District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Massey Allen, 42, of Omaha and South Sioux City, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for distribution of methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Allen to 87 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a four-year term of supervised release.
On June 21, 2022, Allen sold methamphetamine to a cooperating witness working with law enforcement. Forensic testing by a crime laboratory confirmed 139 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Omaha Police Department, and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Theft of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Terry Barfield, 19, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for stealing firearms from a federally licensed dealer. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Barfield to imprisonment for 36 months to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release.
On August 8, 2022, forty-four (44) firearms were stolen during a break-in of the store front of Frontier Justice, a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), in Omaha. Investigators determined that three suspects broke exterior windows of the store and entered wearing face coverings and gloves. They were observed to be driving a white sedan.
On August 19, 2022, Omaha Police Department (OPD) detectives observed a car matching the description of the sedan used during the break-in of Frontier Justice. OPD officers stopped the car at North 35th and Jaynes Streets and the four occupants fled on foot. A detective observed Barfield in possession of a black handgun which he (Barfield) placed in his waistband while he was fleeing. Three suspects were arrested including Barfield, and Barfield’s cell phone was seized. Detectives searched the area and recovered a Glock 34 9mm handgun. The Glock was later confirmed to have been stolen from Frontier Justice during the August 8, 2022, break-in. Another firearm was found near the car. OPD later obtained a warrant to search Barfield’s cell phone which yielded additional evidence of his involvement in the break-in.
On August 30, 2022, OPD officers executed a warrant to search Barfield’s residence. Investigators recovered another firearm during the search (a CZ P-10c 9mm handgun) which was also confirmed to have been stolen from Frontier Justice. Barfield was arrested and interviewed and admitted the CZ P-10c firearm found at his residence was his, though he falsely claimed he found it at a party. He denied knowing about the break-in at Frontier Justice.
This case was 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the Jorge Felix Morejon, 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for theft of mail. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Morejon to five months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Morejon will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Chief Judge Rossiter ordered Morejon to pay restitution in the amount of $25.
In July 2022, United States Postal Inspectors found duct tape rings inside the snorkel of a mail collection box located in Omaha. Postal Inspectors determined that the tape rings were used to collect mail without knowledge of the mailer. The mail could then be manually retrieved from the tape within the mail collection box. Found on the tape were eight fingerprints that were identified as the prints of Morejon. As part of their investigation, Postal Inspectors placed a test mailing containing two gift cards on the tape found in the mail collection box. Surveillance showed Morejon using the gift cards at various locations in Omaha.
Morejon was convicted in 2017 in Miami, Florida, of mail theft using a similar means.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Victoria Bindas, 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 6, 2023, by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Bindas received a sentence of 121 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
Beginning in mid-2018, a Drug Enforcement Administration task force started investigating the methamphetamine distribution operation of David Duane Short, based out of the Omaha, Nebraska, metro area. This investigation included a court ordered Title III interception of phone calls and text messages, allowing agents to identify the scope of the conspiracy and its’ members. Bindas was intercepted on numerous occasions contacting Short and was obtaining mutli-ounce quantities of methamphetamine. These deals between Short and Bindas were monitored by law enforcement. Bindas was ultimately held responsible for her in buying at least 1200 grams of methamphetamine from Short to distribute.
In addition to Bindas, several members of this multi-state drug trafficking organization have now been sentenced. Edward Glen Summers (Council Bluffs) was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment, Kaden Henry (Wisner, Nebraska) was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment, Rose Ellen Points (Council Bluffs) was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, Chelsea Leigh Short (Omaha) was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment, Christian Gonzalez-Gardea (El Paso, Texas) was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment, Rex Lee Kmiecik (Omaha) was sentenced to 132 months’ imprisonment, Robert Root (Council Bluffs) was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment, and David Duane Short (Omaha) was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, IRS’s Criminal Investigations, and the Pottawattamie County (Iowa) Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Citizen Sentenced for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Kenneth Flowers, 48, was sentenced on April 6, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Flowers to 40 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Flowers will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On March 18, 2021, the DEA Criminal Interdiction Unit, while working at the U.S. Post Office in Omaha, Nebraska, intercepted a package containing 1,585 grams of pure methamphetamine. The package was destined to be delivered to an address in Omaha. Undercover special agents delivered the package to the listed address and observed Flowers pick up the package and deliver the package to the residence of Elmer Hernandez. Flowers was then arrested. Hernandez was later arrested for drug and firearm offenses.
Hernandez has pled guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on April 19, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
28 Year Old Sentenced on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Eduardo Marquez, 28, was sentenced April 6, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and as an addict in possession of a firearm. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Marquez to 84 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
On April 27, 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration arranged to purchase 1,000 fentanyl pills from a Mexico-based source of supply using a confidential source. The source of supply provided the confidential source with Marquez’s phone number.
The confidential source, under the direction of law enforcement, successfully purchased the fentanyl from Marquez. Following the purchase, DEA Agents searched Marquez’s residence and recovered 573 grams of cocaine, 139 grams of fentanyl, an AK-47 rifle and a .45 caliber handgun. Marquez was arrested at the residence. He admitted selling cocaine and possessing the .45 caliber handgun.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Guatemalan Woman Sentenced for Use of Fraudulent Identity Documents to WorkRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Cristian Yanira Ruiz-Cardona, 28, was sentenced on Thursday, April 6, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for use of immigration documents not lawfully issued, false representation of a Social Security number with intent to deceive, and for making a false claim to U.S. Citizenship. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Ruiz to probation for a term of 3 years, including a condition for home detention for 180 days. Ruiz may later face removal (deportation) from the United States to Guatemala by immigration authorities.
In March of 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (NEDMV) Fraud Unit regarding an identity theft case under investigation by the Dixon County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). A suspect in that case used fraudulent identity documents in the name of C.M. to work at Michael’s Foods in Wakefield, Nebraska. The suspect told the DCSO deputy that she had used a Social Security card and identification card (the fraudulent C.M. identity documents) obtained from Ruiz, and that Ruiz required that the suspect to return them to her (Ruiz) later.
HSI learned that Ruiz had been arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol in 2009, placed in removal proceedings at that time, and released. In 2020, HSI received information that the defendant was selling identity documents in Wakefield, Nebraska. She was arrested again but was released due to lack of jail space. At the time, she was not prosecuted for selling identity documents, but it was determined that she was working for Michael’s Foods in Wakefield under another identity, “A.C.”.
At the time she was arrested in this case she was working at Williams Form Engineering in Wayne, Nebraska under the identity of C.M., the same identity she provided to the suspect in the Dixon County case for use at Michael’s Foods. Ruiz used counterfeit identity documents in C.M.’s name including a Kansas Identification Card and a Social Security Card bearing the C.M.’s Social Security Number, as proof of identity to obtain employment. Ruiz also attested that she was a U.S. Citizen during the hiring process.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit.
Elkhorn Man Sentenced to 102 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that John R. Steier, age 32, was sentenced in federal court today in Omaha, Nebraska, for distributing child pornography. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Steier to 102 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Steier will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Steier was also ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution and a $4,000 assessment.
Between October 28, 2019, and April 29, 2021, from his Elkhorn, Nebraska, residence, Steier made child pornography available for download on the internet program eMule. On July 19, 2021, from the Glenwood, Iowa, fire department, Steier made child pornography available for download from the same eMule account. Steier was a fireman in Glenwood. On October 14, 2021, agents searched Steier’s Elkhorn residence. During the search, Steier took agents to the Glenwood fire department and agents obtained his laptop. Agents located approximately 80 videos of child pornography (40 unique) on the laptop.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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.
Walthill Man Sentenced to 110 Months for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Collin Parker, 29, of Walthill, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court today 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 Parker to 110 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Parker will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On August 20, 2021, officers stopped a vehicle in Macy, Nebraska, containing four people, including Parker and co-defendant Terrence Sherman. Officers located approximately 123.18 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a 12-gauge shotgun. Parker and Sherman had conspired to distribute methamphetamine and they possessed the shotgun in furtherance of that conspiracy. Sherman pled guilty on February 23, 2023, and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Pablo Inda, 33, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Inda to 57 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On November 9, 2020, Inda sold an Aero Precision Model X15 .223 rifle to a confidential witness working with law enforcement. The transaction, which occurred at Inda’s residence in Omaha, was audio and video recorded. Inda also sold the confidential witness three 30-round magazines, one 40-round magazine, and 99 rounds of ammunition. The rifle had been reported stolen from a home burglary in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on September 7, 2020.
A second gun sale by Inda on October 19, 2020, of an Intratec Model TecDC9 9mm handgun, to the same cooperating witness was also considered by the court as relevant conduct at sentencing.
Inda is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law because of a prior felony conviction for unlawful/intentional discharge of a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Threatening Bank EmployeesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced today that Jason Charles Fink, 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for transmitting an interstate communication containing a threat. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Fink to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Fink will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On May 26, 2021, Fink, using his cellphone in Omaha left a voicemail with Community State Bank at their Ankeny, Iowa branch. In the voicemail Fink threatened to harm Community State Bank employees. Fink’s voicemail was eventually received by employees of Community State Bank who reported the voicemail to law enforcement.
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: the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/archives/ag/about-project-guardian.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Michael Dickmeyer, 24, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for distribution and receipt of child pornography. The Honorable Brian C. Buescher sentenced Dickmeyer to 96 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Dickmeyer will serve 5 years of supervised release. Dickmeyer was also ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution.
In October 2021, law enforcement began investigating after receiving a Cybertip from Twitter stating that a user had uploaded child pornography. Investigators contacted Dickmeyer who admitted to accessing, viewing, and trading images and videos of child pornography online. Investigators searched Dickmeyer’s cell phone and observed more than 700 images and videos of child pornography on the device.
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.
Last Conspirator Sentenced in Methamphetamine Drug RingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Dustin Charles Vogel, 36, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Vogel to 140 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.
On October 6, 2021, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Metro Fugitive Task Force were attempting to locate co-defendant Haley Coffman, who had an outstanding felony warrant for violating her bond conditions on a charge of possessing methamphetamine in Douglas County Court.
Responding to a tip, law enforcement located Coffman at an Omaha area motel. Law enforcement set up surveillance and observed Coffman, Vogel, and Jonathan Miller leaving the hotel and getting into a vehicle, which law enforcement then approached.
The driver of the vehicle, Miller, put the car in reverse and backed up toward law enforcement, striking the front of one of their vehicles with the back of the Impala. An officer was seated in the vehicle when it was hit. Miller then drove his vehicle from the area at a high rate of speed before crashing in a construction area. Miller, Vogel, and Coffman fled on foot before being apprehended a short time later by law enforcement.
During an inventory search of the vehicle, a large amount of suspected methamphetamine was found in a bag on the floorboard. The bag was accessible to all three occupants. A forensic laboratory analyzed the suspected narcotics and determined it to be methamphetamine having a purity of 86.9%, resulting in an actual weight of 255.1 grams.
Haley M. Coffman was sentenced on November 16, 2022, to 170 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release for her participation in the drug conspiracy.
Jonathan Miller was sentenced on August 24, 2022, to 205 months’ imprisonment for his participation in the drug conspiracy and for assault, resisting or impeding an officer with a dangerous or deadly weapon. He was sentenced to 5 years total of supervised release on both charges.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Fugitive Task Force, and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sinaloa Cartel Distributor Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jose Leyva-Martinez, 49, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, 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 Leyva-Martinez to 210 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge for a total sentence of 270 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On March 31, 2021, an Omaha Police confidential source purchased more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from an Omaha-based methamphetamine dealer. A search of the dealer’s 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, the Omaha dealer provided police with the name of his supplier: 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 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.
Leyva-Martinez’s home, vehicles, monies, and other valuables were seized by law enforcement as proceeds of narcotics trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 51 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that MacAnthony Gordon, 37, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Gordon to 51 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Gordon’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On April 4, 2021, Omaha police were called to an apartment building for a report of shots fired. Arriving officers saw a man matching the suspect description sitting on the porch. The man stood up and entered the apartment building. A search of the area discovered a spent shotgun shell casing in the building’s parking lot near a vehicle with apparent fresh damage from a shotgun. Police secured the building and called out the occupants, one of which was Gordon. A search of one of the apartment units uncovered a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun in Gordon’s bedroom along with shotgun ammunition that matched the shell casing from the parking lot. During a post-arrest interview, Gordon denied the shooting but admitted to possessing the shotgun. Gordon has felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a defaced firearm, and domestic assault 2nd degree. As a result of the felony convictions, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.
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 partners: the Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/archives/ag/about-project-guardian.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Davonte Andrews, 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for distributing child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Andrews to 130 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Andrews will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On July 18, 2020, Andrews distributed approximately 11 images of child pornography over the internet via his Discord account. The Discord account contained chat messages between Andrews and another user concerning child pornography. On January 21, 2021, agents searched Andrews’s Omaha residence and located child pornography on his digital devices. There was approximately 905 images and 52 videos of child pornography depicting children between the ages of three and five years old, and 196 images and 58 videos depicting children between the ages of six and eight years old. The child pornography depicted children as young as two years old.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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.
Omaha Man Found Asleep in Vehicle Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Cortez Davieon Grennell, 22, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 29, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, for Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearms. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Grennell to 46 months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
On April 11, 2022, law enforcement was dispatched to North 34th Avenue and Larimore in Omaha regarding a vehicle that had been parked and running for two hours. Officers approached the vehicle and observed Grennell alone and asleep. When law enforcement opened the door, they observed in plain view a sawed-off shotgun and handgun. Grennell admitted he was addicted to methamphetamine and should not have been in possession of the firearms. It is a federal crime for someone that is an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance to possess a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Omaha Woman Sentenced to more than 11 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Karen Barba-Franco, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Barba-Franco to 135 months’ imprisonment. After completing her term of imprisonment, Barba-Franco will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On July 19, 2021, Omaha police officers conducted a traffic stop in South Omaha of a vehicle containing Barba-Franco and two co-defendants, Mauricio Canales-Santiago and Antonia Lopez-Tiznado. Consent to search the vehicle was granted and officers located approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine. A subsequent search warrant was executed on their Omaha residence revealing an additional 19 pounds of methamphetamine. All three gave post-arrest statements admitting their involvement in distributing methamphetamine with one another during the prior two weeks.
Canales-Santiago has a trial date pending. Lopez-Tiznado pled guilty and was sentenced on February 8, 2023, to 135 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Deigo Carter, Jr., 21, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 24, 2023, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 48 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. After he completes his prison sentence, Carter will also serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
In September 2021, Lincoln police officers noticed Carter posting images of firearms on social media. In one video, investigators observed defendant handling a handgun with a unique laser attachment. On September 7, 2021, Carter posted an advertisement for narcotics sales on social media. That evening, police saw Carter leave a residence in a car with others. Investigators noticed a green laser light coming from the car that matched the laser light they had seen on Carter’s social media. The car parked at a Lincoln business, the occupants got out and went inside, then came out and got back in the car, at which time police contacted them. At the time, Carter was serving a term of post-release supervision due to two felony convictions from Lancaster County. He was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he was a felon.
Police recognized Carter, who was in the front passenger seat, from his social media postings. On the driver’s side floor, investigators saw a firearm light attachment similar to the one seen in defendant’s social media postings. Investigators saw a battery used for the attachment on the ground outside of the car, and Carter had a battery for the light in his pocket. In the trunk, police found jars of marijuana residue. In the back seat, police located a THC product Carter had been advertising for sale on social media. One of the backseat passengers had a bag of marijuana on his person. Police also located a stolen pistol containing an extended, loaded magazine. This appeared to be one of the same guns police noticed in Carter’s social media. Investigators obtained DNA samples from the gun and learned that Carter was included as a person who left his DNA on the gun. The handgun, which was manufactured outside of Nebraska, had been reported stolen from a Lincoln apartment about a month prior to September 7, 2021.
Carter’s sentence was enhanced because he possessed the firearm in connection with drug distribution.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the FBI. 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.
Garland Man Sentenced for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matthew French, 36, of Garland, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 24, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States Senior District Judge John M. Gerrard for two counts of producing child pornography. French was sentenced to 225 months in prison and will also serve 12 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. After serving his prison sentence, French will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case began when a school intercepted an email intended for one of its minor students that contained sexually explicit language and requested sexual-related information and photos from the minor. An investigation was opened to determine the identity of the sender of the email. Through investigation, French was identified as the sender.
Through the subsequent investigation it was determined that French would meet minors through his small business, introduction from other minors, or through Snapchat. He would initiate a conversation with the minors and eventually would explain an opportunity to them to make money through “odd easy work.” He would then provide the minor the email address for a fictional individual. French explained to his victims that this fictional person wrote sex stories online and that they wanted the minor’s information to write these stories.
Using the fictional email address, French would pose as the third person and send the minor victims a survey with detailed questions about their sexual activities, proclivities, and anatomy. The email indicated the third person would pay the minor for a response to the survey. The email further contained options to make more money by taking certain sexually related photographs.
A search warrant was received for the email address, related-Google drive, and Google photos accounts and for French’s residence and devices. In reviewing this evidence, investigators discovered copious sexually explicit files. Investigators were able to positively identify four minor victims who provided sexually explicit images or videos to French at his request and who were paid by French.
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 Seward County Sheriff’s Office.
Grand Island Woman Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kendra R. Baker, 37, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Baker to 54 months in prison for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 5 grams or more of methamphetamine actual. After serving her sentence, Baker will serve a 3-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
In March and April of 2021, drug investigators used a confidential informant to arrange the controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Baker. Four methamphetamine purchases were conducted during that time period at various locations in Grand Island and Hastings. The quantities purchased during those buys ranged from a half ounce to two ounces of methamphetamine. Baker sold in total over 125 grams of lab-confirmed methamphetamine. Some of that methamphetamine was tested for purity and determined to contain at least 74 grams of actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Tri-City Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT). TRIDENT is a task force with law enforcement personnel from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Hastings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Kearney Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Dillen Lynn Marzolf, 30, of Lincoln, Nebraska was sentenced on March 23, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 15 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine with a prior serious felony drug conviction. Following the prison term, Marzolf will serve 10 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
In late September of 2021, a confidential informant, working with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, bought a total of approximately 19 grams of methamphetamine from Marzolf at his apartment in Lincoln. On October 1, 2021, investigators obtained a search warrant for his apartment. Marzolf was stopped after leaving the apartment prior to the execution of the warrant and was found in possession of a baggie containing 99 blue pills marked “M30.” He also a had total of about 1 ¼ ounces of marijuana, more than $1,000 in cash and a digital scale. Marzolf was wearing an ankle monitor and said he was on parole. During the search of his apartment, four baggies of methamphetamine and numerous items of drug paraphernalia were found. Testing at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab showed a total of approximately one pound of methamphetamine mixture. Two of the baggies were tested for purity and were found to contain at least 200 grams, (approximately seven ounces) of actual methamphetamine. Marzolf admitted the methamphetamine belonged to him. Marzolf said he had about five customers and had last sold methamphetamine earlier that day. He said the pills were fentanyl which he also intended to sell, and some of the cash came from drug sales.
At the time of his arrest, Marzolf was on parole from an Adams County conviction for distribution of marijuana. He was sentenced to 10 to 15 years in 2012 for that crime. His state parole was revoked following his arrest in the federal case. Marzolf’s federal sentence will run consecutive to (after) the remainder of his state sentence.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Grand Island Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Mark A. Barraza Saenz, 22, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Barraza Saenz to 72 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 132 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On October 12, 2021, in the early morning hours, a Merrick County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a silver sedan heading east bound in Central City, Nebraska. Based on driving infractions, the deputy initiated a traffic stop. Two males were in the sedan, including Barraza Saenz in the front passenger seat. Barraza Saenz admitted to smoking marijuana approximately an hour earlier and consented to the deputy searching him. While searching Barraza Saenz, the deputy found two bundles of methamphetamine. The deputy then searched the trunk of the sedan and found a bag containing methamphetamine. Under the bag was an American Tactical M1911 Military .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol with the magazine containing one bullet next to it. The methamphetamine from Barraza Saenz’s person and the vehicle was laboratory tested and confirmed to be approximately 209 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Merrick County Sheriff’s Office.
Couple Sentenced for Failure to Pay Withheld Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that William H. White, 55, and Sarah A. White, 40, husband and wife, formerly of Roca, Nebraska, were sentenced on March 21, 2023, by the Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for Failure to Pay Over Employment Tax that had been withheld from employees’ paychecks. William White was sentenced to one year and one day imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Sarah White was sentenced to three years of probation and a fine of $10,000. Each was ordered to pay $426,047.75 restitution but was credited for payments they had made previously totaling that same amount.
William and Sarah White owned two businesses that operated in tandem -- B&B Midwest Trucking (B&B) and 419, LLC (419). During portions of 2015 to 2018, B&B and 419 withheld federal income taxes and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) from employees’ paychecks but failed to account for those taxes on time and to pay them over to the Internal Revenue Service. The withheld employee payroll taxes totaled $144,220.31 for B&B, and $281,827.44 for 419. Each business had sufficient funds available to pay the payroll taxes when due. William and Sarah White were aware of the obligation to account for and pay the payroll taxes and were responsible to pay them, but instead used the funds withheld from employees’ paychecks to pay other business creditors and to pay for personal expenses. The businesses had further failed to pay over the employer’s share of payroll taxes to the IRS, but the Whites paid those amounts as well prior to sentencing.
“Business owners have a significant duty to collect and turn over all IRS withholding taxes,” said Thomas F. Murdock, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, St. Louis Field Office. “Those who fail to do so gain an unfair competitive advantage. The failure to abide by IRS laws will not be tolerated, and those criminals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.Lincoln Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Travis J. Nyhoff, 41, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Nyhoff to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual). After serving his sentence, Nyhoff will be placed on supervised release for 5 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
On September 21, 2021, investigators with the Lincoln Police Department saw Nyhoff walking on a sidewalk in Lincoln. The investigators determined that Nyhoff had warrants for his arrest. The investigators contacted Nyhoff at a gas station parking lot. Nyhoff was carrying a backpack with a smaller bag clipped to it. They arrested Nyhoff pursuant to those warrants and searched his person. They found a glass meth pipe with residue on his person. During his arrest, he dropped the backpack he was carrying. Officers searched the bag attached to the backpack and found three baggies containing suspected methamphetamine. Investigators found in the backpack a digital scale with suspected methamphetamine residue. The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the lab for testing. The lab determined that the largest bag contained 60.23 grams of methamphetamine, of which at least 58 grams was actual methamphetamine. The other two bags were confirmed to contain methamphetamine and totaled 80.2 grams.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Daniel Drews, 41, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Drews to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) with a prior serious drug felony conviction. Because of Drews’s prior drug trafficking conviction, he faced a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. After serving his sentence, Drews will be placed on supervised release for 8 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
On May 10, 2022, drug investigators were surveilling a residence in Lincoln. Investigators saw Drews and two others exit the residence and get in the vehicle. Drews got in the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle departed and officers followed. Law enforcement stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation, and Drews exited the vehicle and started walking away with a backpack. Officers instructed him not to run, but he ran and threw the backpack on the ground. Drews was eventually apprehended and taken into custody. Officers searched the backpack that he threw on the ground and found two bags of marijuana, a gun, and a knife. Officers searched his person and found two baggies of suspected methamphetamine and $240 in currency. The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the lab for testing. The lab confirmed that there was at least 22.5 grams of methamphetamine, of which at least 21 grams was actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Rogelio Torres-Rodriguez, 26, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to three years and four months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Torres-Rodriguez will serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On May 25, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration, (DEA), intercepted a package at United Parcel Service in Lincoln, and a trained canine indicated the odor of drugs. The Nebraska State Patrol obtained a search warrant for the package which was found to contain approximately four pounds of methamphetamine. Purity testing at the DEA lab showed more than 1.6 kilograms, (approximately 3 ½ pounds), of actual methamphetamine. An undercover DEA agent delivered a similar-looking package containing about half the methamphetamine to the listed address in Lincoln where it was accepted by Torres-Rodriguez. A search warrant was then executed at that residence for the package, and Torres-Rodriguez was arrested. He waived his rights and told investigators he was expecting the package and knew it contained methamphetamine. Torres-Rodriguez said he intended to turn it over to another person who was supposed to pay him for accepting the package.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Grand Jury - March 2023Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 16 unsealed Indictments charging 16 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.
* Angelica Agena, age 40, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about June 29, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than four years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Victor Hugo Cansino Monzon, age 29, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Cansino Monzon with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 6, 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. Count II charges Cansino Monzon with resisting, opposing, impeding and interfering with an officer on or about March 6, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 1 year imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Estefan Bernardino Chavez, age 29, of Norfolk, Nebraska, is charged with production of child pornography beginning on or about January 31, 2023 and continuing to on or about February 28, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and not more than 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than a five-year and up to life term of supervised release, and $55,100 in special assessments.
* Luis Duran, a/k/a Luis Duran-Salcedo, age 20, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with assault of a dating partner by strangulation or suffocation on the Winnebago Indian Reservation on or about March 16, 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.
* Matthew McCann, age 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges McCann with distribution of child pornography with a prior conviction on or about January 7, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and not more than 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than a five-year and up to life term of supervised release, and $40,100 in special assessments. Count II charges McCann with possession of child pornography with a prior conviction on or about January 7, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than a five-year and up to life term of supervised release, and $22,100 in special assessments.
* Fernando Montoya-Amezcua, age 46, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 14, 2023. 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 a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency and property seized on or about March 14, 2023.
* Carmen Perez Catu a/k/a Jess Manuel Calvillo, age 39, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 9, 2022. 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.
* Edgar Ignacio Salas Zarate, age 30, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about December 7, 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 a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Tobin R. Schaneman, age 45, is charged as a felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 25, 2022. 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.
Adan Silva-Valencia, age 43, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony conviction beginning on or about September 11, 2022 and continuing to on or about March 7, 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.
* Juan Carlos Tapia-Torres, age 43, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 14, 2023. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* David Valdez Ramirez, age 35, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Valdez Ramirez with illegal reentry after a felony conviction on or about March 6, 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 Valdez Ramirez with resisting, opposing, impeding and interfering with an officer on or about March 6, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 1 year imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Nicolas Vicente Lares, age 25, is charged with illegal reentry after being removed as an alien on or about March 1, 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.
* Steven Owen Watson, age 46, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mix) on or about September 26, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than four years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Cameron Woods, age 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) with prior drug felony on or about April 16, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, not less than ten years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Domingo Zetino Hernandez, age 20, of Norfolk, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Zetino Hernandez with false representation of a social security number with intent to deceive on or about December 5, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is a 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Zetino Hernandez with use of false immigration documents not lawfully issued on or December 5, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is a 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Couple Sentenced for Failure to Pay Withheld Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that William H. White, 55, and Sarah A. White, 40, husband and wife, formerly of Roca, Nebraska, were sentenced on March 21, 2023, by the Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for Failure to Pay Over Employment Tax that had been withheld from employees’ paychecks. William White was sentenced to one year and one day imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Sarah White was sentenced to three years of probation and a fine of $10,000. Each was ordered to pay $426,047.75 restitution but was credited for payments they had made previously totaling that same amount.
William and Sarah White owned two businesses that operated in tandem -- B&B Midwest Trucking (B&B) and 419, LLC (419). During portions of 2015 to 2018, B&B and 419 withheld federal income taxes and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) from employees’ paychecks but failed to account for those taxes on time and to pay them over to the Internal Revenue Service. The withheld employee payroll taxes totaled $144,220.31 for B&B, and $281,827.44 for 419. Each business had sufficient funds available to pay the payroll taxes when due. William and Sarah White were aware of the obligation to account for and pay the payroll taxes and were responsible to pay them, but instead used the funds withheld from employees’ paychecks to pay other business creditors and to pay for personal expenses. The businesses had further failed to pay over the employer’s share of payroll taxes to the IRS, but the Whites paid those amounts as well prior to sentencing.
“Business owners have a significant duty to collect and turn over all IRS withholding taxes,” said Thomas F. Murdock, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, St. Louis Field Office. “Those who fail to do so gain an unfair competitive advantage. The failure to abide by IRS laws will not be tolerated, and those criminals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.
Colorado Man Sentenced to 31 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jose O. Maes, 38, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 31 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture with a prior violent felony conviction. Maes was convicted of the offense in November of 2022 after a three-day trial. Following the prison term, Maes will serve 15 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Testimony and evidence presented at trial showed between June of 2020 and February 12, 2021, Maes was involved in a methamphetamine distribution organization which transported multiple pounds of methamphetamine from the Colorado Springs, Colorado, area to the Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska/Council Bluffs, Iowa areas between the latter part of 2020 and February 12, 2022.
On February 11, 2022, investigators with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force saw Maes meet with two co-conspirators at the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs. The three were engaged in what appeared to be the transfer of drugs in the casino parking garage. Shortly thereafter, an exchange of cash occurred at a nearby gas station. Later that evening, the two co-conspirators, driving separate vehicles, were stopped on westbound Interstate 80 on their way back to Lincoln by the Nebraska State Patrol. Both vehicles were searched, and a total of approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, numerous fentanyl pills, two handguns and $5,000 in cash were found.
As a result of these stops and searches, Iowa investigators were told Maes was believed to have returned to the casinos and was likely in possession of methamphetamine, cash and a firearm. Around 2:30 a.m. on February 12, 2022, an investigator from the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and a Council Bluffs Police Officer found Maes’s car in the Harrah’s Casino parking garage. Maes evaded efforts to contact him. This resulted in a pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies which ended approximately 30 miles away in a rural area of Pottawattamie County, Iowa. A search of Maes’s car resulted in the seizure of ¼ ounce of methamphetamine, a few fentanyl pills, a loaded handgun with an extended magazine and more than $34,153 in cash. That cash was later forfeited to the United States of America by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa Division of Intelligence, the Council Bluffs Police Department, the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Department, the Iowa State Patrol, the Omaha Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Bukjiok Dobuony, 30, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln for felon in possession of ammunition. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Dobuony to 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a two-year term of supervised release.
On May 30, 2021, Lincoln Police Officers were called to gateway Mall in Lincoln on a report of two people fighting inside the mall. When police officers arrived, Dobuony was seen walking just outside the mall and was detained while witnesses were interviewed. Store employees and mall security guards reported that Dobuony attempted to take a black bag from another male who was in a group with about 2-3 other males. The black bag contained a loaded handgun. This led to a fight between Dobuony and the male with the black bag. Video of the incident showed Dobuony tackling the victim who has the bad containing the loaded firearm, and Dobuony possessing the bad containing the firearm for a short period of time. Eventually, the victim and his friends were able to wrestle the bag away from Dobuony.
Once the fight broke up, both Dobuony and victims left the area. A police officer searched Dobuony’s person and found a .45 caliber bullet in the front pocket of Dobuony’s jacket. An agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives later examined the bullet and formed the opinion that the bullet was manufactured in the State of Idaho.
At the time, Dobuony was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he had at least two prior felony convictions – theft and assault by a confined person – from Lancaster County.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the FBI. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Lincoln Lawyer Sentenced to Two Years in Prison in Tax CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Craig Hoffman, 46, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 20, 2023, in Lincoln by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for willful failure to collect or pay over employment taxes. Hoffman was sentenced to two years in prison. After his release from prison, Hoffman will begin a two-year term of supervise release. There is no parole in the federal system. Senior Judge Gerrard ordered Hoffman to pay $325,197.90 in restitution.
Between 2011 and 2017, Hoffman Law Office, P.C. LLO was a professional corporation doing business as a law firm in Lincoln. Hoffman was the owner, operator, and sole employee of Hoffman Law, and exercised control over the business affairs, including authorizing business expenses, authorizing payment of employee compensation, approval of payments made by the corporation, and approval of payment of “payroll taxes” to the Internal Revenue Service.
Hoffman Law, by and through Hoffman as the sole employee, was obligated to withhold taxes from his employee compensation, including federal income taxes, and Medicare and Social Security taxes, also known as FICA or payroll taxes. Hoffman Law was required to make deposits of “payroll taxes” to the Internal Revenue Service on a periodic basis. In addition, Hoffman Law was required to file quarterly tax forms showing employee wages subject to withholding, the total amount of income taxes withheld, the total amount of “payroll taxes” due, and the total tax deposits. As owner, operator, and sole employee of Hoffman Law, Hoffman had the authority required to exercise significant control over the corporate financial business affairs of Hoffman Law, and had the responsibility to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over “payroll taxes” of Hoffman Law to the Internal Revenue Service.
Between 2011 and 2016, Hoffman Law failed to pay over to the Internal Revenue Service payroll taxes which were due and owing to the United States of America. For example, as of October 31, 2015, Hoffman failed to pay over to the Internal Revenue Service $11,155.12 in payroll taxes he owed for the previous quarter ending September 30, 2015.
In October 2013, the IRS notified Hoffman of its intent to file levies to collect the taxes due for 2010 and 2011. Thereafter, several levy payments totaling more than $46,000 were received from the bank that held the Hoffman Law operating account. In 2014, Hoffman began the practice of transferring funds from the firm’s trust fund account to its operating account and then immediately writing checks to himself that he cashed or deposited into his personal bank account. Hoffman engaged in this conduct, at least in part, so that he could receive the funds before any levies on the account could be made by the IRS, which resulted in the account having a low balance from time to time in the event the IRS levied on the account. Between 2011 and 2016, Hoffman failed to pay $241,362.92 in employment taxes. Including interest and penalties, Hoffman’s outstanding tax debt grew to $325,197.90, which is the amount of restitution he was ordered to pay to the IRS as part of his sentence.
“As an Attorney, Mr. Hoffman was not above the law. Investigating and prosecuting any business owner who intentionally fails to pay their employment tax obligations is a priority for IRS-Criminal Investigation," stated Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock of the IRS-Criminal Investigation St. Louis Field Office. "Today's sentencing is a reflection of just how serious the courts view these crimes, and Mr. Hoffman is now a convicted felon with a prison term to serve.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Marijuana Distribution Conspiracy and Straw Purchase of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Rachel L. Stewart, 33, of Omaha, was sentenced on March 16, 2023, by the Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to a total of 30 months’ imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and to False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm (straw purchase). After her release from prison, Stewart will begin a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Stewart also previously forfeited $6,310 cash, a gold Rolex watch, a diamond encrusted necklace, and a 2019 Audi Q8 vehicle, all of which were seized by law enforcement as proceeds of drug trafficking.
During approximately May 2019 to October 2021, Stewart conspired with others to distribute at least 80 kilograms but less than 100 kilograms of marijuana. During August 2020 to March 2021, Stewart also purchased three handguns for a confederate but falsely stated the firearms were for her. Law enforcement later recovered all three firearms.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department.
Lincoln Man Enters Guilty Plea to Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuriesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that George Lesley Weaver, Jr., 37, of Lincoln, Nebraska, entered a guilty plea today to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms, (11 pounds), or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, 400 grams, (approximately 14 ounces), or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and 50 kilograms, (110 pounds), or more of marijuana in Lincoln and southeast Nebraska between June and September of 2021. Co-defendant, Anna Idigima, 37, of Lincoln, pleaded guilty to the same charge on February 14, 2023.
Beginning in about June of 2021, Idigima, at that time employed as a Nebraska State Patrol stored evidence room employee in Lincoln, began stealing drugs held as evidence in completed cases which were awaiting destruction orders. She provided these drugs to her boyfriend, Weaver, who then sold them in Lincoln. An audit of the State Patrol storage areas where Idigima had access showed the following approximate totals of drugs were missing: marijuana - 154 pounds; cocaine - 9 pounds; fentanyl - 6 pounds; heroin - 10 pounds; methamphetamine - 3 pounds; THC - 32 pounds; along with numerous THC vape cartridges and assorted prescription drugs. In August of 2021, investigators found drug-related conversations and a photo of several large bags of marijuana in Weaver’s SnapChat Account. One of the bags had a piece of red evidence tape on it which matched evidence tape used by the State Patrol. A Lincoln apartment rented by Weaver was also searched, resulting in the finding of residue containing cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana.
Investigators were able to link overdoses suffered by three persons to cocaine and fentanyl stolen from the State Patrol by Idigima and sold to others by Weaver. All three victims required the administration of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan. Two required CPR, and all three were hospitalized. A physician specializing in emergency room medicine and toxicology found all three would have been at substantial risk of dying from the use of cocaine laced with fentanyl if they had not received the Narcan. The victims told investigators they bought what they believed to be cocaine just prior to their respective overdoses and provided the names of the persons they bought the drugs from. Those persons were arrested and told investigators they bought the drugs from Weaver. Information provided to law enforcement indicated Weaver sold large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs in the summer of 2021, and Idigima was directly involved in the sale of pills.
Idigima is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25, 2023, and Weaver is scheduled for sentencing on June 16, 2023. Both face mandatory minimum prison sentences of 20 years in prison with a maximum of life. There is no parole in the federal system.
This matter was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska City Police Department, the Saline County Sheriff’s Department, and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department.
Alma Woman Sentenced to 30 Months for Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Erin Leigh Gehrig, 41, of Alma, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to 30 months’ imprisonment following her conviction for possession of stolen firearms. After she completes her prison sentence, Gehrig will also serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Gehrig pleaded guilty to the offense on October 13, 2022.
A home in Bertrand, Nebraska, was burglarized on April 13, 2021. The victim of the burglary is related to Gehrig. Fourteen firearms were taken in the burglary. Gehrig later told police that another person approached her and said he wanted to steal firearms. Gehrig told that person about the residence in Bertrand, and allowed that person to use her minivan. That person later returned, and the 14 stolen firearms were in the back of the minivan. Gehrig arranged for the sale of the stolen firearms for $1,500 to two other persons. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home of the purchasers. Thirteen of the 14 stolen firearms were recovered when that home was searched.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Kearney Police Department, and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
New Jersey Man Sentenced for Illegal Use of Credit CardRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kyle A. Halsey, 33, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was sentenced on March 15, 2023, by the United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher to 24 months’ imprisonment for Illegal Transaction with an Access Device. After his release from prison, Halsey will begin a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Halsey was also ordered to pay restitution of $2,544.24.
In February 2022, Halsey used a credit card that belonged to another person to purchase a skid loader and bucket from a business in Nebraska and had the equipment delivered to New Jersey. The total for the transaction was $46,230.87, and Halsey paid with a credit card that did not belong to him. Police in New Jersey recovered the skid loader in March 2022, while Halsey was in the process of selling it to another person.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ho-Ho-Kus and Paramus Police Departments in New Jersey.
Mexican National Found Guilty of Conspiring to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that after a three-day jury trial in Lincoln, Nebraska, before Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard, Servando V. Urias, 48, of Mexico, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine.
The evidence presented at trial revealed that on August 28, 2019, a codefendant driving a Dodge pickup was stopped by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office after committing traffic infractions while driving on Interstate 80 in Lancaster County, Nebraska. Simultaneously, a black Jeep occupied by two other codefendants and Urias was stopped by another Lancaster County Deputy as the Jeep was believed to be travelling with the Dodge pickup.
During the course of the traffic stops, deputies became suspicious that parties in both vehicles were involved in criminal activity. Deputies received permission to search both vehicles and discovered three kilos of cocaine, and one kilo of heroin in the rear seat of the Dodge pickup. All were arrested after it was confirmed that the three individuals in the Jeep were in fact traveling with the Dodge containing the drugs. Testimony at trial indicated specifically the heroin belonged to Urias and he came along on the trip to sell it to the unnamed buyer.
The three codefendants had previously pled guilty to the Conspiracy charge and are pending sentencing. Urias’ sentencing has been set for June 9, 2023.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Michael Ray Ernst, 65, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today to five years’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following his release from prison, Ernst will serve four years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On August 30, 2021, a search warrant was executed by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force at Ernst’s Lincoln apartment. During the search, investigators found a total of 118 grams of methamphetamine which contained at least 51 grams of actual methamphetamine in Ernst’s bedroom along with plastic baggies, scales with residue, methamphetamine pipes and suspected drug records. Ernst’s cell phone showed several messages between Ernst and other persons regarding drug sales.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 77 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kevin Gray, 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Gray to 77 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On November 10, 2020, Gray sold a Ruger 5.7-caliber handgun to a cooperating witness working with law enforcement. Due to three previous felony convictions for robbery, Gray is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
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 partners: the 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.
Norfolk Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Dallas Sherman Rhinehart, 53, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced March 10, 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 Rhinehart to 130 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Rhinehart will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
In May of 2020, Rhinehart was identified as someone distributing methamphetamine in the Norfolk area. On July 6, 2020, and July 22, 2020, law enforcement conducted controlled buys of methamphetamine from Rhinehart. The total amount of methamphetamine purchased included 52 grams of pure methamphetamine and 30 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine.
Rhinehart’s co-conspirators include Katherine Marie Tacheira, who has pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing, and Lindsey Ann Rokahr, who has pleaded not guilty and is pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Neri Mendoza-Rodriguez, 31, was sentenced on March 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine and fentanyl drug conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Mendoza-Rodriguez to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Mendoza-Rodriguez will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Mendoza-Rodriguez is subject to deportation to Mexico by U.S. immigration authorities when he completes his sentence of imprisonment.
In March 2021, a confidential source (CS) contacted Mendoza-Rodriguez to arrange the purchase of methamphetamine. On April 5, 2021, the CS met with Mendoza-Rodriguez and Mendoza-Rodriguez’s cousin, Rigoberto Madrid-Morga, and successfully purchased 399.78 grams of pure methamphetamine. During this controlled delivery, the CS discussed purchasing M-30 fentanyl pills from Mendoza-Rodriguez. Mendoza-Rodriguez confirmed he had fentanyl pills available, and on April 29, 2021, Madrid-Morga delivered 106.79 grams of fentanyl to the CS in Omaha.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Eric D. Waller, 54, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for distribution of methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Waller to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a four-year term of supervised release.
On May 16, 2022, Waller sold methamphetamine to a cooperating witness working with law enforcement. Laboratory testing confirmed a net weight of 13.967 grams and purity of 94.3 percent.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Georgia Couple Sentenced for Paycheck Protection Program FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jeremy D. Sanders, 32, and Lakeda R. Sanders, 27, husband and wife, both of Newnan, Georgia, were sentenced on March 10, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Jeremy Sanders was sentenced to four years of probation, including three months of home confinement, and was ordered to pay restitution of $21,304.88. Lakeda Sanders was sentenced to four years of probation, including six months of home confinement, and was ordered to pay restitution of $27,793.79. Both pled guilty in December 2022 to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.
During 2020 and 2021, both Jeremy Sanders and Lakeda Sanders submitted or caused to be submitted applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. The PPP loan program was created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, which was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both Jeremy and Lakeda Sanders worked with others to prepare and submit loan applications that misrepresented payroll for their purported businesses and sole proprietorship. The businesses in fact had no employees, and the PPP applications were supported by false tax documents. Jeremy Sanders and an Omaha-based co-conspirator submitted fraudulent applications for loans totaling approximately $41,290, and he obtained $20,690. Lakeda Sanders and a co-conspirator submitted fraudulent applications for loans totaling approximately $220,000, and she obtained $24,166.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 48 Months for Possession of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Miguel Lobano-Diaz, 35, a Mexican citizen living in Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Lobano-Diaz to 48 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. Lobano-Diaz is also pending an order of deportation.
In July 2022, Omaha police narcotics detectives identified Lobano-Diaz as a suspected supplier of cocaine in the Omaha area. On August 10, 2022, officers executed a search warrant of Lobano-Diaz’s residence and found 100 grams of methamphetamine and nine ounces of cocaine. Laboratory testing confirmed the methamphetamine was 94 percent pure. During the search, officers also located a large rechargeable scale and drug packaging.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Mexican Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Victor Gerardo Mendez-Gil, 34, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Mendez-Gil to imprisonment for a term of 60 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Mendez-Gil will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Mendez-Gil will be removed by immigration authorities from the United States to Mexico after completing his sentence.
On February 9, 2021, Mendez-Gil was dispatched by a Mexico-based methamphetamine supplier to deliver one pound of methamphetamine to an undercover agent in Omaha. The methamphetamine weighed approximately 464.4 grams. After additional investigation, agents were able to obtain a warrant to search Mendez-Gil’s Omaha residence. Mendez-Gil was arrested during the search on February 16, 2021. At the time, he was in possession of approximately 36 pounds of methamphetamine mixture and $15,099.00 in United States Currency. The currency consists of proceeds from methamphetamine trafficking and has been criminally forfeited to the United States.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Division.
Kentucky Man is Last of Six Sentenced in Anabolic Steroids and Pill Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Justin T. Hail, 37, of Somerset, Kentucky, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, methamphetamine, N-Ethylhexedrone, and Alprazolam, and conspiracy to launder money. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Hail to imprisonment for a term of 72 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Hail will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
Hail was a member of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that produced and distributed anabolic steroids and other controlled substances to customers throughout the country using a private Facebook group as an online storefront and the United States Postal Service to ship the drugs to locations throughout the country. Two members of the conspiracy operated clandestine laboratories from the west coast, specifically for the purpose of producing finished anabolic steroids. In addition to anabolic steroids, the DTO marketed and sold pharmaceutical drugs described as Xanax and Adderall. Legitimately prescribed pharmaceutical Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance containing amphetamine salts. However, laboratory testing revealed that the pills marketed as “Adderall” by the DTO were counterfeit and contained methamphetamine, also a Schedule II controlled substance. The “Xanax” distributed by the DTO contained N-Ethylhexedrone, a Scheduled I controlled substance. “Xanax” is a brand name for Alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. Alprazolam was also confirmed by laboratory testing to be present in substances recovered by investigators.
Customers purchasing controlled substances from the DTO were required to use cryptocurrency and cash to pay. Hail conducted sales for the organization and used peer-to-peer digital payment platforms to accept payments for controlled substances from customers and to transfer funds to and from other DTO members. In addition to the use of digital payment platforms, the DTO used various other methods designed to protect the membership’s anonymity and to provide security for the criminal organization from law enforcement and other criminal organizations. Proceeds from the sale of steroids and other controlled substances were laundered by various sophisticated means
In addition to Hail, five other members of the DTO were prosecuted and convicted. They were Jonathan Stidham, sentenced to imprisonment for 156 months; Fernando Lopez-Reyes, 96 months; Robert Hood, 72 months; Lindsey Garcia, 48 months, and Justin Ames, who received a time served sentence.
“These defendants attempted a complex and unique scheme using social media platforms and cryptocurrencies, but ultimately could not escape the reach of IRS Criminal Investigation’s special agents and our law enforcement partners,” said St. Louis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Thomas F. Murdock. “IRS-CI is proud to be part of such a premier investigation team to help dismantle drug trafficking organizations across the country.”
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. This case was investigated by the Omaha offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Omaha Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Multi-Million Dollar EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jeffrey Stenstrom, 42, of Omaha, Nebraska pleaded guilty to a Criminal Information today charging him with Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Stenstrom faces a maximum possible punishment of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of the laundered funds, or both. As part of his sentence, Stenstrom has agreed to pay restitution in excess of $5,100,000 to Darland Properties, LLC. Stenstrom also admitted to forfeiture allegations agreeing to forfeit his interest in a 2020 McLaren 600LT Spider, multiple trucks, various items of jewelry, a residence in Arizona, multiple properties in Nebraska, currency, and multiple life insurance policies worth in excess of $2,000,000.
United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation be conducted and set Stenstrom’s sentencing hearing in front of Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. for June 2, 2023, at 1:30 pm.
Stenstrom is also currently pending sentencing for Income Tax Evasion in a different matter where he faces a maximum possible punishment of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. In that matter Stenstrom agreed to pay $1,954,505.10 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Oregon Man Sentenced in Anabolic Steroids and Pill Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jonathan R. Stidham, 38, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, methamphetamine, N-Ethylhexedrone, and Alprazolam, and conspiracy to launder money. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Stidham to imprisonment for a term of 156 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Stidham will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
Stidham was a leader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that produced and distributed anabolic steroids and other controlled substances to customers throughout the country using a private Facebook group as an online storefront and the United States Postal Service to ship the drugs to locations throughout the country. In addition to anabolic steroids, the DTO marketed and sold pharmaceutical drugs described as Xanax and Adderall. Legitimately prescribed pharmaceutical Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance containing amphetamine salts. However, laboratory testing revealed that the pills marketed as “Adderall” by the DTO were counterfeit and contained methamphetamine, also a Schedule II controlled substance. The “Xanax” distributed by the DTO contained N-Ethylhexedrone, a Scheduled I controlled substance. “Xanax” is a brand name for Alprazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. Alprazolam was also confirmed by laboratory testing to be present in substances recovered by investigators.
Customers purchasing controlled substances from the DTO were required to use cryptocurrency and cash to pay. The DTO used peer-to-peer digital payments platforms to accept payments for controlled substances from customers and to transfer funds among and between themselves. In addition to the use of digital payments platforms, the DTO used various other methods designed to protect the membership’s anonymity and to provide security for the criminal organization from law enforcement and other criminal organizations.
Stidham operated a clandestine laboratory from an apartment he maintained in Eugene, Oregon, specifically for the purpose of producing finished anabolic steroids. Stidham laundered proceeds he received from the sale of steroids and the other controlled substances via a PayPal account through personal business and checking accounts and through a sham corporation incorporated in Oregon in 2017.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. This case was investigated by the Omaha offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Austin Galvan, 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for felon in possession of ammunition. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Galvan to 84 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On November 7, 2021, Ralston police responded to a call for a domestic assault. Galvan was eventually arrested and transported to the Douglas County Jail along with two bags he had in his possession. Inside one of the bags, corrections staff found the lower receiver to an AR-15 style rifle, a gun magazine, and two rounds of .22 caliber ammunition. Galvan is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law.
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 partners: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ralston Police Department. For more information about Project Guardian, please see www.justice.gov/archives/ag/about-project-guardian.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possessing with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Derrick Lloyd, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lloyd to 84 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
On July 20, 2021, Omaha Police conducted a traffic stop for going through a red light at 42nd Street and Fontenelle Boulevard. Officers made contact with the driver, who was Lloyd, who indicated he had personal use marijuana in the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle, and underneath the center console armrest, located a plastic bag with 821 fentanyl pills.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.