District of Nebraska

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Bailey Marie Boswell, 24, and Aubrey Clifton Trail, 51, were sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for interstate transportation of stolen property.  Boswell received a sentence of 5 years, while Trail was sentenced to 10 years in prison.  Restitution in the total amount of $407,782 was also ordered to be paid to the two victims in this case.  Both were also given 3 years of supervised release.

Beginning in December, 2015, through November, 2017, Trail was falsely representing himself as “Alan Russell,” and approached the victims in this scheme with a proposal to jointly purchase a rare gold coin and share in the profits from the “sale” of that coin.  Trail falsely represented the value of the gold coin to be far in excess of the price to be paid by “Russell” and the victim.  Trail then requested money from the victims in order to help the “sale” of the coin to purchasers that he claimed to have, when in reality there was never a “sale” and the coin was not a gold coin of such high value. 

In an attempt to make the victims believe that the “sale” of the coin was legitimate, in February, 2017, Trail and Boswell set up false documents and websites and Boswell falsely portrayed herself as a broker.   Through the course of the scheme, Trail and Boswell would travel from Nebraska to Kansas to pick up money and property from the victims, all under the guise that such money and property was to aide in the “sale” of the gold coin.  In total, Trail and Boswell received more than $400,000 in money and property from the victims which they used for personal use.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lincoln Police Department.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on August 1, 2018, Rodney P. Mazzulla, 58, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced to 26 years (312 months) in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute actual (pure) methamphetamine.  Sentences for all three charges will run concurrent (at the same time) with each other.  Following the prison term, Mazzulla will serve five years on supervised release.

A Lincoln jury convicted Mazzulla of the three charges in April of 2018. 

During April of 2017, two search warrants were executed at a large storage garage in southwest Lincoln.  Mazzulla was living in a camper inside the garage.  On April 2, 2017, officers found 49 grams of pure methamphetamine, and on April 22, 2017, an additional 210 grams of pure methamphetamine were found.  Witnesses testified that Mazzulla had been involved in the distribution of large amounts of methamphetamine since as early as sometime in 2015.  In addition, in July of 2015, Mazzulla was found in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and told officers he had been obtaining ounce quantities of methamphetamine once or twice a week for about a year, much of which he sold to his employees at a tree service business in Cheney, Nebraska.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on July 13, 2018, Jason Edward Boonie, 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced to nine years and 10 months (118 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine.  Following the prison term, Boonie will serve five years on supervised release. 

Information provided to law enforcement indicated Boonie was responsible for the distribution of at least 50 grams (approximately 1 ¾ ounces) of actual (pure) methamphetamine and at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine mixture in the Lincoln area between February of 2014 and December of 2016.  On September 15, 2016, one of Boonie’s associates was stopped by the Nebraska State Patrol and was found in possession of 59 grams of methamphetamine mixture, which the State Patrol Crime Laboratory later found contained at least 53 grams of actual methamphetamine.  The associate said she bought the methamphetamine from Boonie just prior to her arrest. On September 29, 2016, Boonie was arrested on outstanding warrants in Omaha.  His car was searched, and over 167 grams of methamphetamine mixture was found.

In February of 2018, Boonie was sentenced to three years in state prison in Douglas County for possession of methamphetamine due to his September 29, 2016 arrest.  Boonie’s sentence on the federal conspiracy charge will run concurrent with (at the same time as) the remainder of that state sentence.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, the Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that Lucas J. Lacy, 32, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender.  The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, Chief Judge, sentenced Lacy to 18 months’ imprisonment.  After his release from prison, Lacy will be under a 10-year term of supervised release.

In February 2009, Lacy was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for receiving and distributing child pornography.  After his release from prison, he began a five-year term of supervised release.  During the course of supervision, his release was revoked and he was sent back to prison for nine months. 

On November 7, 2017, Lacy was arrested in Omaha, Nebraska.  He had failed to register his address with the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry.

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.

Sex Offender Registry violations are investigated by the United States Marshal Service.

An Omaha man was sentenced to 180 months in prison today for distribution of child pornography, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly of the District of Nebraska.

Lawrence R. Quignon, 51, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography on April 23.  U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp of the District of Nebraska sentenced Quignon to 15 years in prison and also ordered him to serve 10 years of supervised release.

Quignon was identified via an investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol into a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline report regarding an individual uploading child pornography onto an online chat service.  During the execution of a search warrant at his home, Quignon admitted to uploading images of child pornography through the online chat service.  Quignon was previously convicted of first degree sexual assault in the State of Nebraska, and is required by Nebraska law to register as a sexual offender for life.

This case was investigated by the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force and Nebraska State Patrol.  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.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Curtina Morris, 48, of Macy, Nebraska, on July 11, 2018, to 12 months’ imprisonment after her conviction of misdemeanor assault.

In March of 2017, Curtina Morris stabbed her daughter in the abdomen after an argument at her home in Macy within the Omaha Nation Indian Reservation. Her daughter was not seriously injured. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on July 13, 2018, Travis Scott Ruhl, 38, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to six years and five months (77 months) in prison for distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine actual.  Following the prison term, Ruhl will serve five years on supervised release. 

On March 24, 2017, a confidential informant, working with the Central Nebraska Drug & Safe Streets Task Force, purchased approximately 13 grams of a substance from Ruhl for $550 in the garage of Ruhl’s residence in Grand Island, Nebraska.  The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory found the substance contained at least 5.9 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug & Safe Streets Task Force.

A Nebraska man was sentenced today to 76 months in prison for accessing with an intent to view child pornography, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Kelly of the District of Nebraska. 

Donald Blevins, 65, of Norfolk, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on April 4, to accessing with the intent to view child pornography.  U.S. District Court Judge John M. Gerrard of the District of Nebraska sentenced Blevins and also ordered him to serve 10 years of supervised release.

According to the admissions made in connection with his plea, Blevins admitted that he accessed a video conferencing platform multiple times between January 2016 and July 2017 to view child pornography. 

The charges are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.  The matter is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kaylynn N. Shoop of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Norris of the District of 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 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.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that Taylor Michael Wilson, 25, of St. Charles, Missouri, pleaded guilty in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, to one count of violence against a mass transportation system.  Because there were passengers on board the train at the time of the offense, the charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison.  Wilson also pleaded guilty in the District of Nebraska to a charge from the Eastern District of Missouri for possessing an unregistered short barrel rifle in violation of federal firearms law.  This charge carries a penalty of up to ten years in federal prison.  The pleas were entered before Magistrate Judge Cheryl Zwart.  Sentencing was scheduled for October 5, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. before the Honorable John M. Gerrard, United States District Court Judge.

According to admissions made in his plea, Wilson admitted that on October 19, 2017, he boarded an Amtrak train in California.  He remained on the train until it crossed into Nebraska on October 21, 2017.  As the train neared the Furnas County line in Nebraska, Wilson, armed with a concealed .380 caliber handgun, broke into a secured engine compartment of the train, disabling the train and cutting the lights to the passenger compartment.  His actions brought the train to a screeching halt in a remote area.  Some passengers tried to escape through windows of the train as word reached their compartments that another passenger had accessed the secured engine compartment.  Amtrak conductors immediately made their way to the engine compartment.  Several conductors, working together, were able to subdue Wilson, who declared that he was now the conductor of the train.  As he resisted them, one conductor saw him reach for his waistband, where deputies responding to the scene would later find Wilson had concealed the handgun.  Conductors were able to get Wilson off the train and hold him in custody until deputies from two counties reached the location of the train.  Wilson carried calling cards of the National Socialist Movement, one of which read, “Conquer we must, for our cause is just!”  Wilson stated that he was “trying to save the train from the black people.”

The FBI conducted a search of Wilson’s residence in St. Charles, Missouri.  They found hidden journals and propaganda about the National Socialist Movement, as well as a copy of Mein Kampf and a pressure plate of the kind used to build an explosive device.  The FBI also recovered his weapons collection, which included illegal unregistered firearms – to include a short barrel rifle and a submachine gun.  Also found was a play that Wilson wrote about taking over America, and numerous derogatory writings about the American government and the American media.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on July 6, 2018, William Ellsworth Howell, Jr., 36, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced to 10 years and one month (121 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.  Information provided to law enforcement indicated that between January of 2013 and August of 2016, Howell was responsible for the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area.  Following the prison term, Howell will serve five years on supervised release. 

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that Kiana Stabler, the final member of a bank-robbing conspiracy, was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment.  The five defendants worked together to rob six banks in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2017.   All five defendants pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, a count that carries a term of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, and up to three years of supervised released.

The defendants were sentenced as follows:

Julian Huffman, who served as a getaway driver for one bank robbery while still on parole in the State of Missouri, was sentenced to 60 months in prison;

Kaylene Stabler, who entered one of the banks and brandishing a pellet gun, was also sentenced to 60 months in prison;

Crystal Stabler, who served as a getaway driver for two robberies, was sentenced to 48 months in prison;

Kiana Stabler, who entered three banks using pepper spray on a victim and causing bodily injury to multiple victims inside one bank, was sentenced to 84 months in prison; and

Israel Holmes, who committed six bank robberies as part of the conspiracy and entered each bank, brandished dangerous weapons, and made threats to employees and customers of the banks, was sentenced to 120 months in prison.

All of the defendants were ordered to make full restitution to the victims.

This case was jointly investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A violent member of the Omaha, Nebraska area Crips Gang was sentenced today to seven years in prison at the federal courthouse in Omaha, following his Feb. 22 jury trial conviction for participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving acts of violence, including attempted murder and assaults, witness tampering, and drug distribution.

Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Kelly for the District of Nebraska made the announcement.

Jerell Haynie aka “Bootie,” 35, of Omaha, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon, who also ordered him to serve a three year term of supervised release following his prison sentence.

According to evidence presented at trial, from 2008 to 2016, Haynie conspired to conduct and participate in the affairs of the Omaha-area chapter of the Crips, known as the “40th Avenue and 44th Avenue Crips,” through a pattern of racketeering activity.  As a long-standing gang member, Haynie engaged in cocaine trafficking and personally committed acts of violence for the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy.  The evidence presented at trial revealed that Haynie attempted to kill a fellow Crips member suspected of cooperating with the police by shooting a gun at him multiple times.  According to trial evidence, in another incident of violence, Haynie and other gang members participated in a shooting in which they attempted to kill a police informant who made controlled drug purchases from Crips members.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department are investigating the case.  Trial Attorney John S. Han of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Molsen of the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case. 

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Kenneth Joseph Jacobsen, 44, formerly of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 30 years in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for the production, distribution and receipt of child pornography.  In addition to his prison sentence, Jacobsen will serve 20 years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.  Jacobsen was also ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution to his victims.

In December, 2016, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a request from an agent in Boston asking for assistance in identifying victims of child sexual abuse believed to reside in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Upon a review of the images provided and additional investigation by law enforcement, investigators of the Lincoln Police Department and HSI were led to the residence of Jacobsen, and in December, 2016, executed a search warrant at Jacobsen’s residence.  When interviewed, Jacobsen admitted to taking sexually explicit digital videos and images of minor children, including prepubescent minors, and posting those pictures, through emails and internet-based web services.  He also admitted to possessing images of child porn.

Forensic examination of items of computer storage media found at Jacobsen’s residence uncovered approximately 16,374 images and approximately 1,444 videos of child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Of that number, approximately 1,918 images and 125 videos appear to have been produced by the Defendant.  Of the videos produced by the Defendant, seven of the eleven victims have been identified from the investigation.  Investigation also determined that the Defendant used the Internet, a means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, to receive and distribute images of child pornography.  

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 Department of Homeland Security and the Lincoln Police Department.

A Nebraska man was sentenced to eight years in prison today for distribution of child pornography, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Kelly of the District of Nebraska.

Matthew J. Rouse, 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography on March 5.  Rouse was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp of the District of Nebraska, who ordered him to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

According to the admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, Rouse was a sergeant with the Army National Guard in Lincoln, Nebraska, when he befriended a 16-year-old high school student from Omaha, Nebraska.  Beginning in September 2016 and continuing to January 2017, Rouse traveled to Omaha on multiple occasions and engaged in sexual relations with the minor.  Rouse used his phone to video-record their sexual encounter and sent the videos to the minor over the Internet.  Nebraska State Patrol began an investigation into Rouse’s conduct and Rouse was arrested in Lincoln on Feb. 10, 2017 on state charges stemming from this investigation. He was indicted in federal court on Feb. 22, 2017. 

The case was investigated by the Nebraska State Police.  Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. 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.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 23 indictments charging 33 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.

*          Ali-Saif Al-Mjamaie, age 28, of El Cajon, California, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to launder money beginning on or about October 12, 2017, and continuing to on or about October 13, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $500,000 fine or twice the value of money involved, NMT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges the defendant with unlicensed money transmitting business beginning on or about October 12, 2017, and continuing to on or about October 13, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about October 13, 2017.

*          Ian Beals, age 24, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about May 11, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a  $5,000,000 fine, 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about May 11, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.

*          Joseph M. Calhoun, age 33, of Lincoln, is charged in a three-Count Indictment with possessing and uttering counterfeit securities of a political subdivision of the State on or about January 11, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment for each count, a $250,000 fine for each count, a 3 year term of supervised release for each count, and a $100 special assessment for each count.

*          Raul Chub-Cu,  age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 1, 2018.  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.

*          Jose Cisca Bruno,  age 24, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 11, 2018.  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.

*          Matthew Leigh Clausen, age 40, of Omaha, is charged with assault of a federal officer on or about June 5, 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.

*          Jorge Domingo-Tomas,  age 51, of Lexington, Nebraska is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 12, 2018.  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.

*          Jeffrey Fraser, age 61, of Lincoln, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud on or about March 24, 2014 to on or about January 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 4 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with being a user or a person addicted to a controlled substance in possession of a firearm on or about January 2, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.

*          David Alejandro Gonzalez Nava,  age 24, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 5, 2018.  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.

*          Randy J. Kirby, age 60, of Hastings, Nebraska is charged in a nine Count Indictment with Healthcare Fraud on or about September 2, 2013 and continuing until on or about September 22, 2016.  The Indictment alleges fraud against the Nebraska Medical Assistant Program causing losses of $133,639.57.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment for each count, a $250,000 fine for each count, a 3 year term of supervised release for each count, and a $100 special assessment for each count.

*          Raul Lopez-Colin, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about February 23, 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.

*          Adrian Lopez-Vargas,  age 31, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 1, 2018.  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.

*          Ismael Lopez-Vargas, age 34, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 1, 2018 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.

*          Nelson Mauricio Martinez,  age 38, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 11, 2018 following a felony conviction.  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 Mauricio Morales Paniagua,  age 31, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 5, 2018 following a felony conviction.  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.

*          Nelson Nicolas Nunez-Acosta, age 52, of Newark, New Jersey, and Felipe Genao Minaya, age 47, of Newark, New Jersey, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl on or about April 26, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  There is also an allegation to forfeit a 2013 Freightliner Corp truck and a 2007 refrigerated trailer seized on or about April 26, 2018.

*          Jason Osbourne, age 33, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 10, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.

*          Reiko Elio Penunuri, age 39, Ramon Penunuri-Noreiga, age 37, Jasive Zamora-Carillo, age 37, Emmanuel Solorio-Cruz, age 26, Francisco Guevara-Zamudio, age 27, Jessica Medina, age 28, Jose Cruz Jauregui-Preciado, age 38, Deborah Drummy, age 56, Dylan McCurdy, age 30, and Luis Tafoya,  age 33 are charged in a eleven-count Indictment.  Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams, or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine beginning on or about January 1, 2018, and continuing to on or about June 5, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges Penunuri and Penunuri-Noriega with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about February 14, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III charges Zamora-Carrillo with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about February 14, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IV charges Zamora-Carrillo and Medina with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about February 27, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count V charges McCurdy and Tafoya with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about April 18, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count VI charges Penunuri-Noriega with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about May 9, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count VII charges Zamora-Carillo with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about May 9, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count VIII charges Zamora-Carrillo with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about May 13, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IX charges Zamora-Carrillo with distribution of with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about May 14, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count X charges Penunuri and Penunuri-Noriega with distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about May 25, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count XI charges Penunuri, Penunuri-Noriega, Jauregui-Preciado, Solorio-Cruz and Zamora-Carrillo with use of facilities in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering between on or about January 1, 2018 and on or about June 5, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 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 5, 2018.

 *          Jose Peralta Vargas,  age 33, of Las Vegas, Nevada, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 1, 2018 following a felony conviction.  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.

*          Porfirio Rodriguez Reyes, age 38, of Lincoln, is charged in a six-count Indictment.  Count I charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin on or about February 9, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, NLT 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin on or about February 12, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, NLT 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin on or about February 19, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, NLT 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IV charges the defendant distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about February 22, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count V charges the defendant distribution of 100 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about February 23, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.    Count VI charges the defendant distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about March 2, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Michael Lee Vanness, age 34, is charged in a six-count Indictment.  Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine beginning on or about July 13, 2017, and continuing to on or about April 25, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine (actual) on or about July 13, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about February 20, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IV charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about April 17, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count V charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about April 17, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment. Count VI charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about April 24, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   

*          Timothy A. White, age 44, of Los Angeles, California, is charged with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and 1 kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin beginning on or about May 30, 2018, and continuing to on or about June 1, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Manuel Zavala-Balderas, age 31, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 12, 2018.  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.

A Nebraska man was sentenced to six years in prison today for possessing child pornography in May 2017, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Kelly for the District of Nebraska.

Douglas Goldsberry, 46, of Elkhorn, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on March 19 to one count of possessing child pornography.  Goldsberry was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp of the District of Nebraska, who ordered him to serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison sentence and ordered him to pay $2,500 in restitution. Goldsberry will serve his federal sentence concurrent with a state prison sentence for pandering for which he is currently incarcerated.

According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, in May 2017, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrested Goldsberry after he was suspected of ordering escorts to his neighbors’ home without their knowledge.  Law enforcement seized Goldsberry’s digital devices for evidence of pandering and discovered child pornography images on two of the seized devices.  The material included images and videos from 81 known child pornography series, and also included depictions of infants and depictions involving bondage of children.                  

The FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force is investigating this case.  Trial Attorney William M. Grady of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Norris of the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case.

This investigation is a 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.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that on June 4, 2018, Chief United State District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp, sentenced Wayne Rolling, age 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, for his conviction for three bank robberies. Rolling was sentenced to a jail term of 64 months, placed on supervised release for three years and ordered to make restitution to the victim banks.

Defendant in a span of one week in November 2017 robbed three financial institutions in the Omaha metro area. All three of the financial institutions, two SAC Federal Credit Union locations and a First National Bank of Omaha branch, were located in three separate Hy-Vee stores throughout Omaha. In all three of the bank robberies defendant was unarmed but presented demand notes to the tellers.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that Owen J. Drew, 33, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment by the Hon. Robert F. Rossiter, Jr.  After release from the Bureau of Prisons, Drew will serve eight years of supervised release.   He will be required to register as a sex offender, also.

Between May of 2016 and May of  2017,  Drew knowingly received a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving the use of a minor. In April of 2017,  FBI Task Force Officers in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office identified Drew through his use of a peer-to-peer file exchange software in which an undercover agent downloaded multiple child pornography files being shared from the defendant’s computer.  After executing a federal search warrant, law enforcement identified multiple video files depicting child pornography in a “downloads” folder on the defendant’s laptop computer. Drew was arrested pursuant to a warrant on August 25, 2017. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF).

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Latasha Ellis, age 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp.  Ellis had previously entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to defraud the government.  Ellis was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.  She was also ordered to pay $280,442 in restitution to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

From January 2012 until December 2014, Ellis and co-defendant Niquisha Taylor conspired to defraud the United States and the United States Department of the Treasury by obtaining and aiding to obtain the payment of a fraudulent claim by filing and assisting others in filing false tax returns.  As part of their scheme, tax returns were filed that had false Schedules C, Profit or Loss from Business.  By including false Schedules C, an individual’s earned income was inflated which had the effect of maximizing the amount of Earned Income Tax Credit the taxpayer would receive back. There were 55 tax returns filed as part of their scheme.  Taylor previously pled guilty and was sentenced to 3 years of supervised, 120 hours of community, and also ordered to the $280,442 in restitution jointly and severally with Ellis.  That is, they are each responsible for the entire amount offset by whatever amount the other pays.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.  

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that Anthony D. Gordon, age 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by the Honorable Robert F. Rossiter having previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Gordon was sentenced to 5 years, 10 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release when his prison sentence is completed.

On August 4, 2017, at approximately 12:08 a.m., officers of the Omaha Police Department came upon a vehicle in the eastbound lane of Taylor Street, near 24th Street, blocking traffic.  Traffic was heavy due to Native Omaha Days celebrations.  The car was parked approximately 5 feet from the curb and the driver, Anthony D. Gordon, was on his cellphone trying to order food. When Gordon was asked to step from his car, one of the officers saw a handgun on the front seat where Gordon had been sitting.  Gordon had prior felony convictions for assault and robbery.  As a result of those convictions, he is prohibited from possessing firearms.  

The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.  

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on May 24, 2018, Francisco Diaz Vargas, 22, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced to three years and one month (37 months) in prison for distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine actual.  Following the prison term, Diaz Vargas will serve three years on supervised release. 

On July 19, 2016, a confidential informant met with Diaz Vargas in Hastings, Nebraska, and purchased at least six grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine.  On July 21, 2016, Diaz Vargas sold an additional 23 grams of actual methamphetamine to the same confidential informant.

This case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 22 indictments charging 25 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.

*          Nelson Jeovanny Chavez, age 33, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about May 10, 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.

*          William Daugherty, age 26, Lonnie Arthaloney, age 53, Ramon Ceballo Gaspar, and Omar Rodriguez Lopez,  age 30 are charged in a four-count Indictment.  Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams, or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine beginning on or about December 1, 2017, and continuing to on or about April 26, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges Ceballo Gaspar with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about April 24, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III charges Daugherty and Arthaloney with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about April 24, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IV charges Rodriguez Lopez with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about April 26, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 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 April 26, 2018.

 *          Hernan Equiarte Salcido, age 55, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about May 6, 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.

*          Robert S. Goldman, age 60, of Palm Desert, California is charged in a five-Count Indictment with Wire Fraud on or about January, 2016, and continuing through at least on or about August, 2017.  The Indictment alleges Goldman defrauded financial institutions causing losses of $221,414.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment for each count, a $250,000 fine for each count, a 5 year term of supervised release for each count, and a $100 special assessment for each count.

*          Julio Cesar Gonzalez-Hernandez,  age 42, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 7, 2018.  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.

*          Jose Guzman-Ramirez, age 26, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine beginning on or about April 1, 2018, and continuing to on or about April 26, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 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 a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about April 26, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 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 April 26, 2018.

*          Brenda K. Harmon, age 35 is charged in a twelve-count Indictment.  Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about January 27, 2018, and continuing to on or about April 27, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about January 12, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, NLT 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about January 23, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, NLT 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count IV charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about February 1, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, NLT 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count V charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about February 8, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count VI charges the defendant with distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about February 16, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count VII charges the defendant with distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 2, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count VIII charges the defendant with distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 13, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IX charges the defendant with distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 23, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count X charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about April 6, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count XI charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about April 27, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count XII of the Indictment charges the defendant with using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime on or about April 27, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to a 5 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment. 

*          Salvador Herrera-Vargas,  age 40, of Lincoln is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 7, 2018.  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.

*          Robert Eugene Huff, age 69, of Chico, California, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I charges the defendant with using any facility in interstate commerce to promote or to distribute the proceeds of a business enterprise involving the distribution of controlled substances beginning on or about January 1, 2016, and continuing to on or about December 19, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, NLT 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 50 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing marijuana beginning on or about January 1, 2016, and continuing to on or about December 19, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, NLT 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency and a Ford F-350 truck seized on or about December 19, 2017.

*          Kenneth S. Jones, age 37, is charged with Hobbs Act robbery taking jewelry by force from Pretty in Patina on or about February 17, 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.

*          Luis Angel Lepes Chavez,  age 28, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 19, 2018.  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.

*          Oscar Martinez Diaz,  age 49, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about May 8, 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.

*          Ernesto Morales-Martinez,  age 40, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 19, 2018.  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.

*          Jose Manuel Ortega-Hernandez,  age 26, of Lincoln is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 9, 2018.  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.

*          Victor Palos Ortiz,  age 37, of Lincoln is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 7, 2018.  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.

*          Ismael Pena Velazquez,  age 40, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about May 15, 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.

*          Ronald Pryor, age 53, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 29, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is NMT 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a NMT 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Felipe Samuel-Gomez,  age 31, of Grand Island, Nebraska is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 9, 2018.  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.

*          Jose Manuel Uribe-Espino,  age 26, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 19, 2018.  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.

*          Albino Velasquez Domingo,  age 46, of Omaha is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 9, 2018.  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.

*          Sebastian Velasquez-Ramos, age 43, is charged in a six-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with falsely representing a Social Security number on or about May 18, 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.  Count II charges the defendant with fraud and misuse of a Social Security number on or about May 18, 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.  Count III charges the defendant with falsely claiming to be a United States citizen on or about May 18, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 3 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IV charges the defendant with aggravated identity theft on or about May 18, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count V charges the defendant with falsely claiming to be a United States citizen on or about November 17, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 3 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count VI charges the defendant with aggravated identity theft on or about November 17, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Samuel Villalba, age 33, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with falsely representing a Social Security number on or about February 2, 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.  Count II charges the defendant with fraud and misuse of a Social Security number on or about February 2, 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.  Count III charges the defendant with falsely claiming to be a United States citizen on or about February 2, 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. 

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on May 18, 2018, Javier Reyna, 37, of Alamo, Texas, was sentenced to 16 years (192 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and an unspecified amount of cocaine and conspiracy to money launder.  Following the prison term, Reyna will serve five years on supervised release. 

Information provided to and obtained by law enforcement indicated that between May of 2014 and April 24, 2017, Reyna was involved in the transport of methamphetamine and cocaine from southern Texas to the Lincoln and Omaha areas for distribution.  Reyna was found to be responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of actual (pure) methamphetamine, at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine mixture and at least 2 kilograms (approximately 4.5 pounds) of cocaine. Reyna was also involved in a scheme in which cash proceeds from the sales of methamphetamine were deposited into bank and credit union accounts in the Lincoln area.  The funds were then withdrawn by Reyna and other members of the conspiracy in south Texas.  Reyna’s bank account showed a total of over $113,000 in cash deposits between March of 2016 and February of 2017 and withdrawals in Texas during the same period of over $83,000.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Department of Homeland Security.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on May 17, 2018, Samuel Turner, 50, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced to 30 years (360 months) in prison for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine actual.  Following the prison term, Turner will serve eight years on supervised release.  Turner was convicted by a federal jury in February of 2018.

On the late evening of August 9, 2017, officers of the Lincoln Police Department, investigating a disturbance call, contacted Turner outside his residence in a north Lincoln trailer park.  During a conversation with officers, Turner asked one of the officers to lower his flashlight beam, so it would not shine in his eyes.  When the officer did so, officers saw that Turner was standing on a baggie of crystalline substance which contained at least 31 grams of pure methamphetamine.  Another smaller bag containing approximately 1 gram of methamphetamine was found nearby. 

Turner faced a potential sentence of 10 years to life.  He had two prior federal felony drug convictions.  He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine in 1990 and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana in 2009.  Under the federal sentencing guidelines, the 2009 drug conviction and a 2009 Lancaster County District Court conviction for attempted first degree domestic assault made Turner a “career offender,” with a suggested sentencing range of 360 months to life imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

 

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that on May 16, 2018, United State District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Rodney Lillard, age 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, for his conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. Lillard was sentenced to a jail term of 30 months and was placed on supervised release for one year.

Defendant was arrested in May of 2017 for driving under the influence and possession of a handgun. At the time of the arrest, he had just been released from prison for another conviction for felon in possession of a firearm and was on supervised release for that crime. This is the defendant’s third conviction for possessing a firearm while a felon.

This case was investigated by Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.

A Nebraska man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for producing child pornography in 2015, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Kelly of the District of Nebraska.

Nicholas Alford, 26, of Bellevue, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on Feb. 15, 2018 to one count of production of child pornography before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp of the District of Nebraska, who sentenced him earlier today and remanded him to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, in July 2015, Alford provided a 13-year-old minor with the username for a Kik Messenger account user who Alford claimed would pay the minor money in exchange for sexually explicit images.  Alford was actually the user of the Kik Messenger account, and, in that capacity, he persuaded the minor to send dozens of sexually explicit images to his Kik Messenger account.  A search warrant executed on Alford’s Bellevue residence resulted in the discovery of dozens of images and videos depicting the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.                       

The FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force is investigating this case.  Trial Attorneys William M. Grady and Jessica Urban of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Norris of the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case.

This investigation is a 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.

A Nebraska man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for producing child pornography in 2015, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Kelly of the District of Nebraska.

 

Nicholas Alford, 26, of Bellevue, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on Feb. 15 to one count of production of child pornography before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp of the District of Nebraska, who sentenced him earlier today and remanded him to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

 

According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, in July 2015, Alford provided a 13-year-old minor with the username for a Kik Messenger account user who Alford claimed would pay the minor money in exchange for sexually explicit images.  Alford was actually the user of the Kik Messenger account, and, in that capacity, he persuaded the minor to send dozens of sexually explicit images to his Kik Messenger account.  A search warrant executed on Alford’s Bellevue residence resulted in the discovery of dozens of images and videos depicting the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  

                       

The FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force is investigating this case.  Trial Attorneys William M. Grady and Jessica Urban of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Norris of the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case.

 

This investigation is a 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.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Aubrey Trail, 51, and Bailey Boswell, 24, formerly of Wilber, Nebraska, both pleaded guilty today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to one count of interstate transportation of stolen property before Magistrate Judge Cheryl Zwart.  In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that from on or about December 3, 2015, and continuing to on or about November 7, 2017, Aubrey Trail, falsely represented himself as an individual named “Alan Russell,” and approached the victims with a proposal to jointly purchase a valuable gold coin and share in the profits from the sale of the coin.  Trail falsely represented the value of the gold coin to be far greater than the price he and the victim would pay to purchase it.  Additionally, Boswell and Trail requested money from the victims in order to facilitate the sale of the coin to an alleged purchaser.  At that time, Boswell and Trail both knew that he had not negotiated any sale of the coin and the purported coin was not a valuable gold coin as he had represented to the victims.

Additionally, Boswell and Trail traveled from Nebraska to Kansas to continually request and pick up money and property from the victims, claiming the money was needed for fictional expenses relating to the sale of the gold coin.  These representations ranged from travel expenses to the grading of the gold coin and expenses related to commissions and contracts needed for releasing the gold coin for final sale.  During the course of the scheme to defraud the victims lost over $400,000 in money and property.   

Sentencing is scheduled for August 3, 2018, before the Honorable John M. Gerrard.  The interstate transportation of stolen property charge carries a possible penalty of not more than ten years in prison; a fine of up to $250,000; and a term of supervised release following the prison term of not more than three years.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that on May 1, 2018, Juan Jesus Nava, 26, of Oxnard, California, was sentenced to two years and three months (27 months) in prison for misprision of a felony.  Following the prison term, Nava will serve one year on supervised release.

On August 25, 2017, a Seward County Sheriff’s Sergeant patrolling I-80 stopped a car driven by Nava for following too closely. Co-defendant Alberto Zamora was the passenger and owner of the car. Both Nava and Zamora gave verbal consent to search. During a search of the car, 15 packages of heroin, weighing approximately 24.5 pounds were found.  Photos were obtained showing Zamora driving the car across the United States-Mexico border three days prior to the traffic stop.  Nava was held responsible for failing to notify law enforcement officers that Zamora was transporting drugs.  Zamora has pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and will be sentenced in June of 2018.

This case was investigated by the Seward County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, (DEA).

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that Baldemar Arambul, 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 30, 2018, to 20 years in prison by Chief United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Arambul had previously been found guilty after a 3 day Omaha jury trial where numerous witnesses testified and the evidence revealed that Arambul had used his South Omaha Auto Shop to dispense hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine of over a three year period.  After serving his sentence, Arambul will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 5 years.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations.

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 27 indictments charging 31 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.

*          Ada Argueta, age 46, of Los Angeles, California, is charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about February 3, 2017, and continuing to on or about February 5, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Diego Cruz Calderon, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about April 6, 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.

*          Mark Davis, age 46 of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about January 28, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime on or about January 28, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about January 28, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.

*          Philip Debandt, age 49, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms, or more of marijuana beginning on or about March, 2016, and continuing to on or about March 30, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana on or about March 30, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT 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 March 30, 2018.

 *          Abad Ernesto Diaz-Gomez, age 19, of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about February 18, 2018.  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.

*          Joshua Z. Dortch , age 27, of Omaha, and Anwar A. Hunt, age 37, of Omaha, are charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with Interference with Commerce by Robbery on or about March 23, 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. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendants with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on or about March 23, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life consecutive years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Ebony L. Douglas, age 31, of Auburn, California, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana on or about December 20, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Marvin Flores Dias, age 34, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 4, 2018.  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.

*          Felice Michael Giorgetti, age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Robert Patrick Rahon, age 27, of Sacramento, California are charged with possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana on or about January 10, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is NLT 5 years imprisonment, NMT $5,000,000 fine, NLT 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Noe Luna Vasquez, age 32, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about April 10, 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.

*          Christopher McNatt, age 25, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about December 12, 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.

*          Sergio Medina-Renteria, age 49, of Holdrege, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about January 25, 2018.  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.

*          Heriberto Pineda Pastrana, age 33, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about February 18, 2018.  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.

*          Daniel A. Rodriguez Portillo, a/ka/ Flaco, age 33, of Lincoln, is charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about December 1, 2016, and continuing to on or about August 16, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Miguel Ramirez, age 24, of Grand Island, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about February 26, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $8,000,000 fine, NLT 8 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Oscar Ramos-Garcia, age 35, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 30, 2018.  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.

*          Javier Reynoso Flores, age 26, of Coachella, California, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about February 14, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, NLT 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Angelo Russell, age 37, of Walthill, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with assault with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm, on or about February 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 of the Indictment charges the defendant with discharging a firearm during a crime of violence on or about February 11, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life consecutive years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jeremy Wayne Russell, age 35, of Madisonville, Kentucky, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about February 27, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $8,000,000 fine, NLT 8 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Victor H. Tellez, age 47, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with false representation of a Social Security number on or about February 28, 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.  Count II charges the defendant with fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents on or about February 28, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised released, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III charges the defendant with falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen for employment on or about February 28, 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. 

*          David Valdez Ramirez, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 13, 2018.  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.

*          Roger E. Westerhold, age 35, of Lincoln, is charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about April 1, 2016, and continuing to on or about November 20, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, NLT 10 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that on April 26, 2018, Angel Guadalupe Deleon, 27, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 10 years, (120 months), in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine.  Following the prison term, Deleon will serve five years on supervised release.

On April 24, 2017, a search warrant was executed at Deleon’s Lincoln apartment.  A baggie of methamphetamine containing at least 55 grams of actual methamphetamine was found along with a digital scale containing methamphetamine residue.  Deleon admitted the drugs belonged to him.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that Juan Adolpho Arredondo, who lived in the Kearney area prior to his arrest, was sentenced on April 24, 2018, by the Honorable United States Judge John M. Gerrard, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 10 years in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  The sentence includes a five-year term of supervision after Arredondo is released from prison, and a forfeiture of more than $5,000 seized by law enforcement upon Arredondo’s arrest in Buffalo County in January 2017.

This case was investigated by the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department and Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that on April 19, 2018, Rodney P. Mazzulla, 57, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was convicted by a federal jury of three charges involving the distribution of pure methamphetamine.  Mazzulla was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine between 2013 and April of 2017.  He was also convicted of two counts of possession with intent to distribute actual (pure) methamphetamine.  The trial began in federal court in Lincoln on Monday, April 16, 2018, before United States District Judge John M. Gerrard.  The jury received the case on Thursday afternoon and deliberated for a total of approximately five hours before returning their verdict on Friday morning. 

On April 2, 2017, a search warrant was executed at a large storage garage in southwest Lincoln.  Mazzulla was found to be living in a camper inside the garage.  Officers found at least 49 grams of pure methamphetamine, a loaded 9mm pistol, a digital scale, and packaging materials in the camper.  A second firearm was found elsewhere in the garage.  On April 22, 2017, a second search warrant was executed at the same storage building.  Mazzulla was again found inside.  At that time, officers found at least 210 grams of pure methamphetamine hidden under the hood of a van parked in the garage.  Witnesses testified about Mazzulla’s involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area prior to the April, 2017, searches.  In addition, evidence was presented regarding a contact made by Lincoln officers with Mazzulla in July of 2015 in which he was found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine.  At that time, Mazzulla told officers he had been selling methamphetamine since 2013 and that he had sold one to two ounces per week over the prior year.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2018.  Mazzulla faces a possible sentence of not less than 10 years nor more than life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000,000.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that on April 17, 2018, David L. Bice, 41, of Lincoln was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months, (262 months), in prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine.  Following the prison term, Bice will serve five years on supervised release.

On May 27, 2016, Lincoln Police Department officers who were conducting surveillance on his residence, saw Bice leave his Lincoln apartment.  They followed him to a local convenience store where they engaged in a conversation with him.  Bice denied knowledge of drug activity but admitted he had an estimated two ounces of methamphetamine in his apartment.  He went back to his apartment with the officers and turned over 73 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine to the officers along with a digital scale and packaging materials.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that on April 12, 2018, René Magana, 43 of Grand Island, was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Following the prison sentence, Magana will serve five years on supervised release.

On December 29, 2016, a search warrant was executed at Magana’s residence in Grand Island.  During that search, he was found in possession of at least 54 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine along with a digital scale and small plastic self-seal baggies.

This case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug & Safe Streets Task Force.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced today that Becky Lynn Neeb, age 37 of Omaha, Nebraska, has pled guilty to the crime of Tax Evasion before the Honorable Chief District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp. The maximum sentence that could be imposed is a period of incarceration of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both such fine and imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to 3 years and a special assessment of $100.

During the tax years 2011, 2012 and 2013 the defendant evaded the assessment of her income tax liability on her Form 1040, U.S. Individual Tax Returns, by under reporting her business receipts and over reporting her business expenses for her business, Top Notch Charms. With penalties and interest, the total tax loss is approximately $137,000 which is due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service. Defendant has agreed to make full restitution. “With the April 17 tax deadline looming, it is important for people to have confidence that when they pay their taxes, their neighbors and co-workers are doing the same,” said Andrew Thornton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.  “Fulfilling individual tax obligations is a legal requirement and those who willfully evade that responsibility will be prosecuted.”

Sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2018.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that Chadwick Lynn Board, 31, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 9, 2018, to 137 months in prison by United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Board had previously pled guilty after Madison County Investigators executed a search warrant on his Norfolk residence on March 2, 2017. Inside the residence, investigators located 23 firearms including handguns, sawed-off shotguns, assault rifles, and drug paraphernalia indicative of methamphetamine distribution. At the time, Board was a convicted felon known to be distributing methamphetamine from the residence.         

Because Board possessed a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, a consecutive five year prison term was added to his sentence. After serving his sentence Board will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 5 years.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that on March 28, 2018, Cassandra Rae Nemeiksis, (neh-MEHK-sis), 25, of Lincoln, was sentenced to five years and 10 months, (70 months), in prison for her involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between December of 2014 and June of 2017.  Following the prison term, Nemeiksis will serve four years on supervised release.

Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Nemeiksis was involved in the distribution of at least 50 grams (approximately 1 ¾ ounces) of actual (pure) methamphetamine and at least 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine during that time-period.  On May 4, 2016, Nemeiksis was a passenger in a car which was stopped by the Nebraska State Patrol.  At least 54 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine were found in the car.  On May 13, 2016, Nemeiksis was contacted in the parking lot of the Lancaster County Jail and was found to be in possession of an item containing methamphetamine residue.  At that time, she told officers that she was a methamphetamine addict who purchased methamphetamine from several sources.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force and the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that on March 27, 2018, Rowden D. Schneberger, 32, of Grand Island was sentenced to 14 years and five months (173 months) in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine on November 7, 2016.  Following the prison term, Schneberger will serve four years on supervised release.

On November 7, 2017, Schneberger sold approximately one ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Grand Island.  Testing at the State Lab showed at least 25 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that Sarah E. Batenhorst, 42, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 10 months in prison by United States Senior District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for wire fraud.  Batenhorst was also ordered to serve a period of 3 years on supervised release and pay restitution in the amount of $343,773.55. 

From 2006 to 2016 Batenhorst worked as an assistant bookkeeper and then accountant at the Nebraska Rural Electric Association (NREA) with access to the NREA checking account.  Beginning in 2014, without authorization or approval of the NREA board or other officers, Batenhorst increased her annual salary.  Also in 2015, Batenhorst, began increasing printing and set-up rates for the Rural Electric Nebraska magazine, and used the increased income to pay her own Discover credit card account and personal loans.

Additionally, Batenhorst paid her Discover credit card and personal loan accounts from checks fraudulently written on the NREA account and then, to conceal her actions, she altered copies of those checks and also altered the NREA bank statements.   These checks were processed through wire transfers from Nebraska, in interstate commerce, through intermediate banks, to the bank used by Discover Card, located in the state of Delaware.         

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lincoln Police Department.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced today that on March 22, 2018, Brandon Carr, age 32 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Tiera Rowsey-Harris, age 25 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were sentenced for transporting an adult female in interstate commerce with intent to promote prostitution.  United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Carr to a 27-month term of imprisonment and Rowsey-Harris to a 13-month term of imprisonment.  After their release from federal prison, Carr and Rowsey-Harris will begin 3 and 2 year terms of supervised release respectively.

An investigation conducted by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force determined that between the dates June 13, 2017, to on or about June 16, 2017, Carr and Rowsey-Harris transported an adult female from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Omaha, Nebraska.  On June 16, 2017, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force was conducting undercover prostitution enforcement operations in Omaha, Nebraska, when the adult female traveling with Carr and Rowsey-Harris was arrested for soliciting prostitution from an undercover Task Force officer.  Carr and Rowsey-Harris were subsequently arrested and charged with transporting the adult female from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Omaha, Nebraska for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

This case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, which included Task Force Officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 34 indictments charging 37 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.

*          Angel Abarca Cuevas,  age 41, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about March 7, 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.

*          Justin J. Bertschinger,  age 38, of Norfolk, Nebraska and Wendy Bertschinger, age 46, of Norfolk, Nebraska are charged in a five-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges Justin with Theft of Government funds from the Social Security Administration (SSA) on or about May, 2010 continuing through February, 2016.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges Justin with False Statement to SSA on or about September 13, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a 3 year term of supervised released, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III charges Justin with fraud or false statement or representation on or about March, 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 IV of the Indictment charges Wendy with fraud or false statement or representation on or about September, 2013.  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 V of the Indictment charges Justin with fraud or false statement or representation on or about March, 2009.  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.

*          Sara Marie Boyd, age 35, of Chadron, NE is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana beginning on or about January, 2018, and continuing to on or about February 14, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 2 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana on or about February 14, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 2 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about February 14, 2018.

 *          Jesus Corrales, age 64, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about March 2, 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.

*          Mozamil Mohammed Daud, age 22, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about February 22, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Ronald Dorn, age 56, of Elgin, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between on or about August 1, 2017 and February 8, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about February 8, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, NLT a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime on or about February 8, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to a 5 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment. 

*          Yosvani Galindo, age 39 of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 11, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 11, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime on or about March 11, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.  There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about March 11, 2018. 

*          Luis Haro, age 43 is charged in a five-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) between in or about August, 2017 and continuing to on or about February 12, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about February 12, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT a 5 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 February 12, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.  Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal alien in possession of a firearm on or about February 12, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.  Count V of the Indictment charges the defendant with using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime on or about February 12, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to a 5 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.  There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about February 12, 2018. 

*          Wilber Mauricio Hernandez-Cortez, a/k/a Kevin Hernandez-Cortez  age 21, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien on or about January 1, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry after deportation on or about January 1, 2018.  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 Knapp, age 59, of Brockway, Michigan, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about February 3, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Sean D. Kramer, age 45 of Prescott, Arizona, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and marijuana on or about October 2, 2017.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, NLT a 10 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Omero Antonio Leon, age 23, of Macy, Nebraska is charged with domestic assault on or about March 15, 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.

*          Miguel Mariscal Castro, age 55, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about March 12, 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.

*          Juan Mendez-Perez, a/k/a Jose Alfredo-Jimenez, a/k/a Juan Mendez-Lopez,  age 28, of Imperial, Nebraska is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 4, 2018.  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.

*          Noe Mendoza-Mendoza, age 45, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about March, 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.

*          Israel Dewayne Mileage, age 26, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 27, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is NMT 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a NMT 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          John Nichols, age 53, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about October 1, 2017 and continuing to on or about March 2, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 2, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, NLT a 5 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 March 2, 2018.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about March 2, 2018. 

*          Jennifer A. Rosenblatt, age 44, of Overland Park, Kansas is charged in a five Count Indictment with Wire Fraud on or about July 14, 2014 through October 7, 2016.  The Indictment alleges Rosenblatt, a Treasurer at Jewish Federation of Lincoln, defrauded JFL causing losses of $38,979.05.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment for each count, a $250,000 fine for each count, a 3 year term of supervised release for each count, and a $100 special assessment for each count.

*          Leobardo Sanchez Urbina,  age 29, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about February 14, 2018.  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.

*          David Tarrence, age 62, of Lincoln, Nebraska is charged in a four Count Indictment with Filing False Tax Returns on or about April 15, 2012 through October 14, 2015.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 3 years imprisonment for each count, a $250,000 fine for each count, a 1 year term of supervised release for each count, and a $100 special assessment for each count.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that Traynell Toney, age 24, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp having previously pled guilty to robbing two U.S. Bank branches in two Baker’s Supermarkets.  Toney was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,597 in restitution.

On June 2, 2017, Toney went to the U.S. Bank in Baker’s at 5555 North 90th Street, Omaha.  He passed a note to the teller demanding money, stating that he would kill her and that he was carrying a gun in his sweatshirt.  He was able to leave the bank with $3,170.00.  He left the note at the bank.

On June 9, 2017, he passed a similar note to a teller at the U.S. Bank in Baker’s at 13250 West Maple Road.  That note also stated he had a gun and threatened to kill a customer if he wasn’t given money.  The teller complied and Toney got $2,427.

Law enforcement was able to identify Toney through surveillance at both banks that appeared to be the same person, a Crime Stopper’s tip, and his fingerprints were identified on the note from the June 2 robbery.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Omaha Police Department.

Vishnubhai Chaudhari, 50, and Leelabahen Chaudhari, 44, of Kimball, Nebraska, and Indian nationals unlawfully residing in the United States, were sentenced on March 19, 2018, in federal court in Omaha after previously pleading guilty on Dec. 18, 2017, to alien harboring for financial gain and conspiracy to harbor an alien, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly for the District of Nebraska, and Special Agent in Charge Tracy Cormier of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). 

U.S. District Court Judge Lauri Smith Camp sentenced both of the defendants to one year and one day in prison, followed by two years’ supervised release. The defendants also agreed to the entry of a stipulated judicial order of removal to India at the completion of their sentences and paid the victim $40,000 in restitution as a condition of their guilty pleas.

According to documents filed in court, the defendants admitted to conspiring to harbor the victim, who was an undocumented Indian national, at a Super 8 Motel in Kimball between October 2011 and February 2013.  During that time, the defendants required the victim to work long hours, seven days a week at the motel, performing manual labor, including cleaning rooms, shoveling snow, and doing laundry. Although the defendants promised to pay the victim, they never did, but rather claimed to apply that amount to a debt the victim owed.  The defendants further restricted the victim’s movement, isolated him, and verbally abused him.  Defendant Vishnubhai Chaudhari also threatened to find the victim if he ever left the motel, and defendant Leelabahen Chaudhari regularly assaulted the victim, including on one occasion when she slapped his face several times because he had failed to clean a bathtub to her standards.  The victim eventually escaped with the help of a motel guest and local law enforcement.

“Today’s sentence, and the restitution awarded to the victim, sends a clear message that the Justice Department will use its full resources to prosecute defendants like this one who motivated by their greed violate our immigration laws and exploit a vulnerable individual who lacked immigration status,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division.

“This case is a reminder that labor exploitation occurs in the United States, not just overseas, and federal law targets those who profit from human trafficking and related crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly for the District of Nebraska. “This case is a testament that such conduct will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted in the District of Nebraska.”

“Human trafficking is the modern world’s version of enslaving another person for profit. That is what these individuals have done to this victim,” said Special Agent in Charge Tracy Cormier of HSI St. Paul. “I’m proud of the work accomplished by HSI’s special agents, our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska, and the Department of Justice, who made these guilty pleas possible.”

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Olimpia Michel and Shan Patel of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick D. Franklin of the District of Nebraska.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that Lenn W. Zuhlke, age 56, of Bancroft, Nebraska, was sentenced today by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp having previously pled guilty to aiding and abetting a bank robbery at the First Bank of Bancroft.  Zuhlke was sentenced to 17 months’ imprisonment and 2 years’ supervised release.

On April 20, 2017, Zuhlke drove Jeffrey Bonneau to pick up an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) that Bonneau had previously stolen.  While in Zuhlke’s vehicle, Bonneau changed his clothes and covered his face.  Zuhlke knew Bonneau was going to rob a bank.  At approximately 5:35 p.m., Jeffrey Bonneau rode the stolen ATV to the First Bank of Bancroft and parked it on the sidewalk.  He was wearing a dark motorcycle helmet, camouflage clothing and gloves.  He entered the bank and demanded money from the teller, He was given $6,745.00 and then fled the bank on the ATV.  He was tracked to a wooded grove near 2345 R Road.  At one point he told officers he had a gun and fired a shot in the air.  After he fired the shot, Bonneau fled again through the grove and was ultimately arrested after he crashed the ATV.  He was taken to Pender Hospital and it was found he had methamphetamine in his system.  All of the money was recovered.  There was no evidence he used or possessed the gun during the bank robbery.  Prior to Bonneau crashing, the plan was for Zuhlke to pick him up and get a share of the robbery proceeds.

Bonneau previously pled guilty to the robbery and possession of a firearm by a user of a controlled substance.  He received a 30-month sentence for both charges and was ordered to serve them both at the same time.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bancroft Police Department, Cuming County Sheriff’s Department and Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that Melchor Ramirez-Chavez, a national of Mexico, was sentenced on March 9, 2018, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, to 12 months and one day imprisonment for making a false statement on a load or credit application.

In March of 2014 the Defendant, Melchor Ramirez-Chavez, applied for a home loan from Equitable Bank using the identity of a deceased relative.  The relative had received a “green card” allowing him to seek employment and other benefits under immigration laws.  Ramirez-Chavez did not have legal immigration status and falsely used the identity of his deceased relative to apply for the loan.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.

United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that on March 9, 2018, Aurelio Martinez Rodriguez, 45, a Mexican national who resided in Lincoln, was sentenced to concurrent prison sentences of nine years, (108 months), for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and for conspiracy to money launder.  Following the prison term, Martinez will serve five years on supervised release.  However, he is likely to be deported to Mexico at the conclusion of his prison sentence. 

Information provided to law enforcement indicated that between May of 2014 and April of 2017, Martinez was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, which was transported by other members of the conspiracy from Texas to Lincoln, Nebraska.  Martinez also helped launder money by depositing cash proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine and cocaine into bank accounts in Lincoln held by other members of the conspiracy who would then withdraw the funds in Texas.  Martinez was held responsible for the distribution of at least 150 grams (approximately 5¼ ounces) of pure methamphetamine, at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately 3 pounds) of methamphetamine mixture and at least two kilograms (over 4 pounds) of cocaine.  During a search of Martinez’s residence on April 24, 2017, officers found over 190 grams (6¾ ounces) of pure methamphetamine, over 168 grams (6 ounces) of methamphetamine mixture, and over 280 grams (10 ounces) of cocaine, along with a scale and packaging materials.

Martinez agreed to the forfeiture of a credit union account containing more than $11,500, and surrendered an additional $25,000 in return for the government’s agreement not to seek forfeiture of his Lincoln residence.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force; the Nebraska State Patrol; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Marshals Service.

A Nebraska man was sentenced yesterday to six years in prison for accessing with an intent to view child pornography, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Kelly of the District of Nebraska. 

Dick Wollman, 60, of Omaha, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on Oct. 16, 2017 to accessing with the intent to view child pornography.  U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp of the District of Nebraska sentenced Wollman and also ordered him to serve 10 years of supervised release.

According to facts admitted by Wollman during the guilty plea, law enforcement identified Wollman as a user of an Internet-based video conferencing platform used to stream images and videos of child pornography during group video chats. Wollman was observed by law enforcement viewing videos and images of prepubescent child pornography being streamed on the platform.  The defendant further admitted that he accessed the video conferencing platform more than a hundred times between November 2015 and February 2017 to view child pornography. 

The charges are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.  The matter is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kaylynn N. Shoop of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Norris of the District of 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 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.

A Nebraska man was sentenced yesterday to six years in prison for accessing with an intent to view child pornography, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Kelly of the District of Nebraska. 

Dick Wollman, 60, of Omaha, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on Oct. 16, 2017 to accessing with the intent to view child pornography.  U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp of the District of Nebraska sentenced Wollman and also ordered him to serve 10 years of supervised release.

According to facts admitted by Wollman during the guilty plea, law enforcement identified Wollman as a user of an Internet-based video conferencing platform used to stream images and videos of child pornography during group video chats. Wollman was observed by law enforcement viewing videos and images of prepubescent child pornography being streamed on the platform.  The defendant further admitted that he accessed the video conferencing platform more than a hundred times between November 2015 and February 2017 to view child pornography. 

The charges are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.  The matter is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kaylynn N. Shoop of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Norris of the District of 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 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.