District of Nebraska

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jason Smith, 48, of Victorville, California, was today by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 132 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After he completes his prison sentence, Smith will also serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

On June 3, 2022, Smith was stopped for a traffic violation on Interstate 80 in York County, Nebraska by a Nebraska State Patrolman.  The trooper became suspicious of Smith’s behavior and travel plans. A York County Deputy showed up with his drug detection dog which alerted and indicated to the odor of narcotics. During a probable cause search of the rental car, officers found approximately two pounds of methamphetamine packaged in two separate one-pound bags in the trunk. The trooper estimated the street value of the methamphetamine to be around $8,730. In the center console, officers found a methamphetamine pipe and a pill bottle with Smith’s name on the label, and which contained about four grams of methamphetamine. In the trunk, in addition to the drugs, officers found a suitcase with clothes and documents addressed to Smith.  

The methamphetamine was sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab for testing where a forensic scientist confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in both one-pound packages from the trunk as well and in the pill bottle found in the center console. Purity testing on one of the one-pound packages showed a methamphetamine concentration of 100% and resulted in at least 444.24 grams actual methamphetamine. The total weight of all methamphetamines in the car was approximately 886.5 grams. At the time of his arrest, Smith was serving a term of supervised release as a result of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine conviction out of Wisconsin from 2002.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the York County Sheriff’s Office, 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.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Michael Melgaard, 54, of Alda, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States Senior District Judge John M. Gerrard for two counts of attempted production of child pornography. Melgaard was sentenced to 240 months in prison and will also serve 10 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Melgaard was additionally ordered to pay $6,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of crimes.

This case began in January of 2022, during a separate investigation involving Melgaard. As a result of this investigation, several search warrants were received and executed for Melgaard’s home and electronic devices. Melgaard’s devices were downloaded and forensically analyzed. Approximately 14 images that met the federal definition of child pornography were located. During the investigation, Melgaard agreed to be interviewed multiple times. He admitted that he had been taking nude photographs of several minors aged 4-11. These photographs would happen while the minor victims would change their clothes, showered, or while they were asleep. He indicated that he would keep the images for a short period of time before deleting them.

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 Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the Grand Island Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Zachary Wichmann, 27, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Wichmann to 57 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 117 months.  There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Wichmann will begin a three-year term of supervised release.

On October 28, 2020, law enforcement purchased 300 fentanyl pills from Wichmann utilizing an undercover officer in an Omaha parking lot.  On November 6, 2020, law enforcement received information from the U.S. Postal Inspector that Wichmann was receiving a package from Oregon.  As a result of that information, they obtained a court authorized search warrant for Wichmann’s residence.

On November 10, 2020, law enforcement executed the search warrant on Wichmann's residence.  Officers located 1,029 fentanyl pills, two firearms, and $10,293 in U.S. Currency. Wichmann was buying drugs over the Dark Net and selling them in the Omaha metro area.  The Drug Enforcement Administration administratively forfeited the $10,293.

This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and United States Postal Inspection Service.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Derek A. Bailey, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for transportation of child pornography. The Honorable Brian C. Buescher sentenced Bailey to 96 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Bailey will serve 7 years of supervised release. Bailey was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution.

In May 2019, law enforcement began investigating after receiving a Cybertip from Yahoo stating that a user had uploaded child pornography. An IP address associated with the uploads was associated with Bailey. Investigators searched Bailey’s electronic devices and observed more than 833 images and videos of child pornography on the devices. A witness reported that after the search warrant, Bailey had been looking for a MicroSD card, which the witness located. The MicroSD card was found to contain graphic files depicting Bailey in addition to child pornography.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that William Eugen Packer, 47, of Grand Island, Nebraska, 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. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Packer to 151 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 211 months.  There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Packer will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

On April 6, 2021, officers in Norton, Kansas initiated a traffic stop. Packer, a passenger in the vehicle, immediately took off running and dropped a backpack that was found to contain 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine. Co-defendants Amanda Schnoor, who was the driver, and Clint Younger knew Packer was transporting the drugs and identified him as the person who took off running. The methamphetamine was being brought to Nebraska for them to sell and distribute. On October 7, 2021, when Packer was arrested on the federal warrant for the April 6 offense, he was found in possession of three firearms, another 1.6 pounds of methamphetamine, and $16,060 in U.S. currency that was drug proceeds and forfeited to the United States.

Schnoor pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and will be sentenced on June 7, 2023. Clint Younger pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and will be sentenced June 29, 2023.

This case was investigated by 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.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Werner Monterroso-Monterroso, 26, of Guatemala, was sentenced on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for unlawful transfer of a document or authentication feature. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Monterroso-Monterroso to imprisonment for 21 months to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Monterroso-Monterroso will be removed (deported) by immigration authorities after he completes his term of imprisonment.

On April 22, 2022, investigators made a purchase of fraudulent documents (a Social Security card, California Identification Card, and a Texas birth certificate) in exchange for $1,200. Investigators made a second purchase of fraudulent documents on June 8, 2022, and received a Nebraska Identification Card, a Social Security card, and a Texas birth certificate in exchange for $1,200. Such fraudulent documents are frequently sought by job applicants as they are required to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. The Social Security cards were confirmed to have valid numbers and names but are counterfeit.

Following the purchases, investigators obtained a warrant to search Monterroso-Monterroso’s residence in Schuyler, Nebraska. The warrant was executed on August 24, 2022, yielding 87 counterfeit documents (in addition to the 6 obtained through the document purchases), many of which appeared to have been issued by or under the authority of the United States.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Amy Henner, 45, of Nebraska City, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 23, 2023, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 66 months’ imprisonment following her conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After she completes her prison sentence, Henner will also serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

On March 18, 2021, Henner was approached by police investigators in Lincoln.  Investigators found that she had about a half-pound of methamphetamine in her purse. The methamphetamine was sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab where a forensic scientist confirmed the presence of at least 190 grams of pure methamphetamine. Henner admitted to investigators that she had been selling methamphetamine to others.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force which is made up of officers from the Nebraska State Patrol, Lincoln Police Department, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Tyler Ray Tockey, 29, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced today to a 21-month term of imprisonment for being an unlawful user of controlled substances while in possession of firearms. After he completes his prison sentence, Tockey will be on supervised release for two years. There is no parole in the federal system. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard presided over the case. Tockey pleaded guilty to the offense on November 29, 2022.

On March 24, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Tockey’s residence in Kearney. Inside the residence, they found firearms, ammunition, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Tockey was arrested. After being advised of the Miranda warnings, Tockey said he was the only person who lived at the residence. He admitted to being a regular user of marijuana and methamphetamine. He also said that police would find firearms and drugs in his residence.

The investigation was conducted by the Kearney Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 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.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Julio Ayala, 33, of Sacramento, California, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiring to distribute marijuana.  United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Ayala to 18 months of imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison, Ayala will begin a two-year term of supervised release.

Ayala was part of a marijuana conspiracy which existed between October of 2018 and December of 2020.  As part of the conspiracy, individuals shipped marijuana from California to Omaha.  Ayala was involved in the distribution of the marijuana in Omaha.  On December 18, 2020, agents executed a search warrant at co-conspirator Marques Eiland’s residence and located approximately 22.5 pounds of marijuana.  Ayala, Eiland, and co-conspirators Aarion Jenkins and Shawn Thomas were all present.  Each of the conspirators have pleaded guilty.  On May 3, 2023, Jenkins was sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment.  This was in addition to 11 months he already served on related state and federal cases.  On May 3, 2023, Eiland was sentenced to 31 months of imprisonment.  Thomas is pending sentencing.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, the Bellevue Police Department, and the Sacramento California County Sheriff’s Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Dalonte Foard, 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to sex traffic a minor and sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Foard to 540 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Foard will be on supervised release for life and will be required to register as a sex offender.

In January, Foard was found guilty after a four-day jury trial. The evidence at trial showed that in September 2020 two Omaha foster children went missing from their foster home. Foard had picked up the two girls, aged 16 and 17, and driven them to a hotel where co-defendant Thomas Holbert posted online advertisements promoting the minors for commercial sex acts. The following morning, Foard sexually assaulted one of the minors to “break her in” and then posted a new online commercial sex advertisement for her. A man responding to Foard’s ad came to the hotel and Foard waited on the stairs in the hallway while the man paid $60 to engage in a sex act with the victim. After the man left, Foard took $50 of the $60 paid to the victim.

A spokesperson for the Omaha Police Department (OPD) said that OPD is pleased to see such a strong sentence for sex trafficking. OPD and its federal partners will continue to work together to pursue traffickers and bring them to justice.

“It is our hope that today’s sentencing will send a strong message to all of those who want to line their pockets through the sexual exploitation of children,” said acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Kansas City Shawn Gibson. “These individuals and their associated criminal organizations have been put on notice. We, alongside our partners at the Omaha Police Department, are doing everything possible to disrupt and dismantle the greedy criminal networks you’ve established, and will continue protect the children in our community from harm.”

“Swift prosecution and lengthy prison terms for persons engaged in sex trafficking is a high priority of law enforcement and the United States Attorney’s Office,” Russell said. “The successful prosecution in this case is a direct result of the excellent collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement determined to protect the citizens of Nebraska. The United States Attorney’s Office applauds the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office in bringing this group to justice.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Terrence Sherman, 37, of Macy, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Sherman to 180 months of imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison, Sherman will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

On August 20, 2021, officers stopped a vehicle in Macy containing four people, including Sherman and co-defendant Collin Parker.  Officers located approximately 123 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a 12-gauge shotgun.  Sherman and Parker had conspired to distribute methamphetamine and they possessed the shotgun in furtherance of that conspiracy.  Parker previously pleaded guilty and on April 5, 2023, was sentenced to 110 months in prison. 

This case was investigated by the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Seth Hansen, 30, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 140 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture. The sentence was enhanced because Hansen was carrying a knife and a taser while dealing drugs. The sentence was also enhanced because Hansen had a prior conviction for robbery, a serious violent felony. After he completes his prison sentence, Hansen will also serve eight years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

In January of 2022, Hansen was stopped by police in Grand Island after committing a traffic violation. Officers searched his car and found marijuana, a methamphetamine pipe, and two bags of methamphetamine that weighed about 54 grams. He had a knife with 3.5” blade in his waistband and a taser in the center console. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed the presence of at least 50 grams of pure methamphetamine.

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.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska has been allocated three additional federal prosecutors and two additional support staff by the United States Department of Justice. One of these full-time Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and support staff will be dedicated to addressing public safety needs to combat violent crime in the state.

“For decades, the United States Attorney’s Office in Nebraska has been a strong federal partner in promoting public safety across the state, including the prosecution of violent crime and government fraud,” Russell said. “With this significant investment of additional resources from the Department of Justice, we will be able to continue to effectively coordinate with state, local and tribal law enforcement to ensure that Nebraska is a safe place to work and live.”

In addition to the “violent crime” prosecutor, the office will hire an additional AUSA charged with spearheading the office’s eLitigation program, enhancing the process of identifying, assessing, producing and presentation of discoverable information for all manner of criminal prosecutions and civil matters.  A term AUSA will be charged with prosecuting COVID fraud, false statements, and money laundering related to the CARES Act passed by Congress in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This includes fraud involving the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and unemployment insurance (UI) programs committed during the pandemic.  Finally, the Office has also been allocated two support staff positions to assist in Indian country prosecutions and e-litigation support.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska currently has 30 AUSAs working in its Criminal and Civil Divisions out of Omaha and Lincoln. The office is currently in the process of onboarding two criminal AUSAs to fill existing vacancies. When the additional prosecutors are in place, a process expected to take several months, the office will have a total of 34 AUSAs representing the United States serving the citizens of Nebraska. 

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Christopher Lee Perez, 36, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 22, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 13 years’ imprisonment following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. After he completes his prison sentence, Perez will also serve 5 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

On December 1, 2021, law enforcement served a search warrant on Perez’s truck in Grand Island. Inside the truck, they found a backpack with a gun cleaning kit, a bag of 79 grams of methamphetamine, ammunition, and baggies. Under the driver’s seat, officers found a Taurus Millennium G2 pistol with a magazine containing rounds of ammunition. The pistol was readily available to protect Perez and the methamphetamine.  Officers also found a digital scale on the rear floorboard.

This case was investigated by 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.

A Nevada man has been charged for his alleged participation in CoinDeal, an investment fraud scheme that defrauded more than 10,000 victims of over $45 million.

Bryan Lee, 57, of Las Vegas, will make his initial appearance in federal court today in Las Vegas.

According to court documents, Lee allegedly conspired with Neil Chandran and others to defraud investors in companies that Chandran controlled. The companies operated under the banner of “ViRSE,” and included Free Vi Lab, Studio Vi Inc., ViDelivery Inc., ViMarket Inc., and Skalex USA Inc., among others. The companies were supposedly developing virtual-world technologies, including their own cryptocurrency, for use in a metaverse. Chandran allegedly misled investors by falsely promising extremely high returns on the premise that his companies were about to be acquired by a consortium of wealthy buyers. As further alleged, Lee was the nominee owner and director of ViMarket, and took direction from Chandran for how to disburse investor funds received into ViMarket’s bank accounts. Lee and Chandran allegedly misappropriated millions of dollars of investor funds and spent it on luxury cars and real estate.

Lee is charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy, two counts of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, and three counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. If convicted, Lee faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy counts, and up to 10 years in prison for each count of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions.

Chandran was arrested in June 2022 and charged for his alleged role in the scheme. Michael Glaspie, who fraudulently marketed the investment with Chandran’s companies under the name “CoinDeal,” pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in February 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Steven A. Russell for the District of Nebraska, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case with significant assistance provided by the FBI Las Vegas and Omaha Field Offices.

Assistant Chief William E. Johnston and Trial Attorney Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Kleine for the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case. Senior Policy Advisor Darrin McCullough of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture.

All investor victims of this fraud are encouraged to visit the webpage www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-neil-chandran-united-states-v-michael-glaspie to identify themselves as potential victims and obtain more information on their rights as victims, including the opportunity to submit a victim impact statement.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Zakaria Hassan, 30, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 15, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The sentence was enhanced because Hassan had a prior conviction for a serious drug felony. Hassan forfeited his car and $17,533 cash to the government because the car and cash were proceeds of his drug dealing. After he completes his prison sentence, Hassan will also serve 10 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

In February of 2021, Hassan sold approximately 113 grams of methamphetamine to a cooperating witness in Grand Island. The drugs were sent to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau where an analyst confirmed the presence of at least 96 grams of pure methamphetamine. In September 2021, Hassan supplied approximately 85 grams methamphetamine to a cooperating witness in Grand Island. In January 2022, Hassan was arrested in Lincoln after police officers found a distribution amount of methamphetamine in his pocket and in the engine compartment of his car. During a search of his Grand Island residence later that month, police found more drugs, paraphernalia, and $15,893 cash.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, 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.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Daniel Lock, 35, of Falls City, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 17, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 42 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. After he completes his prison sentence, Lock will also serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Between January and June of 2021, Lock and co-defendant Taylor Zimmerling distributed methamphetamine in and around Falls City. Several cooperating witnesses told investigators that Lock and Zimmerling, who is set to be sentenced on July 6, delivered distribution quantities of methamphetamine to them. On June 3, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Lock’s residence in Falls City. Investigators located approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine, scales, packaging material, cash, and a police scanner. A search of cell phones belonging to Lock and Zimmerling revealed messages consistent with drug delivery, sales, and distribution. Lock admitted that the drugs found at the residence belonged to him. A forensic scientist at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab found the drug seizure to contain at least 44 grams of pure methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office.   

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Gabriela Navarrete, 44, of Minden, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for misuse of a social security number. Navarrete was sentenced to time served and will serve 3 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

On November 16, 2017, Gabriela Navarrete filled out and signed a Form I-9 in order to begin employment at Casey’s General Store in Nebraska. On the Form I-9, she filled in the blanks for “U.S. Social Security Number” with a social security number that did not belong to her. As verification of the information provided on the Form I-9, Navarrete provided a Social Security Card bearing her name and the specific social security number (SSN).

Navarrete knew that SSN had not been assigned to her by the Commissioner of Social Security. She provided that SSN with the intention to deceive Casey’s General Store into believing that number was assigned to her. Navarrete made that false representation to satisfy Section 274A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned ten unsealed Indictments charging ten 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.

*          Fernando Aguirre-Quintero, age 24, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 1, 2023.  The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.

*          Danielle Cleary, age 28, of Bancroft, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I charges Cleary with assault resulting in serious bodily injury on the Omaha Indian Reservation on or about January 11, 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.  Count II charges Cleary with child abuse on the Omaha Indian Reservation on or about January 11, 2023.  The penalty if convicted is 3 years’ imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, an eighteen-month term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  

Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.

*          Jeffrey Edwards, age 66, of Omaha, is charged in a sixteen-count Indictment.  Counts I through IX charge Edwards with healthcare fraud between on or about 2010 and continuing to on or about 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.  Counts X through XIII charge Edwards with controlled substance prescribed outside the usual course of medical practice between on or about 2010 and continuing to on or about 2019.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a not less than three-years’ and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Counts XIV through XVI charge Edwards with false statements relating to health care matters on or about February 15, 2018 and continuing to on or about November 19, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.

*          Marcus Green, age 41, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I charges Green with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on or about July 1, 2022.  The penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges Green with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense on or about July 1, 2022.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to life imprisonment to run consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III charges Green with prohibited person in possession of a firearm on or about July 1, 2022.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  

Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.

*          Robert Vincent Harris, age 56, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I charges Harris with distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury on or about February 14, 2023.  The penalty if convicted is not less than 20 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a three-year and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges Harris with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on or about February 14, 2023 and continuing until February 15, 2023.  The penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   

Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.

*          Alejandro Hernandez-Hernandez, a/k/a Alejandro Hernandez, age 37, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 9, 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.

Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.

*          Robert Johnson, age 39, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I charges Johnson with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about July 1, 2022.  The 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.  Count II charges Johnson with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense on or about July 1, 2022.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to life imprisonment to run consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than five-years and up to life term of supervised release consecutive, and a $100 special assessment. 

Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.

*          Riek J. Kuany, age 24, is charged in a four-count Indictment.  Count I charges Kuany with Bank Robbery on or about April 6, 2023.  The 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 Kuany with brandishing a weapon to commit a federal crime of violence on or about April 6, 2023.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment to run consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release consecutive, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III charges Kuany with Bank Robbery on or about April 11, 2023.  The penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-years term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IV charges Kuany with brandishing a weapon to commit a federal crime of violence on or about April 22, 2023.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment to run consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release consecutive, and a $100 special assessment. 

Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.

*          Kevin Radik, age 37, of Papillion, Nebraska, is charged with delay or destruction of mail beginning on or about December 1, 2022 and continuing through on or about March 16, 2023.  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. 

Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.

*          Allan Onelio Velasquez-Velasquez, age 47, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony conviction beginning on or about May 10, 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. 

Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Christopher Benjamin Blanton, 30, of Fort Worth, Texas, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his involvement in a string of pharmacy burglaries that occurred in Nebraska.  United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Blanton to 63 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Blanton will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Blanton was also ordered to pay $24,917 in restitution.

From February 10, 2021 to February 12, 2021, seven Nebraska pharmacies, located in Springfield, Fremont, and Omaha, were burglarized.  In response, a DEA-led task force was formed, which included the Omaha Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.  Court-authorized warrants were obtained for cell tower data in the area of the burglaries, that when compared, established that specific cell phones were present at the different burglaries.  It was determined from the data that the cell phones were traveling between Texas and Nebraska via Interstate 35.  With cooperation from law enforcement agencies in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Iowa, it was determined that two individuals involved in the pharmacy burglaries were Blanton and Christopher Williams.

Williams is scheduled to enter a plea of guilty on May 24, 2023.

“DEA takes the theft and diversion of pharmaceutical drugs seriously, as many prescription medications are highly addictive,” said DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King. “This defendant was likely driven by the money he would get selling these drugs on the black market, but the cost to public health and safety is intolerable. By his thoughtless, criminal actions, he not only harms the individuals he’s selling to, but also the people who need those medications for legitimate medical reasons. DEA is dedicated to investigating these cases and ensuring access to prescriptions for those who need them.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lugene Burnett, 59, of Omaha, Nebraska, to 21 months’ incarceration for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Burnett will serve a 3-year term of supervised release.

On May 18, 2022, Burnett went to Sol’s Jewelry and Loan and pawned a Savage Arms Springfield 120A .22L rifle for $45. On May 13 and May 22, 2022, Burnett also pawned ammunition at Sol’s. During the transactions, Burnett’s driver’s license was copied, his fingerprints were taken, he was photographed, and he signed documents completing the transaction. The rifle was examined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and was determined to have traveled in interstate commerce prior to Burnett’s possession. The Omaha Police Department investigated the history of the firearm and determined that the firearm belonged to Burnett’s girlfriend’s great uncle who had passed away. Burnett’s girlfriend was present in the pawnshop during the transactions, but Burnett was the one handling the firearm and ammunition and completing the transactions.

Prior to May 13, 2022, Burnett had been and knew he had been convicted of felonies to include Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree and Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree in Iowa and Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act Violation in Nebraska.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partner: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/archives/ag/about-project-guardian. 

 

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Alfredo Escobar, 40, of Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Conspiracy to Possesses with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Escobar to 10 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Escobar will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

Law enforcement made two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Escobar over the course of a 10-month period in the Omaha area. The first buy was for one ounce of methamphetamine on August 3, 2020. The second buy was for two ounces of methamphetamine on June 1, 2021.  On June 11, 2021, a search warrant was served on Escobar’s Omaha residence with officers locating approximately one pound of methamphetamine. During a post-arrest interview, Escobar admitted to his involvement in distributing methamphetamine.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Tomas Lorenzo-Cruz, 45, of Mexico, was sentenced on May 16, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Lorenzo-Cruz to 135 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Lorenzo-Cruz will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

Beginning in November 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated Operation Pollos Socios, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) to investigate the distribution activities of a Mexican-based Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) active in Omaha, Nebraska.  This investigation included numerous warrants including a court-authorized Title III interception of phone calls and text messages.  During the investigation, DEA special agents identified Lorenzo-Cruz as a methamphetamine distributor for the DTO.  A Title III intercept of Lorenzo-Cruz’s phone led investigators to other co-conspirators.  Ultimately, a search warrant was executed on a stash house that resulted in the seizure of 21 pounds of pure methamphetamine.  

Lorenzo-Cruz was the last defendant to be sentenced as part of this investigation.  Fidel Cardenas-Alvarez was sentenced on December 9, 2022, to 144 months’ imprisonment.  Darald Sandman was sentenced on March 6, 2023, to 138 months’ imprisonment.  Teresa Forbes was sentenced on March 6, 2023, to 70 months’ imprisonment.

“The Sinaloa Cartel is one of two Mexican drug trafficking organizations who have made their destructive presence felt in the United States and within our own Midwestern communities,” Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said. “The DEA remains focused on targeting and disrupting associates and distributors of the Cartel. Today’s sentencing is the result of the cooperative efforts between several state, local and federal law enforcement partners. Working together we can make a positive impact in Nebraska.”

This effort is part of an OCDETF investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Cory D. Sikes, 41, of Holdrege, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for possession of child pornography. Sikes was sentenced to 138 months in prison and will also serve 10 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Sikes was additionally ordered to pay $3,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of crimes.

This case began when a CyberTipline Report (“CTR”) was provided to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children from a social media application on October 31, 2021. The CTR specified that eight images and one video depicting child pornography were uploaded by an individual, later identified as Sikes, between the dates of October 28, 2021 and October 29, 2021.

Based on the information from the CTR, a search warrant was received and executed on January 13, 2022, for Sikes’s residence. During the search, Sikes was interviewed and admitted to searching for child pornography online. Several of Sikes’s devices were seized during the execution of the search warrant. The devices were forensically downloaded and examined. Sikes’s personal cellphone contained 120 images of child pornography and another 483 images were questionable and/or child erotica. His laptop contained 350 images of child pornography and another 500 images which were questionable and/or child erotica.

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.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Juan Velasquez-Velasquez, 48, of Guatemala, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for false representation of a social security number. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Velasquez-Velasquez to imprisonment for 6 months. There is no parole in the federal system.  After completing his term of imprisonment, Velasquez-Velasquez will begin a 1-year term of supervised release. Velasquez-Velasquez will be removed by immigration authorities from the United States to Mexico after completing his sentence.

In August of 2022, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (NEDMV) Fraud Unit contacted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) after receiving a complaint from an identity theft victim.

HSI obtained a copy of a USCIS Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form completed by the Velasquez-Velasquez on February 24, 2022, at Cornerstone Staffing using the victim’s name, date of birth, and Social Security Number.  Velasquez-Velasquez used a fraudulent Nebraska Identification Card and a Social Security Card bearing the victim’s Social Security Number, as proof of identity to obtain employment. Velasquez-Velasquez also attested to holding U.S. citizenship while completing the form.

The case was investigated by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.     

 

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Steven Sainsbury, 47, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for his participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy and for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Sainsbury to 240 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge for a total sentence of 300 months in the Bureau of Prisons.  There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

On March 31, 2021, an Omaha Police confidential source purchased more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from Sainsbury, an Omaha-based methamphetamine dealer.  A search of his home resulted in the seizure of more than 300 grams of methamphetamine, 19 grams of heroin, 14 grams of cocaine, a Glock 10mm handgun, and $5,744 in United States currency.

In an interview with police, Sainsbury provided police with the name of his supplier: co-defendant Jose Leyva-Martinez.  With this information, officers searched Leyva-Martinez’s home, seizing nearly 4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, money transfer receipts, ammunition, 2 drug scales, vehicle titles for a gray Toyota Tacoma, a gray Honda civic, and a black GMC 1500, a money counter, drug ledger, jewelry, $468,990.00 in United States currency, and an Astra 9mm handgun.  The handgun was found in a bedroom near $28,000 in United States currency.

Leyva-Martinez admitted to being a methamphetamine supplier and distributor for the Sinaloa Cartel.  He admitted that all three vehicles and the residence were put in his name at the direction of the Cartel.  Law enforcement estimated that the seized currency represented cash proceeds from the sale of more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine.  This was confirmed by Leyva-Martinez and Sainsbury, both of whom admitted to distributing between 1-3 pounds of methamphetamine, per day, over the course of the previous several months. 

Leyva-Martinez’s home, vehicles, monies, and other valuables were seized by law enforcement as proceeds of narcotics trafficking.  For his part in the conspiracy, Leyva-Martinez was sentenced to 270 months in the Bureau of Prisons followed by a five-year term of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jose Adan Rodriguez-Meza, 39, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in methamphetamine drug trafficking. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Rodriguez-Meza to 135 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Lorenzo-Cruz will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

In February 2022, Rodriguez-Meza was identified by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Police Department as a bulk distributor of methamphetamine.  Using a confidential informant, investigators purchased a total of six pounds of methamphetamine on February 28, 2022, March 23, 2022, and April 8, 2022.  On April 8, 2022, a search warrant was executed on Rodriguez-Meza’s residence and an additional four pounds of pure methamphetamine were seized.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Dirk Johnson, 58, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy that included possessing firearms in furtherance of the conspiracy.  Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Johnson to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Johnson will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

On December 19, 2019, Sarpy County Sheriff’s investigators executed a search warrant on the home of Johnson and Linda Riaski.  During the search, dozens of small baggies of methamphetamine were located.  Johnson and Riaski were stopped while driving past the residence while the search was ongoing.  In the vehicle, more baggies of methamphetamine and a handgun were found.  In a second vehicle located on the property, more baggies of methamphetamine and another firearm were located.  Johnson was involved in possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine during the conspiracy that occurred from December 1, 2019, through December 19, 2019.

Riaski was sentenced on February 16, 2023, to a term of imprisonment of 120 months for her role in the conspiracy and for possessing firearms.

This case was investigated by the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Katherine Marie Tacheira, 51, of Walnut Creek, California, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for her participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy.  Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Tacheira to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Tacheira will begin a five-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 Lindsey Rokahr and Dallas Rhinehart for their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Norfolk, Nebraska, area.  As a result of the investigation, it was determined that Tacheira was the source of the methamphetamine, who would mail multi-ounce packages from California to recipients in Nebraska.  The USPS was able to determine that three packages of methamphetamine were sent by Tacheira in July, August, and September of 2020.  The September package from Tacheira to Rokahr was intercepted and contained three ounces of methamphetamine.  The total amount of methamphetamine sent by Tacheira was 13 ounces.

Rhinehart was sentenced on March 13, 2023, to 130 months’ imprisonment.  Rokahr has entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy and is set for sentencing on August 4, 2023.

This case was investigated by the Holt County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and United States Postal Inspection Service.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that two No Name Demon gang members were sentenced on May 11, 2023 for their roles in the video recorded gang rapes of two minor females in Lincoln, Nebraska.  One victim was 16 years old at the time of the assault and the other was 14 years old.  Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Isaiah Dorsey, 21, of Lincoln to 240 months, or 20 years, in federal prison for conspiracy to produce child pornography.  Krysean Reynolds, 21, of Lincoln, Nebraska was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for producing child pornography.

Investigation revealed that the gang members were tricking young women into Reynolds’s home and then forcing them to participate in painful sexual acts with multiple gang members at the same time, and one victim had a cut glass bottle forced inside her body against her will.  Reynolds and Dorsey recorded the rapes and shared them in the No Name Demon’s group Snapchat. Each of the defendants also pleaded guilty to participating in a firearms conspiracy in furtherance of drug trafficking with other gang members and received concurrent sentences for those offenses of 70 months in federal prison.  There is no parole in the federal system.  In addition, at the end of their respective terms of federal imprisonment, each of the defendants will be placed on a term of supervised release for 10 years.

Judge Gerrard described the video recorded rapes of the two underage teenage girls as “unspeakable sexual assaults,” and “horrendous” crimes.  Judge Gerrard went on to state that young men who are willing to join gangs, tote guns, and promote violence on social media need to be prepared to do serious time.  The Court promised to protect the public from these senseless violent acts.

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 primarily investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lincoln Police Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Antonio Olvera, 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for receipt of child pornography.  Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Olvera to 96 months of imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison, Olvera will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.

Between December 8, 2018, and August 22, 2019, Olvera uploaded 184 images of child pornography to DropBox.  Between June 16, 2020, and August 10, 2020, Olvera uploaded another 14 files containing child pornography.  Upon Olvera’s request, between June 22, 2021, and September 22, 2021, a minor sent Olvera via Snapchat images and videos of child pornography depicting the minor.  Olvera engaged in “catfishing” and posed as different individuals online when requesting that the minor send the images and videos.  

On September 22, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Olvera’s Omaha residence.  Agents obtained Olvera’s digital devices and located approximately 417 files containing child pornography.  Agents located the child pornography that Olvera had received from the minor. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Martese Rayshawn Roland, 30, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Escape from Custody. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Roland to one year in prison. He was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.  

On July 18, 2016, Roland was convicted in the District of Nebraska for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Marijuana, and Use of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime.  Roland received a 96-month sentence that he served at the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

On August 17, 2022, Roland was transferred to the Residential Re-Entry Center in Omaha (RRC DISMAS) to finish his sentence that was set to expire on January 14, 2023. On September 16, 2022, Roland left RRC DISMAS without permission. He was located in Omaha by deputies with the United States Marshals Service on October 31, 2022, and was arrested at that time for escape.

This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jerald Schreiber, 66, of Columbus, Nebraska, was found guilty today following a four-day jury trial in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for mail fraud and two counts of making false statements to a government entity. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. scheduled Schreiber’s sentencing for August 4, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

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.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Felix Pena, 34, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced today in Omaha, Nebraska, by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Pena was sentenced to 60 months in prison and will also serve 3 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Additionally, Pena was ordered to pay $404,069 in restitution.

This case began in 2017 when Pena, along with others, conspired and agreed together to devise a scheme to defraud Verizon Wireless. Members of the conspiracy did so by acquiring stolen identities of real United States citizens including at least three individuals from Nebraska. The conspiracy members would use the victims’ information to create Verizon accounts. Once accounts were created, they would purchase cellphones and accessories that would be billed to the accounts, causing financial loss to Verizon and potential credit damage to the individual whose identity was used. Once purchased, the phones would be shipped back to New York or New Jersey where they would be sold on the black market. In February of 2019, two of the conspirators were arrested after attempting to purchase cellphones using the stolen identity of a Nebraska resident in Kearney, Nebraska thus beginning the investigation of this matter.

Pena’s main role in the conspiracy was to run credit reports for the stolen identities so they could determine the credit worthiness of the victim whose identity was being used to open a Verizon account. Pena would also distribute money to the other members of the conspiracy for their roles in the conspiracy. Pursuant to the scheme, Verizon Wireless suffered a loss of $528,002.33.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Kearney Police Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Eric Thibodo, 54, of Malibu, California, and Evan Bowen, 45, of Garberville, California, appeared today before the Honorable Michael D. Nelson, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Nebraska, and pleaded not guilty to a three-count indictment that was unsealed on April 20, 2023. Count I charges Conspiracy to Distribute 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. The maximum penalty is at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Money Laundering and Count III charges Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. If convicted of either Count II or III, the possible penalty is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Both men were released on conditions and will be monitored by the United States Probation and Pre-Trial Services agency.

David Leidermann, David Bose, and James Reja were also charged in the same indictment. Leidermann and Bose were arrested in California and have yet to make an appearance in the District of Nebraska. Reja has not been arrested. All defendants charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The indictment is the result an investigation dating back to September of 2019 and has revealed evidence of more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and millions of dollars in drug proceeds being illegally transported in the District of Nebraska and elsewhere.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kristen M. Patterson, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon. United States District Brian C. Buescher sentenced Patterson to 72 months’ imprisonment.  She was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release after her release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

In the early morning hours on April 7, 2021, Omaha Police officers observed Patterson’s truck and attached trailer parked and blocking the entrance of a storage facility in Omaha. After running the plates, officers discovered the trailer was stolen. Using their loudspeakers, patrol lights, spotlight, and sirens, law enforcement attempted to call Patterson out of the truck for approximately 20 minutes. Despite observing Patterson actively moving around the driver’s seat several times, Patterson did not comply with officer requests. After law enforcement made contact with Patterson, they discovered a knife on her driver’s seat and a firearm within hands reach in the inside open pocket of the center console. Patterson knew she was a felon at the time and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. Patterson was the sole person in the truck. Her truck and the stolen trailer were packed with her household items because she was moving.

At trial, Patterson testified that she did not know that the firearm was in her truck despite it being next to her leg and visible from the driver’s seat. After hearing this testimony and other evidence at trial, the jury found her guilty. In determining her sentence Judge Buescher found that Patterson obstructed justice by lying when she testified at her trial. He ultimately sentenced her to 72 months’ imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Marques Eiland, 28, and Aarion Jenkins, 29, both of Omaha, Nebraska, were sentenced on May 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for conspiring to distribute marijuana.  Jenkins had already served 11 months in state and federal prison for conduct relating to the conspiracy.  United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Jenkins to an additional 40 months of imprisonment.  Judge Buescher sentenced Eiland to 31 months.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After their release from prison, Jenkins and Eiland will both begin a three-year term of supervised release.

Between October of 2018 and December of 2020, Jenkins and Eiland were part of a marijuana conspiracy in Omaha, involving greater than 50 kilograms of marijuana.  As part of the conspiracy, individuals shipped marijuana from California to locations in Omaha, including Eiland’s residence.  Jenkins and Eiland were both involved in the distribution of the marijuana in Omaha.  On December 18, 2020, agents executed a search warrant at Eiland’s residence and located approximately 22.5 pounds of marijuana.  Jenkins and Eiland and two co-conspirators, Shawn Thomas and Julio Ayala, were all present.  Thomas and Ayala have also pleaded guilty to being part of the marijuana conspiracy and are pending sentencing. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, the Bellevue Police Department, and the Sacramento California County Sheriff’s Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Taylor Brown, 34, formerly of McCook, Nebraska, and Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Brown to 63 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

From February 2019, through May 2019, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Tina Smith and Taylor Brown for a total of 28 grams.  In addition, cooperating witnesses indicated that they purchased four to five ounces from Brown.   

Smith was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the McCook Police Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kylah Whiting, 21, of Winner, South Dakota, was sentenced on April 28, 2023, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a total term of 10 years’ imprisonment following her conviction for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. After she completes her prison sentence, Whiting will also serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Whiting pleaded guilty to both offenses on January 25, 2023.

On October 17, 2021, a Butler County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Whiting. Whiting refused to stop and a highspeed chase ensued for the next 14 miles. Whiting lost control of the vehicle and wrecked. The vehicle driven by Whiting flipped over and was upside down as officers approached. Two occupants were seen attempting to climb out of the vehicle. Whiting told police there was a gun in the car. A sheriff’s deputy then spotted a Smith & Wesson handgun near the driver’s door. Whiting told police the handgun, as well as a backpack inside the vehicle, were hers. Whiting and her passenger were transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Police searched the car. Whiting’s backpack was found to contain two more firearms, a purse, numerous small baggies which are commonly used to package drugs for resale, four additional baggies containing approximately 293 grams of methamphetamine, and a digital scale. Police also found additional evidence in and around the vehicle consistent with drug distribution.

This case was investigated by the Butler County Sheriff’s Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.  

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Brian Norman, 52, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 28, 2023, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. After he completes his prison sentence, Norman will serve seven years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

On January 4, 2022, an individual working with law enforcement purchased cocaine from Norman. Following the sale, investigators contacted Norman in the front passenger seat of a car that was parked in a parking lot of a Lincoln business. Investigators found cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA tablets, hydrocodone tablets, and suspected LSD in a bag located at Norman’s feet. Investigators also located numerous baggies, a digital scale, and other drug paraphernalia consistent with drug distribution.

Investigators found about one and a half pounds of methamphetamine in two bags in Norman’s coat pockets. He also had $816 cash in his pocket. The methamphetamine was sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab where a forensic scientist found the methamphetamine to be 99% pure resulting in at least 630 grams of pure methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Donovan Shaw, 29, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by way of robbery with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a robbery.  Shaw’s co-defendant, Leonard Hatten, was convicted following a jury trial in March and is awaiting sentencing. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Shaw to 112 months’ imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $400 special assessment.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

Shaw pleaded guilty to attempting to rob a Family Dollar store and robbing a Bucky’s gas station at gunpoint in Omaha. Shaw was also sentenced for robbing a Kwik Shop, a second Bucky’s location, a Tobacco Hut, and a Sergeant Peffer’s restaurant in Omaha.  Shaw was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,073.41.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jeremy M. Boyd, 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for receipt and distribution and of child pornography. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Boyd to imprisonment for 102 months. There is no parole in the federal system.  After completing his term of imprisonment, Boyd will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Boyd must also pay an assessment of $1,500 to victims of child pornography offenses.

On April 6, 2020, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) forwarded a CyberTip to the Nebraska Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) Task Force in Lincoln, Nebraska. The CyberTip was received by NCMEC from MediaLab/Kik on February 27, 2020. Kik is a freeware instant messaging mobile app available for use on cell phones. According to the report, a Kik user uploaded several video files depicting child pornography. An investigator reviewed the video files and confirmed they depicted child pornography.

Investigators used the Kik account information to obtain the suspect’s internet protocol (IP) address, which led them to Boyd’s residential address. Investigators obtained a warrant and searched the residence on July 2, 2020. Three devices (a black gaming computer, an LG Tribute smartphone, and a Lexar USB flash drive) were seized. Investigators interviewed Boyd, who made admissions about receiving and viewing child pornography and having previously used the Kik app. A forensic examination of the gaming computer yielded 16 additional digital videos depicting child pornography. At least one video depicts the sexual abuse or exploitation of a 3- to 5-year-old female.

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.

The case was investigated by the Nebraska Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) Task Force.     

 

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Tiffany Davis, 40, of Alliance, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Davis to 51 months of imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After her release from prison, Davis will begin a four-year term of supervised release.

On November 5, 2021, officers pulled over Davis’s car in Alliance.  Officers executed a search warrant on the car and located approximately 44 grams of actual methamphetamine in Davis’s purse.  Davis was intending to distribute the methamphetamine.  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Gianetta Lynn Middleton, 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha on April 25, 2023, for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location. United States District Brian C. Buescher sentenced Middleton to 168 months’ imprisonment.  She was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release after her release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

Between September 1, 2021, and November 23, 2021, Middleton and others conspired to distribute 168 grams of methamphetamine from her apartment in Fremont, Nebraska. During this time period, Middleton sold methamphetamine multiple times from her apartment, which is located across the street from a city park.

This case was investigated by the Fremont Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Gilberto Aguilar-Beltran, 46, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. A federal jury found Aguilar-Beltran guilty of both counts of the Superseding Indictment on January 27, 2023. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Aguilar-Beltran to imprisonment for a term of 293 months as to each count, to be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Aguilar-Beltran may later face removal (deportation) from the United States to Mexico by immigration authorities.

On May 12, 2021, Omaha Police observed Aguilar-Beltran, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, meet up with two people driving a black SUV at a Taco Bell on South 42nd Street. A male from the black SUV got into Aguilar-Beltran’s Jeep and they briefly drove around before returning to the Taco Bell. The male returned to the black SUV and departed at the same time as the Jeep. Omaha Police stopped the black SUV, and after completing a canine sniff of the exterior, they searched it. Officers recovered approximately one pound of meth and arrested the driver and passenger.  

Following this apparent drug transaction, OPD detectives gathered additional evidence of Aguilar-Beltran’s involvement in methamphetamine distribution. Ultimately, on July 15, 2021, officers executed a search warrant at Aguilar-Beltran’s home, locating distribution quantities of methamphetamine, cash, a digital scale, and packaging materials consistent with drug trafficking.

Investigators further determined through deconfliction and cooperation with federal investigative agencies that Aguilar-Beltran’s activities in furtherance of drug trafficking extended beyond methamphetamine distribution. A cooperating witness testified at trial that Aguilar-Beltran collected thousands of dollars in proceeds from methamphetamine sales for the organization. Additional witnesses testified that Aguilar-Beltran allowed the detached garage at his residence to be used over a period of several years for the regular off-loading of dozens of pounds of methamphetamine from a “trap” car that had been driven repeatedly to Omaha from the southwest border. The methamphetamine from the trap car was intended for distribution in Nebraska.

This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that James Ferman Chatman, 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for sex trafficking of a minor by force. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Chatman to 324 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Chatman will serve 10 years of supervised release. Chatman was also ordered to pay $1,300 in restitution. Chatman will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Law enforcement began investigating in September 2021 after receiving information from FBI Innocence Lost that a missing 17-year-old female was actively being advertised online for commercial sex in Omaha. Investigators located and contacted the minor female who advised that she was being forced to engage in commercial sex sales by a person known to her as “James Cooper.” The minor stated that “James” kept all of the money received from sex buyers. The minor reported that she had been sexually assaulted by “James” and that “James” had been providing her with cocaine. Evidence uncovered by law enforcement showed James Ferman Chatman had created online commercial sex ads depicting the minor female in addition to ads depicting other females. After the minor was recovered, Chatman continued to post commercial sex ads in various states across the county. In November 2021, investigators learned that Chatman had returned to a hotel in Omaha. Investigators arrested Chatman at the hotel. Also staying in the hotel room was an adult female who advised that she was being sold for sex by Chatman and that Chatman used violence and threats of violence to keep her engaging in commercial sex sales.

In 2019, Chatman was convicted of Unlawful Sexual Acts with a 16–17 Year Old in Leon County, Florida. Chatman had not registered as a sex offender in Nebraska after leaving Florida.

"The FBI remains resolute in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and bringing child predators to justice. We value and recognize the critical work of our law enforcement partners. As with many crimes we investigate, we cannot do it without collaboration from the law enforcement community and the public," said Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the Omaha Field Office.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Aaron Jason Burkholder, 46, of Nebraska, was sentenced today to 18 months for escape from a federal reentry center by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following his release from prison, Burkholder will serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

In December of 2021, Burkholder was serving a prior federal sentence for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual.  He was transferred from the Federal Bureau of Prisons to a Residential Reentry Center (RRC) in Kearney, Nebraska, to finish serving the remainder of his sentence and was scheduled for release in November of 2022.  However, on June 28, 2022, Burkholder escaped from the custody of the RRC by cutting off his GPS ankle monitor after being ordered to return to the RRC due to rules violations.  Attempts by RRC staff to contact Burkholder were unsuccessful and he was placed on escape status.  He was arrested on a federal warrant on October 18, 2022.  Burkholder’s RRC placement on his previous federal sentence was revoked, and he is scheduled to complete his incarceration with the Bureau of Prisons on that sentence in April of 2024.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Anthony Jose Franco, 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.  Franco received a sentence of 120 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

In August 2022, Franco became the subject of a DEA investigation for his role in distributing fentanyl in Omaha.  On August 5, 2022, an undercover agent purchased 21.3 grams of fentanyl directly from Franco.  A second undercover buy on August 24, 2022, resulted in 29.3 grams of fentanyl being purchased.  On September 9, 2022, Franco was arrested while delivering 58.7 grams of fentanyl to the undercover agent.  That same day, a search warrant was executed at the residence in which Franco was staying.  More than 326 fentanyl pills with venue to Franco and an AK-47 assault rifle were seized. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

 

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jonathan Manzi, 31, currently of Beverly, Massachusetts, was sentenced on April 20, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for obtaining information from a protected computer.  Manzi was sentenced to 18 months in prison and will also serve a year on supervised release. Manzi was also ordered to pay $655,000 in restitution. 

Manzi was an owner and co-founder of Ink Labs, Inc., a business that specialized in technology to permit its customers and users to upload materials to “the cloud” and then print those uploaded materials at an Ink Labs “kiosk” or other printing location for a fee.  The majority of Ink Labs’ customers are colleges and universities.  One of Ink Labs competitors in this market was Wepa, Inc., a business located in Pelham, Alabama.  The victim identified in the investigation worked at Ink Labs until February, 2017, when he resigned from his position.  The victim later took a job at Wepa, Inc. as a regional sales representative.

In June, 2017, while traveling abroad with his family in Spain, the victim received notifications from both Google regarding his Gmail account and from his cellular provider, AT&T.  These notifications made the victim aware that someone had been attempting to access his device and accounts.  While still in Spain, the victim’s cellular phone lost service.  He contacted AT&T and was told that he had requested that his phone number be moved to a Samsung device.  The victim informed AT&T that he had not authorized this change and asked that his number be moved back to his phone.  On this same day the victim also noticed that he was unable to log into his Gmail account using his credentials. 

Evidence established that on July 1, 2017, Manzi accessed the victim’s Google email account without authorization.  Additionally, Manzi impersonated the victim to AT&T to gain control over the victim’s phone.  Once gaining control, Manzi was able to access the information contained in files and applications on the Google accounts, including access to the victim’s email account and web-based applications.  Manzi then was able to obtain the victim’s login credentials for the Dropbox account for Wepa, Inc., which Manzi then used to access files belonging to Wepa. 

In July, 2017, Manzi again accessed Wepa’s Dropbox account using the victim’s Google account and changed the password of the victim’s Dropbox account. Once Manzi accessed the Wepa, Inc. Dropbox account, Manzi was again able to access information of Wepa, Inc., including customer information.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Connie Robinson, 33, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.  Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Robinson to 192 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.  After her release from prison, she will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.

 On April 14, 2022, a Lincoln Police Department officer was on duty checking hotels in Lincoln.  The officer saw a black Ford sedan sitting in a hotel lot.  The license plate on the vehicle did not match that vehicle.  The officer stopped and made contact with the vehicle.  Robinson, who was in the front passenger seat, rolled down the window for the officer.  The officer smelled marijuana odor coming from the vehicle.  Another officer arrived on the scene, and the vehicle was searched.  The second officer opened a fanny pack where Robinson had been seated and found a pipe, baggies, a scale, and about 98 grams of actual methamphetamine.  Officers also found about 2.4 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in a sunglass case on the driver’s side. Robinson was arrested and taken to jail. While there, she made an excited utterance that the case was hers.

Robinson had a prior conviction for delivery of a controlled substance which raised the mandatory minimum sentence in this case from 10 to 15 years’ imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.