District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Possession of HeroinRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Matthew Raymond Schroeder of Denver, Colorado, today to one year in prison for possession of heroin. This sentence is to be served consecutive to (after) a Colorado sentence for parole violation. Following the prison term, Schroeder will serve one year on supervised release.
On July 8, 2018, Schroeder was contacted by Lincoln Police officers in the parking lot of a Lincoln motel after cleaning staff reported finding suspected drug-related items in the room that Schroeder had stayed in the night before. The car Schroeder was driving was searched, and a gram of heroin was found.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Norfolk Man Sentenced in Federal Court for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that on September 3, 2019, Christopher S. Harmeier, 42, of Norfolk, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Harmeier to 63 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Harmeier will begin a two-year term of supervised release.
At the beginning of 2017, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was transporting large amounts of methamphetamine into Lincoln, Nebraska. The methamphetamine was then redistributed to local distributors, which included Harmeier in Norfolk. When the drug trafficking organization was taken down, Harmeier was in possession of two pounds of methamphetamine and $10,000.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted by the Lincoln Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol.
Lincoln Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Sabas Rodriguez-Cisneros, 47, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 20 years and 10 months (250 months) for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Rodriguez-Cisneros will serve five years on supervised release. He was convicted of the offense by a federal jury in May of 2019.
In early March, 2018, a DHL package was intercepted by United States Customs and Border Control agents at the Cincinnati, Ohio, port of entry. The package was addressed to Rodriguez-Cisneros’s girlfriend in Lincoln, Nebraska. Customs agents opened the package and found methamphetamine and pills. Homeland Security Investigations agents sent the package to their Omaha office, and Omaha HSI agents delivered it to the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force. On March 5, 2018, an undercover Lincoln Police officer delivered the package to Rodriguez-Cisneros’s girlfriend in Lincoln. She was arrested. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory found the package contained 400 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine, and purity analysis showed at least 370 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. There were also 197 fentanyl tablets in the package.
Testimony and evidence presented at trial established that between October of 2016 and March 5, 2018, Rodriguez-Cisneros was involved in selling methamphetamine in the Lincoln, Dwight, and Crete, Nebraska areas.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 168 months Imprisonment for Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that John Nichols, 54, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 30, 2019, to 168 months in prison by United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. After serving his sentence, Nichols will serve a 5-year term of supervised release.
Nichols was arrested on March 2, 2018, after being found outside of his South Omaha residence in possession of a firearm. A search of his residence revealed approximately 13 pounds of methamphetamine, four firearms, and more than $13,000 in U.S. currency. In a post arrest statement, Nichols admitted that he had been involved in distributing pound quantities of methamphetamine in the Omaha area.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Herbert B. Kinchen, 40, of Lincoln, was sentenced today to 21 years and 10 months, (262 months), in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and unspecified amounts of marijuana and cocaine. Following the prison term, Kinchen will serve five years on supervised release.
On June 13, 2018, the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Kinchen’s Lincoln residence. During the search, officers found approximately 2 ½ pounds of methamphetamine, 2 ½ pounds of marijuana and suspected cocaine along with a loaded revolver and $3,000 in cash. Kinchen and his co-defendant, Vanessa D. Pinkney, were contacted by officers as they approached the residence while the search was being conducted. Kinchen claimed ownership of all the drugs in the residence.
Pinkney was sentenced in April of 2019 to 10 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Papillion Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that Thomas Janes, 25, of Papillion, Nebraska, was sentenced Monday by Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp to 24 months’ imprisonment for possessing child pornography. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release, Janes will begin a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
In 2015, Homeland Security Investigations, Cyber Crimes Center, Child Exploitation Investigations Unit, found that a person in Papillion, Nebraska, uploaded images onto a website that had been taken over by police. A search warrant was executed on the home where the upload originated from and Janes admitted at that time to being the user who uploaded the image. A subsequent investigation revealed Janes possessed over 600 videos of child pornography and over 1,700 images. At the time of the search, Janes was 20 years old.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Omaha Man Convicted of Robbery of United States PropertyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Dajuan Sharron was convicted of robbery of United States property following a three-day jury trial in federal court in Omaha before the Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. The jury returned its verdict on August 28, 2019.
A confidential informant, working with the ATF, had arranged to meet Sharron and two others in order to purchase handguns with money supplied by the ATF. When they met on August 7, 2018, Sharron threatened to shoot the informant if the informant didn’t give Sharron the buy money. Sharron took the $1,500 in cash that the ATF had provided to the informant and fled the area. Sharron will be sentenced on December 6, 2019 and faces up to 15 years’ incarceration and a $250,000 fine.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhood, a nationwide initiative to combat gun violence and gang activity.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the Omaha Police Department’s Gang and Firearms Unit.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Scheme to Acquire Cell PhonesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that Gage Davis, 37, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced Monday in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for identity theft and the fraudulent use of Social Security numbers to obtain cell phones from retail outlets in Central Nebraska. Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Davis to 54 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release and pay restitution in the sum of $22,126.
From December 2017 through June 2018, Gage and another used stolen identifications of credit worthy individuals to purchase high-end cellphones at retail stores in Kearney, Holdrege, Norfolk, Beatrice, Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, Ainsworth and O’Neill, Nebraska. Gage provided counterfeit driver’s licenses and Social Security numbers belonging to actual people to stores to qualify for credit. He was arrested on June 1, 2018, at the U.S. Cellular store in Ainsworth. Counterfeit identification documents were found in his car.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, the Nebraska States Patrol, Sheriff’s Offices of Brown County and Holt County Nebraska and the Police Departments in Lexington, Kearney, Holdrege, Norfolk, Beatrice, Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Sexual Assault on the Winnebago Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that Russell Morrison, 18, of Winnebago, was sentenced Monday by Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp to 60 months’ imprisonment for sexually assaulting a minor on the Winnebago Indian Reservation. There is no parole in the federal system. Morrison will be on supervised release for a period of five years after he serves his sentence. He will also have to register as a sex offender.
Morrison sexually assaulted an intoxicated minor after providing her with alcohol. The minor did not recall much of the incident, but learned of it later when images of her in a state of undress were shared on Snapchat, a social media application. The minor reported that she thought she may have been sexually assaulted and obtained a rape kit. Morrison’s DNA was obtained and analysis revealed his DNA from the sexual assault kit obtained from the minor.
This case was investigated by the Winnebago Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sex Offender Sentenced to 30 Months for Failing to RegisterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Travis M. Knipp was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for failing to register as a sex offender. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Knipp to 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison Knipp will begin a five year term of supervised release. A condition of supervised release requires placement at a halfway house for 180 days.
Knipp was convicted of attempted criminal enticement in Sarpy County in 2016. As a result of this conviction Knipp was required to register as a sex offender for fifteen years. He was previously convicted in Page County, Iowa of failing to register. Knipp then registered as a sex offender living in Iowa. In November 2017, Knipp left his Iowa residence and moved to Nebraska. He failed to register as a sex offender 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 United States Marshals Service.
August Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 26 indictments charging 27 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.
* Juan Aguilar Pacheco, a/k/a Gallo, a/k/a Jesus Cruz-Perez, age 38, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II charge the defendant with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about May 2, 2019 and continuing through July 1, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment on each count, $5,000,000 fine on each count, 4-year term of supervised release on each count, and a $100 special assessment on each count.
* Pedro Avendano-Molina, age 59, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about August 4, 2019, following an aggravated felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jaime Barrera Sotelo, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about July 26, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Isaias Cortez Garcia, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about July 24, 2019, following an aggravated felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jaime Cuella Macua, age 32, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about July 29, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Tyler Dodge, age 25, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II charge the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about November 11, 2018 and continuing through December 21, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment on each count, $5,000,000 fine on each count, 4-year term of supervised release on each count, and a $100 special assessment on each count.
* Isiah Gandy, age 28, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. The Indictment charges the defendant with wire fraud on or about December 2, 2014 and continuing through December 23, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment on each count, a $250,000 fine on each count, a 3-year term of supervised release on each count, and a $100 special assessment on each count.
* Miguel Garcia-Flores, age 30, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with fraudulent use of a social security account number beginning on or about September 24, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with fraudulent use of identification documents to obtain employment on or about September 24, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Christian Eduardo Gaxiola, age 37, of Greeley, Colorado, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about May 3, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jorge Herrera Vargas, age 44, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about August 5, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Adan Inzunza-Barreras, age 26, of Omaha, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, (mixture) beginning on or about May 23, 2019 and continuing to on or about June 27, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, (mixture) beginning on or about June 27, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, (actual) beginning on or about May 23, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges the defendant with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, (mixture) beginning on or about Jun 14, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about June 27, 2019.
* Nathan Lee Kempter, age 32, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with enticement of a minor on or about July 15, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct on or about August 2, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment.
* Abuhussein A. Khattab, age 28, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. The Indictment charges the defendant with possession by a prohibited person on or about November, 2017 and continuing through April, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, a $250,000 fine on each count, a 3-year term of supervised release on each count, and a $100 special assessment on each count.
* Patricia Lopez-Hernandez, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about August 7, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Chad A. Loseke, age 39, of Hastings, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about June 3, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $8,000,000 fine, - year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ismael Nunez Labra, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about July 9, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jorge Paz-Aguilar, age 34, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about August 5, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Roman Anthony Perales, age 21, of Winnebago, Nebraska, is charged in a seven-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with assault with intent to commit any felony on or about July 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with assault of a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm on or about July 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with assault resulting in serious bodily injury on or about July 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with assault with intent to commit any felony on or about July 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count V of the Indictment charges the defendant with carrying or using a firearm and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging the firearm on or about July 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years-Life imprisonment consecutive, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count VI of the Indictment charges the defendant with carrying or using a firearm and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging the firearm on or about July 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 7 years-Life imprisonment consecutive, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count VII of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of ammunition on or about July 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Morgan L. Perkhiser, age 35, of Eugene, Oregon, is charged in a five-count Indictment. The Indictment charges the defendant with wire fraud on or about May 25, 2016 and continuing through October 5, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment on each count, a $250,000 fine on each count, a 5-year term of supervised release on each count, and a $100 special assessment on each count.
* Manuel Portillo Choto, age 35, is charged in a two- count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about July 29, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees on or about July 29, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 1 year imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $25 special assessment.
* Elio Danubio Ramirez Lemus, age 39, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with false statement on a passport application beginning on or about December 29, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with fraudulent use of a social security account number beginning on or about February 5, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with false claims of U.S. Citizenship on or about February 5, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Terrence Sayers, is charged in an eight-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about May 20, 2014. The penalty if convicted is a minimum of 5 years’ to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-years to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about December 24, 2014 and continuing to on or about January 13, 2015. The penalty if convicted is a minimum of 5 years’ to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-years to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about April 19, 2015 and continuing to on or about April 27. 2015. The penalty if convicted is a minimum of 5 years’ to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-years to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about May 9, 2015 continuing to on or about May 18, 2015. The penalty if convicted is a minimum of 5 years’ to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-years to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment. Count V of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about September 28, 2016. The penalty if convicted is a minimum of 5 years’ to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-years to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment. Count VI of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about April 13, 2014. The penalty if convicted is a minimum of 5 years’ to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-years to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment. Count VII of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about March 24, 2015. The penalty if convicted is a minimum of 5 years’ to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-years to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment. Count VIII of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on or about October 24, 2017. The penalty if convicted is a minimum of 10 years’ to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-years to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment, and a $5,000 additional special assessment.
* Billy Francisco Silvestre Aguilar, age 31, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about August 5, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ignacio Tapia-Lopez, age 38, of Hastings, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about July 30, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Pedro Valdovinos, age 26, and Leagsaidh Hargreaves, age 24, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, (actual) beginning on or about June 1, 2017 and continuing to on or about August 5, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, (mixture) beginning on or about August 5, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with use/possess firearm with drug trafficking beginning on or about August 5, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about August 5, 2019.
* Seth B. Vander Vorst, age 28, is charged with drug user in possession of firearm on or about July 28, 2019 and on or about July 31, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Penitentiary Inmate Sentenced in Federal Case for Role in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on August 15, 2019 Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Dustin Pauly to a term of imprisonment of 262 months, to be served concurrently to an undischarged term of imprisonment in an unrelated state case. Pauly, 32, of Kearney, Nebraska, pleaded guilty earlier in federal court to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In January 2019, investigators received information from the Nebraska State Penitentiary regarding drug activity involving Pauly, who was then an inmate at the Penitentiary. Investigators determined that Pauly helped coordinate the delivery of a parcel containing several pounds of methamphetamine to Hannah Pauly’s residence in Kearney. Investigators obtained a warrant to search the residence and recovered five bundles of methamphetamine in varying quantities, totaling close to five pounds. Hannah Pauly and her roommate, Jose Santos-Zepeda, were arrested and charged in the case.
The case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Kearney Police Department, and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Stealing Funds from His Elderly FatherRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Chief United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Craig A. Barnett, 62, of Lincoln, Nebraska, Thursday to a jail term of 16 months, a term of supervised release of three years and restitution of $277,000 for his conviction for wire and mail fraud.
During the six-year period from February 2010 through September 2016, Barnett misappropriated monies from his father’s various income sources including his Social Security benefits, his pension plan payouts and various investment funds that were to be used for the care of his elderly father. Barnett used the money for his own personal use and enjoyment.
As part of his scheme, Barnett had his father execute a power of attorney granting Barnett control over his father’s financial affairs. Barnett then used this power of attorney to steal his father’s personal funds, which were to be used to pay for his father’s care at an assisted-living facility where he resided. Some of these stolen funds were used by Barnett to purchase a new home and an automobile unbeknownst to his elderly father.
It was not until the Office of the Public Guardian for the State of Nebraska intervened on behalf of his father that the fraudulent conduct on the part of the defendant was discovered. As part of his sentence, Barnett is required to make restitution in the total amount of $277,000 to his father, the State of Nebraska, and the assisted-living facility where his father still resides.
This case was investigated by the United State Department of Labor, the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of the Public Guardian for the State of Nebraska.
Broken Bow Man Sentenced for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Marshal Marshall, 37, formerly of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced Thursday in Lincoln, Nebraska, to the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf. Marshall had previously entered pleas of guilty to cyberstalking. In addition to his prison sentence, Marshall will be required to serve 3 years on supervised release.
In December, 2017, the principal of a public school district in Broken Bow, Nebraska, reported to the FBI that someone was sending persistent and escalating threats of violence to a teacher working for the school district. The person issuing the threats was at times impersonating other teachers in the district over school email.
Investigation revealed that Marshall was impersonating teachers, friends, and family members of the victim, in order to harass, pressure, and coerce the victim into taking him back, ceasing her cooperation on a state felon in possession case, and taking other actions that he desired the victim to take. The communications caused substantial emotional distress, made the victim feel like she was being followed or surveilled at all times, and placed her in fear of actual bodily harm. She also faced threats to her reputation in the community, both professionally and personally.
Marshall conducted the cyberstalking by both text and email communication. Eventually he began to illegally wiretap the victim by breaking into her residence, placing recorders in her home and placing a motion sensor activated camera in her bedroom. The FBI recovered these devices and tied them forensically to Marshall.
Text messages from Marshall’s cell phone demonstrated he had solicited multiple men, his sister, and two minors, to aid him in the cyberstalking.
This case was investigated by the Broken Bow Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Macy Man Sentenced to 18 Months for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Taylor Morris, age 21, was sentenced in federal court Monday in Omaha, Nebraska, for assault causing serious bodily injury. Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Morris to 18 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Morris will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
During the early morning hours of August 18, 2018, in Macy, Nebraska, within the Omaha Nation Indian Reservation, Morris was intoxicated and assaulted a 67-year-old male in the street. Morris kicked and punched the victim. After Morris assaulted the victim and left the scene, emergency personnel arrived and transported the victim to the hospital. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered brain bleeding, a skull fracture, and a stroke.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Defendant Sentenced in an Omaha-Based Methamphetamine Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Francis Dale Peebles, age 40, was sentenced in federal court today in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Peebles to 120 months of imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Peebles will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Beginning in mid-2017, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation into an Omaha-based methamphetamine drug trafficking organization. Court-authorized wire and electronic interceptions led investigators to Francis Dale Peebles, who was subsequently identified as someone that was receiving pound quantities of methamphetamine from the drug trafficking organization. A search warrant on Peebles’s residence resulted in 490.4 grams of methamphetamines, 144.8 grams of THC concentrate, 1068.9 grams of marijuana, $6,944.00 United States Currency and ten firearms being seized.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
O’Neill Man Sentenced to 210 Months for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Thad N. Junge, 41, of O’Neill, Nebraska, was sentenced Monday in federal court in Omaha for conspiring to distribute and distributing methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Junge to 210 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Junge will be on supervised release for 10 years.
Junge was convicted after a jury trial. The evidence at trial demonstrated that a confidential informant purchased 3.3 grams of methamphetamine from Junge at his residence in O’Neill. Witnesses testified at trial to purchasing varying amounts of methamphetamine from Junge for distribution to others. Junge had a prior conviction on August 29, 2011 in the District Court of Holt County, Nebraska, for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Macy, NE Man Sentenced for Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Dalton L. Webster, age 27, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Aggravated Sexual Abuse. United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Webster to 121 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Webster will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On or about August 18, 2018, within the Omaha Reservation, Webster physically assaulted an adult female victim causing a non-displaced nasal fracture with extensive soft-tissue swelling. Webster then sexually assaulted the victim while threatening to kill her.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
California Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine While Serving a Prison Sentence in NebraskaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that James Michael Papazian, 31, of West Hills, California, was sentenced today to 292 months’ (24.3 years) for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual or pure methamphetamine. Following his prison term, Papazian will serve five years on supervised release. Chief United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard presided over this case.
During the summer of 2017, Papazian was serving a sentence at the Nebraska Department of Corrections for burglary and he was allowed to be on work release. Papazian would leave the prison to work and would return to the prison after completing his shift. During that time, Papazian conspired to sell methamphetamine to others, both inside and outside of the prison. Papazian used two cell phones in committing his offense that he was not permitted to have. He kept one phone at work. The other phone he smuggled into the prison and kept hidden within the work release housing facility. In determining Papazian’s sentence, Judge Gerrard found that after Papazian was indicted, Papazian had obstructed justice by attempting to tamper with several witnesses during the pendency of his case.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Being a Marijuana User in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Yasmiene Raevonne Blanton, 29, of Lincoln was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf to time served (approximately four months) and placed on three years of supervised release for possessing ammunition while she was a user of and addicted to marijuana.
On August 22, 2018, Blanton was stopped by Lincoln Police officers after she left her Lincoln residence. At the time of the stop, Blanton was driving on a suspended license, and the car she was driving smelled strongly of marijuana. She was found to be in possession of approximately two ounces of marijuana. A search warrant was executed at her residence. During that search, numerous rounds of various types of ammunition were found along with additional marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department Gang Unit and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Lincoln Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Donald James Cox, Jr., 43, of Lincoln, was sentenced July 31, 2019, to 15 years in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf. Cox was sentenced to 10 years for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual/pure methamphetamine, cocaine, tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), cocaine and marijuana. He received a five-year sentence for using, carrying and possessing a firearm in connection with the drug offense. That sentence was ordered to be served consecutive to (after) the sentence for the drug offense. Following the prison term, Collins will serve five years on supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit more than $19,000 in cash.
On August 6, 2018, a Lincoln Police officer contacted Cox for a traffic violation. Cox gave the officer consent to search his person. Cox was found in possession of three bags containing methamphetamine weighing a total of approximately 16 grams. The Nebraska State Patrol laboratory later found that one of those bags contained at least 13 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. More than $5,000 cash was found on Cox’s person. A digital scale was found behind the driver’s seat of his vehicle, and a loaded .357 Rossi revolver was found in the center console.
Cox waived his rights and told officers that the methamphetamine found on his person belonged to him. He said he had recently acquired the revolver found in his vehicle from his methamphetamine source. He admitted obtaining about ½ ounce of methamphetamine every couple of weeks and selling to about five customers.
A search warrant was executed at Cox’s Lincoln residence. Three bags of methamphetamine weighing a total of just under 400 grams were found which contained at least 190 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. Officers also found a total of approximately 184 grams of cocaine, 30 grams of marijuana, approximately 577 grams of THC chewables, three additional handguns, a shotgun, ammunition and more than $14,000 in cash.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Michigan Woman Sentenced for Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that on July 26, 2019, United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Mechelle Anna Major, age 32, of Clinton Township, Michigan, to 31 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release for fraudulent use of social security numbers and aggravated identity theft. There is no parole in the federal system.
Major, using stolen identifications of credit worthy actual people, in October 2018 at the Viaero cellphone retail stores in Norfolk and Wayne, Nebraska, purchased and attempted to purchase high-end cellphones. Major provided high-quality counterfeit driver’s licenses and social security numbers of actual people to the Viaero stores for the purpose of qualifying for credit to purchase the cellphones. Upon Major’s arrest on October 25, 2018 at the Viaero store in Wayne, additional sets of counterfeit identification documents were found in her purse. Currently there are outstanding warrants for Major in the States of Kentucky and Colorado for similar criminal conduct related to identity thefts.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wayne Police Department, Nebraska.
Drug Sweep Nets Significant South Omaha ArrestsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that eight individuals were arrested on July 19, 2019 as a result of a year-long investigation involving several law enforcement agencies from the Omaha metropolitan area. Four other individuals were previously arrested for their role in this investigation prior to this organized sweep. This investigation is intended to address the burgeoning violent crime occurring in Southeast Omaha.
This Mexican drug trafficking organization’s activities were based out of the El Catrin Restaurant and Bar in South Omaha, 6500 Railroad Avenue, which served as a distribution point of narcotics for more than a decade.
This was part of the Safe Streets Task Force investigation and involved the following agencies: FBI, Omaha Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, IRS, Bellevue Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, La Vista Police Department, Council Bluffs Police Department, Papillion Police Department, Nebraska Army National Guard - Counter Drug, USAO - District of Nebraska, DHS - Enforcement Removal Officers.
“There is a lot of work behind the scenes to help reduce crime and criminal enterprises in every major city. I appreciate the hard work by OPD and our partners towards making our city safe,” said OPD Chief Todd Schmaderer.
In addition to the aforementioned arrests, the investigation has resulted in the seizure of three weapons, $55,000 in cash, approximately six kilograms of cocaine, six pounds of methamphetamine, four vehicles, and certain real estate, which is subject to forfeiture. This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be made available at a later date.
“This operation demonstrates how a team of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, can make a big impact in the communities we serve and protect. Dozens of law enforcement professionals from multiple agencies worked together to take these individuals off the streets,” said Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge John Barrios. “The FBI and our partners will continue to go after drug-traffickers and others who try to harm our communities, regardless of how long it takes.”
July Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 15 indictments charging 15 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.
* Severiano Barrera Roman, age 28, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about June 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ruben Estuardo Cambara Cambara, age 40, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Julio Carias Munoz, age 52, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about July 12, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ramon Grijalba-Lopez, age 33, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about July 10, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Michael G. Hymes, age 39, is charged with Bank Robbery by force from an employee at Creighton Federal Credit Union in the approximate amount of $4,000.00 on or about July 15, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Noe Juarez-Garcia, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 28, 2019, following an aggravated felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Luis Maria-Aguado, age 32, is charged with kidnapping on or about May 6, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Alexis Martinez-Chino, age 24, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 18, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Martin Trujillo Munoz, age 26, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 19, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jason David Oetter, age 47, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on April 29, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Ivan Rodriguez Pacheco, age 35, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with fraud, misuse of visas, permits and other documents beginning on or about September 9, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with falsely representing a social security number on or about September 9, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Tapia Santos Diaz, age 32, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about July 6, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Miguel Angel Simon-Martinez, age 23, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about July 9, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Kenneth Wayne Smith, age 42, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on May 24, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Russell Eugene Westerfield a/k/a Russell E. Ritter-Westerfield, a/k/a Russell Ugene Westerfield, a/k/a Russell Eugene Ritter, age 42, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, (actual) and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) beginning on or about August 1, 2017 and continuing to on or about September 27, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Arizona Man – Permanent Resident of the U.S. – Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Francisco Guevara-Zamudio on Monday to a 120-month term of imprisonment to be served in the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Guevara-Zamudio, of Arizona, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
During the first few months of 2018, Guevara-Zamudio conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine throughout the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area. Guevara-Zamudio participated in several pound and multi-pound methamphetamine transactions in May of 2018 and rented a storage unit in Omaha for the use of a drug trafficking organization. Guevara-Zamudio was arrested on June 5, 2018, at a residence in Honey Creek, Iowa. The residence was rented through Airbnb by a co-conspirator and used by Guevara-Zamudio and two co-defendants. Investigators seized more than 10 lbs. of methamphetamine, several firearms including an AR-15-style assault rifle, magazines, ammunition, and several prescription medications. Guevara-Zamudio’s Permanent Resident card was also found in the home. Guevara-Zamudio is the eighth defendant to be sentenced in the case. Guevara-Zamudio will be removed from the United States to Mexico by immigration authorities upon completion of the term of imprisonment.
The case was primarily investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration – Omaha Field Division, the Omaha Police Department, and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force.
Grand Island Man Sentenced to 100 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Javier Contreras-Rodriguez on July 12, 2019, to imprisonment for 100 months, to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Contreras was convicted of distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 846.
On March 22, 2017, in Grand Island, Nebraska, confidential informants acting at the direction of investigators conducted a controlled buy of approximately ½ ounce of methamphetamine from defendant. Investigators observed the transaction, during which Contreras sold approximately 19 grams of meth to the informants. Contreras’s prior criminal convictions include resisting arrest, felony robbery, DUI, additional felony narcotics distribution, and assault. All of these prior convictions factored into the 100-month sentence to imprisonment imposed by Judge Rossiter. Contreras ingested methamphetamine on his person at the time of his arrest, resulting in a brief period of hospitalization.
The case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, including the Adams Country Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Jewelry Store RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Chief U.S. District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Anwar A. Hunt, 37, today to 13 ½ years in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Hunt previously entered pleas of guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during that robbery.
On March 23, 2018, at approximately 1:14 p.m., two armed men with gloves and masks entered the Sartor Hamann Jewelry Store, located at 2900 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, Nebraska, and demanded people in the store to not move and to be quiet. One of the men smashed a watch case and the robbers left the store with 25 Rolex watches. One of the watches was equipped with a GPS tracker. Officers were able to locate Hunt, Joshua Dortch, the watches and other evidence tying them to the robbery within a short time.
Dortch is pending trial.
The Lincoln Police Department and the FBI Great Plains Violent Crime Task Force, comprised of FBI agents, Omaha Police Department detectives, Nebraska State Patrol Investigators and Papillion Police Department Detectives, are responsible for the investigation of the robbery.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Domestic Assault by a Habitual OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Ronald Gene Frazier, age 38, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Frazier to 24 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Frazier will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On about August 20, 2018, within the Winnebago Indian Reservation, Frazier assaulted a female victim who was Frazier’s intimate partner. Frazier broke the victim’s cellular telephone and hit and choked the victim. Prior to this incident, Frazier had been convicted of assaulting an intimate partner on three prior occasions.
The case was investigated by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, the Winnebago Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Preparing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Opal Harris, age 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced Monday in federal court for willfully preparing a false tax return. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Harris to five years of probation and ordered her to pay $31,404 in restitution.
An investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigations determined that Harris worked as an income tax preparer at Wise Tax Solutions, a business owned and operated by Harris and her husband. Investigators learned that Wise Tax Solutions customer tax returns prepared by Harris represented, through the inclusion of a Schedule C, income amounts that were false. As a result of the falsified individual income tax returns, Wise Tax Solutions’ customers qualified for earned income tax credit to which they were not entitled. Based upon these tax credits, customers received income tax refunds to which they were not entitled.
Between 2012 and 2015, Harris prepared and filed with the IRS federal income tax returns that were false and fraudulent, resulting in a loss to the IRS totaling $31,404.
“Tax practitioners and return preparers have a duty to their clients to prepare tax returns that comply with the law and are complete and accurate,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations.
Lincoln Couple Pleads Guilty to Transporting and Selling Fish in Violation of Federal Lacey Act LawsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Phong T. Duong, age 48, and Oanh T. Pham, age 46, both of Lincoln, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on June 28, 2019, to federal Lacey Act Violations in federal court in Omaha. Duong pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic wildlife, a felony, and Pham pleaded guilty to the illegal taking, transport, and selling of fish, a misdemeanor. Duong and Pham pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Sentencing for both Duong and Pham is scheduled for September 20, 2019.
A joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism determined that Duong, and his spouse, Pham, operated a business out of their Lincoln, Nebraska, residence that sold wildlife and fish to customers located in Nebraska.
At various times between May 2013 and July 2016, Duong and Pham obtained fish, typically consisting of crappie, white bass, and wiper, from the Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, and other reservoirs, located in the State of Kansas, in violation of Kansas wildlife laws. To avoid detection and evade law enforcement, Duong and Pham would routinely change fishing locations upon the Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, and other reservoirs, stash fish at off-site locations, and utilized “straw fishermen” including minor children and others to conceal fish taken in excess of the established possession limits. Duong and Pham regularly transported the illegally taken fish from the State of Kansas to the State of Nebraska. Upon arrival in the State of Nebraska, the fish would be cleaned and bagged at Duong and Pham’s residence. Duong and Pham would then sell the fish to customers located in Nebraska for a profit.
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to protecting native species and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people," said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “Overfishing impacts local economies and fish populations. It also deprives law abiding citizens and others who enjoy outdoor recreation activities related to these resources. We will continue to work with our partners to vigorously investigate and apprehend those involved with the unlawful acquisition, sale, and exploitation of our nation's natural resources. Together, we will ensure that our country's wildlife and wild places are protected for generations to come.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.
Former Nebraska Business Owners Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Charles F. Martin, 57, of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Sherri L. Atkins, 59, of Omaha, Nebraska, were sentenced today in federal court for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Chief United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Martin to 33 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Atkins received a sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Both were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,634,803.
During an investigation conducted by Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service it was determined that from 2010 to 2013, Martin and Atkins, owners of IROCK Concrete, LLC, a business formerly located in Gretna, Nebraska, repeatedly submitted materially false and fraudulent financial statements and business records to multiple local financial institutions in the District. The false financial documents included overstated accounts receivable reports and sales invoices reflecting fictitious invoice numbers, inflated sales amounts, and fabricated deliveries of concrete. Martin also provided the financial institutions multiple personal financial statements which over reported $1,800,000 in personal assets. Martin and Atkins provided the false financials in an effort to obtain and maintain at least five loans that had been made to IROCK and other associated entities. Once the loans were approved, both Martin and Atkins used at least some of the funds for personal expenses, such as car payments and credit card charges. Loans extended based on the fraudulent conduct totaled more than $12 million dollars, resulting in losses exceeding $4.6 million dollars to the local financial institutions.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Macy Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Lavery Sheridan, 25, of Macy was sentenced in federal court for the sexual abuse of a minor and for receiving child pornography. Senior United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Sheridan to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Sheridan will begin a 5-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Sheridan friended a 14-year-old on Facebook. They exchanged pictures. One of the pictures received by Sheridan from the juvenile was sexually explicit. They agreed to meet in person and engaged in conduct of a sexual nature.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced for Pharmacy RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Senior U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Daewoo Robertson, 19, today to 9 years in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Robertson was also ordered to pay $61,154.00 in restitution. Robertson previously pleaded guilty to a Hobbs Act robbery; that is, robbing a business involved in interstate commerce, brandishing a firearm during the robbery, and robbery involving controlled substances.
On October 28, 2018, at approximately 9:33 am, Robertson, Billy Adell and Otis Brown, III robbed the CVS Pharmacy, 1701 Galvin Road South, Bellevue, Nebraska at gunpoint. Robertson, Adell and Brown are from Indianapolis and drove to Bellevue to commit the robbery. Adell was the driver. Robertson and Brown went into the store. Robertson was armed with a Glock .40 caliber handgun that he pointed at employees and a customer while he and Brown zip-tied them. Robertson and Brown fled the store in Adell’s waiting vehicle, with $60,196.50 in controlled substances. They were caught shortly thereafter when their car was stopped. Officers searched the car and found the gun, zip-ties, and a garbage bag with the stolen drugs. Once the drugs leave the store, they cannot be taken back and resold by CVS and have to be destroyed.
Adell and Brown are pending trial currently set for August 6, 2019.
The FBI Great Plains Violent Crime Task Force, comprised of FBI agents, Omaha Police Department detectives, Nebraska State Patrol Investigators and Papillion Police Department Detectives, is responsible for the investigation of the robbery. The task force was assisted by the Bellevue Police Department.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that David Lombard, 51, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 87 months in prison for possession of child pornography. After his release from prison, Lombard will serve 10 years of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
In 2015, Homeland Security Investigations, Cyber Crimes Center, Child Exploitation Investigations Unit, found that a person using the username “sirthumper” distributed images of young females on a website catering to individuals interested in child pornography. Investigators identified David Lombard as “sirthumper”.
During an interview in March of 2015, Lombard provided the investigators with several of his electronic devices. A forensic analyst located 104 images of child pornography and seven morphed image files that included adult pornography with an adult male penis in the image with the face of a minor child added to the pornographic image. Agents identified some of the minors as children of Lombard’s coworkers. Lombard obtained innocent images from his coworkers’ social media postings, and those images were morphed with 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 Homeland Security Investigations.
June Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 15 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.
* Devontez Bobo, age 26, is charged with transportation with intent to promote prostitution on September 6, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit property seized on or about September 6, 2018.
* Edwin Mauricio Castro, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 5, 2019, following an aggravated felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Judy K. Conley a/k/a Judy K. Werner, age 67, of Sidney, Iowa, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with Social Security Fraud-failure to disclose income beginning on or about July, 2003 and continuing without interruption until around January, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with Social Security Fraud-false statement for determining right to benefits on or about August 30, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with Social Security Fraud-false statement an application on or about November 6, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Brandon Cordero, age 26, of Columbus, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on May 10, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Evaristo Fuego-Calel, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 29, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Dylan T. Hedrick, age 25, of Lincoln, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with production of child pornography transported to the United States between on or about May 1, 2018 to May 1, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is a minimum of 15 years to 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt of child pornography on or about August 18, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of child pornography, on or about August 29, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a - year to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession of child pornography, with a prior conviction, on or about April 12, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment.
* Jack Eugene Knight, age 53, is charged with assault on a Federal Employee on or about April 17, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Loarca Lopez, age 52, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about May 21, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Maria Isabel Lopez, age 55, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with theft of Government funds beginning on or about June 19, 2014 and continuing without interruption until around September 11, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with Social Security Fraud-false statement or representation on or about September 10, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with Social Security Fraud-occurrence of event affecting right to receive payment on or about November 4, 2011 and continuing without interruption until around September 11, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Pablo Morales Rodriguez, age 40, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with false representation of a Social Security Number with intent to deceive beginning on or about February 13. 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with false representation of a Social Security Number with intent to deceive beginning on or about February 27. 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with false representation of a Social Security Number with intent to deceive beginning on or about March 13. 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Antonio Phillip, age 34, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute cocaine on or about January 8, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute marijuana beginning on or about December 18, 2018 until January 8, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 2-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about January 8, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with possessing or using a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime on or about January 8, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment consecutive, $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit U.S. currency seized on or about January 8, 2019.
* Edgar Nazael Rodriguez Ordonez, age 31, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about May 30, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Sebastian Urbina Morales, age 40, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about May 21, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ashley Whited, age 30, of Sidney, Nebraska, Francisco Herrera, age 35, of Sterling, Colorado, and Jared Schaefer, age 26, of Sidney, Nebraska, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, beginning on or about March, 2019 and continuing to on or about May, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Herrera with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about May 10, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Celestino Zavala-Aguirre a/k/a Jesus Tapia-Lopez, age 35, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on May 30, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
I-80 Bust Sends Indiana Man to PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Robert Eugene Huff, 69, formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 1 year in prison by Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for interstate transportation in aid of racketeering. In addition to his prison sentence, Huff will be required to serve 2 years on supervised release. Huff also forfeited $149,746.00 in cash and a 2016 Ford F-350 truck.
In December, 2017, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department stopped Huff’s pickup for following too closely as it was travelling through Lancaster County on Interstate 80. Huff was the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle. Huff stated that he had come from Brown County, Indiana, and was going back to his home in Chico, California. During that encounter a K9 officer was called to the scene of the stop. The K9 indicated to the odor of a controlled substance coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was searched.
Upon opening the tailgate and the topper, the deputies saw a large tote, locked and cable-tied to the bed of the pickup. The K9 officer was able to put his hand inside the top of it and pulled out vacuumed-sealed packages of money. There was also a tool chest, which held several bundles of money with sticky notes on them with people’s name and amounts on the notes. The deputies also found a backpack which held a $10,000.00 bundle of one hundred dollar bills, a $3,000.00 bundle of ten-dollar bills and several hundreds of dollars in one-dollar bills.
One of the officers asked Huff about the lock on the tote and Huff stated that he did not have a key for the bag, as it belonged to his son. Deputies later found the key among Huff’s belongings. Once the bags of money were opened, officers stated the currency smelled like raw marijuana. The currency was later tested and tested positive for cannabis. In all, $149,746.00 was recovered from the vehicle.
The deputies also found notes/paperwork/ledgers detailing Huff’s interstate travel across the country with mileage consistent with a trip from Chico, California, to an area south of Indianapolis, then back home to California. These notes provided information indicative of drug distribution activity. The paperwork indicated Huff had made two trips per month from March, 2016, to the date of the traffic stop. Based on an estimated $2,000 per pound value for the purchase of marijuana in California, the money seized by the Officers would convert to approximately 74.8 pounds of marijuana.
This case was investigated by Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department.
Former Pharmacy Professor Sentenced for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Philip Gregory, 48, was sentenced today in federal court for transporting child pornography. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Gregory to 8 years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Gregory will begin a 10-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. He was further ordered to pay $4,500 in restitution to victims portrayed in the images of child pornography. Gregory was formerly a professor of pharmacy at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, Gregory was identified in 2016 via an investigation initiated by a NCMEC CyberTipline report regarding an individual who had uploaded child pornography into a Google+ Photos internet storage account. The reported IP address resolved to the defendant’s residence, and a search warrant was executed at Gregory’s home. A forensic exam of electronic devices seized pursuant to the warrant revealed that Gregory was in possession of 25,808 image files and 174 videos of child pornography. Additionally, the exam revealed that Gregory had participated in online chats discussing and requesting child pornography from others.
The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force in Omaha investigated this case, in conjunction with the Nebraska State Patrol and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Norris of the District of Nebraska prosecuted the case.
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.
Woman Sentenced to 70 Months for Methamphetamine Parcel Delivery SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, sentenced Mayra Guadalupe Nunez today to a term of imprisonment of 70 months, to be served in the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Nunez pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a felony offense.
Investigators with the Omaha Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office intercepted a FedEx delivery of packages containing approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine. Investigators successfully executed the delivery at a residence in Omaha, where Nunez and Jose Guzman-Ramirez received the packages. Guzman-Ramirez was sentenced in February of 2019 to a term of imprisonment of 120 months, and will be removed to Mexico by immigration authorities after he serves his sentence. Nunez is a U.S. citizen. Investigators recovered the methamphetamine and more than $11,600.00 in United States Currency, which is subject to criminal forfeiture.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Prison for Making False Statements to the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Larry L. Boryca, 60, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced Monday to three months’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp. After his release from prison, Boryca will serve a 3-year term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $37,856.10 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. A jury previously found Boryca guilty on March 18, 2019, of three counts of knowingly making false statements and representations of material fact for use by the Social Security Administration in order to receive Social Security Disability Income benefits.
An investigation conducted by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General determined that while receiving Social Security Disability Income benefits, Boryca failed to truthfully report employment and income to the Social Security Administration. Evidence at trial indicated that at various times while receiving Social Security Disability Income benefits, Boryca had worked and received income. When asked about work and income on forms sent to him by the Social Security Administration in 2013 and 2015, Boryca falsely claimed that he had not worked and had not received income.
By failing to truthfully report his work activity and income to the Social Security Administration, Boryca secured continuing Social Security Disability Income payments in the amount of approximately $37,856.10 to which he was not entitled.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Jordan Goeschel, 27, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced Wednesday in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 12 years in prison by Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for receiving and distributing child pornography. In addition to his prison sentence, Goeschel will serve 20 years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
Between May, 2016 and April, 2017, the Nebraska State Patrol received more than 90 CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), indicating a specific user was uploading videos and images of child pornography. Additionally, in August, 2017, Dropbox, Inc. provided information to law enforcement that more than 31,500 media files consisting of videos and photographs had been uploaded to a cloud account. More than 4,700 of those files contained child pornography in which appeared children under the age of twelve (12). After further investigation, a search warrant was executed at Goeschel’s residence in Lincoln and his Apple iPhone was seized. A forensic examination of that phone identified an additional 92 files that contained child pornography that Goeschel had received and distributed.
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.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Five Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Benjamin Kabourek, 36, of Omaha was sentenced today in federal court for distributing child pornography. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Kabourek to 5 years’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison Kabourek will serve a 10-year term of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender. Kabourek must also pay $2,000 in restitution to one of the children whose image he received and maintained on his computer.
Between December, 2016 and January, 2017 Kabourek was observed distributing images of child pornography over the internet. A federal search warrant was served by members of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. A search of Kabourek’s electronic devices revealed a video and 7 images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF).
Omaha Man Sentenced for Violent Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that U.S. District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Tyree C. Carney, 26, today to 25 years in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Carney was also ordered to pay $192,898.22 in restitution for the money taken and losses sustained by victims. Carney previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery for his involvement in several crimes of violence between September 23, 2016 and June 12, 2017, and several counts of brandishing a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Kelly remarked, “Carney’s twenty-five year sentence sends a message that the most violent offenders will be imprisoned for lengthy periods of time where they can no longer prey on members of our community. The collaboration of multiple law enforcement agencies was instrumental in achieving Carney’s conviction.”
On September 23, 2016, Carney and another individual robbed the Springfield State Bank in Springfield, Nebraska. Brandishing a firearm, wearing gloves, sunglasses and covering his face Carney went behind the teller counter, demanded money, took a purse from a teller and filled it with $47,022.60 of the bank’s money. The robbers then fled the bank getting into a waiting car. On November 15, 2016, Carney and another individual robbed the American National Bank in Crescent, Iowa. They went into the bank with their faces concealed, displayed handguns, demanded employees get on the ground, and demanded the employees open their drawers and the bank vault. After getting the $94,028, they fled the bank in a vehicle they had carjacked from a woman in southeast Omaha earlier that day. After the robbery, the vehicle was found abandoned in north Omaha.
On March 25, 2017, Carney and another individual, while brandishing firearms and covering their faces, robbed the Cornerstone Bank in Murray, Nebraska. Several employees were ordered to the ground and had their hands zip-tied. One of the employees was ordered to empty the teller drawers and open the vault. Carney and his associate took an undisclosed amount of money and fled the bank. Around 8:15 a.m. on June 12, 2017, Carney and another individual were involved in carjacking a vehicle in north Omaha. Several hours later, they used that vehicle when they drove to the U.S. Bank in Underwood, Iowa and robbed it. With their identities concealed, they ordered employees to the ground, zip-tied them and were able to get into the vault. They left the bank, with $47,801, in the car they had stolen earlier. The bank robberies and carjackings formed the basis for the conspiracy and two of the firearm charges.
On May 15, 2018, Carney went into the Wells Fargo at 3536 Comstock in Bellevue, Nebraska, pointed a gun at a teller and demanded money. The bank had bulletproof glass at the teller counter. The teller did not comply with Carney’s demands and he left the bank. He pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm during the attempted robbery.
"This sentence today reflects our determination to make an impact on violent crime in the Omaha metro area," said Acting Special Agent in Charge John Barrios. "We appreciate the active collaboration of our state and local partners who share our resolve to keep our communities safe."
The FBI Great Plains Violent Crime Task Force, comprised of FBI agents, Omaha Police Department detectives, Nebraska State Patrol Investigators and Papillion Police Department Detectives, is responsible for the investigation into the bank robberies for which Carney was convicted. The task force was assisted by Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Omaha Police Department Robbery Unit, Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, and Bellevue Police Department.
Omaha Man Convicted of Counterfeiting and Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Frank Sadecki, age 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court for Possession of Analog, Digital, and Electronic Images for Counterfeiting Obligations and Securities and Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least 50 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Sadecki to 100 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Sadecki will begin a 4-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison.
Following the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement determined that Sadecki was in possession of approximately 56 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. During this search warrant, law enforcement located numerous items consistent with the manufacture of counterfeit United States currency to include multiple printers and scanners, paper cutters, cutting board, aerosol sprays, assorted ink cartridges, numerous sheets of specialized printing paper, and a computer containing digital images of United States currency. Law enforcement also found $1,180 in counterfeit United States currency and 56 sheets of printed uncut counterfeit United States currency.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Metro Area Fraud Task Force and, specifically, the United States Secret Service and the Omaha Police Department.
Bellevue Man Sentenced on Two Methamphetamine CasesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Phillip Marlowe Donovan, 33, of Bellevue, was sentenced today to federal prison in two cases by Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Donovan was sentenced to ten years (120 months) for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture. Donovan was indicted in that case in November of 2017. In a second case that was indicted in 2018, Donovan was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months (262 months) for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine and a consecutive six months for committing the offense while he was on pretrial release in the first case. The sentences for both cases were ordered to be served concurrently (at the same time), resulting in a total sentence of 22 years and four months (268 months). Following the prison terms, Donovan will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that between January of 2014 and September 30, 2016, Donovan was involved in the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine mixture in the Lincoln and Omaha areas. Donovan pleaded guilty to that offense. On July 18, 2018, when he was awaiting sentencing on the first case, Omaha Police went to an Omaha hotel looking for Donovan who was wanted for violating the terms of his release on the first case. When officers tried to arrest him, Donovan tried to run from them. As Donovan ran, he pulled a pistol out of his waistband. Donovan dropped the gun when he tripped and fell. A search warrant was executed on his hotel room and car. Officers found at least 498 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of actual (pure) methamphetamine in Donovan’s car and 13 ½ grams of methamphetamine mixture in his hotel room.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force and the Omaha Police Department.
“AK Bandit” Sentenced for Multi-State Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Richard L. Gathercole, 41, formerly of Roundup, Montana, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 35 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for bank robbery, brandishing a firearm and carjacking. In addition to his prison sentence, Gathercole will be ordered to serve 5 years on federal supervised release and pay restitution in the amount of $392,392.06 to the numerous victims of his crime spree.
Gathercole was one of the most wanted bank robbers in the nation when his criminal career ended in a string of violent crimes that he committed in western Nebraska and northern Kansas in June, 2017. He was ultimately arrested in Lexington, Nebraska after carjacking a farmer in Kansas.
Gathercole was known as the “AK Bandit,” because he went armed with an AK-47 assault-style rifle to each of his bank robberies. Early in his crime spree, he hit several banks in California and was believed to be from that area of the country. In a particularly violent bank robbery in California, he shot an officer with the Chino Police Department, and that bullet struck his artery. The officer had to drive himself to the hospital bleeding from that artery and was unable to return to duty due to a shattered femur bone.
Gathercole used maximum threats of violence to control bank employees. On top of brandishing the AK-47 style weapon, he often used tactics such as shutting them in the bank vault, threatening to kill them, and he sometimes would also take an explosive device to place the employees in fear that the bomb could go off inside the bank. Gathercole did this at a bank robbery in Iowa in 2015. Gathercole robbed a bank in Nebraska City, Nebraska in 2014, and during that bank robbery, he forced the employees into the vault and threatened to harm them if they did not wait a certain period of time before calling police.
In addition to the bank robberies in California, Nebraska, and Iowa in 2014 and 2015, Gathercole also used his assault rifle to rob banks in Washington and Idaho in 2012. Gathercole would sometimes wear a bullet proof vest that was marked “Sheriff” or “Police.” A bullet proof vest with “Sheriff” on it was recovered from the defendant’s residence in Montana following his arrest after the carjacking.
In June of 2017, Gathercole left Montana and traveled through Nebraska before a Kansas Highway Patrolman noticed several irregularities with Gathercole’s vehicle and a traffic violation, and attempted to stop the vehicle. Gathercole led troopers on a high-speed pursuit while repeatedly firing a weapon at them. Due to the danger of the pursuit, troopers were forced to leave more space between themselves and Gathercole, which led to the troopers losing sight of him.
Gathercole ditched his vehicle after the shootout with Kansas troopers and began walking where a farmer offered him a ride outside of Atwood, Kansas. Gathercole got into the truck and pointed a gun at the victim and forced him to drive toward the Nebraska state line. Eventually, the driver was able to escape and Gathercole continued in the vehicle. When stopping for gas in Lexingon, Nebraska the vehicle was identified by deputy sheriffs as the vehicle that was the subject of the carjacking report and Gathercole was taken into custody as he exited the gas station.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with law enforcement agencies in Nebraska, Kansas, Washington, Iowa, California, Idaho, and Montana.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on June 5, 2019, Nicole L. Enck, 35, of Lincoln, Nebraska was sentenced to 73 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Enck will serve three years on supervised release. Chief United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard presided over this case.
Enck and a few other people worked together to sell methamphetamine between January 1, 2017, and August 31, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, which is composed of members from the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the University of Nebraska Police Department.
Lexington Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on June 5, 2019, Jose Donato, 25, of Lexington, Nebraska was sentenced to 87 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Donato will serve three years on supervised release. The Honorable John M. Gerrard presided over this case.
Between July 1, 2017 and September 30, 2018, with the assistance of a confidential informant, law enforcement officers completed a series of nine controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Donato and his co-defendants, Rodrigo Bolanos and Arturo Garcia.
This case was investigated by Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, which his composed of members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Grand Island Police Department, the Hall County Sheriff’s Department, the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, the Hastings Police Department, and the Kearney Police Department.
Grand Island Man Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on June 5, 2019, Chief United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Phillip Smith, 41, of Grand Island, to 10 years and 5 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Smith will serve five years on supervised release.
On October 18, 2017, Smith sold approximately 1 ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Grand Island, Nebraska.
This case was investigated by Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Grand Island Police Department, the Hall County Sheriff’s Department, the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, the Hastings Police Department, and the Kearney Police Department.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Failing to Register under SORNARead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe P. Kelly announced that Terrell Williams, 51, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison by Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for failing to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). After serving his prison term, Williams will be also be required to serve 5 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.
SORNA, also known as the Adam Walsh Protection and Safety Act, requires that a convicted sex offender register in each jurisdiction where the offender resides, where the offender is employed, or where the offender is a student, and that the sex offender maintain current registrations. Williams was required to register as a sex offender because he had been convicted of aggravated rape in 1990 in Shelby County, Tennessee. This conviction required that Mr. Williams register as a sex offender for life in the state of Tennessee, and by federal law, in any other state to which he moved.
In July 2018 Williams was arrested and charged with 3rd Degree Domestic Assault in Lincoln, Nebraska. At the time of that incident, Williams’s listed address was the same as the victim. Williams admitted that he had been living in Lincoln, Nebraska since July 15, 2018. He also admitted that he did not notify Tennessee authorities that he was leaving that state.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Man sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Mark Ringland, 53, was sentenced on Monday, June 3, 2019, to 168 months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith-Camp in Omaha. A jury convicted Ringland of Receiving Child Pornography after a two-day trial that took place in February. There is no parole in the federal system.
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force received information in the spring of 2017, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, that a specific email address was receiving child pornography. The investigators were able to determine that it was Ringland’s email. He was arrested on September 1, 2017, and had a cell phone and iPad in his possession. The investigators seized both devices for which they had an authorized search warrant. Searches were done and investigators located more than 900 images of what they believed to be child pornography between the two devices. It was determined that at least one of the images was received by Ringland between April 1, 2017 and September 1, 2017. On the date of his arrest Ringland told the investigators he downloaded child pornography as a “pill for pedophilia,” that is, he looked at the images so that he would not act out himself on children. At his sentencing hearing he blamed Google for providing a forum for child pornography to exist. He claimed to be searching for the images so he could report to Congress they need to change laws with respect to child pornographic content.
This case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, including members from the FBI, Nebraska State Patrol, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.