District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Fremont Builder Sentenced for Theft of Government ServicesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that on January 25, 2018, Chief United States District Court Judge Robert Rossiter sentenced Brian Tillman, age 54, of Fremont, Nebraska for his conviction for theft of government funds. Tillman was sentenced to a five-year term of probation and was ordered to pay restitution of $190,100 to the Social Security Administration.
During the period from March 2010 to December 2016, the Defendant received approximately $190,110 of unentitled Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for himself and his two minor children. During that time, Defendant was concealing his full-time employment doing business as Brian Home Improvements in Fremont, Nebraska. Had the Social Security Administration known of such full-time employment, Tillman would not have received disability benefits. As a result of the Defendant’s fraud, the Social Security Administration suffered a loss of $190,110.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.
Previously Removed Alien Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Wilson Secadia-Garcia, a national of Guatemala, was sentenced on January 23, 2018, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by United States District Senior Judge Richard G. Kopf, to 41 months imprisonment for reentry of a removed alien after an aggravated felony conviction and for failure to register as a sex offender.
Secadia-Garcia was previously removed from the United States on multiple occasions since 2002. In 2009, he was convicted in Lancaster County, Nebraska, of sexual exploitation of a minor, an aggravated felony that carries with it a 25-year requirement to register as a sex offender under state law. After the Lancaster County conviction, Secadia-Garcia was again removed from the United States to Guatemala. Secadia-Garcia illegally reentered the United States, and was arrested on May 22, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service Metro Fugitive Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security.
La Vista Man Has Citizenship Revoked After Conviction for Obtaining Citizenship by FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Zahid Maqsood, age 56 of La Vista, Nebraska, was sentenced today by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp to time served in jail and three years of supervised release following his conviction for unlawful procurement of citizenship/naturalization. He had been in jail approximately 8 months. Mr. Maqsood’s citizenship was also revoked.
Mr. Maqsood first came to the United States on a visa from from Pakistan in 1990. Using a different name, he applied for asylum. The application was denied and he was ordered removed from the United States under the fake name. He left the United States and returned in 2006 on an Immigrant Visa using the Maqsood name. In 2012 he applied for naturalization making a number of statements under oath. As part of the naturalization process he also had an interview, under oath, with an agent with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Based on his application and interview he was granted citizenship using the name “Maqsood.” It was later learned that a number of the material statements he made in his citizenship application form and his naturalization interview were false.
Mr. Maqsood pled guilty to the offense on October 3, 2017. Upon conviction, federal law mandates the judge declare his citizenship void and his naturalization certificate cancelled.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Removal Operations.
January 2018 Grand JuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 29 indictments charging 30 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.
* Mark M. Ackerman, age 31, of Crete, Nebraska is charged in a 15 Count Indictment with Wire Fraud on or about January 1, 2010 through October 15, 2017. The Indictment alleges Ackerman, an office manager at Vertical Horizons Contracting, Inc., defrauded VHC causing losses of $1,741,369.05. 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.
* Pedro Ajin, age 58, of O’Neill, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about December 13, 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.
* Gilberto Antonio Baltazar, age 47, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry of a removed Alien after deportation on or about January 4, 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.
* Bayron Remberto Cruz Lopez, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry of a previously removed Alien after deportation on or about December 18, 2017. 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.
* Calvin Dugan, age 29, is charged with possession of child pornography on or about December 13, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 5 years-Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment with an additional special assessment of $5,000.
* Johnny Hernandez Hernandez, age 32, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about December 14, 2017. 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.
* Randall Hughes, age 57, of Lincoln, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with production of child pornography on or about December 13, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15-30 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 5 years-Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment with an additional special assessment of $5,000. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with production of child pornography on or about December 13, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15-30 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 5 years-Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment with an additional special assessment of $5,000. Count III of the Indictment charges Hughes with possession of child pornography on or about December 13, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment with an additional special assessment of $5,000 for each count.
* Juanita Lara, age 34, is charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine beginning on or about December, 2015 and continuing to on or about December 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Richard Meloccaro, a/k/a Rick, age 53, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about November, 2016, and continuing to on or about November 28, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about November 11, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 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 November 28, 2017.
* Tyler Palmer, age 24, of Columbus, Nebraska, 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 on or about November 21, 2017. 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 November 21, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.
* Gregorio F. Rangel-Avila, age 38, of Gering, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October 8, 2017. 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 E. Sanford, age 36, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with bank robbery on or about January 11, 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 Sanford with bank robbery on or about December 26, 2017. 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.
* Michael R. Schweitzer, age 47, of Beatrice, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with threatening an employee of the Social Security Administration on or about July 20, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 6 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Schweitzer threatening an employee of the Social Security Administration on or about June 30, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 6 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Missouri Man Indicted for Attempting to Disable TrainRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on January 17, 2018, a Grand Jury indictment was returned charging Taylor Michael Wilson, age 25 of St. Charles, Missouri, with two counts of attempting to disable a train and attempting to interfere with a locomotive engineer or railroad conductor on October 23, 2017. The first count charges an attempt to wreck, derail and disable on-track railroad equipment and a mass transportation vehicle, specifically, an Amtrak train, while that train was carrying passengers and employees at the time of the offense. If convicted of the count, Wilson faces up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.
The second count charges Wilson with acting with an intent to endanger the safety of any person or with a reckless disregard for the safety of human life while attempting to interfere with, disable, or incapacitate any locomotive engineer or railroad conductor, while that person was employed in dispatching, operating, controlling, or maintaining railroad on-track equipment or a mass transportation vehicle, specifically an Amtrak train, while the train was carrying passengers and employees. If convicted of this count, Wilson faces up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.
Wilson was previously arrested pursuant to a criminal complaint. His initial appearance on the indictment will take place before Magistrate Judge Cheryl Zwart at a time to be determined later.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Texas Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine and Interstate Transportation of Drug MoneyRead the Press Release
On January 12, 2018, Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Roberto Ochoa Cantu, age 44 of Alamo, Texas, was sentenced to 10 years and six months (126 months) in prison for distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, methamphetamine and five years (60 months) for interstate transportation in aid of racketeering. Those sentences are to run concurrently (at the same time). Cantu was ordered to serve five years on supervised release following the prison term. However, he is a citizen of Mexico and will likely be deported after serving his prison sentence.
Cantu was arrested on April 24, 2017 after approximately a one-year investigation regarding shipments of methamphetamine sent from south Texas to Lincoln for distribution. The proceeds of drug sales were sent back to Texas via cash deposits made into accounts opened at local banks. Cantu was involved in six sales of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Lincoln between November of 2016 and February of 2017, including a sale of 62 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine, which occurred on December 4, 2016. Cantu was held responsible for the distribution of at least 150 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine. Cantu instructed the confidential informant to pay for the methamphetamine by depositing cash into bank accounts in Lincoln from which the proceeds could be withdrawn by persons in south Texas.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Nebraska Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Bobby Joe Ansley, 38, of Mullen, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 120 months in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for possession of child pornography. After his release from prison, Ansley will also serve 12 years of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
In February 2016, the Nebraska State Patrol began receiving Cyber Tips from Google regarding images of sexually explicit conduct involving minors being attached to emails from email addresses associated with Ansley. These emails were sent from email accounts associated with Ansley in January 2016. In August 2016, a third-party informed officers about electronic devices Ansley owned. The person also identified some of the email addresses referenced in the Cyber Tips as being used by Ansley. Based on the Cyber Tips and information provided by the third-party, the State Patrol obtained a Search warrant for Ansley’s residence in Mullen, Nebraska. Officers found the external hard drive and paperwork containing the password for the device. NSP found 1,950 identified images of sexually explicit conduct involving minors, as defined by federal law, on Ansley’s hard drive. These included images of child pornography involving prepubescent minors who had not attained 12 years of age. Further investigation revealed that the minors in the images were identified as living outside the state of Nebraska and that the images were produced outside the state of Nebraska and shipped or transported to Nebraska. Ansley was previously convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Southern District of California on October 2, 2003.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Humboldt Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
On January 9, 2018, Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Timothy John Kuker, 43, of Humboldt, Nebraska, was sentenced to five years (60 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Kuker was ordered to serve five years on supervised release following the prison term.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Kuker was responsible for the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between September of 2013 and September of 2015.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on January 8, 2018, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Alan Russell, age 30, of Omaha, Nebraska for his conviction for armed bank robbery. Russell was sentenced to six years imprisonment to be followed by a term of supervised release of five years and was ordered to pay his share of restitution of $21,000 to U.S. Bank.
On April 30, 2014, Alan Russell, along with his brother Aaron and Marcus Sanders, entered the U.S. Bank branch located at 8905 Maple Street, Omaha, Nebraska, pistol whipped the bank manager and robbed the bank of approximately $21,000. Russell went to trial in September of 2017 and was convicted of armed bank robbery. Aaron Russell and Marcus Sanders had previously pled guilty and are serving prison sentences.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Banker Sentenced for Misapplication of Bank FundsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that on January 8, 2018, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Keith McCormick, age 60, of Omaha, Nebraska for his conviction for misapplication of bank funds. McCormick was sentenced to a term of supervised release of three years and was ordered to pay restitution of $122,000 to Security National Bank.
During the period of July 2012 to June 2015, McCormick, while Senior Vice President of Business Banking at Security National Bank, in Omaha, misapplied bank funds, forged documents and concealed pertinent information from bank management relating to a series of loans that ultimately went into default and caused the bank to suffer a loss of approximately $122,000. McCormick has already paid the restitution.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Former Winnebago Tribal Vice Chairman Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Gaming EstablishmentRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that on January 8, 2018, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Darwin Snyder, age 50, of Winnebago, Nebraska for his conviction for theft from an Indian gaming establishment. Snyder was sentenced to five years of probation and 150 hours of community service. He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $36,500.
Snyder was a member of the tribal council of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and served in an officer capacity as the council’s Vice Chairman. Beginning in 2013 and continuing through September of 2014, Snyder began taking unauthorized disbursements from the WinnaVegas Casino and Resort in the total amount of $36,500. These disbursements were in the form of gift certificates which he did not pay for and deposits to a re-loadable debit card. The disbursements were in addition to the salary Snyder received from the Winnebago Tribe as a tribal council member. However, the disbursements were not paid through the payroll department of the Winnebago Tribe and were never authorized at a regular or special meeting of the tribal council. Further, the disbursements were concealed from the Winnebago Gaming Commission which oversaw the operations of the casino and was required to approve financial transactions of the casino.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Texas Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Drugs and Launder MoneyRead the Press Release
On January 5, 2018, Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Juan Zuniga Gloria, 40, of Alamo, Texas, was sentenced to 14 years (168 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and 14 years (168 months) for conspiracy to money launder. Those sentences are to run concurrently, (i.e., at the same time). Zuniga Gloria was ordered to serve five years on supervised release following the prison term. However, he is a citizen of Mexico and will likely be deported after serving his prison sentence.
Zuniga Gloria was arrested on April 24, 2017 after approximately a one-year investigation regarding shipments of methamphetamine and cocaine brought from south Texas to Lincoln for distribution. The proceeds of drug sales were sent back to Texas via cash deposits made into accounts opened at local banks. Evidence obtained as a result of this investigation indicated Zuniga Gloria was responsible for the distribution of at least 150 grams (approximately 5 ¼ ounces) of actual (pure) methamphetamine, at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine mixture and at least 2 kilograms (approximately 4 ½ pounds) of cocaine between May of 2014 and April of 2017. At the time of his arrest, Zuniga Gloria’s Lincoln apartment was searched. More than one ounce of methamphetamine, 1 ¾ pounds of cocaine, over $6,000 in cash and items commonly used in drug distribution were found. Records for three bank accounts in Gloria’s name over the time-frame of the conspiracy showed cash deposits of more than $248,000, many of which occurred in Lincoln and cash withdrawals of more than $158,000, occurring mostly in south Texas.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
December 2017 Grand JuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 43 indictments charging 53 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.
* Jose Celedon Luna, age 39, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about November 27, 2017. 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.
* Manazheega Cleveland, age 18, of Winnebago, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with interference with commerce by robbery on or about October 24, 2017. 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 charges Cleveland with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during said robbery in Count I. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 7-Life years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Warren Dwayne Vasser, age 44, Warren Dwayne Copeland, age 27, and Angelo C. Douglas, age 25, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with armed bank robbery and aiding and abetting on or about November 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 25 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Vasser, Copeland and Douglas with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during said robbery on or about November 15, 2017, in Count I. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 7-Life years imprisonment consecutive to any other imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges Vasser with felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 15, 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.
* Laura Cortez-Avila, age 42, of Omaha, is charged with falsely representing a Social Security number on or about October 26, 2016. 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.
* James Charles Fentress-Dismuke, age 20, of Omaha, Jonathan Ramone Franklin, age 33, of Papillion, Vincent L. McGee, age 27, of Omaha, and Corita Yvonne Burnett, age 44, of Omaha, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with bank robbery on or about November 22, 2017. 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 Fentress-Dismuke, Franklin, McGee, and Burnett, with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during said robbery on or about November 22, 2017, in Count I. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 7-Life years imprisonment imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges Franklin with felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 22, 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.
* Kaelyn Foster, age 31, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges Foster with false statement in acquiring a firearm on or about July 27, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Foster with false statement to a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer on or about July 27, 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.
* Jordan Gilreath, age 23, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 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.
* Dustin Hansen, age 24, of Lincoln, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of child pornography on or about April 17, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, there is a 5 year mandatory minimum sentence, a $250,000 fine, fe years term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment with an additional special assessment of $5,000. Count II of the Indictment charges Hansen with possession of child pornography on or about November 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment with an additional special assessment of $5,000 for each count..
* Richard Allen Knight, age 47, of Omaha, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender on or about October 17, 2017 to on or about November 14, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Lucas J. Lacy, age 33, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment with failure to register as a sex offender both in October 2016 and again in November 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Juan Pablo Limon Martinez, age 38, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about November 17, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if 0convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Antonio M. Luna, age 27, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine on or about November 9, 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. Count II of the Indictment charges Luna with felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 9, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges Luna with use of a firearm on or about November 9, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years-Life consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.
* Carlos Manriquez-Aviles, age 28, Jorge Antonio Alonzo-Lopez, age 28, Roman Lazcano-Acosta, age 28, and America Saucedo-Moreno, age 43, are charged in a fourteen-count Indictment. The defendants are charged in Count I with conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about September 2016 and November 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10-Life years imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 years term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Manriquez-Aviles is charged in Count II with distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about August 1, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10-Life years imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Manriquez-Aviles is charged in Count III with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about September 14, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10-Life years imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 years term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Manriquez-Aviles is charged in Count IV with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about September 17, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 5-40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Alonzo-Lopez and Saucedo-Moreno are charged in Count V with Distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about October 28, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 10-Life years imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Manriquez-Aviles is charged in Count VI with distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about October 28, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 10-Life years imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Manriquez-Aviles is charged in Count VII with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about November 11, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 5-40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Lazcano-Acosta is charged in Count VIII with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about November 11, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 5-40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. . Manriquez-Aviles is charged in Count IX with distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about October 28, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 10-Life years imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Lazcano-Aviles is charged in Count X with distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about November 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 10-Life years imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Lazcano-Acosta is charged in count XI with illegal reentry after deportation on or about November 16, 2017. 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. Manriquez-Aviles is charged in Count XII with use of facilities in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering between on or about July 2017 and on or about November 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Manriquez-Aviles is charged in Count XIII with money laundering between on or about October 24, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Manriquez-Aviles is charged in Count XIV with conspiracy to commit money laundering between on or about October 2017 and on or about November 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The Indictment also includes a Forfeiture Allegation for U.S. Currency.
* Chris Martinez, age 53, of Tilden, NE, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Martinez is charged in Count I with conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about January 1, 2014 and December 1, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10-Life years imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 years term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Martinez is charged in Count II with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine on or about August 13, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5-40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Darin Mason, age 41, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about September 14, 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.
* Kevin McRae, age 47, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is charged with cyberstalking from on or about December, 2015, and continuing until on or about October, 2016. 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.
* Jose Mejia Lopez, age 40, of Fremont, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about November 9, 2017. 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.
* Edgar Israel Nino Nino, age 24, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about November 24, 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.
* Clemente Reyna Casimiro , age 25, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about November 20, 2017. 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.
* Sandra Rivera-Manzo, age 43, of Council Bluffs, and Jose Manuel Lopez-Alvarado, age 27, of Omaha, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about December 8, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment and any property used to commit the offense should be forfeited to the United States.
* Wayne Devante Rolling, age 20, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I through III of the Indictment charge the defendant with bank robbery on or about November, 7, 2017; on or about November 15, 2017; and on or about November 20, 2017. 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 for each count.
* Sara Ann Spencer. age 25, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about September 17, 2017. 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 Spencer with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about October 28, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Marco Antonio Tovaldo-Valadez, age 26, of Wahoo, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with fraud and misuse of identification documents on or about October 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 of the Indictment charges Tovaldo-Valadez with false representation of a Social Security Number on or about October 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.
Bancroft Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Lenn W. Zuhlke, age 55, of Bancroft, Nebraska, pled guilty earlier this week, in front of the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, to bank robbery. His sentencing is set for March 19, 2018, at which time he faces 20 year’s imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
On April 20, 2017, Jeffrey Bonneau parked an ATV on the sidewalk in front of the First Bank of Bancroft. While wearing a dark motorcycle helmet and camouflage clothing, he went into the bank, around the teller counter and demanded money from a teller, while pushing her aside. He fled the bank with $6745.00. He was arrested a short time later in a grove area near 2345 R Road after he rolled the ATV.
Officers located a .22 caliber Beretta pistol, his helmet, the camouflage clothing and approximately $5225.00. Bonneau had marijuana and methamphetamine in his system when he was arrested. The ATV he drove had been stolen earlier in the day.
Zuhlke drove Bonneau to pick up the ATV, knew Bonneau was going to rob the bank and was waiting to pick Bonneau up after the robbery, before he crashed the ATV. Zuhlke pled guilty to the bank robbery as an aider and abettor.
Bonneau previously pled guilty to the bank robbery and possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be sentenced February 26.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nebraska State Patrol, Bancroft Police Department, and Cuming County Sheriff’s Department.
Two Defendants Plead Guilty to Alien Harboring Scheme Involving Labor Exploitation at Nebraska MotelRead the Press Release
Defendants Vishnubhai Chaudhari, 50, and Leelabahen Chaudhari, 44, of Kimball, Nebraska, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, to one count of conspiracy and one count of alien harboring for financial gain, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Robert C. Stuart of the District of Nebraska, and Special Agent in Charge Alex Khu of St. Paul ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to documents filed in court, the defendants admitted to conspiring to harbor the victim, an Indian national who lacked immigration status, at a Super 8 Motel in Kimball, Nebraska, 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 19, 2018, before the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp. The defendants face a possible sentence of up to 18 months in prison according to their plea agreements, and they are expected to be removed from the United States at the completion of their sentences. The defendants also paid the victim $40,000 in restitution at today’s change of plea hearing as a condition of their guilty pleas.
“Motivated by their greed, the defendants violated the immigration laws and exploited a vulnerable individual who lacked immigration status,” said Acting Assisting Attorney General Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will use its resources to proactively prosecute persons who, like the defendants, unlawfully victimize others for their own monetary profit.”
“This case is a reminder that forced labor occurs in the United States, not just overseas, and federal law targets those who profit from human trafficking and related crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert C. Stuart of 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 Alex Khu 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.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that Diego Vigil, 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court for receiving and distributing child pornography. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Vigil to 7 years imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Vigil will begin a ten-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
On three separate dates between May 12, 2016, and January 29, 2017, officers were able to download images of child pornography from Vigil’s computer. Many of the images involved infants and toddlers.
A search warrant was executed on Vigil’s home on March 3, 2017. He admitted to downloading images of child pornography. More than 200 videos and 4,000 images involving the sexual exploitation of minors were recovered. The images involved an age range of infant and toddler to approximately 13 years.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF).
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.
Former Winnebago Tribal Chairman Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Gaming EstablishmentRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that on December 4, 2017, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced John Blackhawk, age 63, of Winnebago, Nebraska for his conviction for theft from an Indian gaming establishment. Blackhawk was sentenced to five years of probation and 150 hours of community service. He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $36,000.
Blackhawk was a member of the tribal council of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and served in an officer capacity as the council’s Chairman. Beginning in 2013 and continuing through September of 2014, Blackhawk began taking unauthorized disbursements from the WinnaVegas Casino and Resort in the total amount of $36,000. These disbursements were in the form of gift certificates which he did not pay for and deposits to a re-loadable debit card. The disbursements were in addition to the salary Blackhawk received from the Winnebago Tribe as a tribal council member. However, the disbursements were not paid through the payroll department of the Winnebago Tribe and were never authorized at a regular or special meeting of the tribal council. Further, the disbursements were concealed from the Winnebago Gaming Commission which oversaw the operations of the casino and was required to approve financial transactions of the casino.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
North Platte Resident Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Gale Robert Gibbs, 67, formerly of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 37 months in prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for possessing child pornography. Gibbs was also ordered to pay $1,000.00 in restitution to the victims and will serve 10 years of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
The North Platte Police Department was contacted by a technician at a computer shop in North Platte after Gibbs took his computer in for repairs. While examining the computer the technician found a number of thumbnails of images depicting child erotica and child pornography.
On August 31, 2016, the North Platte Police Department obtained a search warrant for Gibbs’ residence and seized the laptop. After forensic examination approximately 67 images were found on his computer, including 27 images identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as known victims from outside the State 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 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 North Platte Police Department.
November 2017 Grand JuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 32 indictments charging 41 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.
* Darbry Alvarez-Valenzuela, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about November 3, 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.
* Lance Barber, age 31, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to deliver 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about September 12, 2017. 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 Barber with use of a firearm on or about September 12, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years-Life consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges Lance with felon in possession of a firearm on or about September 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.
* Francisco Becerra-Robles, age 48, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about October 26, 2017. 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.
* Derrick C. Bratton, age 51, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about October 25, 2017. 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.
* Leobardo Cabrera-Ramirez, age 43, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about October 14, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Margarito Duarte-Vazquez, age 28, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about February 26, 2017. 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.
* Phillip Marlowe Donovan, age 31, of Omaha, is charged with conspiracy to and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine between on or about January 1, 2014 and on or about September 30, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Sixto Leonel Giron Avila, age 49, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October 31, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Kenneth Hechtman, age 49, of Omaha, Wendy Hechtman, age 42, of Omaha, Colter Keffer, age 23, of LaVista, Nebraska, and Abby Rowell, age 28, of Omaha, are charged in a three count Indictment. Kenneth and Wendy are charged in Count I with conspiracy to manufacture 10 grams or more of Fentanyl Analogue between on or about March 2017 and October 30, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 years term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Kenneth, Wendy, Colter and Abby are charged in Count II with conspiracy to distribute Fentanyl Analogue between on or about March 2017 and October 30, 2017. The maximum possible penalty of convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Kenneth and Wendy are charged in Count III with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of Fentanyl Analogue on or about October 30, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Christopher Hervey, age 32, of Omaha, is charged in a five-count Indictment with uttering counterfeit currency on or about September 18, 2017 and continuing through October 3, 2017. 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.
* Anthony Hollingsworth, age 29, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about April 21, 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.
* Israel Elias Holmes, age 22, Kiana Michelle Stabler, age 21, Crystal Larae Stabler, age 21, of Lincoln, Nebraska, Kaylene Edna Mae Stabler, age 22, and Julian Michael Huffman, age 23, , are charged in a three count Indictment. All five defendants are charged in Count I with conspiracy to commit robbery, on or about March 16, 2017. 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. Kiana Stabler, Kaylene Stabler and Julian Huffman are charged in Count II with Bank Robbery on or about May 26, 2017. 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 Holmes is charged in Count III with Bank Robbery on or about October 3, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000, fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jaime Jaime-Gayton, age 39, is charged with falsely representing a Social Security number on or about December 11, 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.
* Daniel Kinnison, age 62, of Verdigre, Nebraska, is charged with Tax Evasion on or about February 8, 2009 through February 23, 2016. 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.
* Christopher G. Kober, age 44, is charged in a two count Indictment. Kober is charged in Count I with acquiring drugs by fraud/diversion between on or about January 2016 and March 17, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 4 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Kober is charged in Count II with possession with intent to distribute Schedule II Controlled Substances on or about March 17, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jaimie R. Laass, age 47, of South Sioux City, Nebraska is charged in a 15 Count Indictment with Wire Fraud on or about December 10, 2012 through May 13, 2015. 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.
* Joseph Lanckriet, age 26, of Omaha, and Thomas Woodard, age 35, of Union, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendants with bank robbery and aiding and abetting on or about December 7, 2012 and on or about March 28, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 25 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Melchor Lemus-Rodriguez , age 35, of Columbus, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about November 8, 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.
* Merced Leon-Angulo, age 46, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about July 16, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Emilio Lopez Castulo, age 26, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October, 26, 2017. 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.
* Jaime Lopez, age 42, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about November 2, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Lovato, age 40, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about October 2, 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.
* Luis Madero, age 28, Sandra Navarrete, age 24, and Gerardo Urena-Ruelas, age 27, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about February 1, 2012 and continuing to on or about October 19, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Madero, Navarrete and Urena-Ruelas with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about October 19, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment and any property used to commit the offense should be forfeited to the United States.
* Octavio Mejia-Perez, age 45, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October 24, 2017. 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.
* Ruben Mendoza Mendoza, age 23, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October 18, 2017. 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 Ramirez Lopez, age 38, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about November 1, 2017. 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.
* Marcus Kim Remus age 20, of Omaha, is charged in a six-count Indictment. Counts I and V of the Indictment charge the defendant with interference with commerce by robbery on or about December 26, 2016 and on or about December 30, 2016. 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 for each count. Count II of the Indictment charges Remus with discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence on or about December 26, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with bank robbery on or about December 28, 2016. 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. Counts IV and VI of the Indictment charge Remus with discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence on or about December 28, 2016 and on or about December 30, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 25 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Carlos Reyes-Alvarado, age 28, of Hastings, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October 27, 2017. 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.
* Epifanio Solorio-Chavez, age 40, of Arapahoe, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about October 10, 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.
* Carlos Valdez, age 58, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and a mixture containing cocaine between on or about May 1, 2016 , and on or about April 24, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Valdez with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on or about April 24, 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.
* Juan Vargas Ramirez, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about November 1, 2017. 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.
* Rodney Ward, of Nelson, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with concealment of assets in bankruptcy on or about October 31, 2015. 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 of the Indictment charges Ward with making a false statement under oath in a bankruptcy case on or about May 13, 2015. 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.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on November 21, 2017, Michelle R. Schwab, 45, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Schwab will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Schwab was responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between January 1, 2013, and May 15, 2016. In January of 2016, an undercover officer purchased a small amount of methamphetamine from Schwab.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Papillion Man Sentenced for Bank LarcenyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Jacob A. McClure, age 23, of Papillion, Nebraska, was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable John M. Gerrard to three year’s probation, 160 hours of community service, eight consecutive weekends in jail and ordered to pay restitution of $4,679.00 to Rochester Armored Car, Inc. McClure had previously pled guilty to one count of bank larceny.
In December of 2016, McClure was employed with Rochester Armored Car, Inc. One of his duties was to fill ATM machines. On December 1, 2016, he filled the SAC Federal Credit Union ATM located at the Offutt Air Force Base Off-Post Shoppette, 25 Hruska Drive, Bellevue, Nebraska, with $50,000. When a customer tried using the ATM on December 5, the ATM wasn’t working. When another Rochester employee went to look at the ATM, it was found that the boxes that store the money were in the wrong place. An audit was performed and it was discovered McClure had taken $47,030.00. When confronted, McClure turned over $37,000.00 that had not yet been spent. McClure had previously made partial restitution and the $4,679.00 in restitution that was ordered by the court was the remaining balance. Rochester had previously reimbursed SAC Federal Credit Union for the missing money.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Convicted of Robbery and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Preston Pope, age 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, was found guilty by a jury yesterday of robbery and firearms charges occurring in August 2015. The federal trial started November 14, 2017 in front of U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp.
On August 11, 2015, at approximately 12:43 a.m., the Walgreen’s at 3001 Dodge Street was robbed by two masked men brandishing firearms. They held the cashier and a customer at gunpoint before leaving the store with over $500. At approximately 5:42 p.m. the same day, two people matching the same description robbed the U.S. Bank, inside the No Frills grocery store at 4240 South 50th Street, also covering their faces and brandishing firearms. After threatening the tellers, they left the bank with over $9,000. Later that day a vehicle that had been stolen the night before was found about two miles from the bank. Inside the vehicle was a fully loaded .40 caliber gun magazine.
On August 14, 2015, Omaha Police officers in the area of Miller Park, tried stopping a vehicle for having a broken taillight. The vehicle fled from the officers. Another officer stayed in the area and approximately a mile from the attempted traffic stop, noticed a man running through yards jumping fences. The officer was able to make contact with the subject. He was identified as Preston Pope. Officers traced the route Pope had taken and located a loaded .40 firearm off the side of the road that appeared to have been recently tossed there. The magazine and bullets found in the stolen vehicle on August 11 match the magazine and bullets found in the gun recovered on August 14. The gun also matched the gun used in the Walgreen’s and U.S. Bank robberies.
Officers got a search warrant for Pope’s brother’s house, where Pope had been staying. Inside the house officers located hundreds of dollars of new clothes, paid for in cash, and the box for the firearm found hours before. There was a vehicle in the driveway that had been purchased on August 13, for $2300.00 in cash, from Edwards Auto in Council Bluffs, by Pope’s sister. Officers went to Edwards and found that one of the $10 bills used to pay for the vehicle had been taken in the U.S. Bank robbery. When his sister didn’t have enough money for the vehicle, Pope gave her the difference. Further investigation led officers to discover Morris paid $2000.00 in cash for a vehicle from Edward’s Auto on August 12, 2015.
Forensic analysis was done on the stolen vehicle located August 11, 2015, and Jeron Morris’s DNA was found inside. Forensic analysis was done on the gun and it was found to contain Pope’s DNA. Pope is a convicted felon and as such is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
Pope was convicted of robbing the Walgreen’s, brandishing a firearm during that robbery, robbing the U.S. Bank, brandishing a firearm during that robbery and felon in possession of a firearm. Sentencing has been set for February 26, 2018. Each robbery charge carries up to 20 years imprisonment, the first brandishing charge is 7 years to life imprisonment, the second brandishing charge is 25 years to life and the felon in possession of a firearm is not more than 10 years imprisonment.
Morris previously pled guilty to robbing the U.S. Bank and brandishing a firearm. His sentencing is also set for February 26.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Nebraska Man Sentenced to Prison for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Nebraska man was sentenced today to six years in prison for child pornography offenses, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Robert C. Stuart of the District of Nebraska.
Robert Louis Bergstrom, 47, of Omaha, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on July 20, to receipt and distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. of the District of Nebraska sentenced Bergstrom and also ordered him to serve 10 years of supervised release.
In May 2016, law enforcement identified an IP address belonging to Bergstrom’s residence as sharing child pornography images on a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Devices seized from his home during a federal search warrant in August 2016 contained numerous videos and images constituting child pornography. When interviewed by law enforcement, Bergstrom admitted that he had specifically searched for and downloaded child pornography.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the FBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The matter is being prosecuted by 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. Trial Attorney Jessica L. Urban of CEOS also served as a member of the prosecution team at earlier stages of the litigation.
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.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on November 13, 2017, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Luis Lorenzo-Urbina, age 31, of Bellevue, Nebraska for his conviction for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Lorenzo-Urbina was sentenced to fifteen months of imprisonment to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years.
Lorenzo-Urbina is a citizen of Guatemala. Although he had illegally entered the United States, he was placed on an immigration bond and was allowed to remain in the United States pending completion of proceedings in immigration court. On May 23, 2017, Bellevue Police responded to a disturbance call and encountered Lorenzo-Urbina. A search of his vehicle yielded a Mossberg shotgun and a Ruger revolver. Further investigation revealed store surveillance photos of Lorenzo-Urbina showing the Ruger to a pawnshop employee. The weapons had been stolen from a home in Iowa a few days earlier.
This case was investigated by Immigration and Custom Enforcement and the Bellevue Police Department.
Former Winnebago Tribal Council Member Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Gaming EstablishmentRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that on November 6, 2017, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Thomas Snowball, age 56, of Winnebago, Nebraska, for his conviction for theft from an Indian gaming establishment. Snowball was sentenced to five years of probation and 150 hours of community service. He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $36,500.
Snowball was the Treasurer of the tribal council of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Beginning in 2013 and continuing through September of 2014, Snowball began taking unauthorized disbursements from the WinnaVegas Casino and Resort in the total amount of $36,500. These disbursements were in the form of gift certificates which he did not pay for and deposits to a re-loadable debit card. The disbursements were in addition to the salary Snowball received from the Winnebago Tribe as a tribal council member. However, the disbursements were not paid through the payroll department of the Winnebago Tribe and were never authorized at a regular or special meeting of the tribal council. Further, the disbursements were concealed from the Winnebago Gaming Commission which oversaw the operations of the casino and was required to approve financial transactions of the casino.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Former Assistant City Prosecutor Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Donald Bauermeister, 44, entered a plea of guilty to conspiring to distribute marijuana. The plea was entered before the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, Chief Judge in Omaha. A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for January 29, 2018.
Bauermeister entered into a plea agreement agreeing to a factual basis for his plea. The plea agreement states that Bauermeister was an Assistant City Prosecutor in Council Bluffs, Iowa. A 13-pound shipment of marijuana was seized in Summit County, Utah. The driver advised he was paid by Bauermeister to pick up the marijuana in Oregon and transport it to Omaha. A search of the co-conspirator’s phone revealed a series of texts from Bauermeister. The texts provided specific instructions on how to meet up with the source and travel updates.
When confronted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bauermeister resigned his position. He also surrendered his license to practice law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on October 27, 2017, William J. Allen, a/k/a Billy Allen, 32, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Allen will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Allen was responsible for the distribution of at least five kilograms (11 pounds) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln and Omaha areas between January of 2013 and August of 2016. In August of 2016, a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) purchased approximately one ounce of nearly pure methamphetamine from Allen.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Walthill Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that Newton Dale, age 31, of Walthill, Nebraska was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp for his conviction for failure to register as a sex offender. Dale was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Dale was convicted of statutory rape on the Omaha Indian Reservation in Nebraska in 2013. When Dale began his term of supervised release in 2017, he was advised by his probation officer that he needed to register as a sex offender. Despite maintaining residences on the Omaha Indian Reservation and in Norfolk, Nebraska, Dale failed to register as a sex offender with either the Madison County Sheriff’s Office or the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Office.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on October 20, 2017, Kenneth Mooren, 35, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Mooren will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Mooren was responsible for the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between January 1, 2015, and April 1, 2016. On February 29, 2016, a search warrant was executed at Mooren’s Lincoln residence. During the search, officers found 160 grams (approximately 5 ¾ ounces) of pure methamphetamine, over $1000 in cash, and records of drug transactions.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Reentry of a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, Carlos Vidal-Mix, a.k.a. “Gato”, originally of Campeche, Mexico, was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and for reentry of a removed alien. Vidal-Mix had previously been removed from the U.S. to Mexico by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on April 21, 2014, in Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Following the prison term, he will again be removed to Mexico.
On October 17, 2016, the DEA arrested Vidal-Mix and two co-conspirators after they took delivery of 21 pounds of methamphetamine that had arrived for distribution in the Omaha metropolitan area.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Omaha.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Six Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Patrick Amen, 31, was sentenced in federal court Monday in Omaha, Nebraska, for receiving child pornography. Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Amen to 72 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, amen will begin a five-year term of supervised release. He must also register as a sex offender.
On January 26, 2017, officers from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and agents of the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force served a search warrant at Amen’s residence. Amen admitted to downloading child pornography from the Internet. A search of his computer and digital devices recovered 200 videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Most of the children depicted ranged from two to 12 years of age.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF).
Omaha Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced Monday that Joel Palmer, 39, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court for possession of child pornography. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, Chief Judge, sentenced Palmer to 12 years of prison. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Palmer will begin a 15-year term of supervised release and will continue to register as a sex offender.
Palmer was convicted of possessing child pornography in 2012 in Sarpy County. He received a two-year sentence. After his release from state prison, he immediately began to download child pornography. He shared some of those images with a woman in Florida. They chatted about Palmer engaging in sexual relations with the woman’s 11- and 13-year-old daughters.
On February 16, 2017, a member of the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force searched Palmer’s Omaha residence. Nine videos and 59 images of child pornography were found on Palmer’s devices. The videos and images involved prepubescent children, some as young as a toddler, engaged in sexual acts.
When imposing sentence, Chief Judge Smith Camp observed that Palmer’s state conviction for possessing child pornography was not sufficient to deter him from again possessing child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF).
La Vista Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced Monday that Keith B. Noden, 45, of La Vista, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court for possessing child pornography. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, Chief Judge, sentenced Noden to four years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Noden will begin a five-year term of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
On July 27, 2016, officers of the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force served a search warrant on Noden’s residence. The IP address assigned to Noden had been observed on numerous occasions with images of child pornography available for sharing. The videos included prepubescent children, including a 6-year-old child, engaged in sexual acts with adults. Noden admitted to downloading child pornography. Although no videos were found on his computer, various search terms indicative of searching for and downloading child pornography were recovered.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office and the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF).
Omaha Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
On October 10, 2017, Adalberto Martinez-Ramirez was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Martinez-Ramirez previously had pled guilty to two counts of a Superseding Indictment: Count I, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine; and Count X, conspiracy to commit money laundering. Martinez-Ramirez was sentenced to 324 months imprisonment on Count I and 240 months imprisonment on Count X. The sentences are to run concurrently.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Omaha Nation Tribal Member Convicted of Aggravated Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that George Grant, age 44 of Walthill, Nebraska, was convicted by a federal jury of one count of aggravated sexual abuse. Grant is facing up to fifteen years in prison. The case was heard before Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp.
Evidence introduced at trial established that on September 4, 2016, Grant sexually assaulted a female after driving her out to a secluded country road on the Omaha Nation Indian Reservation. Grant threatened to use force and, in fact, used force to commit the sexual assault. Sentencing is set for January 8, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
California Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on Thursday, October 5, 2017, Robert L. Mayfield, originally of Sacramento, California, was sentenced to 20 years, (240 months), in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Mayfield was convicted by a federal jury in June of 2017. Mayfield faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years due to a prior felony drug conviction from the State of Nevada. Following the prison term, he will serve 10 years on supervised release.
Evidence presented at trial showed that in 2014 and early 2015, Mayfield and other persons, including his brother Anthony Harris, were involved in selling methamphetamine in the Lincoln area which was transported from California on Amtrak trains. In February of 2015, Lincoln Police Department officers served a search warrant at an apartment where Harris was staying. They found over 160 grams of methamphetamine, cash, two firearms, and items commonly used in drug distribution in the apartment.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Papillion Man Sentenced in Federal Court to 50 Months in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Leonard E. Megee, 65, was sentenced in federal court Thursday in Omaha, Nebraska, for possessing child pornography. The Honorable John M. Gerrard sentenced Megee to 50 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Megee will begin a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. Megee was order to pay $5,000 and a $100 special assessment. Megee was further ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution to victims in his collection of child pornography.
An Internet Service Provider reported that a computer from within Megee’s Papillion residence had uploaded an image of child pornography. It was determined that Megee had exchanged images of child pornography with the email accounts of at least three others.
A search warrant was served by members of the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force in September 2016. A search of his computers and email accounts recovered 9 videos and 75 images of child pornography. The images were of prepubescent children, most between the ages of 5 and 8 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF).
Omaha Mother and Son Sentenced to 10 year Prison Terms for Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Yolanda Otero-Valenzuela, 63, and her son, James Narvaez, 29, both of Omaha, were each sentenced on September 20, 2017, to 10 year prison terms by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Each had previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute multiple ounce quantities of methamphetamine. Narvaez was found to have carried a 9 mm handgun during the course of the conspiracy. After serving their prison terms, each will serve a 5 year Term of Supervised Release.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Winnebago Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced Tuesday that Duane L. Levering, 32, of Winnebago was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for failing to register as a sex offender. The Honorable John M. Gerrard, United States District Court Judge, sentenced Levering to 30 months’ imprisonment. After his release from prison, Levering will serve a five-year term of supervised release.
Levering was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska in 2005 for the aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. He served an 87-month sentence. In 2013, he was convicted for failing to register as a sex offender and served an 18-month term of imprisonment.
In January, 2017, Levering registered as a sex offender in Sioux City, Iowa. The address he registered was non-existent. He was found to be living in Winnebago, Nebraska, and was not registered with the Winnebago Tribe or the State of Nebraska as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Winnebago Tribal Council Member Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Gaming EstablishmentRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that on September 18, 2017, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Charles W. Aldrich, age 50, of Winnebago, Nebraska for his conviction for theft from an Indian gaming establishment. Aldrich was sentenced to five years of probation and 150 hours of community service. He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $36,500.
Aldrich was a member of the tribal council of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Beginning in 2013 and continuing through September of 2014, Aldrich began taking unauthorized disbursements from the WinnaVegas Casino and Resort in the total amount of $36,500. These disbursements were in the form of gift certificates which he did not pay for and deposits to a re-loadable debit card. The disbursements were in addition to the salary Aldrich received from the Winnebago Tribe as a tribal council member. However, the disbursements were not paid through the payroll department of the Winnebago Tribe and were never authorized at a regular or special meeting of the tribal council. Further, the disbursements were concealed from the Winnebago Gaming Commission which oversaw the operations of the casino and was required to approve financial transactions of the casino.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Rodney G. Hiner, 59, of Omaha, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for possessing child pornography. Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Hiner to 18 months of imprisonment. After his release from prison, Hiner will begin a five-year term of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
On July 7, 2016, officers with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force searched Hiner’s home in Omaha. His cell phone contained more than 125 images of child pornography, most of which depicted children between the ages of 2 and 13 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF).
Omaha Man Indicted on Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Mark A. Harrell, age 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was detained at his initial appearance today by Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson. Harrell was recently indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns for the 2012 filing year. The penalty on each count is a maximum of 3 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Harrell is charged with including fraudulent information as to the taxpayers’ wages, wage withholding and claims of American Opportunity Credit. It is alleged that by including the false information the taxpayers received a larger refund than they were entitled to receive.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Unit.
Nebraska Woman Sentenced in Health Care Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart and Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson announced that Chandra Wrightsell, 47, of Omaha Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf for the crime of health care fraud. Wrightsell was sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution to the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Medicaid Division totaling $105,550. Wrightsell previously pled guilty on June 1, 2017.
Wrightsell owned and operated a company in Omaha, Evol Consulting, which contracted with therapists to provide mental health and substance abuse services. Between December 1, 2011 and July 25, 2014, she submitted 1,150 claims to Nebraska Medicaid for services which had not been provided, and was paid a total of $105,550 on those claims.
Wrightsell has previously been convicted of another federal felony charge. On February 8, 2007, she was sentenced to 15 months in prison following her conviction in Omaha for misapplication of bank funds, totaling $102,000, while employed as vice president of the First National Bank.
This case was investigated by the Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Unit of the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and the Medicaid Program Integrity Unit of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The case was prosecuted by the Nebraska Attorney General’s office and the United States Attorney’s office.
Omaha Man Indicted for Multiple RobberiesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Edward Sherrod, age 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, was detained at his initial appearance today by Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson. Sherrod was recently indicted by a federal grand jury on three counts of interference with commerce by robbery. The penalty on each count is a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Sherrod is charged with robbing the Baker’s at 5555 North 90th Street on July 5, 2017; the same Baker’s on July 20, 2017; and the Mega Saver at 1357 NW Radial Highway on July 24, 2017.
The Omaha Police Department Robbery Unit initiated the investigation of Sherrod and then worked in conjunction with the Greater Omaha Bank Robbery Task Force to secure the indictment. The task force was formed earlier this year and is made up of officers representing the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Police Department, Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department, La Vista Police Department, Papillion Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, Ralston Police Department, Council Bluff’s Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol.
In announcing Sherrod’s charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Robert Stuart remarked that “the indictment and arrest of Mr. Sherrod by the Greater Omaha Robbery Task Force demonstrates the successful coordination of member agencies to arrest the violent offenders in our community.” FBI Omaha Division, Special Agent in Charge Randall Thysse stated “We are grateful for the diligent and collaborative work with the Omaha Police Department Robbery Unit in apprehending this violent criminal in addition to their key participation in the Greater Omaha Bank Robbery Task Force.”
August Grand JuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 21 indictments charging 24 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.
* Lorenzo Antonio-Martinez, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about August 14, 2017. 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.
* Donald R. Bauermeister, Jr., age 44, of Omaha, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute approximately 13 pounds of marijuana beginning on or about November, 2016, and continuing to on or about January 9, 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.
* Jesse Bustos, age 26, of Bridgeport, Nebraska, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture containing heroin beginning on or about May, 2017, and continuing to on or about July 19, 2017. 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.
* Brandon Carr, age 31, and Tiera Rowsey-Harris, age 24, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with transportation with intent to promote prostitution between on or about June 13, 2017 to on or about June 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $5,000 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Carr and Rowsey-Harris with inducement to travel for prostitution between on or about June 13, 2017 to on or about June 16, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $5,000 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment and any property used to commit the offense should be forfeited to the United States.
* Leonardo Cervantes-Yepez, age 47, of Kearney, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about July 29, 2017. 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.
* Jeffrey Stephen Conrad, age 52, of Elkhorn, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Both counts of the Indictment charge Conrad under the Assimilative Crimes Act with writing bad checks at the Offutt Air Force Base Exchange on or about December 16, 2016 and on or about December 19, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Oscar Contreras-Parada, age 34, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about August 9, 2017. 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.
* Hermogenes Orellana Del Cid, age 41, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about July 19, 2017. 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.
* Luis Elias, age 25, of Bellevue, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to deliver a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about June 28, 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.
Count II of the Indictment charges Elias with felon in possession of a firearm on or about June 28, 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.
* Steven Rodney Esch and Manuela Fernandez Villegas, a/k/a Nancy Roxas Fernandez and a/k/a Nancy Fernandez Esch , are charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with false statement in an Immigration Matter beginning on or about a date unknown to the grand jury and continuing through August 23, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Villegas with False Statement Under Oath in a Matter Relating to Naturalization or Citizenship on or about January 11, 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
assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges Esch with False Statement Under Oath in a Matter Relating to Naturalization or Citizenship on or about January 11, 2011. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges Esch with Unlawful Procurement of Citizenship or Naturalization on or about January 11, 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.
* Felipe Gonzalez-Vasquez, age 31, of Schuyler, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about August 8, 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.
* Lester Moore, age 33, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about May 30, 2017. 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.
* Curtina Morris, age 48, of Macy, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with assault with a dangerous weapon on or about March 14, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Morris with assault resulting in serious bodily injury on or about March 14, 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.
* Eric T. Morris, age 34, of Macy, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender on or about August 2, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a life imprisonment, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.* Martha Elisa Pablo Garcia, a/k/a Yesenia Santiago Velez, a/k/a Hermelinda Lopez-Jimenez, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with false representation of a Social Security Number on or about February 29, 2015. 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 of the Indictment charges Garcia with fraud and misuse of a California Identification Card and a social security card that was not issued lawfully for her use. 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.
* Jose Fulgencio Ramirez Narvaez, age 45, of Ames, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about July 19, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Rodriguez-Tirado, age 28, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about August 1, 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.
* Paul D. Sellon, age 61, and Sue Ann Sellon, age 54, are charged in a thirteen-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges Paul Sellon with receipt of a Bribe by an Agent of an Organization Receiving Federal Funds between on or about October 2010 and June 2014. The maximum possible 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 defendants with theft of government money between on or about 2010 and 2014. The maximum possible if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each defendant. Counts III through XII charges the defendants with wire fraud between on or about September 17, 2012 through October 18, 2013. The maximum possible if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or a combination of imprisonment and fines, and a $100 special assessment for each defendant for each count. Count XIII of the Indictment charges Paul and Sue Ann Sellon with making a False Statement to a Department or Agency of the United States on or about May 18, 2015. The maximum possible if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for each defendant.
* Luis Varela, age 31, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a social security number on or about April 29, 2015. 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 of the Indictment charges Varela with falsely representing himself to be a citizen of the United States. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 3 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with use of a Social Security Number that was not lawfully issued for his use. 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.* Victor Ventura-Granados, age 27, of Bakersfield, California, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about August 9, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Joaquin Zarazua, age 46, of Omaha, is charged with False Representation of a Social Security Number on or about April 25, 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.
Former Winnebago Tribal Council Officer Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Gaming EstablishmentRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that on August 21, 2017, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Louis Houghton, age 70, of Winnebago, Nebraska for his conviction for theft from an Indian gaming establishment. Houghton was sentenced to five years of probation and 150 hours of community service. He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $36,500.
Houghton was a member of the tribal council of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and served in an officer capacity as the council’s Secretary. Beginning in 2013 and continuing through September of 2014, began taking unauthorized disbursements from the WinnaVegas Casino and Resort in the total amount of $36,500. These disbursements were in the form of gift certificates which he did not pay for and deposits to a re-loadable debit card. The disbursements were in addition to the salary received from the Winnebago Tribe as a tribal council member. However, the disbursements were not paid through the payroll department of the Winnebago Tribe and were never authorized at a regular or special meeting of the tribal council. Further, the disbursements were concealed from the Winnebago Gaming Commission which oversaw the operations of the casino and was required to approve financial transactions of the casino.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Man Sentenced for Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Robert Tjepkema, 53, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 3 years in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for failure to register as a sex offender. In addition to his prison term, Tjepkema will be required to serve 8 years of supervised release.
In 1992, Robert Tjepkema was convicted of a sex offense in Minnesota which, under state law, required him to register as a sex offender for 10 years. In 2001, he was convicted of failure to register in Minnesota and sentenced to 9 months imprisonment. Under Minnesota law, the original 10-year registration period began anew when he was released, plus an additional five years for the new conviction, extending his registration requirement under state law to October of 2016.
Tjepkema then moved to Florida. In 2007, he was convicted of failure to register and sentenced to 35.5 months incarceration. His registration requirement under state law was then extended to February 23, 2029.
Under federal law Tjepkema is a Tier III sex offender with a lifetime registration requirement.
Tjepkema began living in Nebraska in 2010. He did not register as a sex offender prior to his arrest on the instant charges in early March, 2017.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service.
Former Winnebago Tribal Council Member Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Gaming EstablishmentRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Lawrence Payer, age 71, of Winnebago, Nebraska for his conviction for theft from an Indian gaming establishment. Payer was sentenced to five years of probation and 150 hours of community service. He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $36,000.
Payer was a member of the tribal council of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Beginning in 2013 and continuing through September of 2014, began taking unauthorized disbursements from the WinnaVegas Casino and Resort in the total amount of $36,000. These disbursements were in the form of gift certificates which he did not pay for and deposits to a re-loadable debit card. The disbursements were in addition to the salary received from the Winnebago Tribe as a tribal council member. However, the disbursements were not paid through the payroll department of the Winnebago Tribe and were never authorized at a regular or special meeting of the tribal council. Further, the disbursements were concealed from the Winnebago Gaming Commission which oversaw the operations of the casino and was required to approve financial transactions of the casino.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Mother and Son Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Misbranded Substances, Drug Paraphernalia, and Related Financial CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, co-defendants Allen E. Peithman, Jr., Sharon A. Elder, were sentenced, respectively, to 129 months and 63 months in prison and fined $500,000 each. They were both ordered to pay over $5,000 in restitution, and their corporations, Cornerstone Plaza, Inc., and AEP Properties, L.L.C., were also ordered to pay over 2.5 million dollars in fines. In addition to the prison sentences and fines, all four defendants were found jointly liable for a money judgment of $1,142,924.32 and ordered to forfeit a bank account and “potpourri” and drug paraphernalia seized during 2015 searches of their “head shops,” Dirt Cheap and Island Smokes.
In March, a federal jury convicted Peithman, Elder, and Elder’s corporation, Cornerstone Plaza, Inc. of conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia, investment of illicit drug proceeds, conspiracy to distribute misbranded substances, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and conspiracy to structure financial transactions. Peithman’s corporation, AEP Properties, was also convicted of conspiracy to structure. The jury also found that a bank account in the name of Cornerstone Plaza, Inc., as well as seized “potpourri” and drug paraphernalia should be forfeited. The money judgment was determined by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Kopf.
The defendants were sentenced as follows:
Peithman:
Conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia 36 months
Investment of illicit drug proceeds 115 months
Conspiracy to distribute misbranded substances 36 months
Conspiracy to commit mail fraud 115 months
Conspiracy to structure financial transactions 115 months – all sentences to run concurrently
Violation of supervised release 14 months – consecutive to above sentences
Fine $500,000.00
Special assessments $500.00
Restitution $5,186.56
Elder:
Conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia 36 months
Investment of illicit drug proceeds 63 months
Conspiracy to distribute misbranded substances 36 months
Conspiracy to commit mail fraud 63 months
Conspiracy to structure financial transactions 63 months – all sentences to run concurrently
Fine $500,000.00
Special assessments $500.00
Restitution $5,186.56
Cornerstone Plaza, Inc.:
Fine $2,060,000.00
Special assessments $2,000.00
AEP Properties, L.L.C:
Fine $450,000.00
Special Assessment $400.00
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the Food and Drug Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on July 27, 2017, Olga A. Alfonso, 44, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more actual methamphetamine on April 25, 2016. Following the prison term, Alfonso will serve five years on supervised release.
On April 25, 2016, Lancaster County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of a traffic accident on l-80 west of downtown Lincoln. Upon arrival at the scene of the accident, deputies were told the driver of a car involved in the accident had run from the scene. Witnesses described the driver as a female wearing a large green backpack. Deputies located the driver, Olga Alfonso, a short distance away. The backpack was found abandoned in some weeds. Inside the backpack, deputies found a Social Security card in Alfonso’s name, three baggies of methamphetamine containing at least 240 grams of pure methamphetamine and a digital scale with methamphetamine residue.
This case was investigated by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.