcan.
On July 27, 2021, two Lincoln men overdosed at a residence in Lincoln. Both were found unconscious. Both were given Narcan and were hospitalized. One of the victims died on August 19, 2021, but the other victim eventually recovered. The surviving victim told investigators he pooled money with the victim who died, and they bought what they believed to be cocaine from Rucks. The surviving victim said he and the victim who died both used the “cocaine” which led to their overdoses. Investigators found phone messages between the surviving victim and Rucks on the day of the overdoses in which the surviving victim arranged to meet with Rucks. Several items of drug paraphernalia, all containing drug residue, were seized from the residence where the two victims were found, and lab testing showed these items all contained cocaine and fentanyl. A medical expert reviewed the first responder and hospital records for both victims determined that one victim died due to ingesting cocaine laced with fentanyl and the other was seriously injured due to ingesting those substances.
On August 11, 2021, Rucks was arrested and found in possession of a small amount of cocaine. On the same day, his son, Russell Rucks, Jr., was also arrested and was found in possession of $1,634 in cash. A search warrant was executed at their Lincoln residence which resulted in the finding of 6.8 pounds of cocaine, a scale, and $3,950 in currency. Rucks, Sr. waived his Miranda rights and told investigators he had been selling what he believed to be cocaine in the months prior to his arrest.
Russell Rucks, Jr., faces similar charges and is awaiting trial currently scheduled to begin in October of 2023.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force (Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and UNL Police Department) and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Las Vegas Man Convicted of Possessing Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute After Traffic Stop on I-80Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Patrick Lewis McKinney, 42, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced McKinney to 78 months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
On August 3, 2022, law enforcement had a sign out indicating a checkpoint was ahead on I-80 in Dawson County, Nebraska. Jeno Paulucci was the driver and McKinney was the passenger of a vehicle approaching that sign. Paulucci exited the highway and parked on the wrong side of the road. Law enforcement initiated a traffic stop and smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Paulucci did not have a driver’s license, registration, or insurance. Law enforcement subsequently searched the vehicle and located 63 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl pills, kief, and ecstasy pills. Law enforcement also located various dangerous weapons to include two machetes, multiple bladed weapons, a baton taser, and a firearm.
Jeno Paulucci has also pleaded guilty in this case. He will be sentenced on August 15, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs Stolen from the Nebraska State PatrolRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Anna Idigima, 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today to 21 years and 10 months’, (262 months’), imprisonment, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, resulting in serious bodily injury, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following her release from prison, Idigima will serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Beginning in June of 2021, Idigima, a Nebraska State Patrol, (NSP), stored evidence room employee, began stealing drugs held in completed NSP cases which were awaiting destruction orders. She provided the drugs to her boyfriend and co-defendant, George Weaver, who sold them in Lincoln. Video surveillance from NSP’s Lincoln evidence storage facility shows Idigima opening sealed boxes, taking items from those boxes, putting them in garbage bags and loading the bags into her personal vehicle on several occasions between June 16, 2021, and August 12, 2021. The Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, (LLCNTF), conducted an audit of the NSP evidence storage areas to which Idigima had access during this timeframe. Idigima was fired by NSP because of this investigation in September of 2021.
Through the audit, the following approximate totals of drugs were found to be missing:
Marijuana - 154 pounds
Cocaine - 19 pounds
Fentanyl - 6 pounds
Heroin - 10 pounds
Methamphetamine - 3 pounds
THC - 32 pounds
THC vape cartridges - 1,720
Numerous assorted pills
In August of 2021, LLCNTF investigators searched Weaver’s SnapChat account and found drug-related conversations and a photo of several large bags of marijuana on a bed. One of the bags had a piece of red evidence label tape on it which was consistent with evidence tape used by NSP. In a search of an apartment rented by Weaver, believed to be the location where the photo of the marijuana was taken, investigators found residue containing cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana.
On August 4, 2021, a Nebraska City couple overdosed at their home in Nebraska City. One of them required CPR and both were given Narcan. They were both hospitalized in Omaha. During a search of their residence, two bags of white powder containing cocaine and fentanyl, weighing a total of just under one ounce, were found. A review of first responder and hospital records for the couple by a physician, board certified in emergency medicine and medical toxicology, determined the couple would have been at a substantial risk of death had they not been given Narcan due to their use of cocaine laced with fentanyl. After they recovered, the couple told investigators they bought what they believed was an ounce of cocaine from a Lincoln resident. That person was contacted by law enforcement and told them he had purchased what he believed to be cocaine from Weaver and sold it to the Nebraska City couple. It was this cocaine, laced with fentanyl, which caused the couple’s overdoses.
On August 18, 2021, a Lincoln man was found unconscious by first responders. He was given CPR and Narcan and was hospitalized. A search of his car turned up approximately two grams of white substance. An additional two grams were found in his wallet. Both items were found to contain cocaine and fentanyl. The government’s expert in emergency medicine and toxicology determined the victim would have been at a substantial risk of dying had he not been given Narcan. The victim later told investigators he bought what he thought was cocaine earlier that day from another Lincoln resident and said he had used some in his car just prior to his overdose.
On August 20, 2021, the seller of the cocaine and fentanyl involved in the August 18, 2021, overdose was arrested and found in possession of approximately one ounce of cocaine and fentanyl. He agreed to cooperate with law enforcement and told them he got the drugs from Weaver one to two weeks prior to his arrest. After his arrest, working with investigators, the seller met with Weaver and engaged Weaver in a conversation about paying Weaver for previously purchased drugs, including the cocaine which caused the August 18, 2021, overdose. This conversation took place at Idigima’s residence.
Other cooperating witnesses provided information to the LLCNTF regarding purchases of cocaine made from Weaver beginning in about June of 2021. One of those witnesses was arrested on August 12, 2021, after the execution of a search warrant at his Lincoln residence resulted in the finding of approximately six pounds of cocaine and more than $3,400 in cash in his Lincoln residence. Weaver told the witness his source was a female. The witness saw this female on one occasion and later identified her as Idigima after seeing photos which appeared in the press after Weaver’s and Idigima’s arrests in the fall of 2021. In addition to purchasing cocaine from Weaver, the witness reported seeing Weaver in possession of approximately 20 one-pound bags of marijuana, THC, and three large gray evidence bags containing a white dust which Weaver claimed was cocaine, but the witness said the appearance and taste were not consistent with cocaine.
Two other cooperating witnesses reported buying pills from Weaver and Idigima in August or September of 2021 with one of the witnesses saying payment for the pills was sent to Idigima’s CashApp account.
In January of 2023, Idigima, at that time incarcerated in the Saline County Jail, sent a letter to an inmate at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York, Nebraska. The letter was intercepted by jail staff pursuant to policy. In the letter, Idigima identified herself as “Anna Idigima” and wrote, “You may have heard about the case. I was the evidence tech from the Nebraska State Patrol who took 1.2 million in drugs and sold them.”
In response to Idigima’s sentencing, Lincoln Police Chief Teresa Ewins said, “We would like to thank the Lincoln / Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force and its members for working tirelessly to find those responsible for the loss of life and those also impacted in our community. We would like to give our heartfelt condolences to the families of these victims because we know it has been a long road to getting justice for them. We hope this allows them to heal from their loss. Thank you to the US Attorney’s Office for their partnership and hard work to bring those to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force (Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and UNL Police Department), the Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska City Police Department, and the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that BJ Jaquez Rice, 30, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 18, 2023, to 87 months’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. After Rice is release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Rice pleaded guilty to the offense on February 15, 2023.
On March 11, 2022, an officer with the Lincoln Police Department stopped a vehicle in downtown Lincoln. A female was driving the vehicle and Rice was in the front passenger seat. During the stop, the officer noticed a strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle and performed a search of the vehicle. During the search, the officer located a Smith & Wesson, model M&P M2 Shield, .380 caliber handgun tucked between the driver’s seat and the center console. The officer also located a Glock, model 19, 9mm caliber handgun underneath the front passenger seat. When asked for identification, Rice gave the officer a false name, date of birth, and stated that he had an identification issued to him in Florida. After Rice was arrested, police discovered his true name and that he had prior felony convictions in North Carolina.
In addition to the Lincoln Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, contributed to this investigation. 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.
Grand Jury-July 2023Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 14 unsealed Indictments charging 14 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.
* Jorge Diaz Sanchez a/k/a Gilberto Vasquez-Parra, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October 13, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Maleeka D. Gilbert, age 21, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Gilbert with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl from on or about an unknown date and continuing to on or about March 31, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Gilbert with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl on or about March 31, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Gilbert with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes on or about March 31, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to life imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Luis Fernando Hernandez Reyes, age 29, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 22, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Madison S. Hill, age 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Hill with bank robbery on or about May 20, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Hill with brandishing a weapon to commit a federal crime of violence on or about May 20, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment consecutive to the robbery, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment
* Nathan Scott Jandreau, age 38, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about February 10, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, not less than ten years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* John E. Kohler, age 52, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Kohler with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about March 6, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than four years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Kohler with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) beginning on or about February 13, 2023 and continuing to on or about March 6, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Adan Morales Garcia, age 42, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 2, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Nicolas Nicolas Antonio, age 39, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 30, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Carolynne R. Parker a/k/a Carolynne R. Noffsinger, age 50, of Maineville, Ohio, is charged with theft concerning programs receiving federal funds beginning on or about July 25, 2018 and continuing through on or about August 22, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency and property seized.
* Juan Rafael Ramirez, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony conviction on or about June14, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Hugo Ruiz Rios, age 33, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about April 16, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Miguel Fabian Ruvalcaba Munoz, age 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Ruvalcaba Munoz with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) from on or about March 15, 2023 and continuing to on or about April 4, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Ruvalcaba Munoz with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about March 15, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Bernabe Tercero-Reynoso, age 33, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after an aggravated felony conviction on or about March 30, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jacob Wilkins, age 42, of Mitchell, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Wilkins with embezzlement and theft of labor union assets on or about July 25, 2016 and continuing to on or about August 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Wilkins with falsification, concealment, or destruction of financial records required to be kept by labor union on or about January 1, 2018 and continuing to on or about September 10, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 1 year imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $25 special assessment. Count III charges Wilkins with falsification, concealment, or destruction of financial records required to be kept by labor union on or about January 1, 2019 and continuing to on or about March 31, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 1 year imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $25 special assessment.
Contact Information:
Criminal Chief Donald J. Kleine, 402-661-3700
Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Matt Lierman, 402-661-3700
Grand Island Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Mohamed Gamar Ahmed, 20, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 18, 2023, to 48 months’ imprisonment for possession of cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and to a consecutive 60-month term of imprisonment for possession of firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Ahmed pleaded guilty to the offenses on April 18, 2023.
On March 28, 2022, officers with the Grand Island Police Department were called to a residence in Grand Island. When officers arrived, they found a juvenile female unconscious and not breathing. Officers began administering CPR and paramedics with the Grand Island Fire Department arrived a short time later. The female was revived with the use of Narcan and transported to the hospital.
A juvenile male, who was present when police arrived at the residence, reported previously purchasing a blue pill from Ahmed, which the juveniles believed was Percocet. Within minutes of ingesting the drug, the female began showing signs of an overdose and became unconscious.
Officers obtained a search warrant for Ahmed’s apartment. Inside the apartment, officers located loaded handguns, digital scales, plastic bags used for packaging drugs, ammunition, about 1.2 pounds of marijuana, THC vape pens, 31 grams of cocaine, and around 30 suspected Percocet pills. Testing completed by the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory showed the suspected Percocet pills contained fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Grand Island 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.
Former Nebraska Woman Sentenced in Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Shanda Daniels, 35, formerly of Trenton, Nebraska was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Daniels to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On May 14, 2019, a confidential informant (CI) arranged to purchase one ounce of methamphetamine from Shanda Daniels. The CI traveled to Daniels’s residence in Trenton. The CI entered the house and contacted Daniels and an unknown male. This unknown male was later identified as Westleigh Miesner. Miesner weighed out the methamphetamine. The lab results showed 13 grams of actual methamphetamine.
On December 2, 2022, Miesner was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
St. Paul Man Sentenced to Four Years for Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Robert T. Jaeger, 44, of St. Paul, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 10, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to four years’ imprisonment for possessing firearms after having been convicted of a felony offense. He was also sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release to be served after he completes his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. Jaeger pleaded guilty to the offense on February 16, 2023.
On August 23, 2022, a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) received a report that Jaeger was threatening to murder a person who had recently obtained a protection order against Jaeger. It was reported to the NSP that Jaeger had parked his vehicle near the location where the person who obtained the protection order was employed. NSP Troopers located Jaeger in that area. As police began to approach the area, Jaeger began driving away. Jaeger was stopped and arrested a short distance away from where he had been parked.
Jaeger’s vehicle was searched following his arrest. Among the items found in the car were three rifles, two of which were equipped with scopes, a handgun, ammunition, knives, a tactical vest, a ghillie suit (a form of camouflage), three silencers made from oil cans, and a Halloween type mask. Because of a prior felony conviction, Jaeger was prohibited from possessing the firearms, ammunition, and silencers.
The Nebraska State Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives contributed to this investigation. 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.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
Daniel E. Miller, 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Miller to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.
On February 20, 2020, Omaha police were dispatched to a bar for a woman who reported being assaulted by Miller. Officers ultimately arrested Miller. During a search of his person, officers found 94 grams of methamphetamine in the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt. Forensic testing determined the methamphetamine to be 94 percent pure.
Because of a previous conviction in 2007 for willful injury in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Miller received a federal sentencing enhancement for having a “serious violent felony” offense on his record.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 147 Months for Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Andrew Sackett, 39, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Sackett to a total of 147 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Sackett will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
In September 2021, Omaha police conducted surveillance on an apartment that was suspected of being used to distribute methamphetamine. Sackett lived in the apartment with his girlfriend, co-defendant Racheal Cain.
On September 23, 2021, Sacket was arrested during a traffic stop. He consented to a search of the apartment and admitted helping Cain sell methamphetamine. In the apartment, officers found more than 100 grams of methamphetamine with purity of 95%, along with three firearms and $11,902 in cash. Sackett admitted to handling all three firearms. One of the firearms, a Taurus .380 handgun, was found inside a safe mounted to the bed. Sackett had a key to the safe on his keychain. As part of the plea, Sackett forfeited the $11,902 to the United States as being illegal drug proceeds.
Cain has pleaded guilty to the same charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Kearney Man Sentenced to Five Years for Stealing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Joshua Thomas Alan Casiano, 36, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 10, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to five years’ imprisonment for possession of stolen firearms. He was also sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release to be served after he completes his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. Casiano pleaded guilty to the offense on March 21, 2023.
Police discovered that a residence in Phelps County, Nebraska was burglarized on April 13, 2021. Fourteen firearms were stolen from the home during the burglary. Following this event, a witness came forward and told police that Casiano said he wanted to acquire firearms by committing a burglary. Casiano learned that the residence in Phelps County contained several firearms. Casiano left the night of the burglary and then returned later with what the witness estimated to be around a dozen firearms. Most of those firearms were later sold to two other persons. Once police learned of the sale, they obtained a search warrant to search the home of the buyers. Most of the stolen firearms were recovered during that search with the remainder recovered several days later. To date, all the stolen firearms were recovered by law enforcement.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Kearney Police Department, and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office all contributed to this investigation. 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.
Upland Man Convicted of Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Donald Greuter, Jr., 57, of Upland, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 29, 2023, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 114 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for being a felon in possession of firearms. After he completes his prison sentence, Greuter will also serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
In December of 2019, Greuter was on parole for a felony drug distribution conviction. As a convicted felon, Greuter was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. On January 8, 2020, police and parole officers went to Greuter’s home in Upland to conduct a parole search of his property. At the time, Greuter resided with his significant other, Tricia Easley. While at Greuter’s home, investigators learned that he also owned the property next door, which contained a house. Greuter acknowledged that he owned that property and gave investigators the keys to make entry. Once inside, officers noticed several containers of live ammunition in various calibers. In the same room, officers saw a large combination safe that was locked. Between the safe and the wall, officers found two 12-gauge shotguns inside a gun case.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for both properties and recovered 30 firearms, including eight pistols, eight shotguns, 16 rifles, and several thousand rounds of ammunition. Among the firearms located in the safe was a short shotgun, a defaced rifle, two stolen guns, a 50-caliber rifle, and three semiautomatic rifles with high-capacity magazines. In total, investigators located 32 firearms and more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition.
Four of the firearms recovered by investigators were found to have been purchased at a Grand Island pawn shop. Greuter’s significant other, Tricia Easley, said she purchased these firearms at Greuter’s request and transferred the firearms to him. Greuter provided her with the money to pay for the guns and told her to pick them up from the pawn shop. Greuter was present during more than one of these gun purchases. Pawn shop employees, who were familiar with Greuter, observed him handle at least one of the firearms purchased. A special agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) examined the guns and ammunition and determined that they were manufactured outside the State of Nebraska. For her part, Easley pleaded guilty to transferring a firearm to a prohibited person and is set to be sentenced on August 2, 2023.
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.
Omaha Woman and Oakland Couple Sentenced for Government Loan Program FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Jazmyne L. McMiller, 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 6, 2023, by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher to twelve months and one day of imprisonment for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. After McMiller’s release from prison, she will begin a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. McMiller was also ordered to pay restitution of $267,040.20.
McMiller was the third defendant to be convicted and sentenced in connection with this case. On February 8, 2023, Sharon M. Thompson, 62, of Oakland, Nebraska, was sentenced by Judge Buescher to four years of probation for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Sharon Thompson was also ordered to pay restitution of $355,020.30.
On May 31, 2023, Todd A. Thompson, 57, of Oakland, Nebraska, was sentenced by Judge Buescher to 41 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. He will serve two years of supervised release. Todd Thompson was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,193,957.10.
During 2020 and 2021, all three defendants submitted applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program loans. The PPP and EIDL loan programs 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.
The applications submitted or caused to be submitted by all three defendants misrepresented how much the applicant businesses had paid employees in past compensation and how much revenue each had received, resulting in significantly inflated loan amounts under the PPP and EIDL programs. The PPP applications were supported by false documents that Todd Thompson helped prepare, including false tax forms that each defendant signed.
In total, McMiller submitted or caused to be submitted fraudulent applications seeking loans in the amount of approximately $404,324 and obtained $254,324. The fraudulent applications Sharon Thompson signed sought loans totaling approximately $469,886, and she obtained $344,786. The fraudulent applications Todd Thompson signed sought loans totaling approximately $1,368,892.00, and he obtained $552,892.00. In total, the three defendants submitted fraudulent applications seeking loans totaling $2,243,102.00 and obtained $1,152,002.00.
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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 12 Months and 1 Day for Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Jeffrey Bowlin, 55, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on July 6, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for theft of government property. The Honorable Brian C. Buescher sentenced Bowlin to 12 months and one day in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Bowlin will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Bowlin was also ordered to pay $855.37 in restitution.
On multiple occasions in April and May 2022, Bowlin, who had been placed on leave from his position as Manager of Distribution Operations for the United States Postal Service, donned a mask, hood, and gloves and entered the Papillion, Nebraska, Post Office at night and rifled through packages, mail, and postal employee work areas to locate and take cash, controlled substances, and other items of value. At least 40 victims were able to be identified by the United States Postal Service.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that David Gonzalez-Jimenez, 24, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 5, 2023, by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 78 months’ imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Gonzalez-Jimenez pled guilty in March 2023 to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
In 2022, Gonzalez-Jimenez delivered approximately one pound of methamphetamine to a cooperating individual. Officers later recovered approximately $14,425 cash and an additional approximately one pound of methamphetamine from Gonzalez-Jimenez’s residence and vehicle. The cash was forfeited.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Jeramie D. Watts, 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 6, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for distributing methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Watts to 12 months plus 1 day imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Watts will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On April 20, 2018, an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent purchased 11 grams of methamphetamine from Watts for $500 in the parking lot of a West Omaha business. Watts entered the passenger side of the agent’s vehicle and produced the methamphetamine before leaving the area. A forensic lab confirmed the methamphetamine as weighing 11.7 grams with a purity of 95%.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Eduardo Ordaz, 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 6, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for distributing 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Ordaz to 60 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.
On September 28, 2021, law enforcement utilized a cooperating witness (CW) to make a controlled buy of methamphetamine from Ordaz. The controlled buy took place in the CW's vehicle in the area of 23rd and Elm Streets in Omaha. The CW purchased 46 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of 95%, as confirmed by a forensic laboratory analysis.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Norfolk, Nebraska Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Roberto Nava, 49, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 6, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Nava to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Nava will begin a five-year term of supervised release. He will also forfeit $42,000 in drug proceeds to the United States.
In August 2021, Drug Enforcement Administration agents became aware that a person by the name of Roberto Nava was distributing pound quantities of methamphetamine in the Norfolk area. Utilizing a confidential source, agents made arrangements to purchase methamphetamine on two occasions. On each buy, Nava arrived and delivered methamphetamine. On August 24, 2021, Nava delivered one pound of methamphetamine and on September 23, 2021, he delivered two pounds of methamphetamine
Following the controlled buy on September 23, 2021, agents then executed a search warrant on Nava’s residence. As a result, agents recovered an additional half pound of methamphetamine and $42,000 in drug proceeds. A forensic laboratory analysis confirmed the methamphetamine as 95% pure.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Nebraska Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Luis Lazo-Escobar, 32, of Nebraska, was sentenced on July 6, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lazo-Escobar to 60 months’ imprisonment and the forfeiture of $12,100.00 in U.S. currency. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On November 20, 2020, the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a 2012 Honda Civic with Luis Lazo-Escobar as the driver. In March 2021, Lexington Police conducted an interview with a subject who knew there was a gun and possibly methamphetamine inside of this vehicle. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, which had been impounded and remained in police custody, and located the following contraband: a 9mm Taurus handgun, 150 rounds of ammunition, and $12,100 in United States currency. Lazo-Escobar is a convicted felon stemming from a possession of a controlled substance conviction in 2017.
This case was investigated by the Kearney Police Department.