District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
February 2023 Grand Jury for the District of NebraskaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 26 unsealed Indictments charging 28 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.
* Sergio Ambriz, age 37, of Paramount, California, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Ambriz with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about December 29, 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. Count II charges Ambriz with possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime on or about December 29, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to life imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Juan Andres-Pedro, age 29, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony conviction on or about January 24, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Justin Wayne Burney, age 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about August 15, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than eight years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Taft Burtton, age 50, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue on or about February 15, 2023. 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.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Jesus Camarillo-Soria, age 44, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Camarillo-Soria with possession with intent to distribute cocaine on or about August 14, 2022. The penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Camarillo-Soria with possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime on or about August 14, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to life imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Baudilio Coronado-Ramirez, of Columbus, Nebraska, is charged with knowingly possessing with the intent to use unlawfully or transfer unlawfully five or more false identification documents beginning on or about September 28, 2022 and continuing to on or about November 14, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Amy Duncan, age 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue on or about February 15, 2023. The penalty if convicted is not less than 15 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.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Dragen Flores Cortes, age 28, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony conviction on or about January 25, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* David Garcia, age 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with escape from custody on or about October 15, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
Alejandro Garcia Perez a/k/a Alejandro Garcia, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after a felony conviction on or about December 2, 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.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* William L Gienger, age 57, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about February 27, 2021. 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.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Amy Michelle Holmdohl, age 45, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about December 2, 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.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Archollis Larmor Johnson, age 36, of Monrovia, California, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) and 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about August 4, 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.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Gregory Scott Jones, age 49, of Roseland, Nebraska, is charged in a nine-count Indictment. Counts I-IX charge Jones with theft of a mail matter on or about April 14, 2021, and continuing to on or about December 17, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
Contact Criminal Chief Mike Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Robert E. Kaczmarek, age 54, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Kaczmarek with sexual exploitation of a minor beginning on or about July 6, 2021 and continuing to on or about August 22, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, $55,000 additional special assessment. Count II charges Kaczmarek with sex trafficking of a minor by force beginning on or about July 6, 2021 and continuing to on or about August 22, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, $5,000 additional special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Lucas J. Lacy, age 37, is charged with accessing with intent to view visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct under the age of 12 beginning on or about November 15, 2021 and continuing to on or about November 22, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than five years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, $17,000 additional special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Charees Loftin, age 18, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance in possession of a firearm on or about January 5, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Jose Mendes Hernandez a/k/a Jose F. Mejia-Guiterrez, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after an aggravated conviction on or about February 1, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Richard Gedion Parent a/k/a Richard Gideon Parent, age 54, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Jon Gregory Hillman, Jr., age 48, of Lincoln, Nebraska, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about August 5, 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.
There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency and property seized on or about August 5, 2022.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Tony Torres Perez, age 34, of Hastings, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about May 17, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, not less than eight years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Carey Dean Phillips, Jr., age 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender on or about October 1, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than five years’ and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Christopher Ramos-Rivas, age 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about December 30, 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.
There is also an allegation to forfeit $9,159.00 in United States currency and property seized on or about December 30, 2022.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Juan Rodriguez-Rios, age 37, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about September 6, 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.
Contact Drug Enforcement Unit Chief Susan Lehr at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Kenneth M. Sedlak, age 55, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with theft of mail matter from a post office or other authorized depository on or about June 1, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Mike Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Taliaferro Thompson, age 26, and Andrew Kincaid, age 28, both of Omaha, Nebraska, are charged in a two count Indictment. Count I charges Thompson and Kincaid with bank robbery on or about January 26, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Thompson and Kincaid with brandishing/using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about January 26, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
* Anthony Unocic, age 53, is charged with influencing and retaliating against a federal official by threat on or about January 1, 2022 and continuing through on or about April 12, 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.
Contact Criminal Chief Michael Norris at 402-661-3700 for further information.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Firearms and Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Raymond McGaugh, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha on February 22, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. United States District Brian C. Buescher sentenced McGaugh to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after his release from prison.
On June 27, 2021, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop on a black Dodge Charger for failing to have license plates. McGaugh was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Officers smelled marijuana emanating from the vehicle and searched the vehicle. Officers located a backpack on the passenger seat that contained 365 grams of actual methamphetamine along with two loaded handguns. One of the firearms was reported stolen.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Man Pleads Guilty to $55M Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Florida man pleaded guilty today to orchestrating an investment fraud scheme that defrauded more than 10,000 victims of over $55 million.
According to court documents, Michael Glaspie, 72, of Palm City, marketed an investment opportunity under the name “CoinDeal” or “Coin Deal.” Glaspie claimed that CoinDeal would yield extremely high returns on the premise that one or more technology companies – operated under the banner of “ViRSE” and allegedly owned by Neil Suresh Chandran – was about to be acquired by a consortium of wealthy buyers. To entice investors to put money into CoinDeal, Glaspie falsely promised that in the event the returns from CoinDeal failed to materialize, he would repay investors their money with seven percent annual interest over three years. In fact, Glaspie knew he had no means of making such repayments.
“For his brazen and repeated lies that defrauded more than 10,000 victims out of more than $55 million, the defendant now justifiably faces a lengthy prison term,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to rooting out investment fraud and holding wrongdoers accountable to protect the financial security of all Americans.”
To support his false repayment promise, Glaspie deceptively claimed that he had an exclusive and lucrative contract with AT&T to distribute government‑funded phones, and that an app that he developed was being distributed by the Better Business Bureau and would yield over $400 million in revenue, when he had no such contract or distribution agreement. Furthermore, when the promised sale of CoinDeal did not close, Glaspie transmitted investor funds to Chandran after falsely representing to CoinDeal investors that he would not do so. Glaspie also falsely claimed that he never paid himself with CoinDeal investor funds, when in truth, he misappropriated nearly $2.5 million of victim investments for personal purposes, including trading cryptocurrency, paying his employees’ salaries, and buying a life insurance policy for a family member.
“Michael Glaspie admitted today to his involvement in a widespread scheme to defraud investors for his personal benefit,” said U.S. Attorney Steven A. Russell for the District of Nebraska. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners to untangle this fraud, Glaspie will now be held accountable for this serious crime.”
“This case identified a fraudulent online investment scheme that defrauded over 10,000 victims,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The subject promised investors high rates of returns then misused investor funds for personal use. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently to identify and pursue those who seek to deceive and defraud the American public.”
“This elaborate investment fraud scheme defrauded more than 10,000 victims of over $55 million,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Investment fraud schemes of any type will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to do what we have done for over 100 years and investigate those who attempt to defraud unsuspecting Americans of their hard-earned money. I would like to thank our partners at FBI offices across the country and the Department of Justice for their work and collaboration to bring justice on behalf of these victims.”
Glaspie pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Separately, on June 14, 2022, a federal grand jury in the District of Nebraska returned an indictment charging Chandran with three counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property for his role in the scheme. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the wire fraud counts and up to 10 years in prison for each count of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI Washington, Omaha, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles Field Offices are investigating the cases.
Assistant Chief William E. Johnston and Trial Attorney Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald J. Kleine for the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the cases.
All potential investor victims of this fraud are encouraged to visit the webpage https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/united-states-v-chandran to identify themselves and obtain more information on their rights, including the opportunity to submit a victim impact statement.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Thomas Costanza, 52, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession of a firearm by a felon. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Costanza to 30 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release for that offense. There is no parole in the federal system.
On August 4, 2020, Costanza sold a Colt Government Model .45 caliber handgun to Sol’s Jewelry and Loan in Omaha. During the transaction, Costanza provided his driver’s license, and Sol’s photocopied it. Costanza also provided a fingerprint and took a photograph. The sale was recorded on a sales ticket. Surveillance video from Sol’s showed Costanza enter the store with a brown bag, present it to the front counter, and remove the firearm. Costanza was subsequently arrested and admitted to law enforcement that he sold the firearm to Sol’s. That firearm was later determined to have been reported stolen. On August 4, 2020, Costanza had a prior felony conviction for Theft by Shoplifting-Third Offense in Douglas County District Court, and he was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.
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.
North Platte Woman Sentenced for Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Catherine Gibson, 45, of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for her role in a methamphetamine conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Gibson to 46 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
In February and March of 2021, Gibson was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in western Nebraska. As part of the conspiracy, on both February 22, 2021, and February 23, 2021, Gibson sold approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine to an informant. On March 3, 2021, law enforcement searched Gibson’s rental car and located approximately 110 grams of methamphetamine (actual) and ten fentanyl pills. On the same day, officers searched Gibson’s Alliance, Nebraska, residence and located an additional approximately 92 grams of methamphetamine. Gibson told officers that she picked up methamphetamine and was bringing it to Alliance, Nebraska, to sell.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Box Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Eric D. Colclasure, 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Colclasure to 151 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge, and a consecutive 60 months on the gun charge. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On February 2, 2022, Douglas County Sheriff Deputies executed a search warrant on an Omaha hotel room rented by Colclasure, who was found inside. Officers located approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of heroin, and drug dealing paraphernalia. A gun was also found in a bag near the drugs with Colclasure’s identification. While deputies were collecting DNA evidence, Colclasure asked what would happen if his DNA wasn't on the gun. An officer responded that the gun was still located in a bag with Colclasure’s identification card and near narcotics. Colclasure responded, “That doesn't look too good, does it? You guys really caught me slippin.”
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Claude Parker, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Parker to 18 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.
In October 2021, Parker was on bond for a Douglas County charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance. As a condition of that bond, he was ordered to submit to drug testing. On October 27, 2021, Parker was called in for a urinalysis exam. He placed his possessions on the desk of the officer administering the exam. Parker’s urine sample tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine, and he was booked into the Douglas County Jail. His property was placed into evidence, searched, and inventoried.
Included in his property was a small black case, inside of which were six rounds of .22 caliber ammunition. Parker is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department.
Minnesota Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Darrel B. Twombly, 40, of Bayport, Minnesota, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, to 15 years and eight months for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture, 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and an unspecified amount of heroin by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following his release from prison, Twombly will serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On December 10, 2020, Twombly was stopped by a Lincoln Police officer on Interstate 80 for traffic violations. Twombly told the officer he had a methamphetamine pipe in his pickup which was then searched. During the search, officers found five packages of methamphetamine, each weighing approximately one pound. Testing of one of the packages showed at least 410 grams, (just under one pound), of actual methamphetamine. In addition to the methamphetamine, officers found a total of 892 fentanyl pills, 44 grams of fentanyl powder and three grams of heroin.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Lexington Man Sentenced for Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Bath Par Kuol, 27, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Kuol to 63 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from federal prison, Kuol will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On January 29, 2022, Omaha police officers observed a vehicle fail to signal its turn. Officers conducted a traffic stop and upon contact with the vehicle observed two open containers of alcohol. Kuol was seated in the front passenger seat. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a Glock 19x 9mm handgun with a loaded 33-round magazine inside of the center console. Further investigation showed the firearm was not registered with the City of Omaha. A records check revealed that both Kuol and the driver were convicted felons and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. Both were taken into custody. Detectives obtained a search warrant to obtain a buccal swab of Kuol’s DNA and compared it to DNA found on the firearm. A forensic laboratory analysis determined the probability of the DNA being from Kuol as 108 trillion times more likely than from an otherwise unknown individual.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Winnebago Man Receives Probation for Physical Assault on an OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced today that Garry Hunter Little Walker, age 34, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Omaha by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., to a three-year term of probation for Assault on an Officer with Bodily Contact.
On June 3, 2022, Victim 1, an officer with the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services was called to a residence near Lyndon Ave. in Rosalie, Nebraska, which is within the territorial confines of the Omaha Indian Reservation. Upon arrival, Victim 1 found Little Walker seated in the vehicle having an argument with his grandmother and the mother of his children. Victim 1 attempted to place Little Walker in handcuffs and Little Walker pushed Victim 1 and began running away. Victim 1 unsuccessfully attempted to deploy his taser twice. Little Walker ran into a house and shut and locked the door. Upon Victim 1 entering the house, he found Little Walker standing in the kitchen with his fists clenched and standing in a fighting posture. Little Walker stated he was not going to go to jail. When told he had very little options, Little Walker asked Victim 1, “How do you want it then? I’m going to rack real hard.” Victim 1 took a step toward Little Walker and Little Walker lifted his right hand and swung over his grandmother and struck Victim 1 in the left side of the head. Little Walker then grabbed Victim 1 by the head. Victim 1 lifted Little Walker and then took him to the ground. Little Walker would not let go of Victim 1’s head after repeated orders to let go. Little Walker then began reaching for Victim 1’s gun. Victim 1 pepper sprayed Little Walker and, in the process, incapacitated himself as well. Victim 1 while still suffering the effects of the pepper spray tried to take Little Walker out of the house. While doing so, Little Walker lunged at Victim 1 and elbowed him in the face before falling onto the ground. Victim 1 received his law enforcement training from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy and the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services operates under a 638 contract.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services.
Ohio Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Stephen Clark, 36, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Clark to 66 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 July 16, 2020, DEA agents at the Omaha bus terminal identified a suspicious suitcase that had arrived on a bus from Denver. Agents asked the passengers, including Clark, if the suitcase belonged to them and no one claimed it. Considering the suitcase abandoned, agents searched it and found 12 pounds of methamphetamine inside. Surveillance footage from the bus company showed Clark in possession of the suitcase in Denver.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Mexican National Sentenced to 8 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Guadalupe Ayala-Armienta, 36, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Ayala-Armienta to 96 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison he will be subject to deportation. He was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release.
On May 25, 2021, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was investigating suspected drug trafficking at an Omaha motel when they stopped a vehicle leaving the motel that Ayala-Armienta was a passenger in. Deputies learned that Ayala-Armienta had rented a room back at the hotel and a drug detecting canine alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from within. A search warrant was obtained, and deputies located approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $37,000 in drug proceeds within the room.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Socorro Alejandres Alvarez, 32, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Alvarez to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.
On June 24, 2020, while incarcerated in the Great Plains Correctional Facility in Hinton, Oklahoma, Alvarez used an illicit cell phone to contact Rosalio Reynosao Arrellano in Los Angeles, California, to arrange for a package of methamphetamine to be delivered to Nebraska. Law enforcement intercepted the package, and it contained 420 grams of actual methamphetamine. Alvarez had made prior shipments of methamphetamine to Nebraska while incarcerated. These shipments were sent to Shannon Rojas, Shane Lawrence, and Jeremiah Schnoor.
Shannon Rojas was sentenced to 70 months’ incarceration on May 27, 2022, for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Shane Lawrence was sentenced to 198 months’ incarceration on February 11, 2022, for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. On February 15, 2023, Jeremiah Schnoor entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is scheduled for sentencing on May 18, 2023.
This case was investigated by the WING (Western Nebraska Intelligence Narcotics Group), which is made up of the Nebraska State Patrol, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police Department, and the Sidney Police Department. Kearney Police Department was also involved in this investigation as was the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force (CNDSSTF). CNDSSTF consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Iris Gallardo-Salado, 22, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Gallardo-Salado to 96 months’ imprisonment. As part of her plea, Gallardo-Salado forfeited her interest in $26,147 in United States currency - drug proceeds seized from her residence. There is no parole in the federal system. Gallardo-Salado will likely be deported by U.S. immigration authorities when she completes her sentence of imprisonment. After her release from prison, she will also be subject to a two-year term of supervised release.
On October 26, 2021, as part of an investigation into drug trafficking, Special Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department narcotics detectives searched Gallardo-Salado and co-defendant Darbelio Lorenzo-Genchi’s home in South Omaha. There, agents seized 17 pounds of methamphetamine. They also located packaging materials, a drug scale, money wire receipts, bundled U.S. currency, and drug ledgers.
Lorenzo-Genchi pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He will be sentenced on March 3, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Trisha A. Havel, 40, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today to two years and three months, (27 months), for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following her release from prison, Havel will serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On March 30, 2021, a search warrant was executed at Havel’s Lincoln residence. Officers found six baggies of methamphetamine for a total of approximately 56 grams (approximately two ounces). Havel admitted she sold methamphetamine to help a small group of friends and support her own addiction. She said she got the six baggies of methamphetamine from one of her sources the day prior to the search.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and 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 Robert James Kotschwar, 33, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today to six years for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following his release from prison, Kotschwar will serve four years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On April 6, 2021, Kotschwar was contacted in a Walmart parking lot after he committed traffic violations. He immediately told officers he had drugs in his car and a set of brass knuckles on his person. During a search of his car, investigators found four baggies containing a total of 22 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine as well as numerous self-seal baggies and a digital scale. They also found $64 cash on the floor in front of the driver’s seat. Kotschwar’s passenger was found in possession of a baggie containing approximately two grams of methamphetamine which the passenger said he had just purchased from Kotschwar. Kotschwar admitted he had methamphetamine in his possession and said he had just sold methamphetamine to his passenger. Kotschwar said the cash found on the floorboard came from that transaction and he intended to sell more methamphetamine that day.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Lincoln Man Convicted of Possession of Child Pornography Following a Jury TrialRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that John Wade Burton, 66, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was convicted on February 15, 2023, following a jury trial of possession of child pornography. Because of a prior conviction, Burton faces a potential statutory imprisonment range of between 10 and 20 years. There is no parole in the federal system. Burton’s sentencing hearing will take place on May 15, 2023.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation received a tip from a foreign law enforcement agency that a computer with an IP address from Lincoln, Nebraska, had twice accessed a child pornography website. Further investigation revealed that the IP address was assigned to Burton’s residence. A search warrant for Burton’s residence was obtained and executed on November 17, 2020. Agents seized a number of computers, hard drives, and thumb drives found throughout the home. Later analysis of those devices showed several contained images and videos depicting child pornography. In total, well over 1,000 such images and videos were located.
The defendant had a prior conviction in Missouri for having sexually assaulted a child who was less than 14 years old. He was sentenced to prison for that offense and was in custody from February 15, 2007, to February 14, 2018. A computer forensic expert retained by the defense testified that the metadata on two of the devices showed someone was viewing some of the child pornography files during times when John Burton was in custody. The defense also offered testimony from a few victims that another person, who according to the defense had access to the devices, had sexually assaulted children in the past. However, the metadata on most of the devices showed that the child pornography files were created or modified at times either before Burton went into custody in Missouri, or after his release.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Former Dodge County Attorney Sentenced for Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Oliver J. Glass, 47, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 9 months’ incarceration for Conspiracy to Commit Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release, Glass will serve a 1-year term of supervised release. Glass was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine as part of his sentence.
Glass was appointed as the Dodge County Attorney in 2011 and was subsequently elected in 2014 and in 2018. In 2020, Glass’s wife filed for divorce. On March 6, 2020, Glass learned that his wife had been dating an individual identified in the Information as Victim 1.
Between March 6, 2020, through on or about December 22, 2020, Glass conspired with other individuals who are unnamed in the Information to deprive Victim 1 of his rights protected by the Constitution, specifically, his right against unreasonable search and seizure protected by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution by conspiring to unlawfully stop or arrest Victim 1. Glass and others utilized their restricted access to the Nebraska Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) to obtain information about Victim 1. A supervisor in the Fremont Police Department advised other officers that Victim 1 was dating Glass’s wife and to be on the lookout for Victim 1 and provided other officers with Victim 1’s information, vehicle description, and license plate number. An officer within the Dodge County law enforcement community, while acting as a private investigator, used his law enforcement credentials to obtain access about Victim 1’s criminal history that was not publicly available. Members of law enforcement in Dodge County would drive by Victim 1’s apartment looking for Victim 1 without a legal justification or criminal predicate.
Chief Judge Rossiter in imposing the sentence noted Glass’s breach of his ethical professional obligations and the public trust stating, “You were an attorney; you took an oath. You were a prosecutor; you took an oath. You were the elected County Attorney; you took an oath. You broke those oaths. You breached the public trust.”
As one of the victims wrote to the Court in their impact statement, “It's impossible to communicate the mental anguish and constant state of fear I felt when Mr. Glass was illegally monitoring my actions and using his close connections to stalk me. No one should have to endure that kind of terror. Of not knowing whether the ‘good guys’ are really ‘good’ just because they wear the uniform. Or, wondering if today is the day you will be framed or falsely arrested just to demonstrate the reach Mr. Glass had.”
In reflecting upon the sentencing, United States Attorney Steven Russell echoed the words spoken by then Attorney General and eventual Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson in 1940, “While the prosecutor at his best is one of the most beneficent forces in our society, when he acts from malice or other base motives, he is one of the worst.” United States Attorney Russell went on to say, “Oliver Glass, in this matter, did act with malice and from base motives while abusing his office. This type of behavior undermines the public’s trust in the criminal justice system, and I hope that this sentence helps restore that trust.”
After the sentencing, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Oliver Glass used the power of his elected office to carry out a personal vendetta. Over and over again, he abused his authority by violating the rights of his victim. His sentencing today is a reminder that the FBI will always hold government officials accountable when they willfully deprive someone of their Constitutional rights.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Lynch. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Bennington Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matthew Culliver, 36, of Bennington, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for distributing marijuana and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Culliver to 24 months’ imprisonment on the distribution count and 60 months for the firearms offense, consecutive, for a total sentence of 84 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Culliver will begin a 4-year term of supervised release for each charge, to run concurrently.
On January 16, 2020, during a controlled buy at an Omaha gas station, a confidential informant, equipped with audio and visual recording equipment purchased 117 grams of marijuana and a Charter Arms .44 revolver from Culliver. This event was monitored by law enforcement. The marijuana was confirmed via laboratory analysis as to substance and weight.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Omaha Police Department.
Utah Woman Sentenced for Possessing Nearly Five Pounds of Cocaine at Omaha Bus StationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Chaminque Porter, 35, of Utah, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, on February 15, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Porter to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment. She was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release after her release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
On December 21, 2021, Porter and her boyfriend, Elias Ramirez Jr., were traveling from Utah to Minnesota by bus. The bus had a scheduled stop in Omaha. Drug Enforcement Administration agents regularly patrol the bus station. On that day, they noticed a suspicious suitcase in Porter and Ramirez’s possession. Porter and Ramirez denied ownership of the bag and denied knowing each other. Agents searched the “abandoned” suitcase and located two packages containing nearly five pounds of cocaine. Video footage confirmed Porter and Ramirez loaded their bags, including the suitcase containing the cocaine, at an earlier bus stop.
Ramirez pled guilty and was sentenced on January 20, 2023, to 60 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Mexican Man Sentenced to 156 Months for I-80 Traffic Stop Involving 20 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jesus Sanchez-Meza, 26, of Mexico, was sentenced in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, on February 10, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Sanchez-Meza to 156 months’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
On February 16, 2022, law enforcement photographed Sanchez-Meza, a U.S. citizen who resided in Mexico, driving a Ford F-150 truck with California license plates crossing the border from Mexico into the United States. On February 18, 2022, law enforcement observed Sanchez-Meza in the same F-150 truck driving too closely to vehicles on Interstate 80 in violation of Nebraska traffic laws. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the truck. Sanchez-Meza gave false information to the officers regarding his travel plans. The truck was then searched by law enforcement, and they located 20 individual one-pound packages of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.
Alliance Man Sentenced for Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matthew Foster, 36, of Alliance, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for distribution of heroin and fentanyl analogue. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Foster to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On February 3, 2021, law enforcement was dispatched to a residence in Alliance regarding an overdose victim. Law enforcement was able to show that Foster provided a fentanyl pill to the victim that resulted in an overdose. Medical personnel revived the victim with Narcan and the person survived.
On February 10, 2021, law enforcement used a confidential informant to purchase heroin and blue Fentanyl pills from Foster in Alliance. Directly after the controlled purchase, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Foster’s residence on February 10, 2021. During the search warrant, law enforcement seized blue Fentanyl pills and heroin.
This case was investigated by the Alliance Police Department and WING Task Force. WING is the Western Nebraska Intelligence Narcotics Group and includes the Alliance Police Department, Sidney Police Department, Scottsbluff Police Department, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Zaire Robinson, 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 8, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Robinson to 120 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and 60 months on the gun charge, consecutive, for a total sentence of 180 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release for each charge, to run concurrently.
On September 18, 2020, a source working with law enforcement purchased a Keltec .380 handgun and $80 worth of marijuana from Robinson. On October 15, 2020, the source bought 3.5 grams of marijuana and a Ruger 9mm handgun from Robinson. On January 27, 2021, the source bought an AR15 rifle with high-capacity magazine, various calibers of ammunition, and additional firearm companion items. On March 22, 2022, the source went to Robinson’s apartment to purchase 10 fentanyl pills. Law enforcement searched the apartment on March 28, 2022, and seized hundreds of fentanyl pills, a small quantity of cocaine, and a Glock 22, .40 caliber firearm.
This evidence led officers to a second location where six pounds of methamphetamine and two ounces of powder cocaine were seized. Robinson admitted to possessing the narcotics and firearms.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Antonio Lopez-Tiznado, 23, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lopez-Tiznado to 135 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will be subject to deportation. He was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release.
On July 19, 2021, Omaha police officers stopped a vehicle in which Lopez-Tiznado was a passenger. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, officers found approximately two pounds of methamphetamine. Lopez-Tiznado and the two others in the car, Mauricio Canales-Santiago and Karen Barba-Franco, all lived together. Officers got a search warrant for their residence and found approximately 19 additional pounds of methamphetamine. They had been distributing methamphetamine for at least a couple of weeks before they were arrested.
Barba-Franco has pled guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 29, 2023. Canales-Santiago is pending trial.
This case was investigated primarily by the Omaha Police Department.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Ivan Avalos Espinoza, 26, of Mexico, was sentenced on February 6, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Avalos Espinoza to 108 months of 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 August 20, 2021, DEA agents in Omaha seized a package at a shipping store addressed to an Omaha residence. The package contained approximately 4,097 grams of methamphetamine. Later that day, a DEA agent drove to the residence and placed the package at the gate. Avalos Espinoza later took the package and returned to the residence. Agents executed a search warrant of the residence and located Avalos Espinoza and the package containing the methamphetamine. Digital records from Avalos Espinoza’s cell phone provided evidence relating to the drug conspiracy.
This case was investigated primarily by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sex Offender Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Adam Frederick Juenemann, 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today to 210 months’ incarceration by United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher for transportation of child pornography with a prior conviction. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release, Juenemann will serve a lifetime term of supervised release. Juenemann will continue to have to register as a sex offender.
In October 2020, law enforcement located a sexually explicit video and photograph depicting a known 15-year-old female and a 14-year-old male engaging in sexually explicit conduct on a motherless.com account. The video had been posted by user “sole_t.” The videos of the known 15-year-old and 14-year-old were uploaded to the account on January 7, 2020. The IP address associated with the “sole_t” motherless.com account was a Cox Communications address. The IP address was assigned to Adam Juenemann’s residence and the account was in the name of Juenemann’s ex-wife.
On December 22, 2020, a search warrant was executed at Juenemann’s residence. During the execution of that warrant, officers recovered several electronic devices which were reviewed. During the review of Juenemann’s devices, officers found 62 images containing children being subjected to sexually explicit conduct. On Juenemann’s phone were still images from the video of the 15-year-old female and 14-year-old male that had been posted on motherless.com. Juenemann was interviewed on December 22, 2020, and admitted to using Cox for his internet services and admitted to using the email address associated with the motherless.com account.
Juenemann was previously convicted of three counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child in violation of K.S.A. 21-5510(a)(2) in the District Court of Ellis County, Kansas, in case number 15CR35.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the FBI’s Child Enticement and Human Trafficking Task Force 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 Sentenced to more than 7 Years’ Imprisonment for MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Juan Diaz-Diaz, 27 of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for distribution of methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Diaz-Diaz to 87 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Diaz-Diaz will be required to serve a 3-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On three separate occasions in 2020, Omaha police narcotics officers utilized a confidential informant (CI) to purchase methamphetamine from Diaz-Diaz at different Omaha locations. The CI was able to purchase a total of more than a half-pound of methamphetamine during the three transactions.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Carlos Rios-Alonso, 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Rios-Alonso to a term of imprisonment of 29 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
On November 21, 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration intercepted a FedEx package that contained 2,000 fentanyl pills. The package was delivered to the listed address and Rios-Alonso took possession of the package. After Rios-Alonso was arrested, he admitted that he was to receive the package.
This case was investigated primarily by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Robert Rush, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute ten grams or more of an analogue of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Rush to 180 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 March 1, 2020, the Omaha Police Department executed a search warrant on Rush’s residence in Omaha and seized 1,029 fentanyl pills. Rush and his co-defendant, Ja’Hvont Payne, were selling the fentanyl pills for $35 to $40 a pill. Rush sold at least one of the pills to a woman who overdosed and died.
February 11, 2022, Ja’Hvont Payne was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Payne was not responsible for providing fentanyl to the deceased.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Hugo Martha-Mejia, 45, of Mexico, was sentenced on February 3, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for distributing methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Martha-Mejia to 78 months in the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On February 11, 2020, a Drug Enforcement Administration confidential source met Martha-Mejia at a BP gas station near 24th and Martha streets in Omaha to buy one pound of methamphetamine. The controlled buy was audio and video recorded and monitored by law enforcement agents. After the deal was completed, Martha-Mejia was arrested and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury.
The methamphetamine was sent to a forensic laboratory for analysis, and testing showed it to have a purity of 94%.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Machine Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Alejandro Alvarado, 24, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 2, 2023, in Lincoln for possession of a machine gun and for possessing the machine gun in furtherance of drug trafficking and crimes of violence. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Alvarado to 210 months in federal prison and noted the defendant’s past was littered with violence. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Alvarado will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Alvarado admitted to trafficking guns, to include Glock switches intended to convert handguns into fully automatic machineguns from the State of Kansas to the State of Nebraska. The investigation revealed that one of those guns ended up in the hands of a Trip Set gang member, and ballistics identified that handgun was used in a homicide committed in Lincoln. Alvarado was also conspiring with others to do home invasions in Lincoln. At arrest, Alvarado was in possession of the machinegun, a distributable amount of marijuana, and M30 pills that contained fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lincoln Police Department.
Omaha Woman Convicted for Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kristen M. Patterson, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was found guilty today, following a two-day jury trial in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher scheduled Patterson’s sentencing for May 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Patterson faces up to ten years in prison on the firearm charge. There is no parole in the federal system.
On April 7, 2021, at around 2 a.m., Omaha Police officers saw a black GMC Sierra with an attached trailer at the Extra Space Storage facility. The GMC was not running and the lights were off. Officers completed a records check on the trailer and learned it had been reported stolen on February 27, 2021.
The driver did not respond to the commands on the PA system. Upon approach, Patterson, the driver, was taken into custody without incident. The trailer and GMC were towed and an inventory search conducted. During the inventory, officers located a Bersa Thunder 380 CC firearm in a storage pocket on the driver side center console.
Patterson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions for: unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, theft by receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm or money during a drug trafficking offense.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Omaha Police Department.
Lexington Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Rudy Ortega Raymundo, 35, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Raymundo to 108 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 50 grams or more actual methamphetamine. After serving his sentence, Raymundo will be placed on supervised release for 2 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
On October 3, 2021, law enforcement in Frontier County, Nebraska received information that a vehicle on Old Highway 23 was failing to maintain speed. A Frontier County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw the vehicle and followed it to a nearby gas station. The officer contacted the driver, later identified as Raymundo, and his vehicle at a gas pump regarding traffic violations. Raymundo failed to comply with the deputy’s requests, and he was arrested. Law enforcement searched Raymundo’s vehicle and found a black trash bag in the back seat containing four bags of methamphetamine. The deputies also found a methamphetamine pipe with residue and a scale in the center console. In total, about three and a half pounds of lab confirmed methamphetamine were seized from Raymundo’s vehicle. Some of that methamphetamine was tested for purity and determined to be at least 98% pure.
This case was investigated by the Cooperation Operation for Drug Enforcement (CODE) Task Force, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Frontier County Sheriff’s Office.
Doniphan Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Stacy Lynn Delamotte, 36, of Doniphan, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Delamotte to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a 4-year term of supervised release. She will also forfeit to the United States $6,000 in United States currency. The money seized was proceeds from her drug activities.
On March 24, 2021, officers from the Grand Island Police Department responded to a report of shoplifting at Menards in Grand Island. Delamotte tried to conceal items inside of a box in an attempt to avoid paying for them. When confronted, she fled on foot. Officers located her vehicle in the parking lot, a 2013 Chrysler 300. A review of the surveillance video showed Delamotte exit the driver’s seat of the Chrysler 300 upon arriving at Menards.
Officers then towed and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. The search revealed approximately one ounce of methamphetamine on the floor of the passenger seat. A backpack was removed and searched. Inside the backpack officers found approximately two more ounces of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and a small baggie containing an additional one gram of methamphetamine. Investigators gained access to the locked glove box and recovered $6,000 in United States currency.
This case was investigated by the Grand Island Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Kearney Man Sentenced for Possessing Methamphetamine and a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Brandon Goodsell, 36, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment following his convictions for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. After he completes his prison sentence, Goodsell will also serve four years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On August 2, 2020, Goodsell was on a motorcycle when he fled from Nebraska State Patrolmen at high speeds throughout York and Hamilton counties. He crashed in a ditch in Hamilton County and was arrested. He was wearing a backpack which was searched. Investigators found a loaded pistol, more than 200 grams of methamphetamine in five different bags, marijuana, hash oil, a scale, baggies and several items of drug paraphernalia. A forensic scientist at the Crime Lab confirmed the presence of methamphetamine and marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the York County Sheriff’s Office, and the Trident Task Force which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Robert McClelland, 39, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 30, 2023, for sexual abuse of a minor. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced McClelland to 11 years and 3 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, McClelland will begin a ten-year term of supervised release.
In May of 2020, the minor victim disclosed that when she was 5 or 6 years old, McClelland touched her private area and made McClelland touch his penis. When the minor victim asked McClelland to stop, he did. McClelland was interview by law enforcement and admitted to the conduct.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 30 Months’ Imprisonment for Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Balmore Hernandez-Castro, 24, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to 30 months’ imprisonment following his conviction for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. After he completes his prison sentence, Hernandez-Castro will also serve two years on supervised release, and he will be deported to El Salvador following the completion of his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. Hernandez-Castro pleaded guilty to the offense on September 21, 2022.
Two deportation officers with the Department of Homeland Security had a warrant for Hernandez-Castro’s arrest. The morning of July 12, 2021, the officers observed Hernandez-Castro leave his home with another person, get into the passenger side of a car, and drive away. The officers stopped the car a couple of blocks away from Hernandez-Castro’s home. When the officers informed Hernandez-Castro they had a warrant for his arrest, Hernandez-Castro immediately began resisting arrest. He refused to get out of the car. A struggle ensued and during the struggle, Hernandez-Castro punched, kicked, and bit the deportation officers. Officers with the Lincoln Police Department responded to a 911 call for assistance. Several officers arrived on scene within a matter of a few minutes. With the assistance of the additional officers, and after the use of a Taser, Hernandez-Castro was finally arrested.
In addition to the deportation officers, and assistance from the Lincoln Police Department, agents with Homeland Security Investigations contributed additional follow-up investigation.
Weeping Water Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matthew W. Miller, 36, of Weeping Water, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for the crime of Felon in Possession of Ammunition. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Miller to 37 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On August 10, 2021, Miller pawned Winchester .357 ammunition at Sol’s Pawn Shop in Omaha. Miller’s information was recorded for the sale and the pawn ticket was submitted for fingerprint analysis. Miller’s fingerprints were on the ticket. Miller was also photographed pawning the ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms confirmed that all the ammunition Miller pawned was manufactured outside the state of Nebraska.
Miller has been convicted of multiple felony offenses in several Nebraska counties. Among his prior felonies are felony Theft offenses committed in Douglas and Washington counties, Burglary (Douglas County), Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person (Douglas County).
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Federal Jury Convicts Omaha Man in Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that on January 27, 2023, a federal jury in the District of Nebraska found Gilberto Aguilar-Beltran, 46, of Omaha, Nebraska guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On May 12, 2021, Omaha Police observed Aguilar-Beltran, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, meet up with two people driving a black SUV at a Taco Bell on South 42nd Street. A male from the black SUV got into Aguilar-Beltran’s Jeep and they briefly drove around before returning to the Taco Bell. The male returned to the black SUV and departed at the same time as the Jeep. Omaha Police stopped the black SUV, and after completing a canine sniff of the exterior, they searched it. Officers recovered approximately one pound of meth and arrested the driver and passenger.
Following this apparent drug transaction, OPD detectives gathered additional evidence of Aguilar-Beltran’s involvement in methamphetamine distribution. Ultimately, on July 15, 2021, officers executed a search warrant at Aguilar-Beltran’s home, locating distribution quantities of methamphetamine, cash, and a digital scale and packaging materials consistent with drug trafficking.
Investigators further determined through deconfliction and cooperation with federal investigative agencies that Aguilar-Beltran’s activities in furtherance of drug trafficking extended beyond methamphetamine distribution. A cooperating witness testified at trial that Aguilar-Beltran collected thousands of dollars in proceeds from methamphetamine sales for the organization. Additional witnesses testified that Aguilar-Beltran allowed the detached garage at his residence to be used over a period of several years for the regular off-loading of dozens of pounds of methamphetamine from a “trap” car that had been driven repeatedly to Omaha from the southwest border. The methamphetamine from the trap car was intended for distribution in Nebraska.
United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher presided over the jury trial and will sentence Aguilar-Beltran on April 27, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced for Threats to the Islamic CenterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Nolan Lee Al-Jaddou, 38, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced today in Omaha, Nebraska, for transmitting a threat to shoot members of the Islamic Center of Omaha. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Al-Jaddou to time served (approximately 30 months of imprisonment) to be followed by placement at a mental health treatment center. Al-Jaddou has been in federal custody since his arrest. Al-Jaddou will be on federal supervision for three years from the date of today’s sentencing and while residing at the treatment facility. At sentencing, Al-Jaddou expressed his apologies to the Islamic Center of Omaha and stated that he was “not himself” when he made the threat.
Investigation revealed that Al-Jaddou made a threat to the Islamic Center from a motel in Council Bluffs on March 25, 2020. He threatened to shoot the members with an AK-47. Al-Jaddou was identified in part due to an ankle monitor that he was ordered to wear on the date of the threat following his state sentence in Iowa for harassing the mayor of Council Bluffs.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.
Bellevue Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Carlos O. Lopez, 29, of Bellevue, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for distributing Alprazolam pills and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lopez to 3 months’ imprisonment on the distribution count and 60 months for the firearms offense, consecutive, for a total sentence of 63 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release for each charge, to run concurrently.
On January 15, 2020, during a controlled buy in Bellevue, a confidential informant, equipped with audio and visual recording equipment purchased 50 Alprazolam pills and a Ruger .380 handgun with live ammunition from Lopez. This event was monitored by law enforcement. Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which requires a prescription to possess.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the Omaha Police Department.
Addict in Possession of a Firearm SentencedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Derek J. Barbour, 35, of Malvern, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, as an addict in possession of a firearm. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Barbour to 33 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from federal prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On March 19, 2022, Omaha police officers were dispatched to the Double Tree Hotel for a call of suspicious activity - that there were two parties in the back parking lot in a vehicle parked by the dumpsters. Officers contacted Barbour who was standing beside her silver GMC Envoy, in the back parking lot parked between a dumpster and a storage container.
When contact was made with the suspect vehicle, co-defendant Zachary Younts was seen digging around in the back seat while Barbour stood outside the vehicle. Officers observed an open bottle of alcohol underneath the driver seat and an unzipped black backpack on the front passenger seat where officers could see what appeared to be a gun holster.
Officers learned Younts had an active warrant out of Sarpy County and took him into custody. A search of Younts revealed a small amount of marijuana and a live round of .22 caliber ammunition. Younts was found to be a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Officers searched the vehicle and located twelve (12) firearms and a large amount of ammunition. The firearms and ammunition were later determined to have been stolen in a residential burglary in Iowa.
A search of Barbour’s purse revealed three (3) clear plastic baggies of methamphetamine weighing more than five (5) grams, unknown pills, and a hypodermic needle. Barbour admitted to being a regular user of methamphetamine.
Zachary Younts’s case is pending jury trial in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the Omaha Police Department.
Geneva Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kurt D. Heckenliable, 51, of Geneva, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Heckenliable to 180 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 50 grams or more actual methamphetamine. Heckenliable faced a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence because of a prior conviction for delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in York County District Court. After serving his sentence, Heckenliable will be placed on supervised release for 10 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
On September 22, 2021, state troopers responded to a single motorcycle accident near Mead, Nebraska. At the scene, Heckenliable was identified as the driver of the motorcycle, and he received medical attention at the roadside and later at a hospital. During the accident response, law enforcement noticed suspected methamphetamine on the ground near the motorcycle. Troopers then searched the motorcycle and found more methamphetamine. In total, about four kilograms of lab confirmed methamphetamine were seized from Heckenliable’s motorcycle. Some of that methamphetamine was tested for purity and determined to be at least 96% pure.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Saunders County Sheriff’s Office.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Manuel J. Gonzalez, 59, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today to 15 years for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine after having a prior conviction for a serious drug felony by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following his release from prison, Gonzalez will serve 10 years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Information obtained by law enforcement indicated between October of 2019 and April of 2021, Gonzalez was involved in the distribution of more than 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area. In October of 2019, Gonzalez made two sales of methamphetamine, totaling approximately one ounce, to a confidential informant working for the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Gonzalez had a prior Nebraska felony conviction for delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance for which he was sentenced to four to six years in prison in 2018.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Transferring Firearms to a FelonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kylie Thompson, 25, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a term of 18 months’ imprisonment following her conviction for transferring firearms to a felon, also known as a straw purchase. After she completes her prison sentence, Thompson will also serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
While investigating a shooting that happened in Lincoln on July 8, 2021, Lincoln Police Department investigators located a cell phone conversation in which Thompson’s boyfriend, Chase Bass, talked about providing a gun to a convicted felon. That led to a firearms and narcotics investigation involving Thompson making straw purchases of firearms for Bass.
Investigators obtained firearms purchase records showing that Thompson bought 12 handguns between March 18 and July 15, 2021, at various locations in Lancaster County, Nebraska. After purchasing these firearms, Thompson transferred some of these firearms to Bass who was a felon, and thus not permitted to possess firearms. Bass was also serving a term of post-release supervision, following prison sentence, as a result of a Lancaster County conviction for possession of a short shotgun.
On July 16, 2021, Bass was arrested in Cass County on an outstanding warrant for violating his post-release supervision. Thompson was also present, but she was not arrested at that time. Bass was in possession of a distribution amount of methamphetamine, baggies containing methamphetamine residue, at least two functioning firearms, $1,347 cash, ammunition, drug ledgers, phones, gun magazines, pipes, and a scale. Investigators found six empty gun boxes in Thompson’s car. Bass was in the passenger seat of this car when arrested. The gun boxes in the car matched up with six of the firearm purchases Thompson had made in Lincoln between March 18 – July 31, 2021. Bass had a notebook in his possession containing his hand-written notes describing the firearms that were previously in the boxes found in the car. Bass was carrying a backpack containing ammunition and a pistol Thompson had purchased the day before at a Lincoln pawn shop. Bass also had keys to a safe located in Thompson’s car. Inside the safe investigators found a handgun with 12 rounds in the magazine. The box for this gun was found in the trunk and was the same handgun Thompson had purchased at a gun store in Lancaster County on July 1, 2021.
During the course of this investigation, investigators recovered three of the 12 firearms purchased by Thompson. Two of the three recovered were located in Bass’s belongings, while the third was recovered in an alleyway in downtown Lincoln on July 14, 2021. Thompson was arrested for making straw purchases of firearms on September 29, 2021.
Following his arrest, Bass bonded out of jail. Bass was again arrested in Lincoln on September 28, 2021, after being federally indicted in this case. At that time Bass possessed at least 17 grams of actual methamphetamine, a handgun, ammunition, baggies, a drug ledger, and scales.
A forensic scientist at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed the presence of at least 8 grams of actual methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in the suspected methamphetamine seized from Bass on July 16, 2021, and at least 17 grams of actual methamphetamine seized from Bass on September 28, 2021.
On November 29, 2022, Bass was sentenced to a term of 170 months’ imprisonment following his convictions for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. After he completes his prison sentence, Bass will also serve four years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, 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.
34-Year-Old Omaha Man Sentenced in Nearly $1 Million Bank Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kevin L. Brown, 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for one count of Conspiracy to Interfere with Interstate Commerce by way of Robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Brown was previously convicted in federal court for one of the robberies that was part of this conspiracy.
United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Brown to a term of 161 months of imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment. Brown received credit for his prior term of imprisonment of 33 months, for a remaining sentence of 128 months. There is no parole in the federal system.
Brown’s co-defendant, Charles Ware, was sentenced in federal court on December 15, 2022, to a term of 170 months in federal prison, followed by a term of five years of supervised release. Brown and Ware were part of a conspiracy to rob federally insured banks across Nebraska. Brown was responsible for 10 armed bank robberies and Ware was responsible for 9 armed bank robberies. The evidence showed that the defendants purchased a high quality “old man mask,” that gave them the appearance of being an elderly Caucasian male when first entering the banks. After the initial robber would enter the bank in the mask, then co-conspirators would rush into the bank after the decoy robber in the mask took initial control of the bank employees. Once inside the bank, one of the defendants would jump the teller counter in a “takeover”-style bank robbery and proceed to the bank vaults. The defendants typically used stolen vehicles to drive to the bank robberies to help disassociate themselves from the robberies and evade law enforcement detection. Ultimately, the defendants robbed Nebraska banks of $959,147.68 combined between June 1, 2015 and June 22, 2018. Restitution for the bank victims will be determined at a future hearing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, and the Lincoln Police Department.
Santee Woman Sentenced for Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Alitia Tikluk, 29, of Santee, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Tikluk to 120 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
On March 9, 2022, probation officers entered Tikluk’s Santee residence. She was on probation for a 2021 conviction for possession of a controlled substance. When officers entered Tikluk’s residence, they located two digital scales and methamphetamine spread among multiples baggies. Tikluk admitted it was her methamphetamine and that she sold drugs. Laboratory testing confirmed there was approximately 190 grams of actual methamphetamine and 699 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Knox County Sheriff’s Department, and the Santee Sioux Nation Tribal Police.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Five Years for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that William Stafford, 45, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 23, 2023, in federal court in Omaha after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Stafford 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 November 7, 2020, Omaha police patrol officers noticed an unknown individual leaning into the back seat of a car. As officers approached, they noticed it was Stafford. Stafford began making furtive movements and was eventually searched. In his pockets officers found two baggies of marijuana, unused hypodermic needles, and $471 cash. Inside of the vehicle, officers also found syringes loaded with a blue liquid. At the Douglas County Jail, officers removed a baggie of methamphetamine from Stafford’s underwear. Forensic testing confirmed a net weight of 19.687 grams and purity of 95 percent.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Dalonte Foard, 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, was found guilty today following a four-day jury trial in federal court for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Sex Trafficking of a Minor. The Honorable Brian C. Buescher scheduled Foard’s sentencing for April 19, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Foard faces up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of ten years.
The evidence at trial showed that in September 2020 two Omaha foster children went missing from their foster home. Foard had picked up the two girls, aged 16 and 17, and driven them to a hotel where co-Defendant Thomas Holbert posted online advertisements promoting the minors for commercial sex acts. The following morning, Foard sexually assaulted one of the minors to “break her in” and then posted a new online commercial sex advertisement for her. A man responding to Foard’s ad came to the hotel and Foard waited on the stairs in the hallway while the man paid $60 to engage in a sex act with the victim. After the man left, Foard took $50 of the $60 paid to the victim.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
Norfolk Man Sentenced for Possessing Nearly Five Pounds of Methamphetamine During Traffic StopRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Torey Benson, 41, Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, on January 20, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Benson to 114 months’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release upon his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
On November 27, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop against Benson in Butler County, Nebraska. During the traffic stop, officers searched Benson’s vehicle and person and found just under five pounds of methamphetamine, five tabs of LSD, and three grams of marijuana. Officers also found drug packaging materials. Benson admitted to receiving the methamphetamine and that he intended to sell it to others.
This case was investigated by Butler County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol.