District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
South Sioux City Man Sentenced to More Than 12 years in Prison after Pleading Guilty to Methamphetamine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney, Robert C. Stuart, announced that Jose Luis Sandoval, 47, was sentenced on July 24, 2017, to 147 months in prison by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, United States District Judge. Sandoval had previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Sandoval’s sentence included a consecutive 5 year term of imprisonment because he possessed a firearm while trafficking methamphetamine.
During the course of this investigation, law enforcement utilized a cooperating witness who made several multiple ounce purchases of methamphetamine from Sandoval inside of his South Sioux City, NE residence. Thereafter on May 9, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Sandoval’s residence and recovered four firearms, a security monitor, a flak jacket, drug distribution paraphernalia, and quantities of methamphetamine.
This case was the result of an investigation by the South Sioux City Police Department and DEA Tri-State Drug Task Force.
Crips Gang Member Sentenced to 20 Years for Racketeering Conspiracy in NebraskaRead the Press Release
A violent member of the Crips gang was sentenced today to 20 years in prison and three years of supervised release for participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving multiple acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults, witness tampering and drug distribution, 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.
Dionte Dortch, aka “Killa Tay,” 24, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, one count of witness tampering, one count of attempted obstruction of justice and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to the plea agreement, Dortch admitted that he was a member of the Omaha-area chapter of the Crips known as the “40th Avenue Crips” and “44th Avenue Crips,” and that he personally committed acts of violence for the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. According to the plea, these acts of violence included an attempt to hire a hitman to kill a potential witness against him at trial in this case, shooting at a vehicle occupied by four individuals and using threats of violence to prevent a witness from testifying before a federal grand jury.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department are investigating the case. Trial Attorney John S. Han of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Molsen of the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case.
Plattsmouth Man Receives 20 years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert Stuart announced that Cody R. Childers, 21, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, was sentenced Friday in federal court in Omaha for Producing Child Pornography. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Childers to twenty years imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, he will begin a ten-year term of supervised release under the supervision of the United States Probation Office. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Childers used Facebook to friend minor girls in and outside of Nebraska. He would request sexually explicit photographs from the minors. The three girls in Nebraska were between the ages of 13 and 15 when he obtained sexually explicit photos from them. He also directed minors in other states to take and send sexually explicit photos to him.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol. The investigation began as a cybertip from Facebook.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on July 21, 2017, Fausto Alejandro Maldonado, 29, of Lincoln, was sentenced to five years (60 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Maldonado will serve four years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that between January of 2015 and April of 2016, Maldonado was responsible for the distribution of at least 200 grams (approximately seven ounces) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
July Grand JuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 24 indictments charging 26 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 Efrain Marin Aranda, age 33, of Chicago, Illinois and Juan Jose Silva Castaneda, age 34, of Waukeegan, Illinois, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture containing cocaine on or about July 6, 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.
* Juan Barrera-Yerbabuena, age 31, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 21, 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.
* Miguel Barrera-Yerbabuena, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about June 21, 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.
* Alejandro Camacho-Perez, age 34, of Scottsbluff, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 25, 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.
* Esteban Carreto-Lopez, age 38, of Hastings, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October 30, 2012. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Luis Castillo De La Rosa, age 31, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October 30, 2012. 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 Ceja, age 35, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about January 15, 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.
* Daniel Escobar-Marroquin, a/k/a A.W.R, age 36, of Schuyler, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with fraudulent use of a social security number on or about January 5, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Escobar-Marroquin with false representation of U.S. Citizenship on or about January 5, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Francisco Espinoza-Lopez, age 31, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 19, 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.
* Jaime Eduardo Galvez Rivera, age 46, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about July 14, 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.
* Kaylee A. Taylor, age 33, and Joseph S. Hamilton, age 35, 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 methamphetamine beginning on or about November, 2016, and continuing to on or about April, 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 Taylor and Hamilton with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about April 18, 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.
* Angela Hernandez, age 40, of Plattsmouth, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about May 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.
* Agustin Herrera Mora, age 42, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about July 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.
* Nichollas Troy Johnson, age 24, of Harwood North Dakota, is charged with transportation of a minor for the purpose of sexual activity on or about July 10, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Christian Jerrad LaPointe, age 26, of Winnebago, is charged with sexual abuse with an incapable victim on or about June, 25, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Julian Lara-Arellano , age 41, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 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.
* Ivan Leon-Vega, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about June 30, 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.
* Norberto Malagon-Vega, age 41, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 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.
* Justin Montello, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with interference with federally protected activity on or about August 8, 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 Montello with threatening interstate communication on or about August 8, 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.
* Jose Guadalupe Palma-Ceballos, age 33, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction 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.
* Manuel Portillo-Choto, age 33, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction 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.
* Chaz Corleone Santangelo, age 40, 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 500 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about December, 2015, and continuing to on or about December 2, 2016. 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 Santangelo with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about December 2, 2016. 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.
* Stanley Lee White, Jr., a/k/a “Ironboy”, age 50, of Niobrara, Nebraska, is charged with abusive sexual contact between on or about March 20, 2015, and on or about March 19, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Eric Wooding, age 40, 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 of methamphetamine beginning on or about September, 2011 and continuing to on or about February, 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 Wooding with possession with intent to distribute a mixture of methamphetamine on or about January 7, 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.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on July 7, 2017, Nicole Lynn Mount, 34, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Mount will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that between June of 2014 and July of 2016, Mount was responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area. In March of 2016, Mount and an associate were contacted by the Lincoln Police Department, and they were found in possession of a total of approximately 3 ⅔ ounces of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Columbus Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Michael W. Kruse, 69, of Columbus, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 4 years in prison by United States Senior District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for possession of child pornography. In addition to his prison term, Kruse will be required to serve 5 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.
In October of 2015, an investigator with the Columbus Police Department received information from an investigator with the Nebraska State Attorney General’s Office that they were monitoring an IP address that was assigned to a residence in Columbus, Nebraska. This IP address reflected that a computer using the address had files available for sharing and downloading that were considered child pornography. The investigator from the Attorney General’s Office was able to download numerous video files which contained child pornography. The Columbus Police Department issued a subpoena to the IP provider and determined that it was assigned to Kruse at his residence in Columbus, Platte County, Nebraska.
A search warrant was executed at Kruse’s residence and officers made contact with Kruse who admitted to using a file sharing program to download child pornography. Later forensic investigation of the computers and storage media uncovered over 600 videos and still images of child pornography, including videos of victims known by law enforcement from previous investigations 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 Columbus Police Department and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
Plattsmouth Man Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Mark A. Tincher, age 59, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 26, 2017, by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp to five years of supervised release, a fine of $50,000, and ordered to pay restitution of $833,404.65 to Plattsmouth State Bank. Tincher had previously pled guilty to one count of bank fraud.
From approximately April 1, 2010, to approximately June 2, 2010, Tincher maintained separate checking accounts at Plattsmouth State Bank, Arbor Bank, Murray State Bank and Glenwood State Bank. Tincher conducted a scheme, known as check kiting, whereby he manipulated checks between the four banks to create artificially inflated bank balances through the utilization of float, then used the inflated bank balances for business purposes. When a check is drawn upon an account in one bank, presented for deposit at a second bank, and then transmitted to the bank of origin for payment, there is often a delay of a day or more between the time it was deposited and the time the check was ultimately presented to the bank of origin to be paid from available funds. The bank of origin still shows the money in the account and the bank in which the funds were deposited shows the same amount. That scenario is a float.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Drug Task Forces Honored with Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking (HIDTA) AwardsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska, Robert C. Stuart, announced today that several individuals and drug task forces in Central and Western Nebraska will receive Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking (HIDTA) awards. Midwest HIDTA Director Jeffrey Stamm will be recognizing these individuals on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in North Platte, Nebraska. The presentations will be made at the North Platte City Hall Council Chamber located at 211 W. Third Street.
Each year, the Executive Board of Midwest HIDTA recognizes a few of the many exemplary team and individual members in the Midwest HIDTA Program who have made significant contributions over the past year to reducing drug trafficking in the Midwest HIDTA Region.
The award recipients include many law enforcement officials from the Cooperative Operation for Drug Enforcement (CODE) Drug Task Force, the Western Nebraska Intelligence & Narcotics Group (WING) and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force (CNDSSTF), in addition to Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bunjer.
“This is an incredible honor for these law enforcement officials and task forces that are being recognized by the Midwest HIDTA”, said Acting U.S. Attorney Rob Stuart, “The coordination and cooperation among these agencies and entities is a tremendous tribute to the selfless dedication we see time and time again.”
Award Recipients include:
Outstanding Intelligence AnalystDottie Anderson, Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force
Outstanding Cooperative Effort (Operation Mexican Seafood)CODE Drug Task Force (Cooperative Drug Operations for Enforcement)
WING Drug Task Force (Western Nebraska Intelligence & Narcotics Group)
Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force
June Grand JuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 38 indictments charging 43 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.
* Breck C. Beck, Jr., age 21, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on or about December 15, 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.
* James Burrus, age 26, is charged with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about May 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.
* Erlin Francisco Carrazco-Mendoza, age 35, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about November 3, 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.
* Kortney Cunegin, age 31, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about January 7, 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.
* Eugene Michael Frazier, Sr., a/k/a Eugene Frazier-Green, a/k/a Cubby, age 26, of Winnebago, is charged with Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender on or about January 29, 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.
* Nathan Jandreau, age 32, and Korina Freemont, age 40, of Omaha, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about November 1, 2015, and continuing to on or about April 26, 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 Jandreau 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. Count III of the Indictment charges Freemont 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.
* David Garcia-Colimote, age 35, of Lexington, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 29, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jhovani Gomez-Garcia, age 32, of Columbus, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about June 13, 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.
* Trevon Green, age 19, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana on or about January 7, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 2 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Green with use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Curtis Holmes, Jr., age 25, of Omaha, is charged with distribution of a mixture containing crack cocaine on or about October 27, 2016. 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.
* Gerardo Infante Aranda, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 10, 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.
* Sidney Jackson, age 26, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana or about November 10, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 2 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Jackson with use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about December 6, 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.
* Creighton Jones, age 24, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture containing crack cocaine or about March 14, 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 Jones with use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm 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.
* Loren Williams, age 26, is charged with transferring a firearm to a prohibited person on or about May 16, 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.
* Rodney Lillard, age 32, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about May 30, 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 Lorenzo-Urbina, age 30, of Omaha, is charged with illegal alien in possession of a firearm on or about May 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.
* Francisca Lugo, age 58, of Kearney, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about June 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.
* Daniel Martinez Brito, age 47, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about May 15, 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 Martinez Roman, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 15, 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.
* Cary McCarty, age 27, of Lincoln, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I, II and III of the Indictment charge the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 8, 2016, May 18, 2011, on or about November 29, 2016, and on or about January 18, 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 for each count.
* Londy Montepeque, age 37, of Omaha, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 23, 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. Count II of the Indictment charges Montepeque with false representation of a social security number on or about April 6, 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. Count III of the Indictment charges Montepeque with false representation of U.S. Citizenship on or about April 6, 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.
Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Card knowing that the document was not issued lawfully for his use on or about April 6, 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 De Jesus Nava-Leanos, a/k/a Jose Blanco-Campos, a/k/a Jose Alvarez-Gutierres, age 58, of Mullen, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about May 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.
* Lynell Noble, Jr., age 24, is charged with transferring a firearm to a prohibited person on or about December 8, 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.
* Pedro Orozco-Montes, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 25, 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.
* Desiderio Pablo-Pablo, age 32, of Lexington, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 14, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Michael Perez-Barrios, age 26, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about May 19, 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.
* Otto Rene Pojoy-Garcia, age 38, of Crete, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 13, 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 Ramos, age 33, 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 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about July, 2016, and continuing to on or about November 4, 2016. 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 Ramos with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about November 6, 2016. 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.
* Andres Ramos Ramos, age 29, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 31, 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.
* Terrance Robinson, age 20, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana on or about November 17, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 2 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Robinson with use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Diana Rodriguez-Lopez, age 23, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendant with distribution of a mixture containing cocaine on or about October 25, 2016 and on or about November 8, 2016. 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 for each count
* Wilson Secadia-Garcia, age 33, of Lincoln, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about May 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 Secadia-Garcia with failure to register as a sex offender beginning on or about December 30, 2015, and continuing to on or about May 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.
* Traynell D. Toney, age 24, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendant with bank robbery on or about June 2, 2017 and on or about June 9, 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.
* Blanca Avila De Vega, age 43, of Phoenix; Melissa Vega, age 19, of Phoenix; Alejandro Buendia-Ramirez, age 33, of Omaha; Carlos Alberto Valquier, age 19, of Omaha; and Alfredo Valquier, age 21, of Omaha, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about March 1, 2016, and continuing to on or about June 7, 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.
* Domingo Velasquez-Domingo, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 6, 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.
* Kendall Williams, age 22, is charged with transferring a firearm to a prohibited person on or about April 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.
* Irene E. Worman, age 62, of Red Cloud, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with theft of government funds beginning in or around November, 2010, and continuing until in or around April, 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. Counts II-IV of the Indictment charge Worman with allegedly making false statements for use in determining Supplemental Security Income Payments on or about December 2, 2014, on or about September 10, 2015, and on or about November 30, 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 for each count.
* Domingo Velasquez-Domingo, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 6, 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.* Kendall Williams, age 22, is charged with transferring a firearm to a prohibited person on or about April 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.
* Irene E. Worman, age 62, of Red Cloud, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with theft of government funds beginning in or around November, 2010, and continuing until in or around April, 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. Counts II-IV of the Indictment charge Worman with allegedly making false statements for use in determining Supplemental Security Income Payments on or about December 2, 2014, on or about September 10, 2015, and on or about November 30, 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 for each count.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Richard Floyd Sandoval, 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 10 years in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for possession of child pornography. In addition to the prison sentence, Sandoval will also serve an additional 15 years on supervised release and will continue to be required to register as a sex offender. Sandoval was already a registered sex offender after being convicted of Sexual Assault of a Child in Lincoln County, Nebraska, in December of 2001.
In May of 2016, the Lincoln Police Department was investigating computers sharing child pornography files via the internet. On that date, an investigator identified an IP address having files available for sharing and he was able to download child pornography over a three-day period. A subpoena was served on the internet service provider and determined that the IP address was registered to Sandoval’s apartment in Lincoln, Nebraska. Investigators then executed a search warrant at Sandoval’s residence. During that search, investigators found a laptop computer in a bedroom on which they were able to locate files depicting sexually explicit conduct involving children under the age of 18 years old. A later forensic investigation revealed 92 videos in a download folder of the user profile and approximately 66 videos of child pornography in the recycle bin and 38 deleted videos.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.
Crips Gang Member Sentenced to Eight Years for Racketeering Conspiracy in NebraskaRead the Press Release
Today, a violent member of the Omaha-area Crips Gang was sentenced to eight years in prison, and five years of supervised release, for participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving acts of violence including attempted murder and assaults and drug distribution, 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.
Gregory Bahati, aka “Pooh Bear,” aka “Murk 2x,” 22, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, one count of threatening violence in aid of racketeering, and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to the plea agreement, Bahati admitted to conspiring to conduct and participate in the affairs of the Omaha-area chapter of the Crips, known as the “40th Avenue Crips” and “44th Avenue Crips,” through a pattern of racketeering activity. As part of the plea agreement, Bahati admitted to personally committing acts of violence and distributing cocaine for the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. According to the plea, these acts of violence included the assault of an individual for making statements disrespecting the gang and threatening violence with a gun toward another victim.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department are investigating the case. Trial Attorney John S. Han of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Molsen of the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case.
Crips Gang Member Sentenced to Eight Years for Racketeering Conspiracy in NebraskaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, a violent member of the Omaha-area Crips Gang was sentenced to eight years in prison and five years of supervised release for participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving acts of violence including attempted murder and assaults and drug distribution, 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.
Gregory Bahati, aka “Pooh Bear,” aka “Murk 2x,” 22, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, one count of threatening violence in aid of racketeering, and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to the plea agreement, Bahati admitted to conspiring to conduct and participate in the affairs of the Omaha-area chapter of the Crips, known as the “40th Avenue Crips” and “44th Avenue Crips,” through a pattern of racketeering activity. As part of the plea agreement, Bahati admitted to personally committing acts of violence and distributing cocaine for the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. According to the plea, these acts of violence included the assault of an individual for making statements disrespecting the gang and threatening violence with a gun toward another victim.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department are investigating the case. Trial Attorney John S. Han of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Molsen of the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Christopher Rueter, 46, of Lincoln, Nebraska, to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography.
On August 8, 2016, while reviewing data for Peer-to-Peer investigations, Investigators of the Lincoln Police Department observed an IP address making known child pornography files available for sharing. Further investigation revealed that an Investigator for the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office had made a previous direct connection with this same IP address and downloaded 549 files, many files depicting child pornography.
Investigation by LPD determined that Time Warner was the Internet Service Provider for the IP address used and the physical location of the user assigned the IP address was defendant’s residence in Lincoln, Nebraska. On August 16, 2016, a search warrant was executed on defendant’s residence. Defendant admitted to using BitTorrent file sharing and downloading child pornography and child erotica. Investigators performed an on-scene preview of defendant’s computer, which revealed multiple child pornography images. Seized from the location were numerous computers, external hard drives, and thumb drive devices. A complete forensic examination was completed on the seized desktop computer. Both child erotica and child pornography files were found along with more than 1500 image files of child pornography, including several image files of prepubescent minors and children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Several of the image files are of minors whose identity has been confirmed by law enforcement.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.
California Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on Thursday, June 15, 2017, Robert L. Mayfield, originally of Sacramento, California, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine after a three-day trial. Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2017.
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. Harris was arrested and made a number of recorded calls from the Lancaster County Jail to Mayfield during which Mayfield told Harris not to talk to law enforcement.
Harris was indicted in a separate case and pled guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. He was sentenced to a total of 97 months in prison in September of 2015. Tiara Blanco-Liggins, who was also in the apartment at the time of the search pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana and was sentenced to 51 months in prison in January of 2016.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
California Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Launder MoneyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on Thursday, June 8, 2017, Marisela Pescador., 39, of Moreno Valley, California, was sentenced to four years of probation for conspiracy to commit money laundering. As part of the sentence of probation, Pescador will be required to serve six months on home confinement and will be incarcerated for 16 weekends or 2-day time-periods.
Pescador pled guilty to the charge in February of 2016. Information obtained by law enforcement indicated that between April and September of 2011, Pescador was involved with other persons in laundering proceeds of methamphetamine sales, which occurred in Lincoln, Nebraska, through bank accounts in the names of Pescador, her children, her husband’s landscaping business, and bank accounts in the names of persons associated with a co-conspirator. Money from methamphetamine sales was deposited in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Pescador and other persons would withdraw the money from the bank accounts in California.
On Monday, June 5, 2017, Pescador’s husband and co-defendant, Sergio Valencia, Sr., was sentenced to 160 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to money launder.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Former Bellevue Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Kyle Brenner, 56, formerly from Bellevue, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 5, 2017 in federal court in Omaha for receiving child pornography. Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Brenner to five years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Brenner will be required to serve five years of supervised release.
A search warrant was executed on Brenner’s home in 2009 and various computers were seized. Shortly after the search was completed, Brenner left the United States and obtained employment in London. He was extradited back to the United States in 2016.
Brenner was identified following a nationwide investigation by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) into the production and distribution of child pornography. The investigation revealed that Brenner used his credit card to purchase a subscription for access to a website which provided child pornography. He then accessed the site to download child pornography to his computer in Bellevue, Nebraska. A forensic evaluation of his computer revealed 39 video files and 165 saved image files containing child pornography.
This case was investigated by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations. “Today’s conviction is yet another example that HSI special agents will use every available means to identify, track down and bring to justice criminals like Kyle Brenner,” said Special Agent in Charge Alex Khu of HSI St. Paul. “The professionalism and dedication shown by our agents in Nebraska are outstanding examples of the work we do every day to protect the children of our nation.”
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.
California Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Money Launder and Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on Monday, June 5, 2017, Sergio Valencia, Sr., 41, of Moreno Valley, California, was sentenced to two concurrent terms of 13 years and four months (160 months) in prison for conspiracy to money launder and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Valencia will serve three years on supervised release.
Valencia was convicted by a federal jury in Lincoln in July of 2016. Evidence presented at trial showed Valencia was involved in a scheme to transport methamphetamine from California to Lincoln, Nebraska for resale. Proceeds of drug sales in Nebraska were deposited into bank accounts belonging to Valencia’s landscaping business, his wife, and other family members along with accounts belonging to family members of one of Valencia’s co-conspirators. The approximate time-frame was between April and September of 2011 for the money laundering conspiracy and between January of 2010 and June of 2013 for the drug conspiracy.
Valencia’s wife and co-defendant, Marisela Pescador, pled guilty to conspiracy to money launder and is scheduled for sentencing on June 8, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on May 30, 2017, Brendan Kelly Gregg, 32, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 14 years (168 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Gregg will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that between February of 2015 and March of 2016, Gregg was responsible for the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area. On September 30, 2015, Gregg was contacted by a Lincoln Police officer and was found to be in possession of two and one-half grams of methamphetamine and a pistol, which Gregg said belonged to his father.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Alien Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Jose Manuel Garcia Vargas, 41, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha on May 26, 2017, for receiving child pornography. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Garcia Vargas to five years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will be deported to Mexico. Should he return to the United States, he will be subject to a 10-year term of supervised release and required to register as a sex offender.
A search warrant was executed on Garcia Vargas’s home on February 16, 2016. He admitted to receiving child pornography during Skype chats. He admitted to soliciting images from young girls and requesting that they be sexually explicit. A forensic review of his computers confirmed the Skype chats. Although no child pornography was recovered from the computer, one image of child pornography had been intercepted by his internet service provider.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on May 24, 2017, Carl Anthony Mangiameli, 52, of Omaha, was sentenced to 18 years and four months (220 months) in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Mangiameli will serve five years on supervised release.
On August 28, 2015, Mangiameli was contacted by Lincoln Narcotics officers at a Lincoln truck stop. He was found to be in possession of 53 grams of pure methamphetamine and over $2000 in cash. Mangiameli admitted selling methamphetamine since 1999 and said he had gone to the truck stop to collect money from one of his methamphetamine customers and possibly sell additional methamphetamine to that person. Under the federal sentencing guidelines, Mangiameli was determined to be a career offender as a result of two prior Pottawattamie County, Iowa felony drug convictions and a 2005 federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in the District of Nebraska. This resulted in a substantial enhancement to his sentencing range.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Randy Arnold, 51, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for receiving child pornography. Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Arnold to 84 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Arnold will begin a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. Arnold was also ordered to pay restitution of $700.00 to a specific identified victim.
On June 12, 2016, the Omaha Police Department was called to Arnold’s home. A thumb drive was provided to the police. A search warrant was obtained to thoroughly search the drive for child pornography. A total of 74 videos of minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, many with children in the seven- to nine-year-old range, were found on the drive. The drive belonged to Arnold.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Nebraska Woman Sentenced for Involvement in Income Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on May 22, 2017, Kathy L. Hansen, 36, of Gresham, Nebraska, was sentenced for her involvement in an income tax scheme. The Honorable Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Hansen to a three (3) year term of probation. Hansen was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $11,557.
An investigation conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation determined that in 2014 Hansen opened a bank account used for the deposit of illegally obtained federal tax refunds. The illegally obtained federal tax refunds were deposited as part of a tax refund scheme being operated by individuals believed to be located outside of the United States. After the federal tax refunds were deposited into her account, Hansen would send the money to individuals operating the scheme believed to be located outside of the United States. “Individuals should think twice before participating in fraudulent tax schemes and be prepared to face the consequences,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Those consequences include being branded a convicted felon and paying back what was stolen from the government.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Crips Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy in NebraskaRead the Press Release
A violent member of the Omaha-area Crips Gang pleaded guilty today to participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving acts of violence including attempted murder and assaults, witness tampering and drug distribution, 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.
Dionte Dortch, aka “Killa Tay,” 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon of the District of Nebraska to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, one count of witness tampering, one count of attempted obstruction of justice and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. As part of his guilty plea, Dortch has agreed to be sentenced to 20 years in prison. The sentencing hearing for Dortch is scheduled for Aug. 23, 2017.
According to the plea agreement, Dortch admitted to conspiring to conduct and participate in the affairs of the Omaha-area chapter of the Crips, known as the “40th Avenue Crips” and “44th Avenue Crips,” through a pattern of racketeering activity. As part of the plea agreement, Dortch admitted to personally committing acts of violence for the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. These acts of violence included the hiring of a hitman to kill a potential witness, the shooting and attempted murder of four individuals believed to be associated with a rival gang and using threats of violence to prevent a witness from testifying before a federal grand jury, according to the plea.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department are investigating the case. Trial Attorney John S. Han of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Molsen of the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Mail FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that Benedict T. Palen, Jr., age 63, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced for his conviction on one count of mail fraud. United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced Palen on May 5, 2017 to a term of probation of five years. Palen was further ordered to perform 200 hours of community service and to pay the remaining unpaid restitution in the amount of $2,500.
In September of 2012, Palen, acting through his company, Great Plains Farms, sold a John Deere tractor to an individual in Holdrege, Nebraska for $45,000 representing it to be free and clear of liens. A $20,000 check was mailed to Palen as a down payment. On the same date, Palen sold the same tractor to an individual in North Dakota. Further investigation revealed that not only was there a lien against the tractor by a bank in Kansas, but the same tractor had actually been sold in 2011 by the defendant, as vice-president of Pull Pans, Inc., to a company in Florida. When Palen had not delivered the tractor to the Holdrege buyer by April of 2013, Palen claimed there was a discrepancy in the number of hours on the tractor and modified the agreement to provide for delivery of a different John Deere tractor thereby causing the buyer to mail a $25,000 check to Palen for the remaining amount due. However, this alternate tractor had also been sold in 2011 by Palen, as vice-president of Pull Pans, Inc., to the Florida company.
In November of 2013, Palen acting through his company, Great Plains Farms, sold a different John Deere tractor to an individual in Bertrand, Nebraska, but did not deliver it after receiving a down payment of the purchase price. This tractor also had been previously sold by Palen, as vice-president of Pull Pans, Inc. to the Florida company.
This case was investigated by the Postal Inspection Service.
"The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to protect the integrity of the US Mail and aggressively investigate individuals such as Benedict Palen who use the mail to defraud individuals or businesses of money and property," said Craig Goldberg, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, which covers Nebraska. "We want the public to know that Postal Inspectors will aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to use the Postal Service to facilitate such frauds and we will not allow the US Mail to be used to commit crimes."
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Po Kwe, 31, formerly of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 3, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 15 months in prison by United States Senior District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for receipt and possession of an unregistered firearm. In addition to serving his prison sentence, Kwe will also serve 3 years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment.
On May 6, 2016, Nebraska Conversation Officers made contact with Kwe at a campsite on a Water Management Area in Pawnee County and observed various fishing violations. Officers made contact with Kwe at the campsite and the two conservation officers were given verbal consent to search a tent. Officers found a rifle and a silencer in the tent. The silencer had been removed from the rifle barrel. Kwe stated the tent and the rifle were his.
The rifle and the silencer were given to the DEA and sent to ATF for a determination that this was in fact a silencer and firearm under federal law. Kwe was not registered to have a silencer.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska Conservation Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives.
California Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and HeroinRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney, Robert C. Stuart, announced that on May 4, 2017, Musa J. Harris, 27, of Oakland, California, was sentenced to five years and ten months (70 months) in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin between November of 2012 and April of 2015. Information obtained by law enforcement indicated that in the fall of 2013, Musa Harris was involved in the distribution of at least five kilograms (11 pounds) of methamphetamine and approximately one kilogram of heroin. Following the prison term, Musa Harris will serve three years on supervised release.
Musa Harris’s brother, Isa M. Harris, was sentenced on March 10, 2017, to 11 years and eight months (140 months) in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release for his participation in the same conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Indictments Unsealed Against Arapahoe Man and Tennessee Man Charging Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Misprision of FelonyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that an indictment has been unsealed charging Anthony Todd Weverka, age 54 of Arapahoe, Nebraska, with Misprision of Felony. The charge alleges Weverka knew of the existence of felony offenses, specifically Solicitation to Commit a Crime of Violence and Attempted Kidnapping, and did not disclose them to authorities, and concealed those offenses through affirmative acts. The charge carries a possible penalty of up 3 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. Weverka was taken into custody by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Monday, May 1, 2017, in Arapahoe. His initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Cheryl Zwart is scheduled for May 2, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Lincoln, Nebraska.
According to the indictment, Weverka served as the President of the Arapahoe Airport Board. In that capacity, he met an individual, referred to in the indictment as “M.P.”, who flew a plane to the airport and asked to spend the night on the premises. The man was a fugitive from justice after having failed to appear for trial on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm in Tipton County, Tennessee. The indictment also alleges the man represented himself to be an ambassador and associate chief justice of the Chilcotin Nation in British Columbia, Canada. The man was arrested at the airport by federal, state and local law enforcement authorities.
Following his arrest, M.P. was transported to the Furnas County Jail in Beaver City, Nebraska, where he was held pending extradition to the State of Tennessee. The indictment alleges that another individual, referred to as “S.H.” in the indictment, and holding herself out as the Chief Justice of the Universal Supreme Court of the Tshilhqot’in Nation, (USCTN), a self-proclaimed body purporting to represent the “country” of Chilcotin, issued orders demanding the release of M.P.. When her court “orders” were ignored, the indictment alleges she contacted a bounty hunter in New Orleans, Louisiana, and offered to pay to have the bounty hunter break M.P. out of jail, arrest the Sheriff of Furnas County and the presiding Judge in Tipton County, Tennessee, and transport all of them to Canada where the Sheriff and Judge would face purported criminal charges.
The indictment alleges Weverka learned of the plot to take the Sheriff of Furnas County into custody and did not immediately disclose the same to law enforcement authorities. It further alleges Weverka spoke repeatedly with the woman in Canada holding herself out as the Chief Justice of the USCTN and, further, that he supplied the home address of the Sheriff to her. After learning of the plot, it is alleged Weverka warned the Sheriff that his life might be in danger but did not disclose his full knowledge of the planned abduction. The indictment alleges Weverka committed the crime of Misprision of Felony by concealing the crime through false statements, omissions of material facts and continuing to provide assistance to those whom he believed were involved in the plot.
In a separate indictment, Michael Wayne Parsons, age 55 of Arlington, Tennessee, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Specifically, it alleges Parsons, after conviction of the felony offense of aggravated assault on November 23, 2009, in the Circuit Court of Tipton County, Tennessee, was located in Nebraska on January 11, 2017, while in possession of a Rock River 5.56 LAR-15 assault rifle and 637 rounds of ammunition. The charge carries a possible penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both. Parsons is currently in custody in the State of Tennessee awaiting trial of other charges.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Furnas County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Nebraska State Patrol and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
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.
Indictment Unsealed Against Michael ShirleyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced an indictment was unsealed against Michael Shirley, 55, of Doniphan, Nebraska. The Indictment charges Shirley with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine in September 2016.
Shirley faces a maximum possible penalty, if convicted, of 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4-year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for each count.
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.
This case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Falsely Applying for PassportRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on Friday, April 21, 2017, United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Kayne Farquharson, 32, of Omaha, Nebraska, to 21 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release after he pled guilty to making a false statement on a passport application. Farquharson was also ordered to pay $18,809.00 in restitution in connection with some credit he had obtained in a fraudulent identity.
On or about May 28, 2014, the defendant, identifying himself as a person with the initials, T. L. M., submitted an Application for a U.S. Passport at the Passport Acceptance Office, in Grand Island, Nebraska. As proof of identity, Farquharson presented a Nebraska driver’s license in the name of T. L. M. and as proof of citizenship, a Florida birth certificate in the name of T. L. M. Farquharson also listed on the passport application his occupation as a “football player” and his employer as the Nebraska Danger, a professional indoor football team based in central Nebraska. A United States passport was issued on June 3, 2014 in the name of T. L. M. and mailed to the address listed on the passport application in Grand Island, Nebraska. Photos were compared and it was determined that the person who submitted the application for the passport was indeed Farquharson. Further investigation revealed that Farquharson and T.L.M. knew each other at the time Farquharson applied for the passport.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on April 14, 2017, Jason John Kahler, 42, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 14 years (168 months) in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between January of 2014, and January of 2016. Information obtained by law enforcement indicated that during that timeframe, Kahler was involved in the distribution of at least 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area. Following the prison term, Kahler will serve five years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Lincoln Mother and Son Convicted of 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, March 28, 2017, co-defendants Allen E. Peithman, Jr., Sharon A. Elder, and their corporations, Cornerstone Plaza, Inc., and AEP Properties, L.L.C., were each convicted of at least one crime after a three-week-long jury trial. Peithman, his mother, Elder, and their respective corporations operated two “head shops” in Lincoln. They operated Dirt Cheap between October of 2013 and August of 2015, and Island Smokes between September of 2014 and April of 2015. In April of 2015, a number of drug overdoses were attributed to the sale of “potpourri” in Lincoln. Island Smokes was selling “potpourri,” also known as “K2” during that time. This led to the execution of a search warrant in April of 2015 during which over 500 packets of “potpourri” and hundreds of pieces of drug paraphernalia were seized. In August of 2015, a search warrant was served at Dirt Cheap, and additional drug paraphernalia was seized.
Peithman was convicted of conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia; investment of drug proceeds; conspiracy to distribute misbranded substances; conspiracy to commit mail fraud; conspiracy to structure financial transactions; and commission of an offense while on supervised release. Peithman’s corporation, AEP Properties, L.L.C., was also convicted of the conspiracy to structure. Elder and her corporation, Cornerstone Plaza, Inc., were convicted of conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia; investment of drug proceeds; conspiracy to distribute misbranded substances; conspiracy to commit mail fraud; and conspiracy to structure.
After the verdict was returned, additional evidence was presented, and the jury was instructed with respect to consideration of forfeiture allegations seeking forfeiture of real estate, cars, bank accounts, and products used in the above-listed crimes. On March 29, 2017, the jury returned a verdict forfeiting the business checking account for Cornerstone Plaza, Inc., as well as all the misbranded drugs and drug paraphernalia seized from the businesses. The Indictment also included an allegation that a money judgment should be entered against the defendants, and that matter is set for hearing on April 24, 2017.
The conspiracy to commit mail fraud charge carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Investment of drug proceeds and conspiracy to commit structuring each carry possible penalties of up to 10 years in prison. Conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia and conspiracy to distribute misbranded drugs each carry penalties of up to three years in prison. The crime of committing a felony while on supervised release for which Peithman was convicted carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years consecutive to any other sentence. The corporations face fines of up to $1,000,000 on the structuring conviction. Sentencing for all defendants is scheduled for June 20, 2017.
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. In response to the verdict, Special Agent in Charge William Conway, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office, said,
“Drugs that are produced and distributed outside the FDA’s oversight put consumers at risk of being harmed. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prevent such drugs from reaching the market and to bring to justice those who endanger American consumers by circumventing FDA's regulatory process."
Dunbar Man Sentenced to Ten Years for His Second Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Scott Wellensiek, 43, of Dunbar, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for possessing child pornography. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, Chief Judge, sentenced Wellensiek to 10 years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Wellensiek will begin a 15-year term of supervised release.
Wellensiek was previously convicted of possessing child pornography in federal court in Wyoming. He was sentenced to 7 days of imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release. While on supervised release, he moved to Dunbar, Nebraska.
In September 2016, investigators with the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office downloaded images of child pornography from a computer at Wellensiek’s residence. A search warrant was executed on October 3, 2016. Wellensiek admitted to downloading child pornography while on supervised release for a child pornography offense. He deleted the child pornography after downloading and viewing. The images downloaded by law enforcement from Wellensiek’s computer involved prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with adults.
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.
Nebraska Man Sentenced in Wire Fraud and Tax CasesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on March 23, 2017, United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Alan Ostrander, 45 years old of Omaha, Nebraska, to five years’ probation following his guilty pleas to criminal charges of wire fraud and willful failure to file tax returns. The federal prosecution stemmed from actions by Mr. Ostrander while he managed the Big Drive Cattle feed yard near Fullerton NE during 2009 and 2010. Ostrander must pay restitution of $27,876 to Elkhorn Valley Packing for selling its cattle but not paying over to it the proceeds of the sale, and must pay restitution of $20,800 to the former owners of Big Drive Cattle for converting its funds to his own use. Ostrander must also cooperate with the Internal Revenue Service in the determination, calculation, and collection of taxes owed by him for the years 2009 and 2010.
“The term voluntary compliance means that each of us is responsible for filing a tax return when required and for paying the correct amount of tax,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation for Nebraska. “This responsibility should not be taken lightly.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.
Seward Man Sentenced for Clean Air Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Patrick Keough, 59, of Seward, Nebraska, was sentenced Monday in federal court in Omaha on two counts of violating the Clean Air Act. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Keough to six months’ imprisonment. After his release from prison, he will begin a one-year term of supervised release.
Keough is the owner of America’s Fiberglass Animals (AFA). AFA uses gel coats and Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) paints to manufacture fiberglass animals. The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) determined that AFA required a construction permit and fabric filters in the manufacturing area to operate its business. Keough continued to operate his business in Shelton, Nebraska, without securing a permit or installing fabric filters. He then moved the business to Minden, Nebraska, without advising NDEQ and without securing the required permit. The business continued to operate without fabric filters
This case was investigated by United States Environmental Protection Agency Region VII. The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality assisted with the investigation.
Virginia Man Sentenced for Cyber StalkingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on March 10, 2017, Richard Killebrew, 37, of Newport News, Virginia, was sentenced for the crime of Cyber Stalking. The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., United States District Court Judge, sentenced Killebrew to a 41-month term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Killebrew will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years.
A law enforcement investigation determined that between at least March, 2016, and July, 2016, Killebrew repeatedly used a computer and cell phone to send threatening messages to victims located in the District of Nebraska and elsewhere. In March, 2016, Killebrew used a cell phone to send a text message to a victim located in the District of Nebraska, which contained death threats. Between March, 2016, and July, 2016, Killebrew also posted numerous death threats directed at victims, located in Nebraska and elsewhere, on an internet blog. Phone and internet records obtained by law enforcement confirmed Killebrew had made the threats while he was located in Virginia.
After determining these threats were made by Killebrew, law enforcement arrested him at his residence in Newport News, Virginia. Killebrew was transported back to the District of Nebraska, where he was eventually convicted in the United States District Court, District of Nebraska, for the crime of Cyber Stalking.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Omaha Police Department.
Plattsmouth Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Mark A. Tincher, age 59 of Plattsmouth, pleaded guilty today to an Information charging him with one count of bank fraud, before the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
From approximately April 1, 2010, to approximately June 2, 2010, Tincher maintained separate checking accounts at Plattsmouth State Bank, Arbor Bank, Murray State Bank and Glenwood State Bank. Tincher conducted a scheme, known as check kiting, whereby he manipulated checks between the four banks to create artificially inflated bank balances through the utilization of float, then used the inflated bank balances for business purposes. When a check is drawn upon an account in one bank, presented for deposit at a second bank, and then transmitted to the bank of origin for payment, there is often a delay of a day or more between the time it was deposited and the time the check was ultimately presented to the bank of origin to be paid from available funds. The bank of origin still shows the money in the account and the bank in which the funds were deposited shows the same amount. That scenario is a float. Plattsmouth State Bank lost approximately $700,000.00 and Glenwood State Bank lost approximately $90,000.00 as part of Tincher’s scheme.
Sentencing has been set for June 12, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Robbery and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert Stuart announced that Robert M. Brannon, age 27, of Omaha, was sentenced today by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp after having previously pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by means of robbery and felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 6 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release when his incarceration ends. He was also ordered to pay $3,139.82 in restitution.
On January 10, 2016, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Brannon entered the Dunkin Donuts at 10611 Fort Street, carrying what appeared to be a gun, and demanded the two employees open the safe. When they told him they couldn’t open it, he took approximately $150.00 from the cash registers. He then directed them to get in the freezer and closed the door behind them. They were able to call 911 and Omaha Police officers responded a short time later. Both employees were unharmed. Brannon was arrested two days later and had a different firearm in his possession. He had been convicted in Douglas County District Court in 2011 of delivery of a controlled substance, a felony. Felons are prohibited from possessing firearms.
Brannon was also believed to be involved in a December 23, 2015, robbery of the Dunkin Donuts at 2520 Old Cheney Road, in Lincoln and a December 27, 2015, robbery of the 10730 Q Street Dunkin Donuts in Omaha. There was insufficient evidence to charge him with those robberies but as part of Brannon’s guilty plea to the Fort Street robbery, he agreed to pay restitution for all three. Brannon had previously worked at the Lincoln and Q Street Dunkin Donuts locations prior to the robberies.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Lisa R. Holmes, age 42 of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 6, 2017, by Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp. On December 5, 2016, Ms. Holmes entered a plea of guilty to tax fraud. Ms. Holmes was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a one-year term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $48,833.00.
Ms. Holmes was a tax preparer. She created false Schedules C for several clients over a several year time span. In the false Schedules C, Ms. Holmes provided information that the clients had business income that they did not truly have. As a result of the falsification, the clients received a higher tax refund than they would have otherwise been entitled to receive. “While most return preparers provide excellent service to their clients, a few dishonest tax preparers file false and fraudulent returns to defraud the government, the taxpaying public and their own clients,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Taxpayers should be selective in choosing a return preparer, and have confidence knowing that person will prepare accurate tax returns and safeguard their financial information.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations unit.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Frank L. Tonini, 31, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 56 months in prison and ordered to pay $5,000.00 in restitution, by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for possessing child pornography. After serving his prison sentence, Tonini will be required to serve 5 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.
In October of 2015 investigators identified Tonini’s IP address as sharing child pornography and obtained a search warrant for his Lincoln residence. During the execution of the search warrant, Tonini was contacted by investigators and admitted to using his computer to download child pornography. A later forensic exam of his computer revealed at least 200 videos of child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
Omaha Man Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on February 27, 2017, Jesus Rivera Cruz of Omaha, Nebraska, age 41, pled guilty to one (1) count of filing a false tax return before the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, Chief United States District Court Judge. An investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division determined that the defendant, the owner of Rivera’s Mexican Food, a restaurant in Omaha, failed to report a significant portion of his gross receipts for the tax years 2010, 2011 and 2012. As a result of this failure to report said receipts, the United States suffered a tax loss of approximately $105, 029.
As part of the plea agreement the defendant has agreed to make full restitution to the government. Additionally, the defendant faces a term of incarceration of up to three years, a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of up to one year. Sentencing is set for May 26, 2017. According to Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division Karl Stiften, “We should not forget that the ultimate victims in tax fraud cases are those honest taxpayers who diligently file returns and pay their taxes each year”.
Kansas Man Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that James Allan Kappler, Jr., age 61, of Topeka, Kansas, was sentenced today by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp after having previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He was sentenced to 5 years, 3 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release when his incarceration ends. He was also ordered to pay $911,428.99 in restitution.
From 2007 through 2012, Kappler devised a scheme in which he represented to his mother that he was suffering from methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA. MRSA is a staph infection than can become terminal and is resistant to many common antibiotics. Kappler told his mother that he was involved in a study sponsored by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. He told her he needed to pay for all of his medical care and, once his treatment concluded, Pfizer would pay him $5,000,000. He convinced his mother to provide him money to pay for his “medical care.” When Kappler’s mother’s funds were depleted, she sought more money from her sister and friends. In total, Kappler received at least $911,428.99 as part of his scheme. The funds were wired from his mother’s trust account to an account in Topeka.
In praising Judge Smith Camp’s sentence, Ms. Gilg remarked that oftentimes the elderly in our communities are our most vulnerable citizens.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Cameron Ammons, age 24, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced February 8, 2017, by the Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon for attempting to rob a Centris Federal Credit Union branch. He was sentenced to two years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release when his incarceration ends. He had previously pleaded guilty to the charge.
On March 4, 2016, Ammons ran through the first door of the vestibule of the Centris Federal Credit Union, 3537 L. Street, Omaha, at approximately 9:20 a.m. As he approached the second door, the door that allows access into the bank, a uniformed off-duty officer that was working there drew his weapon and chased Ammons, who ran from the bank. Other officers were able to catch and arrest Ammons approximately one-half hour later. Nothing was taken from the bank.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney, Deborah R. Gilg, announced that on February 8, 2017, Julio Luis Rivera, 34, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months, (188 months), for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine between July 3, 2014, and November 11, 2015. He was also given a 14-month sentence for violating the terms of a supervised release order imposed after a prior drug conviction. That sentence will run concurrent with (at the same time as) the 188-month sentence. Following the prison term, Rivera will serve five years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
Information obtained by law enforcement indicated that Rivera was responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams, (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine during that time. Rivera was contacted by Lincoln Police officers, and he was found in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine. On November 11, 2015, Rivera was stopped by Lincoln Police officers and arrested on an outstanding warrant for violating the terms of his supervised release order. At that time, officers found approximately two grams of methamphetamine in his possession. Rivera told officers he was intending to deliver the methamphetamine found in his possession to another person for $40. He said he was acquiring ½ ounce to one ounce of methamphetamine per week and that he had five to six regular methamphetamine customers.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Omaha Woman Pleads Guilty to Misprision of a Felony for Involvement in an Income Tax SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Kathy Hansen, 36, of Ralston, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on Monday, February 6, 2017 to misprision of a felony, relating to her concealment of an income tax scheme. The Honorable Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp presided over the change of plea that was held in Federal District Court. Sentencing has been set for May 1, 2017. Hansen faces up to 3 years’ imprisonment as well as a $250,000 fine.
In 2014 Hansen opened bank accounts with financial institutions resulting in illegally obtained tax refunds, totaling approximately $11,557.00, being deposited into those bank accounts. The tax refunds were obtained as part of a tax refund fraud scheme being operated by individuals believed to be located outside the United States. The funds deposited into the accounts were then sent by Hansen to individuals in Nigeria. The charges allege that Hansen, knowing that a crime was being committed, failed to notify law enforcement of it.
The case was investigated by the Department of the Treasury, Criminal Investigations.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney, Deborah R. Gilg, announced that on February 3, 2017, Travis John Haas, 37, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, (120 months), for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine between April 17, 2015, and November 12, 2015. Following the prison term, Haas will serve five years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
Information obtained by law enforcement indicated that Haas was responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams, (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine during that time. In August of 2015, Haas was contacted by Lincoln Police officers, and he was found in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine. On November 12, 2015, cleaning staff at a Lincoln motel found approximately ¾ ounce of methamphetamine in a make-up bag left behind in a room after Haas and a companion checked out. Haas was contacted by Lincoln Police officers in the motel parking lot after he returned to the motel in an effort to retrieve the methamphetamine. At that time, Haas told officers that he had been selling large quantities of methamphetamine for six to seven months.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Mail FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Benedict T. Palen, Jr., age 63, of Denver, Colorado waived indictment and entered a guilty plea to a one count Information which charged him with mail fraud. Sentencing has been set for May 5, 2017. Under the statute, Palen is subject to a maximum punishment of up to twenty years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.
According to documents filed in the case, in September of 2012, Palen, acting through his company, Great Plains Farms, sold a John Deere tractor to an individual in Holdrege, Nebraska for $45,000 representing it to be free and clear of liens. A $20,000 check was mailed to Palen as a down payment. On the same date, Palen sold the same tractor to an individual in South Dakota. Further investigation revealed that not only was there a lien against the tractor held by a bank in Kansas, but the same tractor had actually been sold in 2011 by the defendant, as vice-president of Pull Pans, Inc., to a company in Florida. When Palen had not delivered the tractor to the Holdrege buyer by April of 2013, Palen claimed there was a discrepancy in the number of hours on the tractor and modified the agreement to provide for delivery of a different John Deere tractor thereby causing the buyer to mail a $25,000 check to Palen for the remaining amount due. However, this alternate tractor had also been sold in 2011 by the defendant, as vice-president of Pull Pans, Inc., to the Florida company.
This case was investigated by the Postal Inspection Service.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on January 30, 2017, Patricia Urbanovsky of Omaha, Nebraska, age 31, was sentenced for sixteen (16) counts of wire fraud. The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, Senior United States District Court Judge, sentenced Urbanovsky to a term of sixty-three (63) months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, Urbanovsky will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. Urbanovsky was also ordered to make restitution totaling almost $4.7 million dollars. Urbanovsky was immediately remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal following the sentencing hearing.
An investigation conducted by the Omaha Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service determined that as a part of a scheme and artifice to defraud, from on or about May 2014, and continuing through on or about at least March 2015, Urbanovsky personally, and through Creative Creations, marketed and promoted the sale of discounted vacation packages and vouchers associated with Southwest Airlines and Southwest Vacations. The investigation determined, however, that actual airline ticket and vacation package costs associated with the sold vouchers were significantly more than the amount a customer paid to purchase the voucher or vacation package.
As the scheme progressed, it was Urbanovsky’s intention that money used to purchase actual airline tickets or vacation packages for early voucher customers would come from money paid in by newer voucher customers. While this practice enabled the continuance of the scheme, it was fundamentally unprofitable as the actual cost of individual airline tickets purchased by Urbanovsky consistently exceeded the cash collected from the corresponding sales of vouchers. In spite of this, Urbanovsky continued to solicit customers by promising vouchers below the market rate.
In furtherance of the scheme, Urbanovsky falsely represented to employees and customers she had a professional relationship with a purported Vice President of Southwest Vacations and that through this individual she was able to receive a discounted price on Southwest Airline tickets. To further the scheme, Urbanovsky created an email account which she used to send emails appearing to be from the purported Vice President of Southwest Vacations. These emails contained false representations suggesting that Urbanovsky was able to receive discounts on flights purchased from Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines had no affiliation with Urbanovsky or Creative Creations.
Square, Incorporated, which was the third party credit card processor for Creative Creations and the primary victim, suffered more than $4.6 million in losses as a result of credit card charge backs from Urbanovsky’s Creative Creations accounts. In total, 9 victims sustained losses totaling almost $4.7 million dollars.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Zechariah Hazard, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 60 months in prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for receipt of child pornography. After his release from prison, Hazard will also serve five years of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
Homeland Security Investigations in Omaha received information that an IP address belonging to Hazard, uploaded an image of child pornography. On July 30, 2015, a search warrant was obtained and served at Hazard’s residence in Omaha, Nebraska. After a forensic examination of Hazard’s computer, Investigators found over 9000 images and video files of child pornography. The files were received and distributed by Hazard from at least December 14, 2014 through July 30, 2015.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of GunRead the Press Release
United States Attorney, Deborah R. Gilg, announced that on January 26, 2017, Cole James Adams, 34, of Lincoln, was sentenced to a total of 18 years (216 months) in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine between January of 2014 and September of 2015 and his possession of a firearm in furtherance of that offense on September 4, 2015. Adams was sentenced to 13 years (156 months) on the drug charge and received a consecutive 5-year sentence (60 months) on the gun charge. Following the prison terms, Adams will serve five years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $200 in special assessments.
Information obtained by law enforcement indicated that Adams was responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area. On September 4, 2015, Adams allowed Lincoln Police officers to search his bedroom. Officers found over 200 grams of methamphetamine, two handguns, 2 shotguns, a scale, and packaging materials. Adams admitted he had been selling methamphetamine, saying he had 10-20 customers, and that he believed some of them were re-selling the methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.