District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Grand Island Man Sentenced for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that John Wizinsky, 57, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Wizinsky to 262 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin an 8-year term of supervised release.
On October 10, 2019, a confidential informant purchased 52 grams of actual methamphetamine from Wizinsky at the Pump and Pantry in Grand Island. On September 28, 2020, Wizinsky was arrested on his federal warrant, and he had another 25 grams of actual methamphetamine in his rear pocket. Wizinsky was responsible for 77 grams actual methamphetamine and was found to be a career offender for having two prior felony convictions for controlled substance offenses.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Tennessee Man Sentenced for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Robert Lee Wright, age 38, of Cleveland, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 400 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard for Production of Child Pornography and Distribution of Child Pornography. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release, Wright will be on supervised release for life and be required to register as a sex offender. Additionally, Wright was ordered to pay $66,000 in restitution.
On December 23, 2018, Wright was the passenger in a rental vehicle stopped by the Nebraska State Patrol in Hamilton County, Nebraska. A search of the vehicle was conducted and 95 electronic devices and storage devices were recovered from within the vehicle. One of these devices was Wright’s Samsung Galaxy J3 cellular phone, which contained a microSD memory card. Wright was arrested on unrelated state charges immediately following the search of the vehicle and he was interviewed on December 23, 2018. During this interview, Wright stated that all of the electronic devices were his.
On January 4, 2019, a state search warrant was obtained through the County Court of Hamilton County, Nebraska by the Nebraska State Patrol to search Wright’s Samsung Galaxy J3. A review of a microSD card from the Samsung Galaxy J3 cellular phone located more than 700 images of child pornography. Additionally, a video located of Wright filming himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with an infant girl who was confirmed to be approximately 23 months old.
While in the Hamilton County Jail, Wright gave his login information for his Gmail account to a third party in Tennessee over the phone. This allowed for that individual to access and receive the child pornography stored on the account. The FBI reviewed approximately 100 of Wright’s devices as well as his internet-based cloud accounts. This review found a total of 43,678 images and 922 videos depicting children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The FBI also identified and located the 23-month-old girl. The FBI and local law enforcement searched the storage unit where Wright produced the video with the 23-month-old girl which was rented by an associate of Wright’s. The FBI also located and collected sheets that were depicted in the video.
Following the sentencing, Acting United States Attorney Sharp noted, “The investigation and prosecution of Robert Wright involved extensive collaboration between our office, the FBI in Nebraska and Tennessee, and its local law enforcement partners. This collaboration is a hallmark of the Department of Justice’s commitment to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse and to bring offenders to justice. Today’s 400-month sentence reflects the heinous nature of the crimes committed and the reality that Robert Wright is a sexual predator. Today’s sentence will ensure that Wright will not be in a position where he can prey on children again.”
After the sentencing, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Robert Lee Wright engaged in the most despicable of crimes, victimizing young children for his own depraved gratification. It is a priority for the FBI to use any investigative resources necessary to assist our law enforcement partners in removing criminals like Wright from our communities.”
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, Papillion Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Bradley County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office.
Lincoln Man Convicted for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Jon T. Bogart, 60, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard for possession of child pornography. Bogart was sentenced to 12 years and 6 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Bogart was additionally ordered to pay $1,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of child exploitation crimes.
This investigation began with a series of eight cyber tip reports from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicating that an individual residing at Bogart’s residence was engaged in child pornography crimes in July of 2020. Based on the cyber tips, a search warrant was received for the search of the residence. During the execution of the search warrant, Bogart spoke with a Nebraska State Patrol investigator and directed the investigator to his room and his personal cellphone. He provided consent for his phone to be reviewed. When the investigator reviewed Bogart’s cell phone, he observed child pornography being stored in the Google Photos application and further observed child pornography related internet searches on the device. Bogart’s other devices were seized as well. A review of his devices revealed at least 14 videos of child pornography, as well as 80 images containing child pornography.
Bogart was previously convicted in 1995 in case #CR11-267 in the District Court for Jefferson County, Nebraska with Attempted First-Degree Sexual Assault of a Minor. Additionally, he was previously convicted in 2007 in case #CR07-32 in the District Court for Jefferson County, Nebraska with seven counts of Possession of Visual Depiction of Sexually Explicit Acts. Bogart was released from his prison sentence stemming from case #CR07-32 in October of 2019.
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 Nebraska State Patrol.
Kearney Nail Salon Owner Sentenced for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Thomas W. Hird, 67, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard for filing false tax returns. Hird was sentenced to 2 years in prison and 3 years of supervised release with special conditions. There is no parole in the federal system. Hird was ordered to pay $83,063 in restitution.
Hird owned and operated a nail salon business, Nails Unlimited, in Kearney, since 2009. From around February of 2009, Hird would skim the cash and check payments of the business by cashing a majority of all customer checks received at the business and by conducting currency exchanges in which he would exchange small bills for $100 bills. Credit/Debit card transactions at the business would automatically be deposited into the business bank account, however, cash and check payments were rarely deposited into the business account. Hird willfully failed to report the cashed customer checks and currency received as part of his gross income on his yearly tax return. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began investigating Hird’s actions sometime in 2017.
Hird was convicted following a jury trial held in late March of this year. The jury found him guilty of filing false tax returns for the tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016.
“Today, Mr. Hird has been held accountable for intentionally dodging his tax responsibilities when he did not report all income earned through his nail salon business. For several years, he received checks and cash that he did not include on his tax returns that he filed with the IRS,” said Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office. “IRS-CI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work together to bring those who under report their tax liabilities to justice.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Robert G. Mann, 63, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for receipt of Child Pornography. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Mann to 66 months’ imprisonment. Mann will also be required to pay special assessments of $5,100, and a fine of $7,500. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Mann will serve 5 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In October 2018, members of a Homeland Security Investigations task force began investigating a Cyber Tipline Report from Pinterest stating that a user had uploaded an image of child pornography. On March 2, 2020, officers contacted Mann and seized several electronic devices and various storage media. Mann was employed as a custodian in the Millard Public School District. Forensic examinations showed at least 142 sexually explicit images of child saved on Mann’s devices. Mann’s devices also contained non-sexually explicit images of at least one Millard student and images of photographs of female students and others displayed around Millard schools.
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 Bellevue Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Pedro Aguirre-Ortiz, 27, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska after his arrest in a drug trafficking operation. Aguirre-Ortiz was convicted of one count of distributing methamphetamine and one count of distributing cocaine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Aguirre-Ortiz to 135 months’ imprisonment. Aguirre-Ortiz will serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his release from the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system. Aguirre-Ortiz is from Chihuahua, Mexico and will be deported at the completion of his prison term.
In November 2017, the FBI began investigating a suspected drug trafficking ring operating out of the El Catrin restaurant at 6500 Railroad Avenue in Omaha and the surrounding Omaha metro. This case was part of that larger operation. On three separate occasions between August 2018 and February 13, 2019, Aguirre-Ortiz sold several ounces of cocaine to a confidential source. On October 16, 2018, he sold a confidential source 8 ounces of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Carlos Jesus Lorenzana, 35, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to 17 ½ years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual (pure) and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture between June of 2019 and February of 2020. Lorenzana was also ordered to forfeit any interest he had in $3,910.00 in United States currency. Following his prison term, Lorenzana will serve five years on supervised release. However, he is likely to be deported to Guatemala at the end of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Lorenzana was responsible for the distribution of at least 150 grams (approximately 5 1/3 ounces) of methamphetamine actual (pure) and at least 45 kilograms (99 pounds) of methamphetamine mixture in the Lincoln area. On February 18, 2020, Lorenzana gave a Lincoln Police Department officer permission to search his pickup truck. During the search, a plastic bag containing approximately 183 grams (6 ½ ounces) of methamphetamine was found. Testing at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab showed at least 170 grams (6 ounces) of actual (pure) methamphetamine. A search of Lorenzana’s wallet resulted in the finding of $3,910 in cash along with a leather journal containing suspected drug sales records.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Sex Offender Found Guilty of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Timothy E. Caruso, 45, was found guilty on July 15, 2021 after a jury trial in Omaha, Nebraska, on charges of distributing of child pornography and accessing with intent to view child pornography. Caruso faces a sentence of imprisonment of not less than 15 years and up to 40 years. Chief United States District Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. will sentence Caruso on October 8, 2021 at 11 a.m.
Caruso was on federal supervision after a prior conviction for failing to register as a sex offender. In December 2018, Caruso uploaded an image of child pornography to a private section of Pinterest. Pinterest reported the upload to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The image was traced back to a Google account used by Caruso and sent from an IP address where he was staying. Further investigation discovered Caruso’s search terms indicating an interest in young girls. His messages on Pinterest included that he had lost his child pornography collection and was seeking to trade child pornography and acquire new images.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lecia E. Wright.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Mario Martin Prieto-Guerrero, 36, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 11 years and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual (pure) and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture. Following his prison term, Prieto-Guerrero will serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Prieto-Guerrero was responsible for the distribution of at least 150 grams (approximately 5 1/3 ounces) of methamphetamine actual (pure) and at least five kilograms, (approximately 11 pounds) of methamphetamine mixture in the Lincoln area between July of 2019 and June of 2020. On July 29, 2020, a search warrant was executed at Prieto-Guerrero’s Lincoln residence. During that search, officers found a digital scale and packaging materials and a .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun which Prieto-Guerrero admitted belonged to him. Prieto-Guerrero’s sentencing range was enhanced due to his possession of the handgun.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Repeat Offender Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Marcus Dunn, 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Omaha by Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon to 10 years’ imprisonment for Possession of Child Pornography after a Prior Conviction. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from custody, Dunn will have to serve a lifetime term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. Dunn was also ordered to pay $1,100 in assessments.
On November 15, 2019, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force executed a search warrant at Dunn’s residence in Omaha. During the search warrant, law enforcement collected electronic devices to include 2 phones and 1 tablet. An additional phone was later found on Dunn’s person. Dunn confirmed with officers that he controlled and used two Gmail accounts. Searches were conducted pursuant to search warrants on Dunn’s electronic devices, five Gmail accounts, and a Dropbox account. A review of Dunn’s devices and accounts located 378 images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, of which 141 were unique (meaning that there were multiple images of the same image) and 20 videos of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, of which 16 were unique. These images and videos included minors under the age of 12 years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. One example found in a Gmail account belonging to Dunn was a toddler being subjected to penile-vaginal penetration by an adult male. Dunn was on probation in Douglas County in two separate cases when he was found in possession of these images and videos. Specifically, Dunn was on probation for two counts of Attempted Possession of Child Pornography and for Possession of Child Pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office as part of the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine for the Second TimeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Juan Padilla-Miranda, 47, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, for distributing methamphetamine. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Padilla-Miranda to imprisonment for a term of 120 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin an 8-year term of supervised release.
Investigators obtained more than 150 grams of methamphetamine from Padilla-Miranda over the course of three controlled purchase operations. Padilla-Miranda drove to a McDonald’s restaurant parking lot from his workplace to distribute the first amount of methamphetamine on July 3, 2019. The second purchase occurred in his workplace parking lot on September 3, 2019, and the final one was completed at a Baker’s grocery store parking lot.
Padilla-Miranda has a prior serious drug felony conviction which resulted in higher penalties at today’s sentencing. In December 3, 2007, he was convicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska and was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment.
Padilla-Miranda’s request to self-surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons was denied and he was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals at the conclusion of the sentencing hearing today.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Convicted of Two Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced that Lonnie L. Perry, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted today in federal court in Omaha after a three-day jury trial. Perry was found guilty of two counts of Interference with Interstate Commerce by way of Robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. will sentence Perry on October 4, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Perry faces up to 20 years for the robberies, seven years to life consecutive for brandishing a firearm, and ten years to life consecutive for discharging a firearm.
On October 25, 2017, Perry entered the Select Mart convenience store in Omaha and brandished a weapon at a store employee. A father was shopping inside the store with his young son, and they hid in a backroom of the store until the police arrived at the scene.
On November 5, 2017, Perry entered the VP Racing Station convenience store in Omaha, brandished a weapon at two store employees and then fired his weapon into two vehicles fleeing the scene. Each vehicle had a family with a child in it, and the bullet from the second shot landed next to the car seat of a two-year-old boy, nearly striking him.
On November 6, 2017, Omaha Police officers arrived at an apartment complex for a disturbance where Perry was identified brandishing a weapon. While near a Runza restaurant, officers saw Perry drop a gun into a trash can. Officers used a Taser on Perry after he resisted arrest. He was transported to a hospital for treatment. Perry escaped custody in handcuffs and was arrested again later that same day. The weapon was tied through ballistics to the shooting at the robbery the day before and had the defendant’s DNA on it.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.
Fremont Man Convicted of Aggravated Bank Robbery, Sentenced to LifeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Anthony Wayne Hall, 65, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Aggravated Bank Robbery. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Hall to life imprisonment under the federal “three strikes” law.
The evidence at trial showed that on November 21, 2019, Hall, armed with a realistic-looking replica revolver, robbed the First State Bank in Fremont. Hall left town with approximately $10,000 in cash after walking one bank employee to his vehicle under threat of being shot. A customer who attempted to enter the bank during the robbery was the first to call 911. On November 22, 2019, officers in Saint Joseph, Missouri attempted to stop Hall’s blue Chevrolet Camaro, but Hall fled and then crashed into a pole. Hall fled on foot and could not be located. Hall then purchased a white Chevrolet Impala. On November 30, 2019, officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol attempted to stop the Impala after noticing that the license plates did not match the vehicle. A high-speed pursuit ensued before the Impala crashed into a tree. Hall again fled on foot. Law enforcement located replica firearms, knives, and other items near the crash scene. The next day, on December 1, 2019, a trooper encountered Hall at a nearby gas station and Hall indicated that he was the driver who had fled the night before. Among the cash found on Hall’s person were five bills known to have been taken in the First State Bank robbery.
Hall, who had relocated to Fremont from Indiana approximately two months prior to the First State Bank robbery, has previously been convicted of murder, rape, and seven prior armed robberies. Hall had been released from prison on his prior convictions in 2018.
FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Anthony Hall’s career of committing violent crimes ended today. A mandatory life sentence means he will no longer be free to rob and menace our community. The FBI will always work with our law enforcement partners to hold violent criminals like Hall accountable for their actions.”
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp added, “Hall is the poster child for the type of offender who needs to be targeted for prosecution and long-term removal from society. He has earned his life sentence.”
This case was investigated by the Fremont Police Department, Saint Joseph Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Cocaine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Lashannon Bland, 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Bland to 78 months in the Bureau of Prisons. Bland will begin a five-year term of supervised release following his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
On January 17, 2020, officers received a Crime Stoppers tip that Bland had guns and drugs at his Omaha residence which also had children present. A baggie which tested positive for cocaine residue was identified during a trash pull. As a result, a state search warrant was issued in February 2020 for the residence. During the search, officers located a padlocked bedroom. A search of the bedroom revealed 2 handguns (a Phoenix Arms .25 caliber handgun and a Hi Point GHP .45 caliber handgun), 2 clear bags containing 7.94 grams and 4.22 grams of cocaine, 18 grams of marijuana, 2 digital scales, as well as several venue items for Bland. Bland gave a statement admitting to possessing the firearms and narcotics as well as selling narcotics.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partner, the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 55 Years in Federal Prison for Aiding and Abetting Murder of Lincoln MotherRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Dante Williams, 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, to 55 years in federal prison on June 29, 2021 for his role in a home invasion that resulted in the death of Jessica Brandon of Lincoln on July 31, 2018. His co-defendants, who discharged firearms during the home invasion, each received a life sentence, plus 240 months in federal prison for their roles in the felony murder. Dante Williams was sentenced to 45 years for aiding and abetting the murder and 10 additional years, to be served consecutively, for participating in two attempted robberies in connection with the same crime. Williams took a baseball with him to Brandon’s home on the first attempted robbery on July 30, 2018, and he helped his brother, Damon Williams, zip tie children and one elderly women in their beds during the home invasion. Williams also received 5 years of supervised release to follow his term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lincoln Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Norfolk Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatal KidnappingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced Ramon Simpson, 51, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Kidnapping Resulting in Death and Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Simpson to life imprisonment on each count. Simpson was convicted by a jury in March following a 7-day jury trial.
Phyllis Hunhoff regularly traveled from her home in Yankton, South Dakota to her mother’s home in Utica, South Dakota. Her regular practice was to call her mother upon returning to Yankton. On November 4, 2018, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Phyllis Hunhoff left her mother’s residence, alone, to drive home to Yankton. She did not call her mother as she did not make it home. Having not heard from Phyllis, her mother began repeatedly calling her phone to determine her whereabouts. All calls were unanswered.
Simpson, Joseph James, and other men were near Phyllis Hunhoff’s mother’s residence as she was leaving. James and Simpson encountered Phyllis Hunhoff outside of the residence and got into her car with her inside. Simpson and James kidnapped Phyllis Hunhoff and took Hunhoff and her vehicle to Norfolk, Nebraska, arriving at about 11:00 p.m. When they arrived in Norfolk, James remained in the vehicle and Simpson exited the vehicle with James’s cellular phone. James drove Phyllis Hunhoff’s vehicle, with her inside, to the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation in Knox County, Nebraska. Simpson proceeded to delete communications and location data from James’s phone detailing their travels and activities on November 4, 2018.
Video from a gas station on the Santee Reservation showed James driving Hunhoff’s vehicle and putting gasoline into her vehicle. Later, James returned in the same vehicle to the gas station and pumped gasoline into a soda bottle. James then drove to an isolated location on the Santee Reservation where he set fire to Hunhoff’s body and her vehicle to conceal evidence of the murder and kidnapping. James abandoned the body and vehicle and left the area.
On November 8, 2018, Phyllis Hunhoff’s body was located inside of her vehicle on the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation. Hunhoff had been killed by strangulation and stab wounds. Hunhoff’s body and vehicle were set on fire.
Law enforcement officers investigated the murder and obtained evidence, including surveillance footage of James at the gas station during the early morning hours of November 5, 2018. Santee Police recovered the shirt James was wearing when he killed Phyllis Hunhoff. Her DNA was on James’ shirt. James’s DNA was on clothing Phyllis Hunhoff was wearing when he killed her.
When contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Simpson repeatedly lied about his and James’s whereabout on November 4 and 5, 2018.
James pleaded guilty to Murder in Indian Country on February 5, 2020, and on July 15, 2020, was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Judge Buescher noted during the sentencing that the evidence and testimony in this case “will remain with us for the rest of our lives and will remain with the 12 jurors.” Judge Buescher also noted that on the day of sentencing he wanted to remember the victim, Phyllis Hunhoff, stating “she didn’t deserve what happened to her… the end that she came to is tragic.”
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp stated, “Phyllis Hunhoff was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt. She was active in her faith and volunteered in her community. Her death was a tremendous loss to her family and her community. We hope today’s sentence brings some small bit of closure to the Hunhoff family knowing that Joseph James and Ramon Simpson will spend the rest of their lives in prison and not be in a position to harm anyone again.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel added, “Ramon Simpson’s participation in the kidnapping of Phyllis Hunhoff led to her brutal death. Today’s life sentence demonstrates the commitment by the FBI and our law enforcement partners to bring justice to the families who have lost loved ones to senseless, violent crime.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jody Mullis and Sean Lynch.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nebraska State Patrol, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Santee Sioux Nation Tribal Police, Yankton County Sheriff’s Office, Yankton Police Department (South Dakota), Norfolk Police Department, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal, and the Lincoln Police Department.
Iowa Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Joseph Rauber, 51, of Pisgah, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Rauber to imprisonment for a term of 180 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
In March of 2020, Omaha Police Department narcotics investigators received information that Rauber was distributing methamphetamine and that he was being supplied by a female, later determined to be Almendra Escobedo-Orozco. On May 14, 2020, investigators obtained a warrant to search a residence in Omaha frequented by Escobedo-Orozco. On May 19, 2020, while executing the warrant, investigators arrested two residents. During the search, investigators seized drug ledgers, packaging material, 8,677 grams of marijuana, $4,336.00, Mexican passports, and various identity documents. Escobedo-Orozco, who had just left the residence, was stopped driving a minivan and found with two pounds of methamphetamine. Another residence in Omaha frequented by Escobedo-Orozco was searched. There, officers seized $7,800.00, a box for a digital scale, and 6 grams of methamphetamine.
On May 28, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Rauber’s residence in Iowa. The search yielded approximately 83.8 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 3.6 grams of cocaine, 7 long guns, 11 handguns, ammunition, stolen property, digital scales, and $55,035.00 in drug proceeds. Rauber was not at the residence at the time the warrant was executed. He was later arrested on July 30, 2020. All currency seized in this case will be forfeited to the United States.
This case was investigated by Omaha Police Department and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to Four Years for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Drake L. Banks, Sr., age 30, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced today to a 48-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, following his conviction for being an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard presided over this case, including the trial and sentencing.
A federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, returned a guilty verdict against Banks on March 3, 2021. The evidence at trial established that Banks and Zachary R. Macomber, age 29, of Annapolis, Missouri, were traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 a few miles west of Lincoln on September 19, 2019. They passed a police officer, who proceeded to stop them for following another vehicle too closely and cutting off a semi-truck. The officer soon discovered that there was marijuana inside the vehicle. Banks and Macomber were seated in the back of the patrol vehicle while the officer conducted a search of the vehicle. Methamphetamine, marijuana, and evidence of marijuana use were found in the front seats of the rental vehicle. In the trunk of the vehicle, the officer found the seven firearms listed below, numerous magazines for the firearms, and ammunition. Two of the Glock handguns were found to be loaded at the time of the traffic stop. The firearms included:
- a Palmetto State Armory PA-15, multi caliber pistol,
- a Kel-Tec PLR-16, 5.56 mm caliber pistol,
- a AA Arms AP9, 9 mm caliber pistol,
- a Glock 19, 9 mm caliber pistol,
- a Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol,
- a Glock 17, 9 mm caliber pistol, and
- a Glock 21, .45 caliber pistol.
While seated in the back of the patrol car, and while the officer was searching the rental car, the two defendants made considerable efforts to escape, including kicking the center divider and opening a sliding door on the center divider. At one point, Banks was heard asking Macomber something to the effect of ‘if he had one on him?’ At an earlier hearing, the officer testified that he understood Banks to be asking Macomber if Macomber was carrying a firearm.
Macomber pleaded guilty on August 6, 2020, to being a felon in possession of firearms. On November 6, 2020, he was sentenced by Chief Judge Gerrard to serve a 52-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, 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.
Gang Member Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Travell T. Richard, 32, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Richard to 51 months’ imprisonment. Richard will serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system.
On July 8, 2020, police were called to a possible disturbance involving Richard at a residence located on the 5900 block of North 47th Street, in Omaha.
Upon arrival at the residence, officers saw Richard, who attempted to flee into a bathroom located in the house. Officers followed Richard into the bathroom, at which time an officer could see Richard attempting to remove something from his shorts pocket. While officers attempted to detain Richard, he tossed a Taurus PT111 Millennium G2 pistol from his shorts across the bathroom floor. The handgun was recovered by an officer.
At the time Richard possessed this firearm, he knew he had prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms. His previous convictions were in 2007, Assault in the First Degree and Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony, and in 2018, Possession of a Controlled Substance, both in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. Richard also had a previous federal felony conviction for being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm (8:10CR10).
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from Project Guardian partner, the Omaha Police Department.
Men Sentenced to Life Plus 240 Months in Federal Prison for Murder of Lincoln MotherRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Tawhyne M. Patterson, a Vice Lord gang member from Chicago, Illinois, and Damon D. Williams of Omaha, Nebraska, were sentenced today for their respective roles in a home invasion that resulted in the death of Jessica Brandon on July 31, 2018. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced each to life imprisonment for commission of murder with a firearm during an attempted robbery. For their participation in a firearms conspiracy and a second attempted robbery at the same Lincoln home the day before the murder, they were sentenced to 240 months consecutive to the life terms. There is no parole in the federal system.
At their hearings, Chief Judge Gerrard stated, “The crime doesn’t get any worse than this one. Home invasions are among the most egregious crimes that this Court sees. This was a classic case of felony murder, and the punishment shall fit the crime. We are seeing way too many of these home invasions in Nebraska and anyone else who commits a home invasion resulting in death with a gun can expect the same result.” Judge Gerrard expressed his commitment that his Court would do what it takes to deter others from these crimes.
The evidence at trial established that Patterson, age 28, and Williams, age 29, were part of a crew that targeted a Lincoln marijuana dealer for robbery. They went to the home on July 30, 2018 and returned on July 31, 2018 intent on stealing drug money.
On July 31, 2018, Patterson forced open the door and was joined by two others claiming to be Lincoln Police Officers. The robbers zip tied and restrained three children, including a child there on a sleepover who had no family connection to the marijuana dealer. Jessica Brandon, mother of two of the children in the home at the time, was shot as she found herself between Patterson and a safe where the robbers expected to find cash and drugs. Brandon was brought to a hospital and was later pronounced dead. The children who were tied up and held at gun point were all female children ranging in age from 9 years old to 16 years old at the time of the crime. An elderly woman with a broken back was also zip tied and held at gunpoint. The evidence showed that Patterson gunned down Brandon in the stairwell to her home while Williams and his brother, Dante Williams, who is scheduled for sentencing next week, went through the bedrooms in the home taking the women and children hostage.
Video was recovered from the crime scene. Williams and Patterson were identified through tips from the public. They fled to Texas and were later arrested there in an attempt to evade justice for their roles in this crime.
Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp said, “The United States Attorney’s Office continues to view the prosecution of violent crimes, especially those involving firearms, as a top priority. All gun crimes are disturbing, but home invasions are especially horrifying for the victims. Today’s life plus 240 months sentence sends a clear message to those who commit violent crimes: Use a gun and you are going to be looking at hard time.”
After today’s sentencing FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Tawhyne Patterson and Damon Williams terrorized a family in an attempted robbery that left them empty handed, and a young mother dead. Today’s sentence prevents them from committing another vicious crime. FBI Omaha will always assist our law enforcement partners to pursue and arrest those who prey on members of our community.”
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lincoln Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley Woods and Dan Packard.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced that Drake C. Chrastil, Sr., 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Possession of Child Pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Chrastil to 168 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Buescher ordered Chrastil to pay $3,000 in restitution and also ordered the sentence to run consecutive to a 40- to 50-year state sentence which he is currently serving. Chrastil will be required to register as a sex offender.
In May 8, 2019, while investigating Chrastil for sexual assault, the Omaha Police Department obtained search warrants of Chrastil’s residence. Omaha Police ultimately recovered electronic devices from Chrastil’s residence and Chrastil himself. Omaha Police conducted a forensic review of the recovered digital devices and found 344 images and 16 videos of minors ranging in age from 5 years old to 12 years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Omaha Police determined that at least 300 of the images and 16 of the videos that were produced by Chrastil were of a victim in Nebraska.
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 Omaha Police Department.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Rhiannon Lee Rojas, 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Richard G. Kopf to nine years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual (pure) and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture. Following her prison term, Rojas will serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Rojas was involved in the distribution of at least five kilograms (approximately 11 pounds) of methamphetamine mixture in the Lincoln area between July of 2019 and April of 2020. During that time, Rojas was found in possession of at least 39 grams of methamphetamine actual on one occasion in January of 2020. She also acted as an interpreter during two purchases of methamphetamine, totaling more than six ounces, made by a confidential informant working with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force from Rojas’s co-conspirator on two occasions in February of 2020.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force
Jury Convicts Nebraska Man of CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Dennis Sryniawski, age 48, of Bellevue, Nebraska, was convicted on June 21, 2021 of Cyberstalking after a three-day jury trial. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher accepted the jury’s verdict, ordered a presentence investigation, and set sentencing for September 22, 2021. Sryniawski faces up to five years in prison.
This was the first Cyberstalking trial in the District of Nebraska. The federal Cyberstalking statute prohibits using an electronic communication service to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass, intimidate or cause substantial emotional distress to a person or immediate family members, where the conduct did cause, attempt to cause or reasonably would be expected to cause such persons to experience substantial emotional distress.
The evidence presented at trial showed that Sryniawski sent six emails on two different days in 2018 to a candidate for the Nebraska Legislature. The emails were sent from two different accounts. One email was sent under Sryniawski’s name, but the others were sent under phony names. Sryniawski had previously been married to the candidate’s wife. The initial email contained personal details about the candidate’s wife and accusations concerning the candidate’s stepdaughter, and a later email included explicit photos purportedly of each. The emails asked the candidate to withdraw from the race and conveyed the message that, if he did not, the personal details and explicit photos of his wife and stepdaughter would be released.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the La Vista Police Department.
Grand Jury - June 2021Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 16 unsealed Indictments charging 17 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.
* Kobe Amerson, age 18, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Amerson with unlawful user in possession of firearms on or about September 30, 2020, and on or about June 4, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about September 30, 2020 and on or about June 4, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 kilograms or more of Marijuana on or about September 30, 2020 and on or about June 4, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a two-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Angela Michelle Brown, age 45, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Brown with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine (actual) on or about October 13, 2017 and continuing to on or about April 16, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of Methamphetamine (actual) on or about April 16, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about April 16, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Cerritos-Valdez, age 45, is charged with reentry of a removed alien after having been convicted of a felony on or about June 10, 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.
* Joseph Thomas Crum, Jr., age 29, is charged with escape from custody on or about January 29, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Isaiah James Dorsey, age 19, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Dorsey with production of child pornography on or about November 22, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $5,000 additional special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with distribution of child pornography beginning on or about November 22, 2019 to on or about November 19, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $5,000 additional special assessment.
* Riley Griffy, age 28, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Griffy with unlawful transfer or possession of a machine gun on or about April 15, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm on or about April 15, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with tampering with evidence on or about June 2, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* James Robert Haage, age 29, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Haage with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine (actual) on or about November 2, 2020 and continuing to on or about May 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine (actual) on or about December 29, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about December 29, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Elmer Rene Hernandez, age 42, of Omaha, and Kenneth G. Flowers, age 47, of Omaha, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Hernandez and Flowers with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine on or about March 16, 2021 and continuing to on or about March 18, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges Hernandez with felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 18, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about March 18, 2021.
* Ryan T. Logan, age 41, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Logan with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury, methamphetamine powder that tested positive for heroin and fentanyl, on or about October 21, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges Logan conspiracy to distribute Heroin on or about September 2019 and continuing to on or about October 21, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Eduardo Marquez, age 26, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges Marquez with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of Cocaine on or about May 25, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of Fentanyl on or about May 25, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about May 25, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Count IV charges the defendant with addict in possession of a firearm on or about May 25, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Dammon Mayfield, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of firearms on or about May 27, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Octavio Padilla-Garcia, age 35, is charged possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine on or about February 19, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Darnell L. Polite, age 42, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Polite with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine (actual) on or about April 8, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about April 8, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Rivera-Pacheco a/k/a Hector Felix-Palomares, age 36, is charged with felon in possession of firearms on or about April 27, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Marco A. Vallecillo, age 25, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges Vallecillo with possession with intent to distribute Marijuana on or about April 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a two-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about April 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute Marijuana on or about June 4, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a two-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count IV charges the defendant with use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about June 4, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Cody D. Vancura, age 27, of Hayes Center, Nebraska, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges Vancura with sexual exploitation of children after a prior sexual exploitation conviction on or about April 2, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 50 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $50,000 additional special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with receipt and distribution of child pornography with prior conviction on or about June 12, 2020 to on or about May 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $35,000 additional special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with transportation of child pornography with prior conviction on or about June 12, 2020 to on or about May 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $35,000 additional special assessment. Count IV charges the defendant with possession of child pornography with prior conviction on or about May 12, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $17,000 additional special assessment.
Omaha Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Anthony Moore, 49, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Moore to 60 months’ imprisonment. Moore will serve a 4-year term of supervised release following his release from the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system.
In October 2017, the FBI began investigating a suspected cocaine trafficking ring operating out of Omaha. In January 2018, a confidential source contacted Moore to arrange to buy cocaine. Moore, along with a co-conspirator, sold the confidential source an eight ball, or 3.5 grams, of cocaine.
In March 2018, a second eight-ball buy of cocaine was arranged with the confidential source and Moore. On March 8, 2019, an eight-ball weighing (3.5 grams) was sold to a confidential source. Over the course of the investigation, the confidential source would make at least 12 purchases of cocaine directly from Moore or his co-conspirators.
On June 20, 2018, United States Postal Inspectors seized a package suspected to contain drugs in Omaha. The parcel was shipped from San Francisco, California, and addressed to Moore at a rental property owned and controlled by Moore. Contained within the package was 520.5 grams of powder cocaine. Through investigation, including video surveillance, the sender was shown to be Moore.
Law enforcement applied for and received permission to intercept text messages and phone calls between Moore and his co-conspirators. Over several months, law enforcement monitored these conversations to identify the group’s hierarchy, source of supply for cocaine, and money transfers.
On February 17, 2019, law enforcement executed several search warrants, including one search warrant on Moore’s home. There, they recovered 133.1 grams of powder cocaine and $10,762 in US currency which was forfeited. Officers also found cutting agents, packaging materials, scales and paraphernalia consistent with drug distribution.
Co-defendants Isaac Johnson and Amanda Ferrell are scheduled for jury trial in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska on July 20, 2021.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Man Sentenced as Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Odies Scott, 57, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha as a felon in possession of a firearm. Senior United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Scott to 120 months’ imprisonment. Scott will serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his release from the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system.
On March 5, 2020, Omaha Police responded to a report of a theft-related offense at an Omaha extended stay hotel at 9006 Burt Street. Officers met the caller who stated that the suspect in the burglary was inside the hotel. The suspect, later identified as Scott, walked toward the officers but changed direction and fled upon seeing police. While attempting to escape, Scott discarded a backpack he was carrying by throwing it away. Officers eventually tackled Scott and placed him under arrest. Upon retrieving the backpack, officers recovered a Ruger 9mm handgun. A search of Scott also revealed he was carrying .7 grams of methamphetamine.
Scott had previously been convicted of several felony offenses prior to March 5, 2020, including first-degree burglary; attempted robbery; second degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony; and first-degree false imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department. 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.
Winnebago Couple Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Curtis Kearnes, age 42, and Jalyssa Harlan, age 28, of Winnebago, Nebraska, were both sentenced in federal court today in Omaha, Nebraska. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Kearnes to 87 months’ imprisonment for burglary and assault and sentenced Harlan to 36 months’ imprisonment for the assault. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing their terms of imprisonment, Kearnes and Harlan will both begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On June 19, 2020, at about 2:00 a.m. in Winnebago, Kearnes and Harlan entered without permission the home of two women, ages 59 and 74. Kearnes then attacked both women. Harlan directed Kearnes to attack one of the women. Kearnes repeatedly struck the women with his fists. One of the women suffered a broken nose and stiches to her face and the other suffered a broken jaw.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Winnebago Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of Crack with IntentRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Andrew Jennings, 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 4, 2021 by United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. for possession of crack (cocaine base) with intent to distribute. He received a sentence of 84 months with a three-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
On July 19, 2020, Sarpy County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a vehicle swerving into a ditch on I-80, eastbound. Deputies observed the vehicle in a ditch with Andrew Jennings standing nearby. Jennings demonstrated signs of intoxication. During a search of his vehicle, deputies found 10.6 grams of crack cocaine, 10.4 grams of cocaine, and 8.9 grams of inositol, a common cutting agent for cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Santa Man Mongar, 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Attempted Enticement of a Minor. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Mongar to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Mongar will also be required to register as a sex offender and is subject to deportation by U.S. immigration authorities when he completes his sentence of imprisonment.
In late August 2020, Mongar responded to an online prostitution advertisement by texting the phone number listed in the ad. An undercover law enforcement officer purporting to be a 15-year-old female responded to Mongar’s texts. Mongar arranged to meet the 15-year-old female at a gas station in Omaha, offering to pay the female in exchange for oral sex and agreeing to bring her alcohol. When Mongar arrived at the gas station, he was detained by law enforcement. Mongar admitted to answering the prostitution ad and texting with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old female.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Possession with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Taeh Mitchell, 27, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Mitchell to 63 months in prison followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On August 4, 2019, law enforcement was dispatched to investigate a suspicious vehicle in Lincoln. Law enforcement encountered Mitchell in a van with another individual. Mitchell’s purse was seized from the van and searched. Inside was 97.65 grams of lab-confirmed methamphetamine, of which at least 93 grams was actual methamphetamine, a digital scale, and number of unused baggies.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 8 years for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Joseph Knipe, age 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Knipe to 8 years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Knipe will begin a 10-year term of supervised release and will also be required to register as a sex offender.
On May 3, 2017, Knipe used his online DropBox account to transfer images of child pornography to other DropBox users. Agents later executed a search warrant of Knipe’s DropBox account and located about 2,000 images and 1,000 videos of child pornography. On October 31, 2019, agents executed a search warrant at Knipe’s residence in Omaha. Agents located a USB card containing about 105 images of child pornography. Knipe admitted to possessing child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Setting up Home Invasion Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that William Boothe, III, a/k/a “Bill” Boothe, a/k/a “Uncle Bill,” age 57, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln to 240 months in federal prison for his role in planning and setting up the attempted robbery and home invasion that resulted in the fatal shooting of Jessica Brandon on July 31, 2018. Evidence at trial of his co-defendants, Tawhyne Patterson and Damon Williams, in February 2021, revealed that Boothe provided the home as a target to Patterson for the attempted robbery and provided information about the residents inside the home.
The sentence of 240 months is the maximum sentence allowed under the law. Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard denied Boothe’s motions for a lesser sentence of 120 months based on his age and medical conditions and noted that Boothe would be able to receive the medical care he needs from the Bureau of Prisons. In pronouncing the sentence, the Chief Judge Gerrard told Boothe that home invasion robberies of drug dealers are among the most egregious cases that he sees and directed Boothe to think about the senseless loss of life that resulted from the events that night. Boothe was also sentenced to three years of supervised release to follow the 240 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lincoln Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 360 Months for Drug and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Keevan Craig Dean, 56, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and for conspiracy to launder the proceeds from the drug conspiracy. Dean received a sentence of 360 months with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
In mid-2017, a Drug Enforcement Administration taskforce initiated Operation Dog Pound, which was a drug interdiction effort focused on an Omaha drug trafficking organization headed by Dean. In September 2018, task force members were authorized to intercept and monitor Dean’s phone calls and text messages. As the scope of the organization was revealed, task force members were able to determine who was involved and how methamphetamine was being brought to Nebraska for distribution. Numerous multi-pound packages containing methamphetamine that were being sent via the United States Postal Service were seized, as well as the interdiction of a car traveling from California to Nebraska with 10 pounds of methamphetamine. Operation Dog Pound ended on November 16, 2018, when numerous federal arrest warrants were executed in Nebraska, Iowa, and California. During the November takedown, $55,000, 9 firearms, 2.75 pounds of methamphetamine, a Mercedes Benz, and $30,000 in jewelry and valuables were seized.
Some of the notable members of the conspiracy that were convicted in federal court included Autumn Vanosdol, Katina Martinez, Timothy Agee, Travis Harvey, and Francis Peebles. Vanosdol was sentenced to 96 months in prison for money laundering and mailing packages of methamphetamine from California to Dean. Martinez was sentenced to 84 months in prison for assisting Dean distribute methamphetamine in Nebraska and Iowa and for money laundering. Timothy Agee was sentenced to 280 months in prison for money laundering, possessing a stolen firearm, and receiving packages of methamphetamine for Dean. Peebles was sentenced to 120 months and Harvey to 240 months in prison. Both were multi-pound methamphetamine distributors that received methamphetamine from Dean.
“The investigation into the Keevan Dean Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) proved once again that drugs and violence go hand-in-hand,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said. “During the course of the investigation, investigators uncovered more than 25 pounds of methamphetamine and 10 firearms. These items alone are dangerous, but when combined, exemplify an extreme threat to our communities. With Dean off of the streets for 30 years, and members of the DTO serving time for their involvement, our families and our streets are safer.”
Operation Dog Pound was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Nebraska State Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Omaha Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Grand Jury - May 2021Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 20 unsealed Indictments charging 21 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.
* Andrew Isaac Abrams, age 41, of Tucson, Arizona, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Counts one through four charge the defendant with transmission of an interstate communication containing a threat to injure the person of another on or about April 23, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Alberto Inocente Argueta Cordova, age 29, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 19, 2021. 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.
* Bobby Joe Baer, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Baer with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about January 13, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about January 13, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Tyler Caudill, age 19, of Phillips, Nebraska, is charged with unlawful user in possession of a firearm on or about May 4, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Elmer Moises De La Rosa-Juares, age 42, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about September 4, 2020. 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.
* Matias Garcia-Paiz, age 49, is charged in a six-count Indictment. Count I charges Garcia-Paiz with aggravated identity theft on or about June 5, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ consecutive imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with bank fraud, on or about June 5, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Garcia-Paiz with false claim of citizenship on or about September 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 3 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges the defendant with false representation of a social security number with intent to deceive on or about September 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count V charges Garcia-Paiz with use of immigration document not lawfully issued on or about September 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count VI charges the defendant with reentry of a removed alien on or about April 30, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Leslie J. Graber, age 33, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Graber with felon in possession of a firearm on or about August 13, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession of a stolen firearm on or about August 13, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Amber Lewis, age 38, of Pawnee City, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Lewis with forgery, counterfeiting in relation to money orders beginning on or about June 5, 2020, and June 17, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. Count II charges the defendant with forgery, counterfeiting in relation to money orders beginning on or about June 5, 2020, and June 24, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. Count III charges the defendant with forgery, counterfeiting in relation to money orders beginning on or about June 29, 2020, The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Antonio Lopez Paiz, a/k/a Eduardo Garcia Zayas, a/k/a Eduardo Jose Garcia Zayas a/k/a Anthony Alexander Lopez age 33, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 28, 2021. 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.
* Juan Carlos Lopez-Balbuena, age 42, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about September 4, 2020. 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.
* Paw Moo, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods or services beginning on or about October, 2020, and continuing to on or about March 23, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $2,000,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about February 23, 2021.
* Brandon L. Parmentier, age 31, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Parmentier with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about September 11, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession of a firearm by a felon on or about April 2, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Arash Patrick Rasti, age 36, and Rodolfo Perez, age 24, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the Rasti and Perez with conspiracy to distribute to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about February 17, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendants with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about February 17, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendants with possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime on or about February 17, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Eric C. Saul, age 37, of Omaha, is charged with possession of a ammunition by prohibited person on or about May 3, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Juan Manuel Serrano-Romo, age 42, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 6, 2021. 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.
* Lawrence A. Smith, age 27, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender beginning on or about August, 2020 continuing to on or about May 19, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $5,000 additional special assessment.
* Prince L. Spellman, age 37, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Spellman with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, PCP and fentanyl on or about March 9, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about March 9, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 9, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Robert Sullivan, age 44, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Sullivan with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about January 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about January 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* David Wesley Swanson, age 36, of Wahoo, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about July 7, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $20,000,000 fine, an eight-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Shaquille A. Thornhill, age 27, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor beginning on or about April 15, 2021 through on or about May 11, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for COVID-Related EPA ViolationRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Brandon Weber, age 47, of Lincoln, was sentenced May 20, 2021 by United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl R. Zwart to one year of probation for the Unlawful Sale of an Unregistered Pesticide. Weber was ordered to pay a $300 fine.
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. § 136 et seq., regulates the distribution, sale, and use of all pesticides in the United States, including antimicrobial pesticides. Antimicrobial pesticides are substances used to destroy or suppress the growth of harmful microorganisms – such as the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 – on inanimate objects and surfaces. All pesticides distributed or sold in the United States must be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). Registrants of antimicrobial pesticide products that claim to control microbes that pose a threat to public health must additionally submit efficacy data to support these public health claims.
On April 5, 2020, Weber posted an advertisement on Craigslist for a product he advertised as “Ionic Colloidal Silver.” The April 5, 2020, advertisement’s title was “Disinfectant to help with Homemade Mask - $15.” On April 6, 2020, Weber posted a second advertisement titled “Disinfectant*-Antibacterial – Ionic Colloidal Silver – 20ppm - $15.” Both advertisements were made for the geographic location of the Lincoln, Nebraska area. The listings claimed the ionic colloidal silver product could “be sprayed on your homemade mask material and when the germs come in contact with the ionic silver particles, the silver destroys their DNA structure and kills them.” The ads further stated, “[t]he added benefit of using this type of disinfectant is that the microscopic silver ions remain on the material to kill future germs when contact is made. Just respray as you feel necessary.” Additionally, the listings referenced a document titled “EPA-Registered Ionic Silver Disinfectant Effective Against 2009 H1N1 Flu Strain.”
On April 16, 2020, an undercover agent with the EPA contacted Weber to set up a controlled purchase of the “Ionic Colloidal Silver” product. The undercover agent met with Weber on April 17, 2020, to purchase five one-gallon bottles of the ionic colloidal silver product at a cost of $40 per gallon for a total of $200. During this meeting, Weber told the undercover agent he was producing this product at his home and could produce five to ten gallons per day. Weber instructed the undercover agent to spray the product directly onto cloth masks or clothes and that the product could be used as a hand sanitizer. Weber gave the undercover agent documentation and a list of reference materials. The documents included one study, entitled “Antibacterial activity of silver-killed bacteria: the ‘zombies’ effect” and a compilation of various product advertisements with the title “This article is provided for referance [sic] use only to explain how ionic silver works as a [sic] antibacterial.” That same day, Weber delivered a one-quart sample of the “Ionic Colloidal Silver” to the Nebraska State Patrol along with reference materials about the product. Weber knew this product was not registered with the EPA.
On April 22, 2020, a search warrant was executed at Weber’s residence in Lincoln, Nebraska. During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement located a machine to manufacture the “Ionic Colloidal Silver” product and other products associated with the manufacture of the product. Weber was interviewed and admitted to posting the advertisements to sell the “Ionic Colloidal Silver,” selling the “Ionic Colloidal Silver” to the undercover agent and distributing a sample to the Nebraska State Patrol.
The “Ionic Colloidal Silver” product that was sold by Weber to the undercover agent was submitted to the EPA’s National Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC) for testing. The NEIC found that the concentration of silver was greater than the 20ppm of total silver that Weber represented.
“The defendant in this case put personal profit above the safety of consumers by marketing and selling an unregistered disinfectant over the Internet,” said Lance Ehrig, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Nebraska. “EPA and our law enforcement partners will continue to focus efforts on stopping the sale of these illegal products. Consumers can help protect themselves by visiting epa.gov/coronavirus for a list of EPA approved disinfectant products.”
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division. EPA-CID was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Internal Revenue Service during the execution of the search warrant at Weber’s residence.
Omaha Felon Sentenced to 37 Months for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Willie L. Hill, 47, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Hill to a term of incarceration of 37 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On March 1, 2020, the Omaha Police Department (OPD) Gang Unit received information that Hill, a wanted fugitive, could be located at a motel on Dodge Street in Omaha. Police responded and observed several persons present, moving between two rooms. Officers had also received information that firearms and drugs were present. Officers converged to arrest Hill, who was among the people moving between rooms.
Hill was detained on an outside balcony and searched by an OPD Sergeant who recovered a .25 caliber Phoenix P51 handgun from Hill’s jacket pocket. Hill was arrested when a data check showed he had previously been convicted of several crimes in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska. Hill has been convicted of Tampering with a Juror, Witness, or Informant (2018), Burglary (2011), and Theft by Shoplifting (2013), all felonies which may result in imprisonment in excess of one year.
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhood (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.
The case was primarily investigated by the Omaha Police Department Gang Unit.
Mexican Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Luis Galvan-Borbolla, 37, of Mexico, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 17, 2021 by Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon for distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Galvan-Borbolla received a sentence of 180 months with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
On June 25, 2020, special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration were monitoring Galvan-Borbolla and Ignacio Palma after receiving information that both were involved in the distribution of methamphetamine. Palma was followed from his residence to the Element Hotel. Palma was confronted by special agents at the Element Hotel and was in possession of 5 pounds of methamphetamine.
While special agents had Palma detained, Galvan-Borbolla arrived in the parking garage of the Element Hotel. When contact was made with Galvan-Borbolla, he admitted that he was supposed to meet Palma to receive the methamphetamine. Galvan-Borbolla was in possession of $10,733 and a 9mm rifle that was located in the vehicle in which he arrived.
Palma has plead guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy with sentencing scheduled on June 14, 2021, in Omaha, Nebraska.
This case was investigated by the DEA, Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Omaha Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Ismael Zambrano-Tirado, Sr., 48, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 17, 2021 in federal court in Omaha after his arrest in a drug trafficking operation. Zambrano, Sr. was convicted of one count of maintaining a drug involved premises at the El Catrin Restaurant. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Zambrano-Tirado, Sr. to 24 months’ imprisonment. Zambrano-Tirado, Sr. will serve a 1-year term of supervised release following his release from the Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system.
In November 2017, the FBI began investigating a suspected drug trafficking ring operating out of the El Catrin restaurant located at 6500 Railroad Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska. From November 1, 2017 to July 17, 2019, the El Catrin, while operating as a restaurant with a bar, also served as a property where narcotics distribution occurred.
Several FBI confidential sources made numerous buys of cocaine from employees of the El Catrin restaurant. These buys occurred within the El Catrin restaurant and also in its parking lot. Zambrano-Tirado, Sr. was present in the El Catrin restaurant when several of these controlled buys of cocaine took place. A search warrant at his home resulted in the seizure of $13,570 in cash, which was derived either directly or indirectly as a result of the offense conduct.
The United States also seized the El Catrin restaurant, the currency found at Zambrano-Tirado’s home, as well as several vehicles used to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics.
On January 27, 2020, Santiago Garcia-Sanchez was sentenced to 46 months on each of his three counts of cocaine distribution, concurrent, to be followed by 3 years supervised release for each count, concurrent.
On June 8, 2020, Fernando Gamon was sentenced to 27 months on each of his three counts of cocaine distribution, concurrent, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for each count, concurrent.
On February 22, 2021, Eduardo Jimenez was sentenced to 12 months and a day on each of his four counts of cocaine distribution, concurrent, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for each count, concurrent.
On April 5, 2021, Samuel Garcia was sentenced to 60 months each for one count of distribution of cocaine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine, to be served concurrently, and followed by 1 year and 5 years supervised release for each count, respectively, to be served concurrently.
On April 26, 2021. Alonso Cervantes-Garcia was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment for three counts of distribution of cocaine followed by 3 years supervised release.
On May 3, 2021, Ismael Zambrano, Jr., 26, was sentenced to 60 months for one count of distribution of methamphetamine to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Methamphetamine and Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Fermin Heredia-Lopez, 29, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Heredia to 210 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Heredia is from Sinaloa, Mexico and will be deported at the completion of his prison term.
In 2019, Heredia was identified by investigators as a cell head for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Omaha metropolitan area. Investigators obtained authorization to wiretap defendant’s cell phone, which began on December 27, 2019. During the wiretap, investigators intercepted incriminating communications between Heredia and his Mexico-based source of supply and determined that Heredia was in possession of a significant quantity of methamphetamine.
Investigators obtained search warrants for two residences in Omaha associated with the defendant and executed the warrants on January 11, 2020. Heredia was arrested at that time. Investigators seized over 32 lbs. of methamphetamine, 455 grams of cocaine, and $10,300 in drug proceeds. Additionally, they collected several kilogram quantity wrappings for cocaine, and wrappings for multiple additional pounds of methamphetamine.
“Today’s sentencing clearly highlights the significant damage that Fermin Heredia-Lopez inflicted in our communities,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said. “The amount of methamphetamine and cocaine that he was distributing is alarming and we know that because of his actions, several families are now suffering. Our investigators successfully tied Heredia to a cartel operating in Mexico and in doing so, made a small dent in the drug trafficking organization. Heredia will spend the next 17-and-a-half years in prison and will no longer be able to cause pain and suffering on the more vulnerable members of our communities.”
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was primarily investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Field Division.
Iowa Man Sentenced to more than 12 Years’ Imprisonment for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that John Bourisaw, age 29, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm. United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Bourisaw to 145 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Bourisaw will be required to serve a 5-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Bourisaw’s prison sentence was extended by 5 years as he possessed a firearm in connection with his drug dealing.
On January 22, 2020, Omaha Police officers received information that wanted fugitive Bourisaw was in the area of 36th and Orchard Avenue in Omaha. Surveillance was set up in the area and Bourisaw was observed arriving in a vehicle and then exiting it. Thereafter, officers approached and ordered him to the ground. Bourisaw refused and fled on foot. During a chase, officers saw him discard a handgun and keys to the vehicle he had arrived in, which turned out to be stolen. Bourisaw was captured and a search of his person revealed approximately 34 grams of actual methamphetamine. A search of the vehicle revealed drug paraphernalia and a rifle.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department. 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.
Former North Platte Man Convicted for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Nathanael J. Brown, 28, formerly of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln by Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for transportation of child pornography. Brown was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in prison and 7 years of supervised release with special conditions. There is no parole in the federal system. Brown was additionally ordered to pay $3,500 in restitution.
This case began when Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in Nebraska received a cybertip indicating that Kik user “antin5” (later identified as Brown) uploaded a child pornography file on April 29, 2019. On February 26, 2020, HSI and Nebraska State Patrol (“NSP”) agents conducted a knock and talk at Brown’s home in North Platte. Brown admitted to law enforcement that he viewed child pornography. Brown said that he used his phone and laptop to browse and download child pornography content, but that he never really saved the files. He also admitted to sharing both image and video content. He admitted sharing content as recent as the week before speaking with law enforcement. Brown gave law enforcement written consent to search his cell phone. A review of Brown’s cell phone revealed at least six (6) videos of child pornography, as well as 31 images containing possible or suspected child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 Homeland Security Investigations and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Federal Arrest Made in Series of Threatening Hoax Calls to Omaha Area Schools and BusinessesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that FBI agents arrested Andrew Isaac Abrams of Tucson, Arizona, today on a complaint charging Abrams with transmitting a series of threats in interstate commerce on April 23, 2021. The threats targeted Omaha area schools, including Millard Public Schools, Elkhorn Schools, and Westside Community Schools, and Abrams is further alleged to have made threats to Union Pacific Railroad Headquarters and the Douglas County Courthouse.
If convicted of transmitting the threats in interstate commerce, Abrams will face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release for each count of conviction.
After Abrams’s arrest, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “Hoax threats directed at schools and businesses cause fear and put people at risk. It’s not a joke, it's a crime. Hoax threats disrupt school, waste limited law enforcement resources, and put first responders in unnecessary danger. The FBI takes each threat seriously. We will always work along with our law enforcement partners to investigate, identify, and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for hoax threats like this one.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Council Bluffs Woman Sentenced to 120 Months for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Rose Ellen Points, 36, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced on May 11, 2021, by Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon, for distribution of 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine. Points received a sentence of 120 months with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
Beginning in mid-2018, a Drug Enforcement Administration task force started investigating the methamphetamine distribution operation of David Short in the Omaha, Nebraska, metro area. This investigation included a court ordered Title III interception of phone calls and text messages, allowing agents to identify the scope of the conspiracy and its members. Points was identified as someone receiving methamphetamine from Short. Assisted by the Omaha Police Department, on August 29, 2019, Points sold 73 grams of actual methamphetamine to a police source.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Matters involving other conspirators are still pending, with trial for David Short set for July 12, 2021, in Omaha, Nebraska.
This case was investigated by the DEA, OPD, Nebraska State Patrol, IRS’s Criminal Investigations, and the Pottawattamie County (Iowa) Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Convicted of Possessing Crack with the Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced that a federal jury in Omaha, Nebraska, returned a guilty verdict today against Skyler F. Sanders, age 34, of Omaha, for Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Cocaine Base (Crack). As a result of this conviction, Sanders is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum possible sentence of 40 years. There is no parole in the federal system. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon presided over the 3-day trial. Judge Bataillon scheduled sentencing for August 16, 2021, at 1:00 PM.
On October 3, 2019, law enforcement officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Omaha Police Department were conducting surveillance of Sanders’s residence in Omaha. Law enforcement had search warrants for Sanders’s DNA and cellular phone for a separate investigation. When law enforcement attempted to make contact with Sanders, Sanders ran from them and during the short foot pursuit, a special agent saw Sanders reach into his pocket and then throw something. Sanders fell as he was going over a chain link fence and surrendered to law enforcement. Officers searched the vicinity of where Sanders was seen throwing something and found a bag of powder cocaine and a bag of crack cocaine over a wood privacy fence about 5-10 feet from where Sanders was seen throwing something. These items were collected and found to be a little over 17 grams of powder cocaine and a little over 30 grams of crack cocaine. The crack cocaine was packaged in 9 separate individual bags.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Grand Island Man Sentenced to 180 Months for MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Dale Roberson, age 37 of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf sentenced Roberson to 180 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Roberson will be required to serve a 10-year term of supervised released. There is no parole in the federal system.
As of early 2018, Roberson was distributing large amounts of methamphetamine to people in the Grand Island area and continued doing so into May 2020. Many of the transactions occurred at Roberson’s Grand Island residence. Police surveillance captured short-term traffic occurring at Roberson’s residence during portions of this time period.
Investigators found social media communication between Roberson and others discussing the exchange of methamphetamine, money, drug use, and trips to other states to obtain drugs.
During a search of Roberson’s residence, officers found methamphetamine, a firearm, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia including items used to redistribute methamphetamine to others.
This case was investigated by the Grand Island Police Department and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, which is made up of officers from the Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff, Hastings Police Department, Adams County Sheriff, Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
California Man Sentenced to 151 Months for MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Ricardo Barraza, age 41 of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Barraza to 151 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Barraza will be required to serve a 5-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Barraza’s prison sentence was extended by approximately 5 years as he absconded after pleading guilty and while on pretrial release in 2005. He was rearrested in November of 2019.
On October 12, 2004, law enforcement stopped a red Chrysler PT Cruiser for a traffic violation while traveling in New Mexico. The driver of the vehicle, Ricardo Barraza, was accompanied by a passenger identified as Victor Jose Barraza Cazares. During the traffic stop, the officer became suspicious that the two were involved in criminal activity and requested permission to search the vehicle. Barraza granted permission for a search which resulted in the discovery of approximately 1,663 grams of methamphetamine. During a post arrest statement, Barraza admitted to his involvement in transporting the drugs to an individual in Grand Island, Nebraska.
The passenger was found guilty in July of 2005 of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the New Mexico State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 15 years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Christopher Wagner, 46, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court today in Omaha for production of child pornography. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Wagner to 15 years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Wagner will begin a 15-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. Senior Judge Bataillon ordered Wagner to pay a $17,000 fine and $3,000 in restitution.
On November 12, 2019, officers executed a federal search warrant at Wagner’s residence in Omaha. Officers collected Wagner’s cellular phone. Wagner admitted to viewing child pornography on the internet. Agents forensically examined Wagner’s cellular phone and located about 1,668 images of child pornography with the minors ranging from about 3 to 16 years old.
Four of the images of child pornography on Wagner’s phone showed a naked female who was about six years old. Location data showed the images were created at Wagner’s apartment complex in Omaha. The data showed they were created with Wagner’s cellular phone. Wagner took these images.
Wagner was previously convicted in California of burglary in the first degree (1993), burglary in the first degree (1995) for which he was sentenced to 4 years of imprisonment, and residential burglary (1999) for which he was sentenced to 12 years of 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Daniel Zordell, 39, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for receiving child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Zordell to 70 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Zordell will begin a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
In March 2018, a task force office with the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force acquired 150 images of child pornography from a computer at Zordell’s Omaha residence. The images included pre-pubescent girls in sexually explicit poses. On June 7, 2018, agents entered the residence with a search warrant. Zordell admitted he was the only one home when his computer shared the 150 images of child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 Omaha FBI's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Graduate Student Pleads Guilty to Child EnticementRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Zhijun Xia, age 30, of China, entered a plea of guilty on April 23, 2021 in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Coercion and Enticement of a Minor before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl R. Zwart. Xia’s sentencing hearing was scheduled for July 23, 2021 at 1:30 pm in front of Chief United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, both imprisonment and a fine, a special assessment of $5,000, and a term of supervised release of no less than 5 years up to a lifetime term of supervised release.
Between June 1, 2018 to February 28, 2020, Xia was a graduate student at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Xia is a Chinese national. Xia met Victim 1’s mother and Victim 1’s mother hired Xia to tutor Victim 1 in the Chinese language. Xia began tutoring Victim 1 in June of 2018. Xia met Victim 1 in person for the tutoring sessions and began communicating with Victim 1 over the social media application WeChat. Xia began inquiring over WeChat about Victim 1’s sexual history.
On July 10, 2018, Victim 1 attended a summer camp at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Xia messaged Victim 1 over the Internet using WeChat about his plan to visit her in Lincoln on July 11. During this conversation, Xia discussed various forms of birth control with Victim 1 in response to Victim 1 relaying her fears of becoming pregnant while in high school. Xia reserved a room at the Red Roof Inn and Suites in Lincoln for the night of July 11. Xia picked up Victim 1 from the University of Nebraska campus and took Victim 1 to the Red Roof Inn, where he subjected Victim 1 to sexual penetration. Xia was 27 years of age and Victim 1 was 15 years of age. It is a crime under Nebraska State law for someone over the age of 25 to subject someone between the ages of 12 and 16 to sexual penetration. Immediately following this incident, Xia continued to message Victim 1 on WeChat regarding the July 11 incident.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Police Department, the University of Nebraska-Omaha Police Department, and the Lincoln Police Department.
Grand Jury - April 2021Read the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Jan W. Sharp announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 23 unsealed Indictments charging 29 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.
* Cynthia Abarca-Barajas, a/k/a Cynthia Barajas, age 22, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl on or about March 18, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Socorro Alejandres Alvarez, age 31, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about June 2020 and continuing to on or about April 5, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Michael Aponte, age 31, of Liverpool, New York, and Rawy Correa-Perez, age 30, of Cudahy, Wisconsin, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine beginning on or about February 24, 2021 and continuing to on or about February 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendants with possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine on or about February 26, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Adan Casillas-Aguilar, age 37, is charged in a five-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about November 9, 2020 and continuing on or about December 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II charges the Casillas-Aguilar with distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about November 9, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about November 24, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count IV charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about December 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count V charges the defendant with use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about December 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about December 2, 2020.
* Luis Alberto Castro-Santos, age 33, of Pomona, California; Tomas De La Cruz-Perez, age 33, of Fremont, Nebraska; Martin Alonzo Castro, age 38, of Fremont, Nebraska; and Estuardo Hernando Ruiz-Orozco, age 50, of Wakefield, Nebraska, are charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to unlawfully produce/transfer/possess with intent to use or transfer five or more false identification documents on or about May, 2020, and continuing to on or about April, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges De La Cruz-Perez with possession with intent to use or transfer five or more documents on or about June 21, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Ruiz-Orozco with possession with intent to use or transfer five or more documents on or about October 15, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Castro with possession with intent to use or transfer five or more documents on or about February 24, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about April 14, 2021.
* Michael Copeland, age 51, of St. Paul, Nebraska, is charged with interstate communications with a threat to injure law enforcement officers on or about April 13, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Kylan Wayne Dale, age 30, of Sioux City, Iowa, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender on or about January 16, 2021 continuing to on or about February 19, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $5,000 additional special assessment.
* Armando B. Daniels, age 32, of Commack, New York, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with coercion and enticement on or about April 6, 2021, and continuing to on or about April 8, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Daniels with coercion and enticement of a minor on or about April 6, 2021 and continuing to on or about April 8, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity on or about April 6, 2021 and continuing to on or about April 8, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Wilmer Raymond Flyinghawk, Jr., age 42, of Norfolk, Nebraska, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 11, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Catherine Gibson, age 43, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about February 2021 and continuing to on or about March 3, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Kristina Marie Gomez, age 36, and Alvaro Nunez-Nunez, age 32, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about June 22, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Javier Hernandez-Romano, age 29, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 3, 2021. 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.
* Javier Hernandez-Romano, age 29, and Gustavo Perez-Heurerta, age 21, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana on or about March 3, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, a four-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Thomas E. Johnson, Jr., age 30, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about April 8, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Rickey G. McAlevy, Jr., age 33, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Gabriel S. Goss, age 40, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about September 4, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $20,000,000 fine, a ten-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Agustin Manuel Pablo, age 30, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 20, 2021. 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.
* Jose Quevedo, age 56, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about December 2, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Juan Sanchez-Bautista, age 42, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about February 4, 2021. 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.
* Martin Silva-Bravo, age 31, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about March 20, 2020. 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.
* Babe L. Sipes, age 40, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about January 11, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a five-year term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Michael M. Thomas, age 33, is charged with domestic assault by an habitual offender on or about February 27, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Adam Stuart Vannoy, age 40, of Denver, Colorado, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with receipt or possession of a unregistered firearm on or about April 8, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with receipt or possession of a firearm unidentified by serial number on or about March 14, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with unlawful user in possession of a firearm on or about March 14, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Charles Warrior, age 54, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender on or about January 16, 2021 continuing to on or about February 19, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $5,000 additional special assessment.