District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Kearney Probation Officer Convicted of Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Thomas Peterson, age 57 of Kearney, Nebraska, was convicted by a federal jury of four counts of violating the civil rights of female probationers under his supervision and one count of lying to the FBI when he submitted to an interview about the matter. Peterson is facing up to nine years in prison. The case was heard before Senior United States District Judge Richard Kopf.
Evidence introduced at trial established that Peterson was a state probation officer with the District 9 probation office in Kearney. He supervised a caseload made up of offenders in need of intensive supervision. The jury heard evidence that from approximately 2010 through January of 2014, Mr. Peterson subjected four female probationers to unsolicited and non-consensual sexual contact. The jury also heard from three other women who had been supervised by Mr. Peterson who reported sexually charged advances or comments from Mr. Peterson but which did not progress to the level of sexual contact. The jury found that Peterson had violated the civil rights of the four probationers by intruding into their constitutional rights to bodily integrity. Sentencing is set for October 20, 2016.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Darion Haynie, age 26, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced for his conviction for being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. Senior United States District Court Judge sentenced Haynie to five years of probation. While on probation, Haynie will be required to serve six months on home confinement.
On July 6, 2015, the Omaha Police Department executed a search warrant at Haynie’s home in Omaha. A Masterpiece Arms 5.7 x 28mm handgun was found in Haynie’s bedroom along with 4.5 grams of marijuana and a marijuana grinder with marijuana residue inside. Haynie admitted ownership of both the gun and the marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Michael Haynie, age 33, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced for his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Senior United States District Court Judge sentenced Haynie to 30 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
On July 6, 2015, the Omaha Police Department executed a search warrant at Haynie’s home in Omaha. A Ruger, Model P95 9mm handgun was found in an automobile in the garage of the home. The Omaha Police Department connected Haynie to the handgun through DNA testing.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Northport Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Wesley A. Roberts, 64, formerly of Northport, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 2 years in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for possession of child pornography. After release from prison, Roberts will also serve a term of 5 years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
Roberts came to the attention of the Nebraska State Patrol based on an investigation initially conducted by the Durango Police Department in Colorado. On December 18, 2013, an officer of the Durango Police Department received a cell phone from a concerned citizen who had stated she had been receiving harassing text messages on her phone. She indicated that the text messages contained possible child pornography and the police department took the phone with the citizen's permission. The phone was reviewed by law enforcement officers of the Durango Police Department and it was determined that text messages had been sent with attachments containing child pornography.
Based on this information, an undercover operation was devised by the Durango Police Department in order to see if the individual sending the text messages and child pornography would continue to send them to an undercover officer, which he did.
In January of 2014, Roberts was contacted by investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol. During an interview with investigators, Roberts stated that when he received pictures of child pornography, he would send those images to other individuals to look at. Roberts allowed an investigator to look at his phone and two different text messages that contained images of child pornography were located.
In all, investigators found 66 images of child pornography on the phone.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Nine Former Winnebago Tribal Council Members IndictedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that the federal grand jury has returned an eleven count indictment against nine former members of the Winnebago Tribal Council. John Blackhawk (age 61), Darwin Snyder (age 49), Thomas Snowball, Jr. (age 55), Louis Houghton (age 69), Lawrence Payer (age 70), Travis Mallory (age 38), Charles Aldrich (age 48), Morgan Earth (age 70), and Ramona Wolfe (age 76) were each charged with conspiracy, theft and misapplication of funds belonging to an Indian gaming establishment, and wire fraud. An arraignment date for each of the defendants will be set by the Clerk of the District Court, but the arraignment hearing is anticipated to be in early August.
A conspiracy conviction is punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. A conviction for theft or misapplication of funds belonging to an Indian gaming establishment is punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. A wire fraud conviction is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000.
According to the Indictment, each defendant received a salary in excess of $80,000 in 2013, and a salary in excess of $87,000 in 2014. Those tribal council salaries had been increased by approximately 35% in February 2013 retroactive to October 1, 2012. Because of the retroactive nature of the salary increase, on February 22, 2013, lump sum distributions were given to the defendants in the following amounts: (a) general members of the tribal council $8,288.56; (b) vice-chairman, secretary, and treasurer $9,945.74; and (c) chairman $11,602.92. Additionally, each of the defendants received five separate bonuses totaling $5,955.62 in 2013, and six separate bonuses totaling $11,019.23 in 2014. The defendants also received additional paychecks for unused vacation time. Defendants Aldrich, Blackhawk, Houghton, Payer, and Snyder also received longevity pay for continuous employment ranging from $3,200 to $5,000 per person per year.
Despite the fact that the defendants had received such large salary and bonus payments from the Winnebago Tribe, the Indictment alleges the defendants devised, executed, and aided and abetted the execution of a plan to receive additional funds directly from the WinneVegas Casino without accounting for same through the payroll department of the Winnebago Tribe and without approving the distribution of such funds at a regular meeting of the Tribal Council. The Indictment further alleges these distributions were contrary to the policies of the Tribe and the casino and that the disbursements were not approved by the Winnebago Gaming Commission.
According to the Indictment, distributions to the defendants were in the form of gift certificates issued by the casino and multiple loads to pre-paid debit cards paid for by the casino. No monies were paid for the issuance of the gift certificates, but the defendants were able to cash them at the casino or otherwise redeem them for merchandise. The total amount of gift certificates issued to the defendants in 2013 and 2014 was $87,000. The total amount loaded to the debit cards of the defendants in 2013 and 2014 was $240,500. These distributions were recorded on the books of the casino as miscellaneous administrative expenses.
The Indictment alleges that when the distribution of these monies became known to members of the Tribe, the defendants attempted to justify the distribution by claiming the funds paid were additional salary or stipends to members of the Tribal Council to compensate them for additional oversight duties they were allegedly required to perform regarding the operation of the casino during 2014. However, the Indictment further alleges that: (a) oversight of the casino was already a part of the duties of all Tribal Council members for which they received a salary from the Tribe; (b) not all defendants performed additional duties relating to the business of the casino; (c)Stipends paid to Tribal Council members for work performed relating to sitting on boards of directors of other economic entities of the Tribe were considerably lower and were typically just $200 per meeting; (d) Tribal Council members were not licensed vendors authorized to receive payments directly from the casino; (e) the Winnebago Gaming Commission had not approved such disbursements to the defendants; and (f) the disbursement of such funds was contrary to the bylaws of the Tribe because the description of the alleged work to be performed, the justification for same and the amount of compensation therefore were not approved by the Tribal Council at any regular meeting nor was the disbursement of said funds over and above the tribal budget for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 approved at any regular meeting of the Tribal Council.
As a result of the actions of the defendants, the total loss to the WinneVegas Casino was $327,500.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
FBI Supervisory Agent in Charge Randy Thysse stated: “These individuals used their elected official positions to enrich themselves and in the process betrayed the trust of their peers and those they were elected to serve. The FBI Omaha Division will remain steadfast in aggressively investigating those responsible for perpetrating schemes like this and will continue to pursue all allegations of public corruption.”
July Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 9 indictments charging 10 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.
* Uriel Cabrera-Reyes, age 25, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 11, 2016. 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.
* Arturo Garcia, age 34, of Walthill, is charged with assault by strangulation of an intimate partner or spouse on or about July 5, 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.
* Abel Lopez-Perez, age 46, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about February 8, 2016. 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.
* James Manske, age 28, of Omaha and Alex Pearson, age 28, of Elkhorn, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendants with harboring illegal aliens on or about July 18, 2016 and continuing to on or about March 17, 2016 and on or about April 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 for each count.
* Wyatt Metoyer, age 19, of Omaha, is charged with user in possession of a firearm on or about May 30, 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.
* Sergio Rodriguez Ruiz, age 29, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States after an aggravated felony conviction on or about July 7, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Eric Sayer, age 27, of Lincoln, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender between on or about May 2015 and June 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life and a $100 special assessment.
* Justo Soria-Andrade, age 47, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 9, 2016. 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.
* James Washington, a/k/a James Plunkett; a/k/a James A. Plunkett; a/k/a James A. Plunkett, Jr.; a/k/a James A. Plunkett III, age 30, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about June 14, 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.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on July 19, 2016, Zachary Joseph Love, 33, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, (144 months), upon his conviction for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine between December of 2013 and January of 2015. Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Love was responsible for the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Lewis will serve five years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
California Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Money Launder and Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on Monday, July 18, 2016, Sergio Valencia, Sr., of Moreno Valley, California, was convicted after a week-long jury trial of conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence presented at trial indicated that Valencia was involved with several other individuals who transported methamphetamine from California to Lincoln, Nebraska, and returned the proceeds of sales in Nebraska to California by making deposits to Wells Fargo bank accounts held in the names of Valencia’s wife, two children, another relative, and his landscaping business as well as accounts held in the names of relatives of one of Valencia’s co-conspirators. The approximate time-frame of the conspiracies was between April and September of 2011 for the money laundering and between January of 2010 and June of 2013 for the drug conspiracy. Valencia was acquitted of a third charge of conspiracy to structure financial transactions.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Alex Paul Garden, 29, formerly of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 3 years in prison by United States Senior District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for possession of child pornography. After his release from prison, Garden will also serve 5 years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
In February, 2013, a Cyber Tip was reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding users on a web site involved in an inappropriate chat in which nude images were exchanged. The website provided email addresses and IP addresses for the users who sent and received the nude images. The Nebraska State Patrol served a subpoena on Time Warner Cable requesting records and information relating to the subscriber using the IP address on the specific date and time that IP address was used during a chat conversation in the Cyber Tip. Time Warner Cable provided the requested records, which showed that IP address was issued to Alex Garden, at an address in Lincoln, Nebraska.
A search warrant was executed by the Nebraska State Patrol at Garden’s residence in Lincoln, Nebraska. During the execution of the search warrant, investigators seized Garden’s computer.
Forensic analysis of the computer revealed images of minors under the age of 18 engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined by federal law. The investigation determined that some of the images were accessed and downloaded from a foreign website known for the distribution 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 Nebraska State Patrol.
Ansley Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Darrell W. Jenkins, 42, formerly of Ansley, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 17 years in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for receiving child pornography. Following his release from prison, Jenkins will serve 17 years on supervised release and continue to be required to register as a sex offender. Jenkins was previously convicted in 2005 of Third Degree Sexual Assault in Custer County, Nebraska.
In April of 2015, the Nebraska State Patrol was contacted by the Alliance Police Department after receiving information that Jenkins had been sending sexual text messages to a 14 year old minor via Facebook. Officers of the Alliance Police Department provided the State Patrol with Jenkins’s Facebook account information and IP logs for a specific date range during which time an undercover officer had communicated with Jenkins, while posing as the minor victim. During this time, Jenkins communicated lewd, lascivious or obscene language or sound to the officer posing as the minor. Investigation determined that the IP address was assigned to Jenkin’s residence in Ansley, Nebraska.
A search warrant was executed at the residence and investigators took possession of Jenkins’ electronic devices and after further forensic examination identified 37 videos and 46 pictures 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 Alliance Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.
North Platte Man Convicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Angel F. Garcia, 37, formerly of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 70 months in prison by United States Senior District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for receipt and distribution of child pornography. Following his release from prison, Garcia will serve 5 years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
In March of 2015, while conducting an investigation, law enforcement officers of the North Platte Police Department observed an IP address making known child pornography files available for sharing. Further investigation determined that Garcia was the subscriber to that IP address. In April, 2015, a search warrant was executed at Garcia’s residence in North Platte. Officers performed an on-scene preview of a computer located in Garcia’s bedroom and found thousands of child pornography images and videos. Garcia admitted to officers that he had in fact downloaded and viewed child pornography from the internet.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the North Platte Police Department.
Nebraska City Sentenced for Production and Transportation of Obscene MaterialsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Joseph Buttercase, 34, formerly of Nebraska City, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Omaha, Nebraska, to 3 years in prison by United States Senior District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon, for production and transportation of obscene material. Buttercase has already been incarcerated in the Nebraska State Penitentiary serving a 26-41 year state sentence and this new sentence will run consecutively to that. After his release from prison Buttercase will serve a year on supervised release and be required to continue to register as a sex offender based upon this and previous convictions.
Between October, 2003 to November, 2004, Buttercase produced 5 videos and approximately 900 images of obscene material, specifically sexually explicit conduct, with the intent to transport the material in interstate commerce, and for the purpose of distributing those images. Buttercase was arrested in Beatrice, Nebraska in July of 2011 and his computer was seized during the course of that investigation. Buttercase admitted he knew the content of the videos and images he produced was obscene material.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office.
June Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 20 indictments charging 21 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Cameron D. Ammons, age 23, of Omaha, is charged with bank robbery on or about March 4, 2. 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.
* Christopher W. Arneson, age 42, of Fremont, 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 actual methamphetamine beginning on or about August 1, 2015, and continuing to on or about March 11, 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 Arneson with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine on or about March 11, 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.
* Christopher Carrillo, age 29, of Phoenix, Arizona is charged with possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of a mixture containing marijuana on about about April 20, 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.
* Tomas Castro-Gutierrez, age 33, of Omaha, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with illegal reentry into the United States after a felony conviction on or about May 27, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Castro-Gutierrez with false representation of a social security number on or about July 31, 2012. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with false representation of U.S. Citizenship on or about July 31, 2012. 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 that on or about July 31, 2012 that on or about July 31, 2012, Castro-Gutierrez used a State of Oklahoma Identification Card and Social Security card knowing said documents were not issued lawfully for the use of the defendant. 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.
* Diego Armando Chavez Garcia, age 25, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States after a felony conviction on or about June 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.
* Humberto Diaz Cruz, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States after an aggravated felony conviction on or about May 17, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Aurora Jean Goodman, age 22, of Winnebago, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with Assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm on or about May 5, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Goodman with assault resulting in serious bodily harm on or about May 5, 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.
* Andres Gutierrez a/k/a Edwin Castillo, age 33, of Omaha is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about February 23, 2016, and continuing to on or about April 7, 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. Counts II and III of the Indictment charge Gutierrez with distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about March 2, 2016 and on or about April 7, 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.
* Renn Charles Helleberg, age 29, of Grand Island, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about April 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.
* Ramiro Holguin-Madrid, age 34, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States after a felony conviction on or about May 23, 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.
* Ricky Joseph Johnson, age 29, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about January 14, 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.
* Emilio Jose Llanes, Jr., age 31, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of more of methamphetamine on or about May 5, 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 Llanes with possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime on or about May 5, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is no less than 5 years to no more than life consecutive to the underlying count, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jairo Martinez-Lopez, age 30, of Bladen, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States after deportation on or about May 24, 2016. 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.
* Fabian Mendoza Ibarra, age 36, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States after deportation on or about April 13, 2016. 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.
* Joseph D. Moniz, age 26, of Walthill, is charged with aggravated sexual abuse by force or threat in Indian Country. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Steven Morgan, age 63, of Eckley, Colorado is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about April 8, 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.
* Miguel Eduardo Sanchez, age 27, of Chula Vista, California, and Teara Lynne Voris, age 37, of Carson City, Nevada, are charged with possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin on or about April 23, 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.
* Ozzie Scott, age 38, of Omaha, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender from on or about October 1, 2015 through on or about May 23, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a supervised release for life and a $100 special assessment.
* Michael M. Thomas, age 28, of Winnebago, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with assault of a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner by strangling, suffocating, or attempting to strangle or suffocate on or about May 10, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Thomas with domestic assault by an habitual offender. 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.
* Wyatt Thomas, age 51, of Bloomfield, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant sexual abuse of a minor from on or about August, 2014 and continuing to on or about May, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Thomas abusive sexual contact from on or about August, 2014 and continuing to on or about May, 2016. 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.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 71 years in Prison for Multiple RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Emmanuel Chaplain, age 26, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp after a federal jury convicted him of multiple robberies and firearms charges in March. The jury found Chaplain guilty of seven counts of interference with commerce by means of robbery, three counts of using or possessing a firearm in furtherance of three of the robberies and felon in possession of a firearm. Chaplain was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment for the robberies. He was additionally sentenced to 57 years for using the firearms in furtherance of the robberies to be served after the sentence on the robbery charges. By statute, he faced a minimum of at least five years consecutive to the first robbery in which he used a gun, and 25 years consecutive on each of the other two charges of possessing and using a firearm in furtherance of the particular robberies for which he used a gun. He received a sentence of 10 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. That sentence will be served at the same time as the other sentences. He was also ordered to pay $4,643.50 in restitution and serve 5 years of supervised release
On June 19, 2014, Chaplain and Shane Seizys robbed the Jiffy Lube located at 5819 Maple Street. Later that day they robbed a second Jiffy Lube at 1221 South 120th Street. On June 23, 2014, they robbed the Subway at 5005 Center Street and Chaplain was found guilty of possessing and using a firearm during that robbery. When they left Subway, they went to O’Reilly Auto Parts at 3620 North 72nd Street and robbed it. Within an hour of those two robberies they went to the Kum & Go at 1010 South 154th Street and robbed it. The jury found that Chaplain possessed and used a firearm during the Kum & Go robbery. On July 16, 2014, Chaplain and Seizys robbed the Game Stop at 9959 Redick Circle using a firearm and about 15 minutes later, robbed the KFC located at 7601 North 30th Street.
A bandana found in a car Chaplain was riding in on June 23, following the Kum & Go robbery, was tested for DNA. The probability that the bandana did not belong to Chaplain was one in 20 sextillion.
After the Game Stop and KFC robberies, three people matching the description of the robbers were seen changing clothes at a vehicle approximately one block away. Omaha Police Officers quickly responded to the area. Seizys and Dilang Dat were immediately arrested. Chaplain fled from police but was caught a short time later. The vehicle they ran from belonged to Chaplain’s brother. In addition to finding clothes in the car that matched those worn in the robberies, there were 5 video game boxes from Game Stop that had Chaplain’s fingerprints on them.
Seizys previously pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 29 years’ imprisonment. Dilang Dat was involved in two robberies. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 6½ years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Eustis Man Sentenced for Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Gregory J. Rhoadarmer, 46, formerly of Eustis, Nebraska., was sentenced in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 63 months in prison by United States Senior District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for receipt and distribution of child pornography. After his release from prison, Rhoadarmer will serve a period of five years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
While conducting investigations into the sharing of child pornography files, investigators from the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office were able to obtain a number of video files which contained child pornography as defined by federal law. On June 11, 2015, an IP address was identified as using a file sharing program and was traced to Rhoadarmer’s residence.
A search warrant was executed at Rhoadarmer’s residence in Eustis, Nebraska on July 16, 2015. Various items of computer equipment were seized and have been forfeited. Rhoadarmer was interviewed by law enforcement and admitted that he had installed the file sharing program on his computer and had been downloading and sharing files containing child pornography. A forensic examination revealed over 100 videos and images of child pornography on Rhoadarmer’s computer.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
Chadron Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jesse Lucio, 39, formerly of Chadron, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 19 years in prison by United States Senior District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for the production of child pornography. Following his release from prison, Lucio will serve 10 years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
In September of 2015 the Chadron Police Department was informed of a possible sexual assault involving Lucio and a minor female victim. The reporting party indicated to law enforcement that there was a video of Lucio and the minor female victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct on a tablet computer located at Lucio’s home. The reporting party stated that she knew the age of the minor female victim and that she also saw Lucio in the video. The tablet was later examined by law enforcement officials, including a forensic examination conducted by the FBI, and 2 videos were recovered on the tablet computer, both videos having been produced on September 12, 2015, in Chadron Nebraska, and depicting Lucio and the minor victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined by federal law.
Lucio was interviewed by the Chadron Police Department and admitted to having sexual contact with the minor female victim and recording the sexually explicit conduct on the tablet computer.
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 Chadron Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Five Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Andrew Soverns, 32, was sentenced in federal court for receiving child pornography. The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon imposed a sentence of sixty (60) months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Soverns will serve an additional five years of supervised release. Soverns was further ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution to each of two victims depicted in his collection of child pornography.
On August 19, 2015, a federal search warrant was served on Soverns’s residence in Omaha. Images of child pornography were located on three devices in the home. The children depicted in the images ranged from pre-teen to early teens. A total of 41 videos and 46 single images of child pornography were recovered.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF).
Kearney Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Sean Peterson, 32, of Kearney, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 17, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to four years, 96 months in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for possession of child pornography. After his release from prison, Peterson will be required to serve a 15-year term of supervised release and be registered as a sex offender.
In September of 2014, Xoom.com, an online international money transfer service, notified Yahoo! that a number of Yahoo! accounts were engaged in the sale of child exploitation material. Investigation determined that several email accounts, operating overseas, were believed to be selling images, video and live-streamed sexual abuse. One of these individuals was communicating with Peterson about having sex with minors. Peterson also sent the person images of child pornography through web based messenger accounts.
On July 7, 2015, a search warrant was issued on Peterson’s residence and he admitted to accessing child pornography web sites using the Internet. The forensic investigation of the computer equipment found at Peterson’s residence revealed approximately 1,000 images of child pornography, including visual depictions of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine while in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jose Jimenez, 37, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 9, 2016, to 15 years in prison by United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon. Jimenez had previously pled guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute more than 500 grams of Methamphetamine and Possessing a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Jimenez was arrested and indicted on the charges after Omaha police officers twice utilized a cooperating witness who purchased quantities of methamphetamine from him. On September 29, 2015, officers executed a search warrant at Jimenez’s Omaha residence. Officers found items consistent with the sale of methamphetamine. Jimenez was arrested nearby in his car, a search of which revealed approximately nine pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms.
As a result of possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, Jimenez was sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with an additional 5 years for possession of a firearm. After serving his sentence Jimenez will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 5 years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Brian T. Nelsen, 29, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for receiving child pornography. Senior Judge Lyle E Strom sentenced Nelsen to five years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Nelsen will begin a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
On January 7, 2015, officers executed a federal search warrant a Nelsen’s Omaha home. Forensic analysis of Nelsen’s computer revealed 100 videos and 50 images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct with adults or other children. The children depicted were between the ages of 2 and 14. Search terms recovered from the computer revealed specific terms targeting 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Brandon L. Bjorkman, 39, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 41 months in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for possession of child pornography. After his release from prison, Bjorkman will also serve five years of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
On May 25th, 2015, investigators with the Lincoln Police Department were investigating computers sharing child pornography files via the internet. On that date, officers identified an IP address as having files available for sharing. Officers were able to download files from a computer at that IP address. A subpoena to Time Warner/Roadrunner regarding the IP address indicated the IP address was registered to Bjorkman at an address later determined to be his residence.
In June of 2015, a search warrant was executed at Bjorkman’s residence and a desktop computer was seized. Investigators previewed the computer and located files depicting sexually explicit conduct involving female children under the age of 18. Investigators interviewed Bjorkman. Bjorkman admitted that he used the internet to download the images and videos. Investigators later found thousands of images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct as defined by Federal law.
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.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Possession of Short ShotgunRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on May 27, 2016, Stephan Michael Maynard, 26, of Lincoln, was sentenced to eleven years and three months (135 months) in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between January of 2013 and September of 2015. Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Schulte was responsible for the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine during that time-period. Maynard also was sentenced to ten years (120 months) in prison for possession of a short shotgun in furtherance of the methamphetamine conspiracy. That 10-year sentence will be served consecutively to the sentence on the conspiracy charge. Following the prison terms, Schulte will serve five years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
May Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 8 indictments charging 9 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.
* Alvaro Hugo Carreto Diaz, age 31, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 19, 2016, following deportation. 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.
* Stephanie Lynn Cogle, age 29, of Gainsville, Georgia, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about March 22, 2015. 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.
* Thomas J. Fischer, age 29, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of 50 grams of methamphetamine on or about November 24, 2015 and on or about December 7, 2015. 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 for each count. Count III of the Indictment charges Fischer with distribution of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about January 7, 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.
* Jaime Guerrero-Robledo, age 33, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 2, 2016, following deportation after a felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Marcos Gutierrez-Morales, age 42, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 12, 2016, following deportation. 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.
* Brandon Jackson, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about January 22, 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.
* Scott Kornahrens, age 43, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a mixture of methamphetamine on or about March 14, 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.
* Jose Luis Sandoval, a/k/a Gallo, age 46, and Martha Tapia, age 37, both of South Sioux City, Nebraska, are charged in a six-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 a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about April 1, 2016, and continuing to on or about May 9, 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. Count II of the Indictment charges Sandoval and Tapia with distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about April 7, 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. Count III of the Indictment charges Tapia with distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about April 12, 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. Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendants with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about May 9, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count V of the Indictment charges Sandoval with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime on or about May 9, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is no less than 5 years to no more than life to underlying count, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count VI of the Indictment charges Tapia with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime on or about May 9, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is no less than 5 years to no more than life to underlying count, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that John Randall, 31, formerly of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 19 years in prison by United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for the production of child pornography. Randall was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,250 to the two minor victims in the case. Following his release from prison, Randall will be on supervised release for 10 years and be required to register as a sex offender.
In August 2014, Homeland Security Investigations received a request from the British Columbia Integrated Child Exploitation Unit for assistance identifying the user of a Skype and Instagram account who was allegedly involved in the transmission and receipt of sexual images with a minor female victim in British Columbia, Canada. Investigation of the email and IP addresses lead agents to Randall, who had been residing in California in 2014 and moved to Nebraska in 2015. Randall was subsequently interviewed and gave agents his cell phone and provided consent for them to analyze the phone.
An examination of the cell phone revealed several videos and images that appeared to be child pornography. The exam also located several conversations with another individual who appeared to be creating child pornography videos containing things specifically requested by Randall in return for payment. Randall was then arrested and interviewed. He admitted he had been trading child pornography with people on an internet based messenger system. Randall was asked about the conversations found on the cell phone and Randall admitted it was a fraud/scam. Randall would offer money to get videos and then he would not pay. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement was able to identify the two minor victims involved who admitted they sent child pornography to Randall because he had offered them money.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity
Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security
Hastings Woman Sentenced for Making False RepresentationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Blanca Gama, a/k/a Blanca Chumasero-Gomez, age 41, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced for her conviction for making false representations with respect to the requirements of Social Security. Senior United States District Court Judge Lyle E. Strom sentenced Gama to two years of probation and ordered her to perform 100 hours of community service. Stephanie Hagemeier. Paul Younes, and Kearney Hospitality, Inc. were previously sentenced for their roles in hiring Gama.
The investigation revealed that Blanca Gama, a citizen of Mexico who was not lawfully in the United States, was employed as the supervisor of housekeeping at the Holiday Inn Express in Hastings where Hagemeier is employed as the manager. In 2014, Hagemeier learned Gama was under investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Gama quit her job at the Holiday Inn Express, but later met with Younes who arranged for her to be employed in the housekeeping department at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Kearney under the name Elizabeth Gomez. Hagemeier was aware that Gama had been hired under those circumstances.
At Gama’s request, Younes later authorized Gama’s re-hire at the Holiday Inn Express in Hastings. In order to support her re-hire, Gama submitted paperwork using a false name and Social Security Number even though she continued to be referred to as Blanca Gama at that location.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Kearney Resident and Corporation Sentenced for the Unlawful Hiring of an AlienRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Paul J. Younes, age 63 of Kearney, Nebraska, and Kearney Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Fairfield Inn & Suites were sentenced for their convictions concerning the unlawful hiring of an alien. Senior United States District Court Judge Lyle E. Strom sentenced Younes to five years of probation and ordered him to pay a fine of $3,000. Kearney Hospitality, Inc. was sentenced to five years of probation and was ordered to pay a fine of $150,000. Stephanie Hagemeier of Hastings was previously sentenced on April 20, 2016 to one year of probation and was ordered to pay a fine of $500 for her role in the offense.
The investigation revealed that Blanca Gama, a citizen of Mexico who was not lawfully in the United States, was employed as the supervisor of housekeeping at the Holiday Inn Express in Hastings where Hagemeier is employed as the manager. In 2014, Hagemeier learned Gama was under investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Gama quit her job at the Holiday Inn Express, but later met with Younes who arranged for her to be employed in the housekeeping department at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Kearney under the name Elizabeth Gomez. At Gama’s request, Younes later authorized Gama’s re-hire at the Holiday Inn Express in Hastings under the name Jacqueline Lopez even though she continued to be referred to as Blanca Gama at that location.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Pleasanton Man Sentenced for Making False Statement to a Financial InstitutionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on April 26, 2016, Shane M. Wibbels, age 39 of Pleasanton, Nebraska, was sentenced for making a false statement to a financial institution. The Honorable Lyle E. Strom, Senior United States District Court Judge, sentenced Wibbels to the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons for thirty-six (36) months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Wibbels will begin a two (2) year term of supervised release. Wibbels was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $1,771,728.
An investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation determined that on March 22, 2010, Wibbels made a false statement in an Agricultural Financial Statement which he then submitted to a financial institution. The financial institution is located in the District of Nebraska and was insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Agricultural Financial Statement submitted by Wibbels failed to identify significant liabilities Wibbels had previously incurred. As a result of the false representations in the Agricultural Financial Statement, loans to Wibbels were approved by the financial institution. The financial institution, which relied upon the false Agricultural Financial Statement as a basis for approving the loans to Wibbels, incurred a loss of $1,771,728 due to Wibbels’ default on the loans he received.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
April Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 19 indictments charging 23 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.
* Raul Arce-Flores, age 34, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 26, 2016, following deportation. 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.
* Estevan Armstrong, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 14, 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.
* Joel Beltran is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Beltran with false representation of a social security number on or about March 15, 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 II charges the defendant with false representation of U.S. Citizenship on or about March 15, 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 charges that on or about March 15, 2016, Beltran used a State of Nebraska Identification Card and Social Security card knowing said documents were not issued lawfully for the use of the defendant. 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.
* Baltazar Cabrera-Reyes, age 33, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 8, 2016, following deportation. 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.
* Carlos Alonso Carrazco-Peralta, age 27, Jose Martinez-Pena, age 39, of York, Nebraska, and Naysa Bermudez-Ulloa, age 22 are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine between on or about March 1, 2016, and continuing to in or about April 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.
* Carrie Case, age 41, of Omaha, is charged with obtaining in an unauthorized manner, individually identifiable health information under false pretenses on or about February 11, 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.
* Demetrio Cortez-Jacinto, a/k/a Demetrio Cortes, age 42, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Cortez-Jacinto with false representation of a social security number on or about December 18, 2012. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with false representation of U.S. Citizenship on or about December 18, 2012. 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.
* Mark Hannan , age 19, of South Sioux City, Nebraska is charged with theft by an officer or employee of a gaming establishment owned and operated by the Winnebago Indian Tribe of Nebraska beginning on or about November 1, 2015, and continuing to on or about February 15, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Kathy Hansen, age 35, of Ralston, is charged with theft of government funds on or about, during and between February 12, 2014 an March 26, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Maria Luisa Jiminez-Beza, age 48, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 16, 2016, following deportation after a felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Amanda M. Karstens, age 32, of Avoca, Nebraska, Stanley D. Adkins, age 38 of Nehawaka, Nebraska, and Paul A. Hraben, age 33, of Avoca, are charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine between on or about December, 2013, and continuing to in or about April, 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. Count II of the Indictment charges Karstens with distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about May 23, 2015.
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 III of the Indictment charges Hraben with distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about January 8, 2015. 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 IV of the Indictment charges Adkins with distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about May 3, 2015. 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.
* Fidel Martinez, a/k/a Hector Vaga, age 38, of Greeley, Colorado is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about March 11, 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.
* Ruben Mendoza, age 44, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about April 27, 2015, and continuing to on or about February, 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.
* Arcadio Olivar-Rodriguez, age 34, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the Olivar-Rodriguez with false representation of a social security number on or about July 12, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with false representation of U.S. Citizenship to unlawfully obtain employment in the United States on or about July 12, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Carey Dean Phillips, Jr., age 22, of Sioux City, Iowa, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender from on or about March 10, 2016, and continuing to on or about March 27, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 5 years to life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* William H. Rich , age 46, of Stromsburg, Nebraska is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with use of a facility and means of interstate commerce to attempt to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity between on or about October 8, 2015 up to and including December 4, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Rich with production of child pornography between on or about October 8, 2015 up to and including December 4, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is no less than 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession of child pornography on and between August 2015, and December 4, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges Rich with production of child pornography between on or about October 8, 2015 up to and including December 4, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Julio L.Rivera, age 33, of Lincoln, is charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine between on or about July 3, 2014 and on or about November 11, 2015. 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.
* Leonardo Rodriguez Palomino, age 60, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 14, 2016, following deportation after a felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Brian Wyatt, age 40, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendant with distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about March 30, 2016 and April 5, 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. Count III of the Indictment charges Wyatt with felon in possession of a firearm on or about April 13, 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.
Hastings Resident Sentenced for Aiding the Unlawful Hiring of an AlienRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Stephanie Hagemeier, age 43 of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced upon her conviction for aiding and abetting the unlawful hiring of an alien. Senior United States District Court Judge Lyle E. Strom sentenced Hagemeier to one year of probation and ordered her to pay a fine of $500. Paul Younes and Kearney Hospitality, Inc. previously entered pleas of guilty for their roles in this matter and sentencing has been set for May 9, 2016, for those cases.
The investigation revealed that Blanca Gama, a citizen of Mexico who was not lawfully in the United States, was employed as the supervisor of housekeeping at the Holiday Inn Express in Hastings where Hagemeier was employed as the manager. In 2014, Hagemeier learned Gama was under investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Gama quit her job at the Holiday Inn Express but later met with Younes who arranged for her to be employed in the housekeeping department at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Kearney under the name Elizabeth Gomez. Hagemeier was aware that Gama had been hired under those circumstances.
At Gama’s request, Younes later authorized Gama’s re-hire at the Holiday Inn Express in Hastings under the name Jacqueline Lopez even though she continued to be referred to as Blanca Gama at that location. Hagemeier signed the I-9 form even though she knew that Gama was not Jacqueline Lopez and that she was not authorized to work in the United States.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Nebraska Men Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Mail FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on April 4, 2016, Jeffery Negus, of Omaha, Nebraska, age 55, and Gregory Negus of Omaha, Nebraska, age 60, were sentenced for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The Honorable Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced both men to a 4 year term of probation. Both men were also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $708,743.21.
An investigation conducted by the United States Department of Labor determined that from 2007 through 2011, Jeffery Negus and Gregory Negus operated businesses in the District of Nebraska identified as Negus-Sons, Inc and Netal, Inc. These businesses entered into federally-funded prevailing wage construction contracts for work on several construction projects in the District of Nebraska. Negus-Sons, Inc and Netal, Inc. accepted payments of approximately $4.9 million dollars relating to the federally-funded construction projects for which prevailing wage fringe benefit contributions were to be paid to employee benefit plans.
The United States Department of Labor determined that Jeffery Negus and Gregory Negus fraudulently diverted, for their own use and the use of Negus-Sons, Inc and Netal, Inc., fringe benefit contributions relating to the federally-funded prevailing wage construction contracts in the approximate amount of $708,741.56, which payments were supposed to go to employee benefit plans. As part of the scheme, Jeffery Negus and Gregory Negus used the United States mail to submit hundreds of certified reports to governmental agencies, which falsely represented that the fringe benefit contributions were being made to the employee benefit plans.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on April 1, 2016, Patricia Walker-Halstead of Omaha, Nebraska, age 70, was sentenced for wire fraud. The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, Senior United States District Court Judge, sentenced Walker-Halstead to a term of twelve (12) months and one (1) day imprisonment. After her release from prison, Walker-Halstead will begin a term of supervised release of 2 years. Walker-Halstead was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $500,000.
An investigation conducted by the United States Secret Service and the Nebraska State Patrol determined that from March, 2011, and continuing through November, 2012, Walker-Halstead transmitted false and fraudulent email communications as part of a scheme to obtain money. During this time period Walker-Halstead operated a private investigation company named Walker Investigations. The scheme arose out of Walker-Halstead’s professional relationship with a client who hired Walker Investigations to provide investigative work to the client.
Between March, 2011, and continuing through November, 2012, Walker-Halstead sent email communication to the client which appeared as though they were sent from an Investigator named “Scott.” Walker-Halstead represented to the client that “Scott” worked for the Nebraska State Patrol and was assisting with investigative work being performed by Walker Investigations. Emails sent by Walker-Halstead to the client suggested “Scott” was having financial troubles related to medical expenses, legal expenses, business expenses, and personal expenses and that “Scott” needed the client’s financial assistance. As a result of the emails, Walker-Halstead obtained $500,000 in numerous payments which she represented was then given to “Scott” to assist with his financial needs. Investigators confirmed “Scott” was a person made up by Walker-Halstead and who has never existed. Money received by Walker-Halstead for the purported benefit of “Scott” was used by Walker-Halstead for her personal benefit.
The Court determined that the loss amount relating to the scheme totaled $500,000.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Gerry Lee Peirce, 55, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 70 months in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for receiving child pornography. After his release from prison, Peirce will also be required to register as a sex offender and complete 7 years of supervised release.
On September 9, 2014, a Task Force Officer operating in an undercover capacity, encountered a user, later determined to be Peirce, in a website chat room where Peirce had posted a link that led to a storage account containing child exploitation material. When law enforcement clicked on the link, they observed a total of 165 files in the account, 113 of which contained child pornography.
After identifying the subscriber information, officers executed a search warrant on the residence of Peirce. Peirce confessed to accessing child porn through the Internet and then distributing the links of the child porn sites and files to others.
In all, investigators found 69 videos of child porn on the computer, along with other images of child erotica that had been received and distributed.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Assault with A KnifeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Mitchell Lee DeCora, age 28, of Winnebago, Nebraska was sentenced for his conviction of assault with a dangerous weapon. Senior United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced DeCora to 27 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
On October 1, 2015, DeCora was at a residence on the Winnebago Indian Reservation drinking with the victim and several other persons. DeCora suddenly pulled out a knife and held it to the throat of the victim. Thereafter, DeCora punched the victim in the face and knocked him to the ground causing minor injuries.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on March 31, 2016, Jamie Dean Lewis, 29, of Lincoln, was sentenced to five years and ten months (70 months) for possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and five years (60 months) using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during or in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The sentence for the firearm offense must run consecutive to the sentence for the drug conviction. Following the prison term, Lewis will serve five years on supervised release.
On May 28, 2015, officers contacted Lewis, who had an outstanding warrant, at a Lincoln convenience store. Lewis attempted to run from the officers and, as he ran, he discarded a bag. He was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. Officers found 18 grams of actual/pure methamphetamine on Lewis’s person along with cash, a methamphetamine pipe, and a scale with crystalline residue. The bag which Lewis had discarded during the foot pursuit was located and in the bag officers found a 9mm pistol with a full magazine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Minnesota Resident Sentenced for His Role in A Staged RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Michael Bambery, age 21, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was sentenced for his conviction of theft of property in Indian Country. Magistrate Judge Thomas D. Thalken sentenced Bambery to nine months of incarceration to be followed by a one year term of supervised release. Bambery was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $907. Bambery’s accomplice, Steven Schulze, was sentenced to three years of probation on March 28, 2016.
Schulze was an employee of the Pony Express, a convenience store in Rosalie, Nebraska owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. On August 15, 2015, Schulze and Bambery executed a staged robbery wherein Bambery purported to rob Schulze at gunpoint. In actuality, Bambery used a toy gun. Schulze gave Bambery $907 from the register. Bambery later reneged on a promise to give Schulze some of the money.
Bambery was on probation in Minnesota at the time of this offense.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Laurel Resident Sentenced for His Role in A Staged RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Steven Schulze, age 29, of Laurel, Nebraska, was sentenced for his conviction of theft of property in Indian Country. Magistrate Judge Thomas D. Thalken sentenced Schulze to three years of probation and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $907. Schulze’s accomplice, Michael Bambery, is scheduled for sentencing on March 31, 2016.
Schulze was an employee of the Pony Express, a convenience store in Rosalie, Nebraska owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. On August 15, 2015, Schulze and Bambery executed a staged robbery wherein Bambery purported to rob Schulze at gunpoint. In actuality, Bambery used a toy gun. Schulze gave Bambery $907 from the register. Bambery later reneged on a promise to give Schulze some of the money.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Convicted of Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Rashad Pettis, age 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison after pleading guilty on December 14, 2015, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Pettis and included an order that he be on supervised release for two years following his release from prison.
On September 16 2015, Omaha Police Officers were in the area of 33rd and Hamilton Streets when they stopped a car for not having a valid license plate. As officers got out of their car they saw the driver of the stopped car bend over as if to hide something. When the officers approached they could see the grip of a handgun. Pettis was the driver. A check of his criminal history revealed a conviction for felony flight to avoid arrest in 2009. It is a violation of federal law for someone who has been convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on March 25, 2016, Kenneth Lee Johnson, 33, of Lincoln, was sentenced to five years and 10 months, (70 months), in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Johnson will serve four years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated Johnson was involved in the distribution of at least 350 grams, (approximately 12 ½ ounces) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between December 4, 2013, and January 30, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Beatrice Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney, Deborah R. Gilg, announced that on March 24, 2016, an indictment was unsealed charging Quirstin Marie Gross, 24, of Beatrice, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine between December 1, 2013, and October 31, 2015. The charge carries a possible penalty of not less than five years, and not more than 40 years imprisonment, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Following any prison term, there would be a term of supervised release of at least four years.
Gross had an initial appearance in federal court in Lincoln on March 28, 2016. She is scheduled for trial beginning on May 31, 2015, and she was ordered detained pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force and the Metro Fugitive Task Force.
Omaha Man Convicted of Multiple RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Emmanuel Chaplain, age 26, of Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted after a jury trial. The jury found Chaplain guilty of seven counts of interference with commerce by means of robbery, three counts of using or possessing a firearm in furtherance of three of the robberies and felon in possession of a firearm. The Honorable Chief District Judge Laurie Smith Camp presided over the trial that began March 14 in Federal District Court. Sentencing has been set for June 20, 2016. Mr. Chaplain faces 20 years of imprisonment on each robbery, at least five years consecutive to the first robbery in which he used a firearm, and 25 years consecutive on each of the other two charges of possessing and using a firearm in furtherance of the particular robberies for which he used a firearm. He faces 10 years imprisonment for the felon in possession of a firearm charge.
On June 19, 2014, Chaplain and Shane Seizys robbed the Jiffy Lube located at 5819 Maple Street. Later that day they robbed a second Jiffy Lube at 1221 South 120th Street. On June 23, 2014, they robbed the Subway at 5005 Center Street and Chaplain was found guilty of possessing and using a firearm during that robbery. When they left Subway, they went to O’Reilly Auto Parts at 3620 North 72nd Street and robbed it. Within an hour of those two robberies they went to the Kum & Go at 1010 South 154th Street and robbed it. The jury found that Chaplain possessed and used a firearm during the Kum & Go robbery. On July 16, 2014, Chaplain and Seizys robbed the Game Stop at 9959 Redick Circle using a firearm and about 15 minutes later, robbed the KFC located at 7601 North 30th Street.
A bandana found in a car Chaplain was riding in on June 23, 2014, following the Kum & Go robbery, was tested for DNA. The probability that the bandana did not belong to Chaplain was one in 20 sextillion.
After the Game Stop and KFC robberies, three people matching the description of the robbers were seen changing clothes at a vehicle approximately one block away. Omaha Police Officers quickly responded to the area. Seizys and Dilang Dat were immediately arrested. Chaplain fled from police but was caught a short time later. The vehicle they ran from belonged to Chaplain’s brother. In addition to finding clothes in the car that matched those worn in the robberies, there were 5 video game boxes from Game Stop that had Chaplain’s fingerprints on them.
Seizys and Dat previously pleaded guilty and their sentencing hearings have been set for June 20, 2016.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Violation of Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on March 15, 2016, David Lane Erickson, 29, of Lincoln, was sentenced to a total of 123 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine; commission of a felony while on pretrial release; and violation of his supervised release terms. Erickson was sentenced to five years (60 months) on the drug charge and a consecutive three months for commission of that offense while on supervised release. In addition, in a separate case, he was sentenced to an additional five years (60 months) consecutive to the other sentences for violating the terms of his supervised release imposed as part of a 2007 federal sentence for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and use of a firearm during a drug-trafficking offense. Erickson will serve five years on supervised release following the new prison term. He was also ordered to forfeit $10,500.00 in cash.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated Erickson was involved in the distribution of at least 50 grams, (approximately 1 ¾ ounces), of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between June 1, 2015, and October 21, 2015. On October 1, 2015, Lincoln Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Erickson. After a vehicle pursuit, Erickson abandoned the car which was later searched, and officers found four bags containing approximately 43 grams of methamphetamine and $9,000.00 in cash. On October 13, 2015, he was arrested in Omaha by the Metro Fugitive Task Force, and an additional $1,500.00 in cash was found in his possession.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force and the Metro Fugitive Task Force.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on March 11, 2016, Nicole Lynn Zabel, 41, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine between January of 2010 and April of 2015. Zabel will serve five years on supervised release following the prison term.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated Zabel was involved in the distribution of at least five kilograms (11 pounds) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area. On April 3, 2015, a search warrant was executed at Zabel’s apartment. Over 95 grams of methamphetamine was found.
Zabel’s co-defendant, Kenneth Ali Carman, also pled guilty to the conspiracy charge and was sentenced in January of 2016 to 57 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Assaulting A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Duane Rouillard, age 27, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced for his conviction for assaulting a federal officer. Senior United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Rouillard to 24 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
On May 11, 2015, an Officer with the BIA Office of Justice Services responded to a domestic disturbance call at Rouillard’s residence. When the Officer arrived he found Rouillard’s mother and cousin attempting to restrain Rouillard to prevent him from taking any further violent actions. When the officer attempted to handcuff Rouillard, Rouillard spat on the Officer’s face and neck. This was the fifth time Rouillard has been convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Macy Man Sentenced for Killing His BrotherRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Daniel Webster, III, age 23, of Macy, Nebraska, was sentenced for his conviction on a charge of voluntary manslaughter. Senior United States District Court Judge Lyle E. Strom sentenced Webster to 48 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
On August 28, 2014, Webster was at an abandoned house on the Omaha Indian Reservation along with his brother and several other people, some being minors and some being adults. The adults had been drinking throughout the afternoon and early evening. Webster’s brother became increasingly agitated towards his girlfriend causing Webster to intervene. Webster’s brother then began arguing with Webster and a physical altercation ensued. During the altercation Webster stabbed his brother in the neck with a paring knife. Webster’s brother was unarmed at the time. After being stabbed, Webster’s brother attempted to leave the residence, however, he collapsed on the front porch where he later died. An autopsy showed that Webster’s knife had severed his brother’s carotid artery and punctured the trachea.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Drug Task Force Operations Across Nebraska and Eastern Colorado Leads to One of the Largest Drug Busts in Nebraska HistoryRead the Press Release
Contact: Joe Jeanette (402) 699-2067
United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska, Deborah R. Gilg, announced today at a press conference in North Platte, Nebraska the federal indictments of sixty people involved in a Methamphetamine conspiracy investigation in Central and Western Nebraska, and Northeastern Colorado.
The joint operation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, included law enforcement officers from the Cooperative Operation for Drug Enforcement (CODE) Drug Task Force, Western Nebraska Intelligence & Narcotics Group (WING), and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force (CNDSSTF), and Colorado law enforcement authorities.
This year-long operation resulted in the federal indictment of sixty individuals, and another four individuals arrested on state charges, for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance with intent to Distribute, and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Starting in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 23, 2016, CODE, WING, and CNDSSTF members, along with the assistance of other Nebraska and Colorado local, state, and federal law enforcement arrested 53 on federal charges and four on state charges, throughout Nebraska and Eastern Colorado. Seven of the federally indicted individuals are still at large. The United States Marshal’s Service assisted in the round-up of these fugitives.
Recovered during the arrest of these individuals were 8.4 ounces of methamphetamine and $1,141.
Two federal search warrants resulted in three vehicles seized, valued at approximately $85,000, one sawed off shot gun, one revolver, and approximately $17,250. Five state search warrants resulted in the recovery of $17,500, over 2 lbs of meth, and 5 guns. Unrelated arrests include 2 individuals on local charges which resulted in the seizure of 1 rifle, a ballistic vest and 16 grams of ecstasy.
Participating Nebraska drug task forces included the CODE Drug Task Force, made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22 county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska; the WING Task Force covering eleven panhandle counties (Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux); and the CNDSSTF covering Hall, Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska. Colorado law enforcement agencies included the Federal Bureau of Investigation – (Denver Office), Holyoke, Colorado Police Department and the Sedgwick County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office.
“This is an incredible effort involving nearly thirty law enforcement agencies”, said U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg, “The coordination and cooperation in this investigation is a tremendous tribute to the selfless dedication we see time and time again with our law enforcement agencies.” “Two years ago today we were gathered in North Platte to honor many of these same law enforcement officers who were being recognized with an award from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). That HIDTA award, from a case which began in 2012, ironically spun off into the drug conspiracy involving many of these indictments and arrests earlier this week.”
Nebraska Law Enforcement Agencies involved in the operation/investigation
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Adams County Sheriff
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Alliance Police Department
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Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office
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Central City Police Department
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Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office
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Cozad Police Department
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Dawson County Sheriff’s Office
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Deuel County Sheriff’s Office
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Federal Bureau of Investigation
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Gering Police Department
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Grand Island Police Department
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Hall County Sheriff’s Office
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Hastings Police Department
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Homeland Security Investigations
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Kearney Police Department
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Lexington Police Department
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Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
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Nebraska State Patrol
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North Platte Police Department
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Ogallala Police Department
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Perkins County Sheriff’s Office
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Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office
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Scottsbluff Police Department
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Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office
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Sidney Police Department
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United States Marshal’s Service
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Webster County Sheriff’s Office
Colorado Law Enforcement Agencies involved in the operation/investigation
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Federal Bureau of Investigation – (Denver Office)
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Holyoke, Colorado Police Department
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Sedgwick County, Colorado Sheriff’s Office
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United States Attorney’s Office District of Colorado
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Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on February 26, 2016, Marlon Romere Rupert, Jr., 33, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months (262 months) in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between June of 2013 and August of 2015. Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Rupert was responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine during that time-period. Following the prison term, Rupert will serve five years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on February 26, 2016, Patrick Benn Schulte, 39, of Lincoln, was sentenced to nine years and two months (110 months) in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between September of 2013 and April of 2015. Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Schulte was responsible for the distribution of at least 350 grams (approximately 12 ½ ounces) of methamphetamine during that time-period. Following the prison term, Schulte will serve five years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Jordanian Man Sentenced for Visa FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Ala Marouf Salameh, age 39, a citizen of Jordan, was sentenced for his conviction for visa fraud. United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Salameh to eight months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. As Salameh had completed eight months of imprisonment while awaiting trial and sentencing in this matter, he was turned over to immigration authorities for further proceedings relating to his removal from the United States.
Although Salameh held a Jordanian passport, he was required to obtain a visa to be able to enter the United States. On October 29, 2014, Salameh obtained an A-2 visa, a type of visa issued to foreign governmental officials, by falsely representing that he was a sky marshal with the Jordan Armed Forces. Salameh used this visa to enter the United States on June 8, 2015. Prior to the issuance of this A-2 visa, Salameh had been denied a non-immigrant visa on five separate occasions.
This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States State Department, Diplomatic Security Service.
Illinois Man Sentenced for Transportation of Drug MoneyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on February 26, 2016, Matthew Steven Crothers, 32, of Palos Heights, Illinois, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for Interstate Travel/Transportation in Aid of Racketeering Enterprise. Following the prison term, Crothers will serve three years on supervised release.
On October 25, 2014, Crothers was stopped by a Lancaster County Sheriff’s Deputy on Interstate 80 for having a suspended registration. A deputy smelled the odor of marijuana coming from Crothers’s pickup truck. The pickup was searched, and deputies did not find marijuana, but they did find $438,881.00 in cash inside a spare tire. Further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) resulted in a determination that the cash found in the spare tire was the proceeds of marijuana sales in the Chicago, Illinois, area and was being transported back to marijuana growers in California. HSI Chicago reported that at that time, high-grade marijuana was selling in the Chicago area for approximately $2,500 per pound, and the cash found was therefore equivalent to approximately 175 ½ pounds of marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Robbery and Possessing a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Taydor Yoayat, age 20, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today to six years imprisonment by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, for robbery and possessing a stolen firearm. On September 28, 2015, Yoayat pleaded guilty to robbing the Quik Trip at 1704 South 72nd Street. He also admitted to selling a stolen firearm. He was ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison.
On August 14, 2014, at approximately 11:30 p.m., two men entered the Quik Trip and demanded money from the cash register. An accomplice held a gun while Yoayat collected the money. Approximately $173.00 was taken. Penn and Yoayat were not immediately arrested. On August 19, 2014, Yoayat sold a stolen .45 caliber handgun to a confidential informant, knowing that the gun had been stolen. Federal charges have been filed against Tyriss Penn in connection with this case and his case is still pending.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.