District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Grand Island Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug ConvictionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Nicholas Holder, 43 of Grand Island, Nebraska, 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 Holder to 120 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Holder will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On January 6, 2021, a Butler County Deputy Sheriff was dispatched to a vehicle in the ditch in rural Butler County, Nebraska. The deputy contacted the vehicle operated by Holder, who was passed out behind the wheel with his vehicle running. While being investigated for driving under the influence, Holder gave permission to search his vehicle which revealed approximately 13 ounces of methamphetamine, along with user quantities of mushrooms and marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Blair Man Sentenced for Plot to Kill Federal Fish and Wildlife OfficerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Cody A. Cape, 24, of Blair, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher to a sentence of 117 months’ incarceration for Threatening to Murder a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and Carrying and Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. There is no parole in the federal system. Upon his release, Cape will serve a 3-year term of Supervised Release.
In October 2020, Cape was cited by a United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Officer, for a fishing violation. Cape and his friend were subjects of an ongoing poaching investigation that was being investigated by the Officer. During the course of this investigation, Cape’s phone was seized pursuant to a search warrant.
On December 24, 2020, Cape was picked up by his friend and Cape directed his friend to drive to a specific location, which was the Officer’s personal residence in Blair. Cape then had his friend drive him to an apartment in Omaha where Cape retrieved a .45 caliber handgun and a rifle. Cape directed his friend to drive to the Desoto National Wildlife Refuge to look at the employee housing to see if the Officer was there. Cape’s friend refused. Cape placed his handgun on his lap and directed his friend to take him to Desoto National Wildlife Refuge. His friend was fearful and complied. The Desoto National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Nebraska – Iowa border. The main entrance to Desoto National Wildlife Refuge is in Iowa.
On their return from Desoto National Wildlife Refuge, Cape discussed ways he planned to kill the Officer to include using C4, TNT, or dynamite. Cape discussed wiring explosives to the Officer’s USFWS vehicle or throwing explosives through a window into the Officer’s residence to kill the Officer and his family. His friend later contacted police to report what had happened and Cape’s statements.
Cape was located by Blair Police Department officers on December 25, 2020, and had a .45 caliber handgun in his vehicle. Cape was interviewed by FBI and USFWS officers and admitted to making statements about killing the Officer, although Cape claimed he was not serious. Cape stated he was under a lot of stress due to the Officer’s poaching investigation. When asked if he had made statements to kill the Officer, Cape stated “probably” and then went on to state, “I don’t know where the f### I’d get that s###.” When asked for clarification, Cape stated “C4.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Blair Police Department.
South Dakota Woman Sentenced for ManslaughterRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jordon R. Whipple, 28, of Bonesteel, South Dakota, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for involuntary manslaughter. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Whipple to 41 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Whipple will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On August 16, 2020, Whipple, an enrolled member of the Santee Sioux Tribe, was driving in Santee while under the influence of alcohol when she lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The passenger, a young mother from Santee, was killed as a result of the injuries she sustained during the accident.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Santee Sioux Nation Police Department.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Leonard C. Woodrum, Jr., 57, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 21, 2022, in federal court in Lincoln. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Woodrum, Jr. to 240 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Woodrum faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison due to a prior conviction for distribution of a controlled substance in Lancaster County District Court. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $16,865 related to the offense. After serving his sentence, Woodrum, Jr. will be placed on supervised release for 10 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
On July 9, 2021, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper stopped a vehicle driven by Woodrum Jr. for a traffic violation in Lancaster County. While completing the traffic stop, the trooper did a K9 sniff of Woodrum’s vehicle, and the dog indicated to the presence of narcotics. The vehicle was searched. Methamphetamine was found in the trunk. A lab determined that there was a total of 1,437 grams of methamphetamine mixture seized from the vehicle. Some of that methamphetamine was tested for purity, and the lab determined that it contained at least 730 grams of actual methamphetamine. Cocaine, LSD, MDMA, numerous self-seal baggies, and several scales were also found in the vehicle. A total of $16,865 in cash was seized from Woodrum’s vehicle and his person.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln / Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Hastings Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Zachary D. Ellis, 28, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Ellis to 120 months in prison for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture. After serving his sentence, Ellis will be placed on supervised release for 5 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
On June 3, 2021, under the direction of law enforcement, a confidential informant purchased about an ounce of methamphetamine from Ellis at his residence in Hastings. A lab confirmed that the methamphetamine was about 28 grams of methamphetamine mixture. On June 7, 2021, the same informant, again under law enforcement supervision, purchased two ounces of methamphetamine from Ellis at the same residence. A lab confirmed that the methamphetamine purchased on June 7, 2021 was 55.94 grams of methamphetamine mixture, of which at least 53 grams was actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Tri-City Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT).
Illinois Man Sentenced to Ten Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Possession on AmtrakRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Shawron Thomas, 47, of Calumet City, Illinois, was sentenced on September 16, 2022, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Thomas to 120 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 January 16, 2021, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper doing routine interdiction work encountered Thomas on the Amtrak train in Omaha. Thomas had a suitcase at his feet below the seat in which he was sitting. The trooper and Thomas engaged in a conversation about Thomas’s travel, during which the trooper noticed signs of possible drug trafficking.
Thomas consented to have a drug detection canine sniff the suitcase. The canine alerted to the suitcase and it was searched. Inside, agents found seven bundles of methamphetamine weighing a total of 5,049 grams. One bundle, weighing 467 grams, was submitted to the crime laboratory for testing, which determined it was 100 percent pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Woman Sentenced in Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Mayra Rendon, 36, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, following her conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Rendon to imprisonment for 210 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
From August 2021 to November 2021, Mayra Rendon, assisted by co-conspirators, was responsible for the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa areas. In one instance, Rendon and co-conspirators sold an undercover agent posing as a drug buyer 3,000 fentanyl pills, weighing a total of 339.6 grams. Rendon also arranged packages containing methamphetamine and fentanyl to be shipped to the Omaha area. Agents confiscated packages containing 3,065 fentanyl pills and over 4.5 kg of methamphetamine. The overall investigation saw the recovery and confiscation of over 20 pounds of fentanyl and 25 pounds of methamphetamine.
Co-defendant Colleen Wiand will be sentenced on October 28, 2022.
Co-defendants Samantha Cawyer, Emidio Becerra, Oscar Quiroz Ayon, Darbelio Lorenzo-Genchi, Iris Gallardo-Salado, Giovana Cisneros, and Lorenzo Gonzalez-Perez are pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance provided from Omaha Police Department and Utah State Patrol.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Five Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Paul Piskorski, 53, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 12, 2022, in federal court in Omaha for possessing child pornography. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Piskorski to five years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Piskorski will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On May 28, 2018, Piskorski uploaded an image of child pornography to Microsoft Bing’s search function. On September 16, 2019, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Piskorski’s Omaha residence. Agents located approximately 300 images of child pornography saved on his computer, including the image he uploaded to Microsoft Bing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 68 Months for Possessing Dealer Quantities of FentanylRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Zakk L. Biggs, 32, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha by Chief United States Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more fentanyl. Biggs received a sentence of 68 months’ imprisonment with a four-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
On November 21, 2021, DEA agents intercepted a FedEx package that contained 2,000 fentanyl pills. On November 23, 2021, agents did a controlled delivery of the package to the listed address. Carlos Rios-Alonso accepted the package and was then arrested. Further investigation revealed that the ultimate recipient of the package was Biggs. Biggs was arrested after arriving to meet with Rios-Alonso.
Rios-Alonso is currently set for trial on October 17, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that James Robert Haage, age 30 of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Haage to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Haage will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release.
On December 29, 2020, Haage was stopped in the area of 30th and Cuming Streets in Omaha after he ran a stop sign and almost struck an Omaha Police Department cruiser. A data check showed that he had outstanding warrants and he was placed under arrest. While placing Haage in custody, officers noticed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside of his vehicle. A subsequent search revealed approximately 84 grams of methamphetamine hidden under the dashboard on the driver’s side, drug paraphernalia throughout the car including a drug ledger, and a loaded 9mm handgun under the driver’s seat. Two phones taken from Haage were searched and photos of the gun were found along with selfies taken by Haage.
Haage was able to bond out of jail after his arrest and on May 26, 2021, he was stopped in Omaha after leaving a hotel room that was under investigation. A search of the car he was driving revealed more than 200 grams of methamphetamine.
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.
Fremont Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug ConvictionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Trayton Jay Jackson, 25 of Fremont, Nebraska was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Jackson to 120 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Jackson will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On May 4, 2021, Fremont police officers conducted a traffic stop in Fremont after observing a vehicle traveling at night with no working taillights and no rear license plate. Jackson was identified as the driver and couldn’t produce any paperwork for the vehicle. During the stop Jackson admitted that he had marijuana in the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. A search of Jackson at the Fremont jail revealed another 3 baggies of methamphetamine on his person, with the total weight being over 50 grams.
This case was investigated by the III CORPS Drug Task Force.
Georgia Hunter Sentenced for Lacey Act Violation Stemming from Nebraska HuntRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kyle G. Daniel, 36, of Ball Ground, Georgia, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for violating of the Lacey Act. United States District Judge John Gerrard sentenced Daniel to 2 years’ probation for unlawful transportation of wildlife in interstate commerce. Daniel was ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $5,000 and restitution in the amount of $4,000.
A joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division determined that in October of 2020, Daniel traveled to Noble Outdoors, a commercial big game guiding and outfitting business located in North Platte, Nebraska, to conduct an archery mule deer hunt. During the hunt, Daniel unlawfully shot a mule deer and subsequently transported trophy parts of the deer out of the state for taxidermy services in Georgia.
As contained in the plea agreement accepted by the Court and admitted by Daniel, the investigation determined that in the fall of 2020, Daniel traveled to Noble Outdoors with two other hunting partners to hunt mule deer during the archery season. During the hunt, Daniel unlawfully shot a mule deer buck from the rear passenger seat area of a Noble Outdoors vehicle parked upon the traveled portion of a public roadway. Under Nebraska state law, shooting from the road and hunting upon property without landowner permission are prohibited. .
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Daniel surrendered and abandoned a total of six sets of antlers or taxidermy mounts originating from mule deer taken during hunts at Noble Outdoors in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Today’s convictions mark the second federal sentencing involving the ongoing prosecution of numerous defendants related to violations committed by Noble Outdoors and its owner, associates, and clients. Four additional defendants have pleaded guilty in Nebraska state court. In total, six defendants have been sentenced and ordered to pay a total of $28,500 in fines and restitution for violations related to the interstate transport of unlawfully taken wildlife, shooting deer from the road; taking deer without a valid permit, taking deer with a firearm during archery season, dumping carcasses in waters of the state; hunting without permission; and improperly checking or registering big game.
The operation was a joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Law Enforcement Division.
Co-defendants Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced Patricia Jacobsen, 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, and Elycia Washington, 24, of Arizona, were sentenced in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Washington to 54 months imprisonment. Jacobsen received a total sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment as the court revoked a prior term of supervised release and added an additional year based on the revocation. Jacobsen was also ordered to forfeit $17,380.00. There is no parole in the federal system. After their release from prison, Washington will begin a five-year term of supervised release and Jacobsen will begin a 10-year term.
On October 20, 2020, Omaha Police Department officers executed a search warrant on Jacobsen’s Omaha residence and found 339.2 grams of actual methamphetamine and $17,380.00. For a few months before October 20, Jacobsen was receiving methamphetamine from Brandy Williamson who is from Arizona. Jacobsen and Williamson had an agreement in which Williamson regularly traveled to Omaha, from Arizona, to provide Jacobsen with quantities of methamphetamine to sell.
The next day officers had contact with Williamson and Washington at an Omaha hotel room. The room was searched, and officers found with 16.4 pounds of methamphetamine. Williamsons has pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Ponca Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steve Russell announced that Timothy S. Daly, 49, of Ponca, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Judge John M. Gerrard for interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Daly was sentenced to 7 years in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is no parole in the federal system.
On August 23, 2021, Daly contacted a phone number appearing on an online advertisement which offered sexual services. An undercover law enforcement officer responded posing as a 15-year-old female. Through text conversation Daly planned a meeting with the 15-year-old-girl to engage in sexual activities not knowing the girl was an undercover officer. On August 26, 2021, Daly traveled to the arranged meeting place. Shortly thereafter, he was arrested by law enforcement. His vehicle was searched and the cash, fast food which had been negotiated as payment for the proposed sex acts were located in his vehicle as well as condoms.
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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jesse Neri, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jesse Neri conspired with his brother, Oswaldo Neri, 30, of Mexico, and others to distribute methamphetamine in Omaha in early 2021. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Neri to imprisonment for a term of 210 months as to each count, to be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On January 4 and 5, 2021, a DEA undercover agent posing as a customer contacted a known Mexico-based methamphetamine supplier to order for purchase 1 pound of methamphetamine. The agent and the Mexican source of supply agreed that a local party would meet the customer at a business in Omaha to complete the sale and agreed that the customer would pay $4,100 for the pound. As planned, they met and completed the transaction. Investigators thereafter identified the Neri brothers as the persons who met with the undercover officer and delivered the methamphetamine.
A week later, on January 12, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at the Neri brothers’ residence in Omaha. Both brothers were arrested, and investigators recovered 6 additional pounds of methamphetamine from Oswaldo Neri’s bedroom closet, as well as additional evidence of distribution.
A jury trial of the brothers was set to commence on February 8, 2022. Jesse Neri pled guilty on the morning trial was to begin, leaving Oswaldo Neri as the sole defendant at trial. On February 10, 2022, a federal jury in the District of Nebraska found Oswaldo Neri guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher presided over the jury trial and will sentence Oswaldo Neri on October 5, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Field Division, and the Nebraska State Patrol. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Chemistry Unit provide laboratory services for the investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Assaulting Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jonathan Miller, 30, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and assaulting law enforcement with a dangerous or deadly weapon. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Miller to serve 205 months’ imprisonment on both charges. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Miller will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On October 6, 2021, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the metro fugitive task force were attempting to locate a person with a felony warrant. Officers received a tip that one of the warrant suspects was staying at an Omaha Super 8 Motel, driving a white Chevy Impala with In-transits. Officers located the vehicle in the hotel parking lot and set up surveillance.
As one female and two males exited the Super 8 motel and approached the Chevy Impala, officers drove an unmarked police vehicle toward the Impala. As the three parties began to enter the vehicle, an officer activated his vehicle’s emergency lights, identified himself as police, and asked to speak with the female. Miller, the driver of the vehicle, put the car in reverse, backed up towards law enforcement, striking the front of the occupied law enforcement vehicle with the back of the Impala. Miller then struck a second police vehicle that had arrived on scene before fleeing the area at a high rate of speed. In doing so, Miller also struck a privately owned vehicle and the motel.
Disregarding law enforcement commands to stop, Miller continued to flee before losing control of the vehicle and crashing into a fence at a nearby construction site. All three suspects then attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended. The Impala was impounded and found to contain a large amount of methamphetamine – half a pound – located in a bag on the floorboard of the vehicle, along with hypodermic needles and additional drug paraphernalia.
Miller’s two passengers remain under indictment and pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Metro Fugitive Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distributing Cocaine and Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Adante Mower, 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 19, 2022, in federal court in Lincoln. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Mower to 240 months in prison for distributing cocaine and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury. After serving his sentence, Mower will be placed on supervised release for 3 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
On August 4, 2021, Mower distributed a substance believed to be cocaine to two individuals in a store parking lot in Lincoln. Those two individuals then went to Nebraska City and used that substance. Shortly thereafter, those individuals became unresponsive. Emergency personnel arrived on scene and administered medical treatment, including Narcan, to reverse the effects of the overdose. The two individuals were hospitalized and survived. Law enforcement seized the remainder of the substance sold by Mower at the scene of the overdose. A lab determined that the substance contained cocaine and fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Deshler Man Sentenced to 210 Months for Possession of DrugsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Robert D. Dankemeyer, 61, of Deshler, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a total of 210 months’ (17 ½ years) imprisonment following his conviction for possession of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Dankemeyer pleaded guilty to the offense on May 24, 2022. After he completes his prison sentence, Dankemeyer will also serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On the evening of June 22, 2020, deputies with the Thayer County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of an armed person threatening patrons at the Fourth Street Tavern in Deshler. After interviewing witnesses, they learned that Dankemeyer had gotten into an argument with some customers in the bar. He left the bar and then returned a short time later carrying firearms, including a revolver with a scope attached. He pointed a gun at a couple of people outside the bar, and then left as the sound of sirens could be heard approaching. Later that evening, Dankemeyer was located at a gas station in Hebron, Nebraska, and arrested.
Deputies with the Thayer County Sheriff’s Department obtained a search warrant for Dankemeyer’s residence in Deshler. Inside the home they located a small amount of methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, several pellet and BB guns, a few large Bowie knives, and body armor. A Ford Taurus was parked at the house. Inside the trunk of the Taurus, the deputies located several firearms, about a pound of methamphetamine, about 9 sticks of dynamite, blasting caps, fuse igniters, and body armor. Once the deputies encountered the dynamite, they had to pause the search and they obtained assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol’s Hazardous Devices team.
This case was investigated by the Thayer County Sheriff’s Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
73-year-old Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Travelling to Have Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that John J. Stratman, 73, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was sentenced on August 18, 2022, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for travelling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Stratman to 135 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Stratman will begin a 7-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. Judge Buescher ordered Stratman to pay a $20,000 fine and a $5,000 special assessment. Stratman forfeited a 2019 Buick Enclave.
On October 1, 2021, Stratman contacted an individual he believed had access to 15-year-old female that Stratman could meet for sex. The individual Stratman contacted was working as an undercover law enforcement officer. From October 1, 2021, through January 4, 2022, Stratman and the undercover law enforcement officer communicated through the use of cell phones regarding the arrangement of sexual activity with the 15-year-old. During the cell phone communications, Stratman was primarily located in South Dakota and the undercover law enforcement officer was located in Omaha, Nebraska.
On January 2, 2022, Stratman booked a hotel room in Omaha which he intended to be used to meet with the 15-year-old. On January 4, 2022, Stratman traveled from South Dakota to Omaha, Nebraska, for purposes of engaging in sexual activity with the 15-year-old. After arriving in Omaha, Stratman communicated with the undercover law enforcement officer informing him he was ready to meet. When the undercover law enforcement officer arrived at the hotel, Stratman had gifts including candy and flowers he purchased for the 15-year-old. Stratman also paid the law enforcement officer $200 in cash for sexual activity he intended to have with the 15-year-old.
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.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force
Omaha Man Sentenced to 200 months on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Steven Anthony Malechek, 48, Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Malechek to 140 months’ imprisonment on the drug charges and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 200 months. Additionally, more than $14,000 in cash was forfeited. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On May 19, 2021, Omaha Police Department gang unit and SWAT officers encountered Malechek near a residence in Omaha prior to the execution of a search warrant. Malechek disobeyed orders from officers to stop and fled from law enforcement in a vehicle, reversing up a hill at a high rate of speed. Malechek was eventually apprehended nearby. Malechek was subsequently arrested and during a search of Malechek and his vehicle, officers recovered approximately 70 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms—a Taurus .45 caliber pistol and a Luger LC9S 9mm handgun.
On May 28, 2021, law enforcement again had contact with Malecheck. Officers searched Malechek’s truck and found close to a pound of methamphetamine, a ballistic vest, a rifle, and cash.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Grand Jury - August 2022Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 14 unsealed Indictments charging 16 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Alejandro Alcantar-Mascote, a/k/a Alejandro Alcantar, a/k/a Alejandro Mascote, age 40, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien after having been convicted of a felony on or about March 8, 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.
* Massey Allen, age 41, of Omaha, is charged with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about July 7, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to a 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than four-years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Mark A. Barraza Saenz, age 21, and Melecio Meza Salamanca, age 27, are charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges Barraza Saenz and Meza Salamanca with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about October 12, 2021. The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than four-years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Barraza Saenz and Meza Salamanca with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime on or about October 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to life imprisonment consecutive to Count I, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Meza Salamanca with felon in possession of a firearm on or about October 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Meza Salamanca with unlawful possession of a firearm after having a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. 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.
* Brayan Joaquin Carvajal-Alcantara, age 29, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about August 1, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Yadira Chavarria-Enriquez, age 43, of Omaha, is charged with distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about March 18, 2022. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than five-years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit $26,000.00 in United States currency seized on or about March 18, 2022.
* Holly M. Fleming, age 36, and Terrell C. Bass, age 39, are charged in a four-count Superseding Indictment. Count I charges Fleming and Bass with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about October 27, 2021 and continuing to on or about February 18, 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 Fleming with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 27, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a not less than five-year and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Fleming and Bass with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about February 18, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a not less than five-years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Fleming with using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment consecutive to count I, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit $61,198.76 in United States currency seized on or about May 23, 2022.
* Geraldo Hernandez-Mosqueda, age 44, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about August 4, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Mark P. Nielson, age 43, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Nielson with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about July 17, 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 Nielson with carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about July 17, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to life imprisonment consecutive, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Nielson with felon in possession of a firearm on or about July 17, 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. There is also an allegation to forfeit $1,914,00 in United States currency seized on or about July 17, 2022.
* Jason C. Olderbak age 34, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged with fraudulent use of seals of the United States on COVID vaccination cards on or about July 30, 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.
* John W. Rice, age 34, is charged in a two count Indictment. Count I charges Rice with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about May 4, 2020 continuing to on or about December 28, 2021. The penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Rice with felon in possession of a firearm on or about December 28, 2021. 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.
* Alfred Rogers, age 61, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Rogers with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about May 23, 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 life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Rogers with carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about May 23, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to life imprisonment consecutive, a $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit $45,906.00 in United States currency seized on or about May 23, 2022.
* Russell L. Rucks, Jr., age 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska is charged in a three-count Superseding Indictment. Count I charges Rucks, Jr. with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and a detectable amount of fentanyl on or about April 1, 2021 and continuing to on or about August 12, 2021, resulting in serious bodily injury of F.F. and M.H. and resulting in the death of V.R. The penalty if convicted is not less than 20 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, not less than three years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Rucks, Jr. with distribution of cocaine and fentanyl on or about July 27, 2021, resulting in serious bodily injury of F.F. The penalty if convicted is not less than 20 years’ and up to life imprisonment life imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, not less than three years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Rucks, Jr. with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about August 12. 2021. The penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to a 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than four years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit $5,584.00 in United States currency seized on or about August 12, 2021.
* Russell L. Rucks, Sr., age 51, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Rucks, Sr. with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and a detectable amount of fentanyl on or about April 1, 2021 and continuing to on or about August 12, 2021 resulting in serious bodily injury of F.F. and M.H. and resulting in the death of V.R. The penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, not less than six years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Rucks, Sr. with distribution of cocaine and fentanyl on or about July 27, 2021, resulting in serious bodily injury of F.F. and M.H. and resulting in the death of V.R. The penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, not less than six years and up to a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Rucks, Sr. with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on or about August 12. 2021. The penalty if convicted is 10 years’ and up to a 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. There is also an allegation to forfeit $5,584.00 in United States currency seized on or about August 12, 2021.
* Rogelio Torres-Rodriguez, age 25, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about May 25, 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.
Former Washington Woman Sentenced for Role in Forged Stimulus Check ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Courtney Laparele Clark, age 35, formerly of Tacoma, Washington, was sentenced today by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to a sentence of time served for Conspiracy to Pass and Utter Forged United States Treasury Checks and two counts of Passing and Uttering Forged United States Treasury Checks. Clark has served more than 13 months’ incarceration at the time of her sentencing. There is no parole in the federal system. Clark will now begin a 3-year term of Supervised Release. Clark was also ordered to pay $1,400 in restitution and $300 in special assessments.
On March 26, 2021, Jessica Lovering went to the EZ Money Check Cashing location at 5102 L St. in Omaha, Nebraska and presented a forged United States Treasury stimulus check in the amount of $1,400 and was able to cash the check. A white powdery substance was used to obscure the original payee name and “Jessica Lovering” had been placed on the check as the payee. This United States Treasury Check was originally made payable to an individual who is an inmate in the United States Bureau of Prisons.
On April 26, 2021, Jessica Lovering went to the EZ Money Check Cashing location at 5102 L St. in Omaha and presented a forged United States Treasury stimulus check in the amount of $1,400. The check had originally been made payable to an inmate of the Nebraska Department of Corrections. A white powdery substance was again used to obscure the original payee name and “Jessica Lovering” had been placed on the check as the payee. The EZ Money employees recognized the check as being altered and denied payment.
Lovering received these checks from Clark. Text message and Facebook messenger conversations between Clark and Lovering were obtained via search warrants. In these conversations, Clark and Lovering discuss the manufacturing and alteration of checks. Clark and Lovering discuss Lovering cashing a check at the EZ Money near 50th and L Streets. Clark and Lovering discussed Clark getting checks back from Lovering and their splitting of the proceeds.
Lovering pleaded guilty Conspiracy to Pass and Utter Forged United States Treasury Checks and two counts of Passing and Uttering Forged United States Treasury Checks and was sentenced to time served on June 16, 2022 to be followed by a 3-year term of Supervised Release. Lovering had served three months and 11 days incarceration at the time of her sentencing.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Darrell Hunter, 50, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Hunter to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Hunter will serve a five-year term of supervised release.
On March 11, 2021, March 24, 2021, and April 6, 2021, a confidential informant purchased a total of 36 grams of methamphetamine from Hunter at his residence in Omaha. On April 13, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Hunter’s residence and located a total of 88 grams of methamphetamine along with three firearms, ammunition, and a scale.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Metro Drug Task Force.
Texas Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Ezekiel Fernandez, II, 32, of Highlands, Texas, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Fernandez to 57 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl. After serving his sentence, Fernandez will be placed on supervised release for 2 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
On May 27, 2021, a Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputy pulled a vehicle over for a traffic violation along Interstate 80 in Lancaster County, Nebraska. Fernandez was identified as the driver. After the traffic stop, a K9 was called and deployed around the vehicle. The K9 alerted and indicated to the presence of narcotics odor in the vehicle. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found a duffle bag in the back seat with around $30,000 in US currency. Fernandez later agreed to forfeiting that currency. Officers also found a bag with a large number of blue pills in the front seat. The blue pills were sent to a lab for testing, and the lab confirmed that the pills contained fentanyl and weighed about 1.07 kilograms.
This case was investigated by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Richardson County Man Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Michael Tinsley, 47, was sentenced on August 11, 2022, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Tinsley to 184 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Tinsley will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
In December 2020, a Richardson County Deputy Sheriff attempted to stop a red Chevy Avalanche driven by Tinsley. He fled from the deputy at a high rate of speed. Minutes later, the deputy found the Avalanche abandoned in a ditch. During an inventory search of the car, investigators found methamphetamine, syringes, spoons with residue, two scales, and two cell phones. The deputy obtained a search warrant for the Chevy Avalanche and for the cell phones. During a search of the seized cell phones, investigators found evidence of drug distribution by Tinsley. The methamphetamine was tested and confirmed to be at least 120 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Several witnesses told investigators that Tinsley had been selling them methamphetamine in varying quantities in 2019 and 2020.
On January 4, 2021, Tinsley was arrested at a Lincoln hotel by a Lancaster County Sheriff’s Deputy. He had approximately 7.6 grams methamphetamine and a pipe on his person. He admitted he had used methamphetamine in the past and admitted that he had methamphetamine on his person.
This case was investigated by the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Wahoo Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that David Wesley Swanson, 37, of Wahoo, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 4, 2022, to 15 years for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual, (pure), in July of 2020, with a prior violent felony conviction by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Following his release from prison, Swanson will serve ten years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On July 7, 2020, investigators were conducting surveillance on a Lincoln, Nebraska, apartment building. They saw Swanson arrive and go into the building. A short time later, Swanson came out and drove away, followed by investigators. Investigators learned Swanson’s driver’s license was suspended, and they saw him commit traffic violations. He was stopped and arrested for driving on a suspended license. Pursuant to Lincoln Police Department policy, his vehicle had to be towed. Prior to the vehicle being towed, investigators conducted an inventory search and found a bag of methamphetamine containing at least 74 grams (over 2 ½ ounces) of actual (pure) methamphetamine. Swanson told investigators he had just purchased the methamphetamine. Swanson said he had been selling methamphetamine for approximately two years.
Swanson had a prior Nebraska conviction for robbery.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Ohio Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jesus Guillen Lopez, 46, of Alvordton, Ohio, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Lopez to 87 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a two-year term of supervised release.
On April 16, 2021, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper stopped a Chevy Traverse on I-80 for following too close. Lopez was the driver and told the trooper he was coming from Sacramento, California. Lopez gave law enforcement permission to search the vehicle. Law enforcement located 12.9 pounds of fentanyl and 14 pounds of cocaine in the engine compartment of the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 21 1/2 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matt Tibbels, 59, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for production of child pornography. Tibbels was sentenced to 21 1/2 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Tibbels was additionally ordered to pay $29,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of cases.
This case began as a part of a Freenet peer-to-peer investigation by the FBI concerning a Freenet user who was receiving child pornography. The FBI traced IP addresses associated with the investigation to Tibbels’s residence. The residence was also operated as an in-home daycare. On October 5, 2021, a search warrant was executed where multiple devices were seized. A forensic examination of the devices revealed a total of 887 child pornography image files and 147 child pornography video files. While reviewing other electronic devices seized, FBI agents observed a video and seven images that depicted a child changing clothes in the main bedroom of the Tibbels’ family home. This child was positively identified as a child who had attended that daycare.
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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Matthew James Borden, 33, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 4, 2022, to a total of 20 years in federal prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Borden was sentenced to 15 years for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture with a prior serious drug felony conviction and five years for using, carrying or possessing a firearm during or in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The sentence for the gun charge must be served consecutive to, (after), the sentence on the drug conspiracy charge. Following his release from prison, Borden will serve ten years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Borden was also ordered to forfeit $6,362.00 in cash to the United States of America.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated Borden was involved with the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms, (3 pounds) of methamphetamine mixture in the Lincoln area between June of 2020 and April 27, 2021.
On April 27, 2021, investigators saw another person contact Borden, who was sitting in a vehicle outside his Lincoln residence. After the other person walked away, they were contacted and found in possession of just under an ounce of methamphetamine. Borden was contacted and found in possession of approximately ¼ ounce of methamphetamine and $6,286.00 in cash. A loaded .38 caliber revolver was found in the center console of the vehicle Borden had been sitting in. A search warrant was executed at Borden’s residence. During that search, three baggies of methamphetamine totaling more than ½ ounce, ammunition for the .38 caliber revolver and an additional $76.00 in cash were found in Borden’s bedroom.
In 2013, Borden was sentenced to four to seven years in prison for two counts of distribution of marijuana in Adams County District Court.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 200 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Britt Hudgins, 50 of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Hudgins to 200 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Hudgins will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On May 18, 2021, Omaha Police Officers responded to a radio call of a vehicle blocking an alley near 48th and Erskine in Omaha. After officers determined that the vehicle was stolen, an inventory search revealed two .40 caliber Glock handguns, 210 grams of actual methamphetamine, and a cell phone. A search of the phone revealed that it belonged to Hudgins as his name and photograph were stored within.
On May 20, 2021, Omaha Police Detectives utilized a confidential informant who purchased 7.2 grams of methamphetamine from Hudgins at an Omaha location.
On August 17, 2021, Omaha Police Officers located and arrested Hudgins on a federal warrant related to an indictment charging the above crimes. In his possession officers located a 9mm handgun.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department. It 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 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.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 20 1/2 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steve Russell announced that Gregory Dightman, 53, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for four counts of production of child pornography. Dightman was sentenced to 20 1/2 years in prison and10 years of supervised release on each count with the sentences to be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. Dightman was additionally ordered to pay $12,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of cases.
On November 19, 2019, the Lincoln Police Department received a child abuse/neglect intake from the Department of Health and Human Services. A mother reported that her daughter had been taking inappropriate photographs with a professional photographer (Gregory Dightman) that included nude images. LPD received search warrants for Dightman’s home and studio area where photos were taken. Dightman consented to talk to law enforcement and admitted that he knew how old the girl was and that he had taken nude photographs of her.
Through the examination of Dightman’s devices and interviews with other young women, it was determined that Dightman had created pornographic images of at least four young ladies who were minors at the time the photos were created/taken. The conduct spanned from 2009 until 2019. The victims were between the ages of 16 and 17 when Dightman took the sexually explicit photographs. The investigation revealed that Dightman would pay the victims for the photo shoots. Between the four young women, approximately 590 child pornographic images were recovered.
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.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Ashton Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jason Griess, 32, formerly of Ashton, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for distribution of child pornography. Griess was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in prison and15 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Griess was additionally ordered to pay $6,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of cases.
From on or about August 10, 2019, until on or about August 16, 2019, an Online Covert Employee (“OCE”) working with the FBI’s child exploitation task force engaged in conversations with Griess. Griess tried to make arrangements with the OCE to travel to Utah where the OCE indicated he lived, to have intercourse with the OCE’s fictitious 9-year-old daughter. Through the course of their conversation, Griess sent an image of child pornography to the OCE.
The FBI received search warrants for Griess’s residence and devices. Griess consented to a voluntary interview where he confessed to distributing the image to the OCE and to saving and storing child pornography. Approximately 124 images of child pornography were found on his cellular phone. An additional 172 videos and 11 images were found on other accounts that belonged to Griess.
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.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Marco A. Vallecillo, 26, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possessing with intent to distribute marijuana and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Vallecillo to 75 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Vallecillo will begin a three-year term of supervised release on the drug and firearms charges.
On April 26, 2021, a confidential source (CS) arranged for a controlled purchase of marijuana and a gun from Vallecillo at his home in Bellevue, Nebraska. The CS paid $1,000 and received a Polymer 80 PF940C 9mm handgun and marijuana. The firearm was determined to be a “ghost” gun – a firearm without a manufacturer’s serial number and unregistered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, thus rendering it untraceable by law enforcement.
Following the controlled purchase of marijuana and the “ghost” gun, the Omaha Police Department and FBI Safe Streets Task Force executed a search warrant on Vallecillo’s home and seized several items including more than 2.5 kilograms of marijuana, drug packaging materials, drug scales, and other narcotics related paraphernalia. An SCCY 9mm handgun was also found within the residence.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Omaha Police Department. It 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 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.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Andrew Alan Spiehs, 42, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today to 17 ½ years (210 months) in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf. Following his release from prison, Spiehs will serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated Spiehs was involved with the distribution of at least 150 grams (approximately 5 ¼ ounces) of actual or pure methamphetamine and at least 1.5 kilograms, (3 pounds) of methamphetamine mixture in the Lincoln area between August of 2017 and January 31, 2019. On January 31, 2019, investigators made a controlled delivery of a package containing methamphetamine to Spiehs at his Lincoln residence. That package had been intercepted in California and contained at least 100 grams of methamphetamine actual.
Spiehs was released from federal custody on conditions in June of 2019. However, he absconded and was a fugitive for more than two years before being arrested again in Wyoming in August of 2021. As a result, Spiehs received an enhancement to his sentencing range. Spiehs also received an enhancement for possession of a gun during the time he was involved in the drug conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Potter, Nebraska Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Stetson Reinick, 35, was sentenced July 26, 2022, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Reinick to 110 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 September 21, 2020, law enforcement performed a trash pull at the residence of Reinick and co-defendant, Stephanie Mitchell. Law enforcement seized foil with burned residue that tested positive for heroin. As a result, they were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence. They located a backpack in a back bedroom that contained 21 grams of actual methamphetamine, scales, and drug paraphernalia. In Reinick’s bedroom, a handgun was found between the mattress and headboard on Reinick’s side of the bed.
Mitchell’s trial is scheduled for August 22, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne County, Nebraska, Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that on July 26, 2022, District Court Chief Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Hammaduzzaman Syed, age 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, to 120 months incarceration for attempted sex trafficking of a minor. A jury found Syed guilty on March 22, 2022, following a day and a half jury trial. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release, Syed will serve a 5-year term of supervised release.
In November 2020, a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office posted an advertisement on Skip the Games, a website known to be commonly used for prostitution. On November 17, 2020, Syed responded to the phone number on the advertisement by text message and began communicating with an undercover deputy who informed Syed that they were a 15-year-old female. Syed then arranged to meet who he believed to be a 15-year-old female for a half hour of sex for $100. Syed then traveled to the agreed upon location with condoms and the agreed upon $100 as pursuant to their text message conversation.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 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.
Council Bluffs Man sentenced for Sex Trafficking TeenagersRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Jesse Cody, 34 of Council Bluffs, Iowa was sentenced on July 26, 2022, for sex trafficking two teenagers between Iowa and Nebraska. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr sentenced Cody to 16 years’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Cody will have to register as a sex offender and serve a five-year term of supervised release.
A federal jury previously convicted Cody of trafficking an eighteen year old victim in foster care and a nineteen year old woman who resided in Omaha. The foster care victim testified at trial that Cody forced her to have sex with men for money for Cody’s financial gain. The victim testified that Cody beat, raped, and choked her when she would refuse to comply with his demands. Cody induced the second victim, then a college student, into sex trafficking by misrepresenting to the victim the money that she could make and the lifestyle that she would lead and then Cody took most of the money for himself.
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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.
North Platte Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Merrill Johnston, 38, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Johnston to 168 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 September 13, 2019, officers from the North Platte Police Department were called to Johnston’s apartment for a domestic disturbance. Officers secured the residence for a search warrant. The search revealed 400 grams of actual methamphetamine in the apartment and a firearm was located under the couch. In addition, $7,100.00 in U.S. currency was seized and forfeited to the United States.
This case was investigated by the North Platte Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Adam J. Bindel was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession of child pornography. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Bindel to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Bindel will serve 5 years of supervised release.
In March 2021, the Nebraska State Patrol began investigating a Cyber Tipline Report from Kik stating that a user had uploaded images and videos of child pornography. On March 30, 2021, investigators contacted Bindel at his residence in Omaha, Nebraska. Bindel admitted to viewing and sharing child pornography online and consented to a search of his phone. Investigators observed an image of child pornography on Bindel’s phone.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Omaha Man Sentenced on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced today that Steven D. Crawford, age 39, of Omaha, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher to a sentence of 180 months imprisonment for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Carrying and Using a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. There is no parole in the federal system. Upon his release, Crawford will serve a 4 year term of Supervised Release.
On May 26, 2020, a confidential source advised law enforcement that he/she was able to purchase ecstasy from co-Defendant Joi Y. Bradley. The confidential source contacted Bradley and agreed to meet Bradley at Big Jims located at 3024 Ames Ave. Bradley was the passenger seat of a Chevy Tahoe and Crawford was the driver. The confidential source purchased 10 pills of purported ecstasy from Defendant in exchange for $40. After this controlled purchase, the Omaha Police Department conducted continuous surveillance of the Tahoe before conducting a traffic stop. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded HiPoint 9 mm handgun with an extended magazine containing 16 live rounds next to where Crawford had been sitting.
The 10 purported ecstasy pills were submitted to the Nebraska Public Service Laboratory and were determined to be eutylone and caffeine. Eutylone is a positional isomer of pentylone, a schedule I controlled substance.
A search warrant was obtained for Defendant’s DNA which was then compared against DNA swabs that had been taken from the firearm by the UNMC Human DNA Laboratory. The swab from the firearm generated a mixture of two individuals and Crawford could not be excluded as a contributor.
Firearm examiners from ATF examined the firearm and found that the firearm was not manufactured in the state of Nebraska and would have had to have travelled in interstate commerce to be located in Nebraska. Additionally, the ATF Trace Summary found that the gun had been originally purchased in the state of Texas.
Crawford was a convicted felon having previously been convicted of Assault Family Violence Impeding Breath/Circulation in Texas and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance- Less than 10 Grams of Crack Cocaine in Nebraska, and Aiding and Abetting Assault in the First Degree in Nebraska.
Bradley was convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Eutylone and was previously sentenced to a term of 5 years probation.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 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.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Transporting Minor for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Jonte L. Fuller, age 35, of Omaha, was sentenced today by the Honorable Brian C. Buescher, United States District Judge, to 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Fuller pled guilty in April 2022 to Transporting a Minor to Engage in Prostitution.
In about September 2020, a 16-year-old who had run from home met Fuller and his co-defendant Phillip Gonzales in Omaha. Gonzales took photos of the minor and placed them in advertisements he posted on a website used to advertise commercial sex, using an account under Fuller’s name and email address. Gonzales initially did not have a car, so Fuller drove the minor to “out calls” where s/he engaged in commercial sex with customers. The minor provided a portion of the money s/he received from such out calls to Fuller.
On or about October 2, 2020, Fuller drove Gonzales, the minor and an adult from Iowa to a residence in Bellevue, Nebraska for an out call. At the residence, both the minor and the adult engaged in commercial sex with a customer.
Gonzales pled guilty in in February 2022 to Producing Visual Depiction of Minor Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct and was sentenced on May 25, 2022 to 180 months imprisonment.
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 and the Omaha Police Department.
United States Attorney’s Office Seeks to Civilly Forfeit Assets in Nearly $6 Million Alleged Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the filing of a civil complaint seeking forfeiture of assets acquired in an alleged fraud scheme involving almost $6 million.
According to the civil complaint, Brett Cook, deceased, of Fremont, Nebraska, utilized his position as Vice President at Darland Properties to orchestrate an alleged fraud scheme involving Jeff Stenstrom, Brian Cook, and others. The civil complaint alleges Brett Cook directed repair work for Darland Properties’ clients to Stenstrom’s company, Stenstrom Services, Inc., and then billed the clients for work that was not performed, overbilled clients for work that was performed, and submitted inflated invoices to insurance companies to obtain insurance proceeds. This scheme resulted in a loss of approximately $4,250,000, which personally benefitted Brett Cook and Stenstrom.
By 2019, Brett Cook and Stenstrom ceased directly using Stenstrom Services for Darland Properties repairs. Brett Cook then created a new company with his brother, Brian Cook, called Midwest Property Maintenance Solutions. Midwest Property Maintenance Solutions operated in the same manner as Stenstrom Services had, whereby it billed Darland Properties’ clients for work that was not performed, work that had previously been paid for and completed by Stenstrom Services, and overbilled for work that was performed, among other things. The civil complaint alleges that this continued scheme resulted in a loss of at least an additional $600,000, most of which benefitted Brett and Brian Cook.
The civil complaint further alleges that Brett Cook used his Vice President position to fraudulently obtain monies from Darland Properties’ clients by reimbursing himself for personal expenses, requiring subcontractors to pay kickbacks indirectly to him and others in order to obtain work, and by receiving an approximate $850,000 fee for negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of the clients. This conduct resulted in an additional loss of at least $1,100,000 to the clients.
In total, the civil complaint alleges that the schemes identified above resulted in a loss of at least $5,950,000. The fraudulently obtained proceeds were ultimately used to acquire residential and commercial real estate, luxury vehicles, loan payments, credit card purchases, and high-end jewelry and watches.
The Internal Revenue Service is leading the investigation with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A criminal investigation in ongoing.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco Directs U.S. Attorneys and Law Enforcement Agencies to Prioritize Violent Crime in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, during remarks at the Trilateral Working Group on Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco announced a directive to all U.S. Attorneys and law enforcement component heads addressing public safety in Indian country, including violence directed at indigenous women, youth and children.
In a memorandum, Deputy Attorney General Monaco declared it a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. The memorandum directs each U.S. Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction — along with their law enforcement partners at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) — to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country.
“With this memorandum, we are reaffirming the department’s unwavering commitment to promoting public safety in Indian Country and to respecting Tribal sovereignty,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Tribes know best how to make their communities safer, and Tribal engagement has thus been the cornerstone of the department’s review of its policies and procedures. Federal law enforcement agencies will continue to work diligently with our Tribal partners in support of public safety in Indian Country.”
In November 2021, the department established a Steering Committee dedicated to marshalling the department’s resources and personnel to address public safety and the issues of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Steering Committee undertook a review — in close consultation with Tribal leaders and stakeholders — of the department’s relevant guidance, policies and practices to improve the law enforcement response in Indian country.
Today’s memorandum marks the first guidance from the Deputy Attorney General to U.S. Attorneys in Indian country since 2010, when then-Deputy Attorney General David Ogden required each U.S. Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction to establish a structure and plan for addressing public safety in Indian country. Deputy Attorney General Monaco’s memorandum sets forth needed updates, which account for significant legal and legislative developments in the intervening decade, including the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010, Savanna’s Act, the Not Invisible Act of 2019 and the 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act. The memorandum also recognizes that the department’s law enforcement components are essential to investigating crimes in Indian country, and it directs those agencies to adopt their own guidelines, policies and protocols to address the unique public safety challenges in Indian country.
In particular, the memorandum instructs department prosecutors and law enforcement officers to update their operational plans, policies, and protocols to:
- Coordinate with Tribal, State and local law enforcement officers, as well as other federal agencies;
- Support victims, survivors and their families in a victim-centered and culturally-appropriate manner; and
- Address cases, including unresolved cases, involving missing or murdered indigenous people.
The memorandum also directs U.S. Attorneys Offices and law enforcement agencies to engage with Tribes to better address priority public safety issues, including combatting violence against women, youth and children and addressing the devastating consequences of drug trafficking and substance use disorder in Indian country.
You can read the full text of the memorandum here.
California Man Sentenced to Six Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that George D. Licata, 44, of Vista, California, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Licata to 72 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. After serving his sentence, Licata will be placed on supervised release for 4 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
On September 16, 2020, a Merrick County Sheriff’s deputy stopped Licata for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, Licata provided consent to search his vehicle. The deputy located several syringes in the trunk of the vehicle and 6 glass methamphetamine pipes in a box. Under the air filter in the engine compartment, the deputy found a plastic bag containing a white crystal substance that appeared to be methamphetamine. The substance was sent to a lab for testing, and the lab determined that there was 107 grams of methamphetamine, of which at least 96 grams were pure.
This case was investigated by the Merrick County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT).
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jonathan L. Traver, 30, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Traver to 105 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Traver will begin a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
On September 19, 2020, an Investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), Special Operations Division, was working in an undercover capacity on the Bit Torrent network. The NSP was working to identify persons distributing child pornography to other Bit Torrent network users. The Investigator was sent child pornography from another individual located in Omaha. During the investigation, the NSP was able to identify the IP address of the individual who sent the child pornography to the undercover Investigator. The NSP obtained information related to the IP address, which ultimately identified Traver as the subscriber.
On October 9, 2020, NSP Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol contacted Traver at his Omaha residence. Traver confessed to downloading and viewing files of child pornography on the Bit Torrent network. NSP Investigators located numerous videos and image files of child pornography on Traver’s cell phone. Some of these images involved children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to More than Fifteen Years for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Anthony Dwayne Jackson, 39, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln. United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Jackson to 188 months in prison for distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine with a prior serious drug felony conviction. After serving his sentence, Jackson will be placed on supervised release for 10 years. Jackson faced a fifteen-year mandatory minimum sentence because of a prior drug trafficking conviction. There is no parole in the federal system.
From January through March, 2021, an undercover Lincoln Police Officer made a series of controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Jackson in Lincoln in quantities ranging from an eighth of an ounce up to three ounces of methamphetamine. On April 8, 2021, officers arrested Jackson in Lincoln and searched his vehicle. Inside the vehicle was about an ounce of methamphetamine, a digital scale with suspected methamphetamine residue, and a number of baggies typically used in the packaging and sale of narcotics. The methamphetamine seized or obtained from Jackson that was tested for purity was at least 90% pure.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Bus Passenger Sentenced for Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Rogelio Molina, 22, of Arizona, was sentenced on July 6, 2022, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Molina to 96 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Molina will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On March 1, 2021, the DEA Interdiction Task Force made consensual contact with Molina at the Jackson Street Omaha bus station. The agent asked about Molina’s travel from Las Vegas to New York and whether he had any medical or recreational marijuana. Molina stated he had a THC vape cartridge which he gave to the officer.
The agent conducted a search of the backpack Molina was wearing. The agent located two separate packages wrapped in tape and sawdust, which were tested and determined to be 1,761 grams of actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Interdiction Task Force.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Takeisha Hill, age 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for distributing fentanyl and transferring firearms to a prohibited person. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Hill to 57 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing her term of imprisonment, Hill will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On April 22, 2020, in Omaha, Hill unlawfully sold a .22 caliber pistol to someone she knew to be a felon. On April 29, 2020, Hill sold the same prohibited person a .40 caliber pistol. On July 7, 2020, Hill sold fentanyl pills to the same person in exchange for $450.
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 FBI Omaha Safe Streets Task Force and the Omaha Police Department.
Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jose Vidal Navarro-Gonzalez, 47, formerly of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 6, 2022, in federal court in Omaha for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Navarro-Gonzalez to 108 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge, consecutive to 60 months on the gun charge for a total sentence of 168 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Navarro-Gonzales will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On February 22, 2021, law enforcement obtained a search warrant on Navarro-Gonzalez’s Omaha residence. Officers recovered approximately 9,850 grams of methamphetamine, a shotgun, and a High Point .45 caliber pistol.
Navarro-Gonzalez agreed to speak to law enforcement, admitting that he lived in the residence, distributed methamphetamine and had purchased the pistol recovered in the house. Navarro-Gonzalez also acknowledged that he had a shotgun underneath his bed that was not functional.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Field Division, and the Omaha Police Department.
Iowa Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years for Drug and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced on July 6, 2022, Cody Lee Fischer, 50, of Luxemburg, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Fischer to 188 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge. After completing his term of imprisonment, Fischer will be required to serve a 5-year term of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
On August 26, 2021, an Omaha Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that failed to maintain its lane at mile marker 441 eastbound on Interstate 80. Fischer was a passenger in the vehicle. A Police Service Dog was deployed during the stop and alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from within the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed a bag of suspected methamphetamine in the glove box. Two firearms were located in a black duffle bag on the back seat of the vehicle. Both were black semi-automatic handguns loaded with 9 rounds of ammunition. A search of the trunk revealed approximately five pounds of methamphetamine in multiple sandwich bags.
Fischer was transported to the OPD impound lot for questioning where he admitted traveling from Denver, Colorado with five pounds of methamphetamine to sell in Luxemburg. Fischer also admitted he had gone to Denver on previous occasions to pick up pound quantities of methamphetamine for distribution. He told officers that he kept the guns with him to feel safer.
Fischer’s co-defendant, who was the driver of the vehicle, has pleaded not guilty and his matter is set for a pretrial hearing on July 7, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.