District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Shots Fired at A House and Parked CarRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Roman Perales, age 17, was sentenced upon his conviction for assault with intent to damage real or personal property. Senior United States District Court Judge Lyle E. Strom sentenced Perales to 41 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Perales was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $780 for damage done to a vehicle. Although Perales is only 17 years of age, the United States was successful in having him treated as an adult due to the nature of the crime. Perales will be transferred to an adult correctional facility once he turns 18.
On September 22, 2014, a Winnebago resident drove to the Winnebago Police Station to report that someone had fired shots towards his residence and a vehicle parked in the driveway. The defendant was identified as a suspect because of a prior dispute the defendant had with an occupant of the residence. The defendant’s girlfriend told police that the defendant had told her he was going to do something to get even for an earlier assault against him. Another friend of the defendant told police that the defendant said he was going to shoot up the resident’s car. The defendant even boasted on Facebook that he was going to get revenge utilizing a Glock handgun.
Numerous shell casings were found on a hill behind the residence which would fit into a 9mm Glock. The investigation revealed that the vehicle in the driveway on the side of the home was struck numerous times by bullets. The homeowner and his family were inside the home at the time of the shooting and a bullet entered the home near where the homeowner’s family was sitting.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Albert H. Hines, 50, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 10 years in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for receiving child pornography. Hines will also be required to serve 10 years of supervised release once he is released from prison. Additionally, he will be required to register as a convicted sex offender.
In the summer of 2012, Nebraska law enforcement received information from an internet based media storage company that two email addresses were uploading images of child pornography. Further investigation into the email addresses provided revealed that they were registered to Albert Hines, a native of Louisiana who came to Nebraska after Hurricane Katrina. IP addresses for the dates and times in question determined that the internet was used at either Hines’ residence or at another residence in Lincoln, Nebraska, during a period of time when Hines was living there.
On May 14, 2014, a search warrant was executed at the Hines’ residence in Lincoln. Hines was interviewed and he acknowledged possession of child pornography. Hines also acknowledged that he had traded the child pornography with other individuals. During the forensic investigation of the computer equipment taken from Hines' residence, officers found approximately 400 photos of child pornography, including images involving children under the age of 12.
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.
Former Tribal Chairman Sentenced to ProbationRead the Press Release
Amen Sheridan, 54, of Walthill, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for the felony offense of being an accessory to theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, Chief United States District Court Judge, sentenced Sheridan to a two-year term of probation and a $100 fine.
Sheridan was the Chairman of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska. During his tenure, the Omaha Tribe offered payment assistance grants to financially eligible first-time home buyers. Sheridan was neither a first-time home buyer or financially eligible for the payment assistance. The payment assistance program was administered by Sheridan’s significant other Julia Whiteskunk.
Whiteskunk and Sheridan purchased a home in Walthill, Nebraska. Whiteskunk prepared a false application for payment assistance to the Omaha Tribal Housing Authority. Both signed the document. The document was approved by a subordinate rather than being submitted to a committee. The Housing Authority provided $4,000 in payment assistance. Sheridan has made restitution in the sum of $4,000.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg observed that in this prosecution, it was not the amount of the loss deserving federal attention and a felony conviction, but the abuse of authority and trust by a Tribal Chairman at the expense of those who elected him.
Justice Department and University of Nebraska at Kearney Settle Lawsuit over Rights of Students with Psychological Disabilities to Have Assistance Animals in Student HousingRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska have agreed to settle a civil rights lawsuit brought by the department. Under the proposed settlement, which must still be approved by the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska in Lincoln, UNK will:
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pay $140,000 to two former students who sought and were denied reasonable accommodations to keep assistance animals in their university apartments; and
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change its housing policy to allow persons with psychological disabilities to keep animals with them in university housing where such animals provide necessary therapeutic benefits to such students.
The proposed settlement would resolve a lawsuit filed by the department in 2011. In that lawsuit, the department alleged that UNK violated the Fair Housing Act when, in 2010, it denied requests to allow two different students with psychological disabilities to keep an emotional support dog with them in University Heights, a 102-unit apartment complex that UNK operates for students near the UNK campus. One of the students filed a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which investigated the complaint and referred it to the department. Under the proposed settlement, UNK has agreed to change its policy to accommodate similar requests going forward.
“This is an important settlement for students with disabilities not only at UNK but throughout the country,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “Assistance animals such as emotional support dogs can provide critical support and therapeutic benefits for persons with psychological disabilities. The Fair Housing Act requires that universities accommodate students who need such animals in order to have an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits of university housing.”
“Allowing a student with disabilities to keep an assistance animal is not only required by law, it can mean the difference between having the opportunity to attend college or not,” said Gustavo Velasquez, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “The department will continue to work with the Department of Justice to take appropriate action anytime the Fair Housing Act is violated.”
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected] or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or through HUD’s website at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp.
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Omaha Man Sentenced to 138 Months in Prison for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Phillip M. Weber, 39, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon to 138 months in a federal penitentiary for having committed two bank robberies and for taking by force a car from an Omaha woman later used in one of the robberies.
Weber was indicted by a federal grand jury for robbing the Security National Bank on 71st Street and Redick Avenue in Omaha of approximately $4,500 in cash. He eluded escape after this May 22, 2014, bank robbery. On June 6, 2014, Weber carjacked a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer from an Omaha woman from a Baker’s grocery store parking lot at 120th Street and Center Road in Omaha. That vehicle was identified four days later in Little Rock, Arkansas, as the getaway car for the robber of the Iberia Bank where Weber robbed the Little Rock bank of approximately $1,889. A federal investigation led law enforcement officers to Weber as the perpetrator of both bank robberies as well as the carjacking. Weber agreed to have the Arkansas case transferred to Nebraska for disposition.
Judge Bataillon sentenced Weber to 10 years each on both bank robberies as well as on the carjacking. Judge Bataillon also ordered Weber to serve an additional 18 months consecutive to the 10 years for a violation of supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
The Security National Bank robbery and the carjacking were both investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department. The Iberia Bank investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Little Rock Arkansas Police Department.
Man Sentenced for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on August 28, 2015, United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Joshua Miles, to five years’ probation with conditions that he serve 12 consecutive weekends in jail. Mr. Miles was also ordered to pay $56,508 in restitution, jointly and severally with co-defendant Magalita Gelin. A similar sentenced was previously imposed on Gelin on May 11, 2015.
From February, 2009, until August, 2010, Magalita Gelin and Joshua Miles electronically filed fraudulent tax returns for a number of people and received refunds from these bogus returns. People who were generally not previously known to Miles and Gelin went to the Miles-Gelin residence in Bellevue, Nebraska, and had the bogus tax returns prepared and filed. Some individuals in whose names returns were filed were jail inmates where Miles worked. The bogus tax returns were false in a number of respects, including: (1) the returns claimed the taxpayer had worked, typically at Wendy’s, Burger King, Walmart, or Omaha Steaks, when no such employment occurred, and the corresponding W2 reflected income and taxes withheld, figures which were similarly false; and (2) sometimes there was a claim of exemption for non-existent dependents.
A total of approximately 31 false tax returns were filed claiming refunds totaling approximately $111,444.00, which in turn caused the Internal Revenue Service to make tax refund payments to Gelin and Miles totaling approximately $56,508.00.
“Manipulating our nation’s tax system victimizes all honest law-abiding citizens,” said Sybil A. Smith, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, St. Louis Field Office.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on August 28, 2015, William Nathan Chandler, 39, of Lincoln was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine between about January 1, 2012, and April 4, 2014. Following the prison term, Chandler will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Chandler was responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine. In April of 2014, a search warrant was executed at Chandler’s residence. During the search, officers found slightly less than ¼ ounce of methamphetamine. Chandler waived his rights and admitted that he had sold approximately ½ ounce of methamphetamine on that day prior to the officers’ arrival. He said he had been using and selling methamphetamine for about six years and estimated he had sold a total of a pound in the year prior to the search.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Grand Island Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on August 25, 2015, Nicole Renee Contreras, age 33 of Grand Island, was sentenced to 10 years (120 months) in prison for her role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, a mixture or substance containing cocaine, and a mixture or substance containing marijuana between January of 2010 and October 16, 2014. Following the prison term, Contreras will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement established that Contreras was responsible for the distribution of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual), at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine mixture, and small amounts of cocaine and marijuana during that time-period. On October 16, 2014, Contreras was contacted by narcotics officers at a Lincoln motel and gave the officers consent to search which led to the discovery of a total of approximately 95 grams of methamphetamine, approximately one ounce of marijuana and a small amount of cocaine. Contreras admitted to the officers that she had sold methamphetamine from the motel room prior to the officers’ arrival.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Former Omaha Man Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg and Andrew M. Thornton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, announced that on August 25, 2015, Chet Lee West, 59, of Nebo, North Carolina, was sentenced following his conviction on felony tax charges. West was convicted on February 25, 2015, after a jury found him guilty of three counts of tax evasion relating to tax years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced West to 51 months imprisonment. After his release from prison, West will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. West was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $439,515.81.
An investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service determined that from 2007 through 2009 West earned taxable income of approximately $272,224.00 while living and working in Omaha, Nebraska. Upon that income West had a tax due and owing of approximately $52,824.00. West willfully evaded his personal income taxes by failing to file Federal Individual Income Tax Returns for tax years 2007 through 2009. After being informed by the Internal Revenue Service that he was required to file Federal Individual Income Tax Returns, West continued to submit information to his employer in an attempt to avoid the withholding any employment taxes from his pay, including numerous letters and purported affidavits stating his position that he was not subject to taxation on his income. Between 2007 through 2009, West deposited personal income into bank accounts opened in the names of companies he created in an effort to hide and conceal his income from the Internal Revenue Service. West had not filed federal individual income tax returns since at least the 2000 taxable year. The restitution amount ordered by the Court included amounts for other years beyond the counts of conviction and also included interest and penalties.
“Today's sentence sends a loud and clear message that regardless of their opinions, those who willfully defy the tax laws will be fully investigated, prosecuted, and subjected to the full punishment of the law for their actions," said Andrew M. Thornton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.
This case was investigated by the Department of the Treasury, Criminal Investigations.
August Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 21 indictments charging 24 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Alejandro Alcantar-Mascote, age 33, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 7, 2015, 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.
* David Allison, age 33, of St. George, Utah, is charged with possession of a stolen firearm on or about July 2, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Yimy Arevalo-Coyoy, age 29, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about Jun 22, 2015, 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.
* Oscar Gonzalez-Ahumada, age 38, is charged in a two-count indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine from an unknown date but at least as early as November 1, 2013 and continuing through July 28, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal re-entry. 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.
* Dillon Grabowski, age 19, of Lodgepole, Nebraska, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture containing acetyl fentanyl analogue, a controlled substance analogue, beginning on or about January, 2015, and continuing to on or about May 21, 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.
* Juan Hernandez-Martinez, age 38, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about August 11, 2015, following deportation after conviction for a felony offense. 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.
* Justin Lasley, Sr., also known as Justin Lee Lasley, Sr., age 35, of Macy, Nebraska, is charged with domestic assault by a habitual offender on or about July 29, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* William Lopez-Lopez, age 34, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about August 1, 2015, 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.
* Natalie Murta, age 30, of Omaha, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about June 1, 2015, and continuing to on or about June 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.
* Ruben Navarro-Robles, age 37, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about August 12, 2015, 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.
* Denny Ochoa-Gonzalez, age 36, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about August 10, 2015, following deportation after conviction for a felony offense. 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.
* Adan Preciado-Medina, age 46, of Hastings, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 21, 2015, following deportation after conviction for a felony offense. 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.
* Jeffrey M. Rindone, age 36, of Wood River, Nebraska, and Scott W. Rindone, age 33, of Lincoln, Nebraska, are charged in an eight-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit bank fraud beginning in or about May 2013 and continuing through about September 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II thru XIII of the Indictment charges Jeffrey Rindone and Scott Rindone with bank fraud between on or about May 22, 2013 and on about September 12, 2013. Jeffrey Rindone and Scott Rindone together operated a business, Rindone, Inc., which built houses and borrowed money to do so from West Gate Bank, through lines of credit. The defendants allegedly submitted bogus claims for disbursements on their lines of credit totaling approximately $182,450. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Duane L. Rouillard, III, age 27, of Winnebago, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with assaulting a federal officer on or about May 11, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 8 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II and III of the Indictment charge the defendant with assault with a deadly weapon, on or about May 11, 2015. 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.
* Edwin Geovany Sanchez Mejia, age 28, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 30, 2015, 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.
* Kevin Smith, age 52, of Hastings, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine on or about July 12, 2015. 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.
* Jerrell S. Tyndall, age 20, of Walthill, Nebraska, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon on or about July 25, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Augustine Valadez-Briceno, age 33, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 31, 2015, 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.
* Adolfo Villa-Cervantes, age 26, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 28, 2015, after deportation or removal following a conviction for an aggravated felony offense. 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.
* Jaquan D. Washington, age 19, Blayne L. McCroy, age 21, and Edward Davis, age 24, all of Omaha, were charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with bank robbery resulting in the taking of approximately $1,026.90, from the Bank of the West, 8707 West Center Road, Omaha, Nebraska, on or about November 20, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendants with discharging a firearm during and in relation to robbing the Bank of the West, on or about November 20, 2014. 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.
* Shane M. Wibbels, age 39, of Pleasanton, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendant with making a false statement in an Agricultural Financial Statement regarding his total liabilities which was submitted to the Henderson State Bank, Greeley, Nebraska, on or about January 2009, and on or about March 22, 2010. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
Overton Man Sentenced for Enticing a JuvenileRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Paul Michael Tegeler, 68, formerly of Overton, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 7 years in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for coercion and enticement of a juvenile. After serving his sentence, Tegeler will be required to remain on supervised release for 10 years and register as a sex offender.
In April of 2014, the Nebraska State Patrol was contacted by law enforcement officers with the Arapahoe County, Colorado, Sheriff’s Office with a report that Paul M. Tegeler had been identified as an individual who had placed an advertisement on Craigslist looking for a sex slave. Law enforcement officials, using the persona of a 13-year-old female child, began communicating with Tegeler. During the conversations Tegeler described sexually explicit conduct to the female child and invited the female child to meet him for sex. Also during those online conversations with the undercover deputy, Tegeler asked the female child to send him nude images. The investigation culminated when Tegeler sent the female child a one-way bus ticket to travel from her home in Colorado to Lexington, Nebraska, so Tegeler could then take her to his residence in Overton, Nebraska and have sex with her. Tegeler was arrested by the Nebraska State Patrol in May of 2014, when he arrived at the bus stop in Lexington, Dawson County, Nebraska, expecting to meet the child he had been communicating with.
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 and the Arapahoe County Colorado Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 71 months in Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine and a GunRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Luke Blackford, 26, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 17, 2015, to 71 months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Blackford had previously pled guilty after law enforcement utilized a cooperating witness who contacted Blackford on October 29, 2013, and arranged for the delivery of an amount of methamphetamine. Blackford was arrested prior to the arranged delivery and found in possession of less than five grams of actual methamphetamine and a .22 caliber pistol.
Blackford’s sentence includes a consecutive 5 year sentence because he possessed a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. After serving his sentence Blackford 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 and Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.
Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on August 14, 2015, United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Adrian Montoya Carlos, 34, to 126 months imprisonment, following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and 76 months imprisonment for his conviction of illegal possession of a firearm, those sentences are to be served concurrently. After his release from prison, Carlos will serve 5 years on supervised release.
In September of 2014, Adrian Montoya Carlos delivered a pound of methamphetamine to a police informant. Moments after the delivery, police arrested Carlos and searched his vehicle where they found a semi-automatic handgun with 8 rounds of ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.
Laurel Man Sentenced for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on August 14, 2015, United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Robert Morris, 68 years old of Laurel, Nebraska, to one day custody, six months home confinement, 100 hours of community service, and a $40,000 fine for the offense of filing false tax returns.
Morris has already paid full restitution of $201,949.30 to the Internal Revenue Service.
Each year from 2007 through 2012 Morris underreported a total of more than one million dollars in income on his federal tax returns, resulting in avoidance of federal income taxes totaling $201,949.30. When Morris learned he was to be audited, he informed the auditor what he’d done and quickly paid his tax debt in full. The judge cited Morris’ poor health as a reason why no prison term was imposed.
“The term ‘voluntary compliance’ means that each of us is responsible for filing a tax return when required and paying the correct amount of tax,” said Sybil Smith, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “That responsibility should not be taken lightly.”
The case was investigated by the Omaha office of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Washington Men Sentenced for Unauthorized Possession of over 17,000 Electronically Stored Credit and Debit Card Account NumbersRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on August 13, 2015, Senior United States District Court Judge Lyle E. Strom sentenced Herman A. Fessehai, Bellevue, Washington, age 31, to a sentence of 27 months imprisonment, following his conviction for unauthorized possession of over 17,000 electronically stored credit and debit card account numbers not belonging to Fessehai. After his release from prison, Fessehai will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. Fessehai was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $815.87 and has also agreed to the forfeiture of over $25,000 in seized cash and money orders.
August 13, 2015, Senior United States District Court Judge Lyle E. Strom sentenced Emanuel Haile, Lynnwood, Washington, age 25, to a sentence of 11 months and 22 days, which term of imprisonment has already been served, following his conviction for possession of in excess of 17,000 electronically stored credit and debit card account numbers not belonging to Haile. Haile will immediately begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. Haile was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $815.87 and has also agreed to the forfeiture of over $25,000 in seized cash and money orders.
On August 22, 2014, an officer with the La Vista Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy Tahoe traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 for speeding. During the traffic stop, a search of the vehicle and its contents was conducted by law enforcement officers. Officers located numerous fraudulent identification cards as well as fraudulently altered credit cards associated with Haile and Fessehai. Officers also located electronic equipment, which included a computer and instructions for software to read and write credit and debit card magnetic strips. A search of the computer revealed in excess of 17,000 unauthorized electronically stored debit card and credit card account numbers not belonging to Haile or Fessehai.
During search of the vehicle officers also located Federal Express receipts in the name of Fessehai. Officers were able to intercept the Federal Express packages sent by Haile and Fessehai prior to reaching their final destination. Those packages contained two credit card skimmers used to read and write credit and debit card magnetic strips as well as a card embosser used to imprint new credit cards.
Officers also located within the vehicle two bundles of U.S. currency as well as numerous money orders. The total amount of U.S. currency and money orders found was in excess of $25,000.
This case was investigated by the La Vista Police Department and United States Secret Service.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on August 11, 2015, Matthew John Horn, 33, of Lincoln, was sentenced to seven years and four months (87 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine between April of 2013 and May of 2014. Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Horn was responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine during that time-frame. Following the prison term, Horn will serve four years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 10 years in Prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Timothy Hickman-Smith, 26, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 7, 2015, to 10 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Joseph Bataillon. Hickman-Smith had previously pled guilty after Omaha police officers had stopped him on September 11, 2014, for traffic infractions he committed while driving in North Omaha. Hickman-Smith ran from the scene of the stop but was apprehended after a short chase. A subsequent search of the car he was driving revealed approximately 2 pounds of crack cocaine in 18 individually wrapped packages ready for sale.
Hickman-Smith was sentenced to a mandatory minimum sentence because he possessed more than 280 grams of crack cocaine. After serving his sentence Hickman-Smith 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.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jodi Muratella, 39 years old, was sentenced today to a 10 year term of imprisonment, and a term of 8 years of supervised release after she completes her prison sentence, by the Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, United Stated District Court Judge. Jodi Muratella pleaded guilty on May 8, 2015 to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. This case stems from a wiretap investigation where law enforcement discovered that several people, including Jodi Muratella, were distributing methamphetamine and marijuana in the Omaha and Lincoln areas. Jodi Muratella is from Lincoln, Nebraska. Some of those involved in selling the drugs, including Jodi Muratella, would at times deposit the proceeds of their drug sales into various bank accounts in order to funnel the money back to the drug suppliers in Mexico.
This case was investigated by the Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of the following agencies: The Omaha Police Department, The Bellevue Police Department, The LaVista Police Department, The Council Bluffs Police Department, The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and The Nebraska State Patrol.
Court Concludes Agreement That Prompted Important Reforms to the Nebraska Service System for People with Developmental DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska approved the joint motion of the U. S. and the state of Nebraska to terminate a remedial consent decree that mandated improvements to the state’s system for people with developmental disabilities. The Department of Justice recently determined that Nebraska had complied with the terms of the decree. In 2008, the court approved the decree and entered it as a court order. At the parties’ request, the court dismissed the case.
The decree required the state to remedy health, safety, and welfare issues at Nebraska’s two state-owned and operated institutions—the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC) and Bridges, a highly-restrictive facility that housed people with serious behavior problems. The decree also required the state to significantly expand and enhance community capacity to ensure positive individual outcomes for people in integrated settings, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead opinion.
Over the past seven years, the state developed effective steps to comply with the terms of the decree. The state has implemented reforms that have transformed its service-delivery system, greatly expanded and enhanced community capacity, minimized reliance on institutional services and improved outcomes for thousands of people with developmental disabilities.
“Our agreement has prompted Nebraska to place a much greater emphasis on delivering needed services to people with developmental disabilities in integrated community settings,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “We applaud the state for implementing important and sustainable reforms to help realize the promise of Olmstead. Across the system, people with developmental disabilities in the state’s system are now more engaged with their communities, leading more meaningful and fulfilling lives. We thank officials within the State’s Department of Developmental Disabilities for their hard work, leadership and commitment over the years in achieving positive change.”
“As a society, we are judged by how we treat our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg of the District of Nebraska. “This conclusion marks a lengthy overhaul of state services to individuals with developmental disabilities. We are grateful to the state of Nebraska for its commitment to this process.”
The state has made a sustained effort to expand community developmental disabilities services throughout Nebraska to ensure adequate service capacity exists to meet outstanding needs.
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Entry of the decree effectively “closed the front door” to state-run institutional developmental disabilities services in Nebraska; the last admission to BSDC was on June 9, 2009. As of today, there are only 116 residents still living at BSDC, representing a 64 percent reduction in census size from the time of the United States’ investigation in 2007. BSDC is the only state-run developmental disabilities institution left in Nebraska.
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The state closed the Bridges institution and placed all of the residents into community settings. Since transition to the community, individual outcomes have greatly improved.
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State increased its expenditures on community developmental disabilities services and supports during the life of the decree. The increased funding has expanded services, improved their quality, and provided more effective oversight of service-delivery.
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The state has shifted and increased funding to community-based services, allowing it to address the needs of nearly 1,700 additional people on its waitlist.
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The state has greatly expanded community capacity to address the needs of people with complex health conditions, as well as those with complex behavioral issues. Prior to 2009, there were 25 specialized providers certified in Nebraska. Since then, the state has certified an additional 35 such providers who operate a total of 87 certified community programs. In addition, the state has implemented improved community behavioral services and crisis services.
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The state has implemented significant programs to improve health outcomes for people with developmental disabilities living in the community, including a screening tool, a traveling clinical review team, specialized training for provider staff, and a tele-health network.
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In recent years, the state initiated a program to avoid unnecessary incarceration of individuals with developmental disabilities who come in contact with the judicial system, providing them instead with community homes and services in integrated settings.
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The state has significantly increased the number of people with developmental disabilities who are employed in integrated settings, as well as the number of hours they are working there.
In addition to community initiatives, the state has implemented a number of important reforms at BSDC to better meet individual needs and to increase access to the community.
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The number and percentage of BSDC residents working in the community has increased from year to year. In 2007, only one person (less than one percent) worked off campus. Today, over 60 percent of eligible residents work in integrated settings.
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Nebraska has completely eliminated mechanical restraint usage throughout its entire system.
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Nebraska now implements an effective “zero tolerance” policy for abuse and neglect. As a result, substantiated abuse and neglect incidents at BSDC have declined steadily to only a handful of incidents per year.
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The state has substantially improved health care and behavioral services at BSDC, resulting in substantial reductions in choking incidents, aspiration pneumonia, and use of polypharmacy.
The department initiated its investigation pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, putting a primary focus on obtaining reforms to address violations of the ADA, as interpreted in Olmstead v. L.C., requiring that individuals with disabilities receive services and supports in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. On March 7, 2008, the United States issued a findings letter to the state that detailed systemic conditions and practices that violated the constitutional and statutory rights of individuals with developmental disabilities in the state’s system. The findings letter, consent decree and papers related to the instant motion are available at: http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/spl.
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Three Arrests Made in Kearney Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announces the arrests of three men believed to be responsible for the October 17, 2014, robbery of the Kearney Eaton Employees Credit Union.
At approximately 9:15 a.m., two men wearing work clothes and white hardhats entered the credit union, located at 2600 East Highway 30. As one of the suspects produced what tellers believed to be a handgun, both suspects jumped the teller counter, moved the tellers and other employees into a nearby office, and forced them to lie on the office floor. The suspects then bound the tellers’ and employees’ hands, went to the vault, and removed approximately $122,891.15 in currency, and left the building.
Two of the suspects, Patrick Wigley (age 29) and Thomas Dunlap (age 28), were arrested in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, and will be transported to Lincoln by the United States Marshal’s Office. The third suspect, Clifton Hudson (age 28), was arrested in Kearney, Nebraska, and will be taken to Lincoln on Thursday, July 30, 2015, for his initial appearance and arraignment.
The charges against the three defendants carry a term of imprisonment up to 25 years, a fine up to $250,000, up to to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
This case was investigated by the Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
July Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 22 indictments charging 24 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Rhonda Anderson, age 36, of Casper, Wyoming, is charged with bank theft and embezzlement between on or about June 7, 2012 to on or about October 28, 2013. The defendant allegedly took approximately $20,964.51from accounts of bank customers and from intended deposits into accounts of the bank and converted these proceeds to her own use and benefit. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years, a $1,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Selvin Ayala-Quintanilla, age 33, of Crete, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 3, 2015, 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.
* Christopher Baskin, age 44, of Omaha, is charged with tampering with a witness beginning on or about April 2, 2015, and continuing to on or about June 28, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Mark James Decora, age 31, of Winnebago, is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury on or about March 21, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jaime Erives-Hernandez, age 47, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about June 16, 2015, 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.
* Jason Freemont, age 48, of Walthill, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Counts I and III of the Indictment charge the defendant with assault with a dangerous weapon on or about June 12, 2015. Counts II and IV of the Indictment charge Freemont with assault resulting in serious bodily injury on or about June 12, 2015. 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.
* Arturo Hernandez-Rodriguez, age 38, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 7, 2015, 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.
* Bryan Jensen, age 42, of Omaha, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about May 15, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II and IV of the Indictment charges Jensen with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about March 5, 2015 and on or about May 5, 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 for each count. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking offense on or about May 15, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to Life to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Jamie Dean Lewis, age 28, is charged in a six-count Indictment. Counts I and IV of the Indictment charge the defendant with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about April 5, 2015 and on or about May 28, 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 for each count. Counts II and V of the Indictment charge Lewis with carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking offense on or about April 5, 2015 and on or about May 28, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to Life to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for each count. Counts III and VI of the Indictment charge the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about April 5, 2015 and on or about May 28, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Shyla Martinez, age 31, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine from an unknown date but at least as early as July 15, 2014, up to and including October 25, 2014. 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. Counts II and IV of the Indictment charge Martinez with distribution of more than 5 grams of actual methamphetamine on or about February 20, 2015 and on or about March 5, 2015. 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 for each count. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of less than 5 grams of actual methamphetamine on or about March 1, 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.
* Marco Tulio Montalvan-Estrada, age 43, of Austin, Texas, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about June 25, 2015, 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.
* Aloysius Montgomery, age 29, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about June 18, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Thomas Peterson, age 56, of Kearney, is charged in a five-count Indictment. Counts I thru IV of the Indictment charge Thomas Peterson, a deputy probation officer employed by the State of Nebraska District 9 Probation Office in Kearney, Nebraska, with deprivation of civil rights on various dates. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 1 year imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $25 special assessment for each count. Count V of the Indictment charges the defendant with making false statements to a government agent on or about May 14, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Elmer Quinteros-Escobar, age 38, of Kearney, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about June 16, 2015, 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.
* Josue Quiroga, a/k/a Josue Valencia, age 24 and Hamolequet Adi Quiroga, age 31, both of Kearney, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges both defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and marijuana beginning on or about August 2014 , and continuing to on or about February, 2015. Count II of the Indictment charges Josue Quiroga with carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking offense on or about August, 2014 and continuing to on or about February, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to Life to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Luciano Ramirez Garcia, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about June 25, 2015, 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.
* J. Guadalupe Ramos Leon, age 39, of Kearney, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 8, 2015, 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.
* Ala Marouf Salameh, age 38, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges Salameh with fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents on or about June 17, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment, charges the defendant with making false statements in a document in a matter within the jurisdiction of a government agency on or about October 27, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Erwin Sample, age 31, of Alliance, 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 a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about March, 2014, and continuing to on or about July, 2015. Count II of the Indictment charges Sample with possession of a stolen firearm. 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.
* Asael De Jesus Sanchez Escamilla, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about June 12, 2015, 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.
* Rigoberto Vasquez-Martinez, aka Francisco Gonzalez, age 57 and Maria Elena Macias-Rios, age 50 are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about April 13, 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.
Count II of the Indictment charges Vasquez-Martinez with illegal reentry into the United States on or about June 12, 2015, 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.
* Reta White, a/k/a Reta Smith, a/k/a Vanessa Smith, a/k/a Rita Jackson, age 59, of Omaha, is charged with harboring a fugitive on or about June 23, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Winnebago Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
Lawrence Merrick, Jr., 23, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 24, 2015, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child. The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, Senior United States District Court Judge, sentenced Merrick to 37 months imprisonment. After his release from prison, Merrick will begin a five-year term of supervised release. As a result of his conviction, Merrick will be required to register as a sex offender.
Merrick is a member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska. He was staying at a residence within the Winnebago Reservation. On April 25, 2014, Merrick entered a bedroom where a nine-year-old girl was sleeping. He rubbed the buttocks of the child waking her up. She went to tell her mother and Merrick fled the home.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on July 23, 2015, Brent William Littrell, 31, of Lincoln, was sentenced to seven years (84 months) in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between March of 2012 and October of 2014. Information provided to law enforcement indicated that, during that time, Littrell was responsible for the distribution of at least 350 grams (approximately 12 ½ ounces) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area. Following the prison term, Littrell will serve four years on supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Kevin M. Lee, age 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced to four years, nine months imprisonment by the Honorable Lyle E Strom, after having previously pled guilty to two bank robberies. He was also ordered to pay $1,400.00 in restitution and will be required to serve a three year term of supervised release after his release from prison.
On November 17, 2014, Lee went into the American National Bank at 1412 Harney Street, Omaha, and passed a note to the teller demanding $500. On November 18, 2014, he went to the U.S. Bank at 222 South 72nd Street, Omaha, and passed a similar note demanding $900. Law enforcement had contact with him on November 20 on a matter unrelated to the robberies. Agents were able to identify him in connection with the crimes based in part on tattoos on his fingers that matched surveillance pictures of him from the U.S. Bank robbery.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg and Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson announced that Scott N. O'Leary, 20, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 17, 2015 in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 144 months in prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for receipt of child pornography. Additionally, once released from federal prison, O'Leary will be on supervised release for 15 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.
In August of 2010, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported a CyberTip to the Nebraska State Patrol regarding child pornography that had been uploaded to a social media account on the internet. In June of 2012, another CyberTip was reported to the Nebraska State Patrol regarding child pornography that had been uploaded to another social media account. Both of those CyberTips were associated with accounts listed under a female’s name.
Nebraska State Patrol investigators were able to trace the IP address of the computer associated with those accounts, and through further investigation, determined that Scott N. O’Leary was the suspected offender.
State Patrol investigators determined that O’Leary had created the fictional accounts in question. O'Leary created several accounts on various websites and social networks under the female pseudonym. He had used the fictional persona to communicate with young boys ranging in age from 12 to 17. O'Leary solicited and received naked images from approximately half the boys he had been in contact with. He also used bribes and threats to obtain images.
In addition to soliciting naked images from young boys, O’Leary uploaded images of at least one victim to a website known for the exchange 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 with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. The case was jointly prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
Columbus Man Sentenced to more than 10 years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Christopher Shea, 34, of Columbus, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 7, 2015, to 121 months in prison by Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon. Shea had previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine. Shea was arrested and indicted on the charge after he was found in possession of approximately a quarter pound of methamphetamine on October 9, 2014. During a post arrest interview, Shea admitted that he had been selling quarter pounds of methamphetamine on a weekly basis in the Columbus area during the summer of 2014. After serving his sentence Shea will be required to serve a term of supervised release of 5years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol.
South Sioux City Man Sentenced to 235 months in Prison on Methamphetamine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jacob W. Deng, 33, was sentenced on June 29, 2015, to 235 months in prison after a jury trial resulted in guilty verdicts on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Marijuana, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. On April 3, 2015, Deng was found guilty of all charges after a two and a half day jury trial before the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, United States District Judge.
The evidence presented at trial revealed that on April 17, 2014, South Sioux City DEA Task Force Officers executed a search warrant on Deng’s South Sioux City apartment and discovered approximately two ounces of crystal methamphetamine, multiple ounces of marijuana, drug packaging materials, over $7,000 in cash, and two firearms. Prior to the execution of the search warrant, Deng delivered methamphetamine to a cooperating witness while inside his apartment. At the time of the delivery Deng had a prior felony conviction for delivery of a controlled substance.
This case was the result of an investigation by the South Sioux City Police Department and DEA Tri-State Drug Task Force.
Omaha Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine while in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Amber Alvord, 36, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 29, 2015, to 15 years in prison by United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Alvord had previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine and Possessing a firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Alvord was arrested and indicted on the charges after Omaha police officers twice executed search warrants on the same South Omaha residence in April of 2014. In total, officers seized more than three ounces of methamphetamine, three handguns, over $4,000 in currency, and drug paraphernalia.
As a result of possessing more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine along with a firearm, Alvord faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. After serving her sentence Alvord 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 and Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.
Macy Man Sentenced for Habitual Domestic Abuse and Aiding the Killing of A Bald EagleRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Antonio Bertucci, age 24 of Macy, Nebraska, was sentenced today upon his convictions for habitual domestic abuse and aiding and abetting the unlawful killing of a bald eagle. Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Bertucci to 35 months of imprisonment on the habitual domestic abuse conviction to be followed by three years of supervised release. Bertucci was further ordered to serve one year of supervised release upon his conviction for the unlawful killing of a bald eagle.
Bertucci was convicted on two counts of habitual domestic abuse relating to incidents which occurred on October 2, 2014 and October 13, 2014 on the Omaha Indian Reservation. In each incident, Bertucci punched his live-in girlfriend in the face and also struck her in the body by either punching or kicking her. Bertucci had two previous convictions for domestic abuse assault in Woodbury County, Iowa.
In February of 2014, Bertucci was the driver of a vehicle in a field on the Omaha Indian Reservation when witnesses observed the passenger shooting at two bald eagles which were in the area. When the tribal police and the tribal game warden responded, Bertucci attempted to flee by driving away at a high rate of speed. However, he was ultimately caught when his vehicle broke down. A search of the vehicle revealed a bald eagle carcass in the trunk.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 80 Months for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Raymond Kudera, age 39, was sentenced June 22 and June 23, 2015, in the United States District Court in Omaha, Nebraska, for receiving child pornography. Kudera was convicted after a jury trial. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Kudera to 80 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Kudera must serve a 10-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Kudera was ordered to pay restitution to one of the child victims whose videos he viewed in the sum of $3,000.
Kudera used a file-sharing program to receive child pornography over the internet. On August 17, 2012, agents with Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Kudera’s apartment. Forensic analysis of Kudera’s computer indicated that his last 30 internet searches were for child pornography. Although he had deleted his child pornography, various images were recovered from a Thumbs.db file. Further forensics revealed a total of 267 child pornographic videos that had been downloaded from a file-sharing program and subsequently deleted.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Dakota City Woman Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Lupe Cortez, 35, of Dakota City, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 22, 2015, to 51 months in prison by United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Cortez had previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine for her involvement in a conspiracy to distribute multiple pounds of methamphetamine in the South Sioux City, Nebraska, area. After serving her sentence Cortez will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 5years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Nebraska State Patrol.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Lawrence A. Smith, age 20, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced for his conviction for failing to register as a sex offender. Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Smith to 18 months of imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Smith is required to register as a sex offender for life as a result of his prior conviction in the District of Nebraska for a sexual assault. Although Smith did register in Sioux City, Iowa, while he was at a halfway house, he failed to register when he left the facility and went to live on the Omaha Indian Reservation.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service.
Pilger Man Sentenced for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jeffrey L. Eckert, age 55, of Pilger, Nebraska, was sentenced for his conviction for making a false oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Eckert to 5 years of probation and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $50,142.66. Eckert was also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service during the first two years of his term of probation.
Eckert filed a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition in the District of Nebraska, but his case was later converted to a Chapter 7. At the time of the initial Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing, Wells Fargo Bank was a creditor which was fully secured by assets owned by Eckert. However, after the case was converted to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Wells Fargo Bank learned that some of its collateral had been sold or otherwise disposed of by Eckert. When he was questioned under oath at the first meeting of creditors in the Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, Eckert made false statements about the manner in which he disposed of the bank’s collateral.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 15 years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine while in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Thomas Perez, 32, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 22, 2015, to 15 years in prison by United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Perez had previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine and Possessing a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Perez was arrested and indicted on the charges after Omaha police officers twice executed search warrants on the same South Omaha residence in April of 2014. In total, officers seized more than three ounces of methamphetamine, three handguns, over $4,000 in currency, and drug paraphernalia.
Because Perez possessed more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine along with a firearm, he faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. After serving his sentence Perez will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 5years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Omaha Police Department and Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Men Sentenced for Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on June 18, 2015, Senior United States District Court Judge Joseph Bataillon sentenced Jonathan Arrington of Omaha, Nebraska, age 45, to a 5 year term of imprisonment, following his conviction for wire fraud. After his release from prison, Arrington will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. On that same day, Judge Bataillon also sentenced Michael Kratville, of Omaha, Nebraska, an attorney, age 53, to a 4 year term of imprisonment, following his conviction for wire fraud. After his release from prison, Kratville will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. Lastly, on June 18, 2015, Judge Bataillon also sentenced Michael Welke of Omaha, Nebraska, age 40, to a 3 year term of imprisonment, following his conviction for wire fraud. After his release from prison, Welke will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. All three defendants will be ordered to make restitution, the amounts to be determined by the court at a later date.
Begin in 2005 and continuing through 2008, Arrington, Kratville and Welke conducted an investment fraud scheme whereby they and their companies, Elite Management Holdings Corporation (EMHC) and MGM Enterprises, all operating out of Nebraska, defrauded at least 100 individuals out of approximately $4,000,000. The defendants solicited mostly friends and acquaintances to invest in "club-like" investment pools operated by EMHC and MGM. These pool funds were purportedly traded in commodity futures contracts (futures) and off-exchange foreign currency contracts (FOREX). To entice prospective pool participants and retain existing pool participants, the defendants pitched their supposed extensive skills and experience in market analysis and investment strategies and the supposedly extremely successful, historical performance of their futures and FOREX trading, models, and strategies. They also claimed to their investors that their trading returns had met or exceeded 3 percent every month from May, 2002 through at least 2007. They further advised their investors that they had sophisticated procedures in place to prevent losses, and that their losses would be limited, because no more than 10 percent of their investment principal (i.e., participating funds) would ever be at risk.
The truth of the matter was that the defendants never did successfully trade in futures, FOREX, or options. Not only did the defendants fail to generate returns of 3 percent or more each and every month from 2002 through June, 2007, the trading conducted on the defendants' behalf by various other traders resulted in nearly a total loss for every investor. Additionally, more than 10 percent of the investors' participating funds were at risk throughout the operation as part of the defendants' fraudulent scheme.
Instead of disclosing the actual trading performance of the pool funds, the defendants periodically provided pool participants with false account statements that provided false returns and false account balances over the course of the scheme. Additionally, the defendants' misappropriated a significant amount of the funds for their own personal use and to pay other pool participants in a Ponzi-like manner in furtherance of the defendants' fraudulent scheme. As a result of the defendants' scheme to defraud, investors suffered an ultimate loss of approximately $4,000,000.00.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
June Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 11 indictments charging 12 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Juan Arturo Bahena Arce, age 31, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about June 1, 2015, 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.
* Ramiro Bautisa Martinez, age 37, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 21, 2015, 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.
* Roberto Garcia Aquino, age 26, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 21, 2015, 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.
* Rodrigo Jordan Gastelum-Flores, age 25, of San Ysidro, California, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of a mixture containing heroin on or about June 7, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years to Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ruben Hernandez-Arellano, age 39, of Fremont, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 19, 2015, 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.
* Joshua J. Just, age 38, of Funk, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt of child pornography from on or about December 22, 2014, and continuing to on or about April 9, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Just with possession of child pornography on or about April 9, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property, real or personal, that constitutes or is derived, directory or indirectly, as a result of the said violation, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Rochelle L. Klug, age 29, of Niobrara, Nebraska, is charged with federal program theft. The defendant was an agent of the Santee Indian Reservation Housing Authority and allegedly took cash from the Santee Housing Authority totaling more than $20,000. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Paul D. Martin, age 45, of Kearney, is charged in a thirty-six count Indictment. Counts 1–12 of the indictment charge the defendant with delivery of misbranded drugs on various dates from on or about August 23, 2013, and to on or about July 25, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 3 years imprisonment, a $10,000, fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. Counts 13-24 of the Indictment charge Martin with mail fraud beginning as early as September 1, 2010, and continuing to July 30, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. Counts 25-36 of the Indictment charge the defendant with wire fraud beginning as early as September 1, 2010, and continuing to July 30, 2014. 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.
* Zenia Miller, age 56, of Omaha and Home Care Services, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska, are charged in a seventeen-count Indictment. Counts 1-10 of the Indictment charge the defendants with health care fraud from on or about September 1, 2012, and continuing until on or about September 30, 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 for each count for defendant Miller and a $500,000 fine and $400 special assessment for Home Care Services, Inc. Counts 11-17 of the Indictment charge Miller and Home Care Services, Inc., with wire fraud from on or about September 1, 2012, and continuing until on or about September 30, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count for defendant Miller and a $500,00 fine and $400 special assessment for each count for Home Care Services, Inc. According to the indictment the defendants allegedly billed Medicaid for services that were never rendered.
* Gerry L. Pierce, age 54, of Lincoln, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt and distribution of child pornography from at least on or about November 30, 2013, to on or about April 7, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Pierce with possession of child pornography from at least on or about November 30, 2013 to on or about February 18, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment.
The indictment also alleges any and all property, real or personal, that constitutes or is derived, directory or indirectly, as a result of the said violation, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Juan C. Reyes-Ramos, age 31, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine on or about October 14, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years to 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 Reyes-Ramos with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about May 22, 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. The indictment also alleges any and all property, that constitutes or is derived, from proceeds of the violations or used to facilitate the commission of the violations should be forfeited to the United States.
Washington Men Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on June 15, 2015, United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Charles V. Garcia of Othello, Washington, age 43, to a 12 month and 1 day term of imprisonment, following his conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. After his release from prison, Garcia will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. Garcia was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $605,592.53.
On June 15, 2015, United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp also sentenced Jose L. Sanchez, Jr. of Marysville, Washington, age 48, to a 5 month term of imprisonment, following his conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. After his release from prison, Sanchez will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. Sanchez was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $53,054.90.
Previously, on February 2, 2015, United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Donald James Wilson of Bothell, Washington, age 44, to a 41 month term of imprisonment, following his conviction for wire fraud. After his release from prison, Wilson will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. Wilson was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $605,592.53.
Beginning in 2007 and continuing through 2011, Wilson, Garcia, and Sanchez made materially false and fraudulent representations to ConAgra that Wilson was using GTL Enterprises, Inc., a company owned by Garcia which is located in Othello, Washington, and All Out Athletics, a company managed by Sanchez which was formerly located in Marysville, Washington, as vendors to provide promotional trips, activities, and materials to ConAgra’s customers.
Wilson would submit to ConAgra fake GTL Enterprises, Inc. and All Out Athletics invoices for promotional trips, activities, and materials purportedly provided to ConAgra’s customers. ConAgra made payments related to the fake vendor invoices directly to GTL Enterprises, Inc. and All Out Athletics. Garcia and Sanchez assisted Wilson with the scheme by collecting and cashing the ConAgra payments. From at least November, 2007, and continuing through at least November, 2011, Wilson submitted to ConAgra at least twenty-nine (29) fake vendor invoices for payments totaling $605,592.50.
Wilson, Garcia, and Sanchez used the monies received from ConAgra for personal expenses unrelated to ConAgra and its customers.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
May Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 22 indictments charging 24 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Elmar Argueta Luna, age 25, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 27, 2015, 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.
* Jacob J. Barrickman and Brianna M. Hampton, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or April 30, 2015. 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.
* Heather Baxter, age 36, of Omaha, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon on or about July 16, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Kenneth R. Carufel, age 27, of Santee, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with assault causing serious bodily injury on or about May 6, 2015. 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 Carufel with assault on a juvenile less than 16 years of age causing substantial bodily injury on or about May 6, 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.
- Gilberto Ceballos Aguiano, aka Juan Aroyo, age 49, and Francisco Hernandez-Perez, aka Jencarlos F. Josias and/or Hugo Rodriguez-Carbajal, age 28, both of Omaha, are charged in an eight-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment alleges that from on or about February 17, 2015, and continuing until on or about May 13, 2015 the defendants did conspire to distribute counterfeit identification documents. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II and III of the Indictment allege that on or about February 24, 2015 and on or about March 30, 2015, Aguiano distributed counterfeit social security cards. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. Counts IV, V, and VIII of the Indictment charges Hernandez-Perez with identity theft on or about February 24, March 1, and March 30, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. Count VI of the Indictment charges Hernandez-Perez with false representation of a social security number on or about May 12, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count VII of the Indictment charges Hernandez-Perez with falsely representing a Social Security account number as belonging to him for the purpose of obtaining a benefit to which he was not entitled on or about March 1, 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.
* Chase Alexander Cleveland, age 29, of Winnebago, is charged with aggravated sexual abuse by force or threat on or about February 3, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment.
* James S. Coder, age 33, of Bellevue, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt and distribution of child pornography from between on or about August 30, 2011 and continuing to on or about February 20, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Coder with possession of child pornography on and before March 3, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Eric Conn, age 46, of Stamford, Nebraska, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about May 2, 2015. 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.
* Raul Espinoza-Amezquita, age 29, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 11, 2015, 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.
* Gabriel Figueroa Martinez, 37, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 13, 2015, following deportation after conviction for a felony offense. 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.
* Roberto Jimenez-Diaz, age 44, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 22, 2015, 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.
* Jose Jesus Martinez, 34, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 13, 2015, following deportation after conviction for a felony offense. 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.
* Victor Ray Miller, 23, of Macy, is charged with felony child abuse on or about October 27, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Mikel Miller, age 51, of Fremont, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt and distribution of child pornography from on or about March 3, 2015, and continuing to on or about April 21, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Miller with possession of child pornography on or before April 21, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Adrean Newson, 24, of Omaha, is charged with possession of counterfeit currency on or about January 5, 2015. 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.
* Williams Perez-Fernandez, 36, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 6, 2015, following deportation after conviction for a felony offense. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Lazaro Rivero-Mateo, 39, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 22, 2015, 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.
* Koren Russell, 31, of Walthill, Nebraska is charged with negligent child abuse on or about May 20, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Juan Saquic Velasquez, 28, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 21, 2015, 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.
* Kendell Tealer, age 28, is charged in a two-count Second Superseding Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with committing a violent crime, specifically murder, in aid of racketeering activity on or about December 18, 2010. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Death or not less than life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Tealer with felon in possession of ammunition on or about December 18, 2010. 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. According to ATF Special Agent in Charge Greg Gant, “This indictment is a testament to the ongoing efforts of the ATF, the United States Attorney’s Office and the Omaha Police Department to identify and bring to justice those who choose to use firearms as tools of violence and intimidation. Together, we will continue to tirelessly pursue violent armed criminals, whose actions degrade the quality of life of those who live and work in our community.”
* Scott T. Tran, age 44, of Waterloo, NE, is charged in an eighteen-count Superseding Indictment. It alleges from on or about May 18, 2009, and continuing until on or about February 16, 2015 the defendant executed a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program. Scott Tran submitted false and fraudulent claims to the Nebraska Medicaid program seeking payment for providing a prescription drug to certain Nebraska Medicaid recipients when the defendant well knew the prescription drug had not been provided to those recipients. During the course of the scheme these claims totaled approximately $14,430,059.17. 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. The indictment also alleges any and all property, real or personal, that constitutes or is derived, directory or indirectly, from gross proceeds traceable to the commission of the offense, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Daniel Zavala-Vera, age 37, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine on or about April 7, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years to 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 Zavala-Vera with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on or about April 7, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years to Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The Indictment also contains an allegation to forfeit proceeds of the offense or property used to commit the offense, including $95,413.00 in U.S. currency.
Bellevue Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing and Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Christopher D. Brackett, 37, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for producing, transporting, and possessing child pornography. Brackett was convicted after a jury trial on all three charges. The Honorable Lyle E. Strom, Senior United States District Court Judge, sentenced Brackett to a term of imprisonment of 360 months for producing child pornography, 360 months for transporting child pornography, and 240 months for possessing child pornography. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Brackett will begin a 20-year term of supervised release.
Brackett was previously convicted in Des Moines County, Iowa, for sexual exploitation of a minor. He photographed a 15-year-old female engaged in sexually explicit conduct. As a result of this prior conviction, he was subject to a 25-year mandatory minimum sentence for producing child pornography.
Brackett traveled from Nebraska to Ohio on two occasions between May and August, 2013, where he photographed a 16-year-old girl engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He transported the images back to Nebraska. He met the girl online and began a relationship with her. He requested more sexually explicit images from her and, when she declined, he exerted pressure on her. When she attempted to end the relationship, he threatened to, and ultimately did, post advertisements on Craigslist purporting to be from the 16-year-old girl. The advertisements listed the girl’s telephone number and address and encouraged others to call or stop by the house to engage in sexual relations. She began receiving numerous texts from interested individuals.
The girl confided in her parents and was brought to her local police department. On September 17, 2013, officers with the Bellevue Police Department in Nebraska executed a search warrant upon Brackett’s residence. Sexually explicit photos of the 16-year-old were found on a Sony laptop computer and Dell desktop computer in the residence.
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 Bellevue Police Department and the Nebraska Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Plainview Man Sentenced for Assault on A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Matthew Moniz, Jr., age 27, of Plainview, Nebraska upon his conviction for assaulting a federal officer. Moniz was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
On April 5, 2014, Moniz, an enrolled member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, was a passenger in a vehicle being driven on the Winnebago Indian Reservation when a Winnebago Police officer conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. The officer identified Moniz and determined he had outstanding tribal and state arrest warrants. Moniz resisted arrest when the officer attempted to handcuff him and attempted to flee. When the officer caught Moniz, a struggle ensued and the officer sustained minor bodily injuries.
The Winnebago Officer is employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Lincoln Couple Sentenced in Connection with Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Scott Usher, age 46, and Robin Usher, age 53, both of Lincoln, Nebraska, in connection with a wire fraud scheme. Scott Usher was sentenced on June 9, 2015, to 84 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $519,230.02. Robin Usher was sentenced on June 10, 2015, to five years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $85,878.55. As conditions of her probation Robin Usher is required to submit to 8 months of home confinement with location monitoring and 12 consecutive weekends of confinement in a detention facility.
Scott and Robin Usher, husband and wife, were convicted in connection with a wire fraud scheme orchestrated by Scott Usher. Scott Usher was convicted of wire fraud as a result of his taking money from private lenders and investors purportedly for the purpose of developing new technologies which could be sold to large companies and governments. Among the numerous technologies Scott Usher represented he had developed were windmills that could operate with assistance from solar energy and designs that could inexpensively desalinate seawater. Scott Usher continually represented he had been in negotiations with companies and private individuals and that large transactions were about to close which would yield millions, even billions, of dollars in profit. He also represented he had been in personal conversations with prominent people ranging from the President and Vice-President of the United States to actor Matt Damon all of whom were supposedly interested in his inventions. All of Mr. Usher’s representations, in fact, were lies. He had not developed the technologies he said he had created, he had not been in negotiations with any companies or prominent individuals and there were no lucrative deals about to close. Scott Usher had simply made those representations to induce lenders and investors, primarily from the Lincoln area, to give him money which he used to support himself.
Robin Usher was convicted of being an accessory after the fact to wire fraud. The Ushers had travelled to Hawaii, using funds supplied by lenders and investors, purportedly for the purpose of meeting with representatives of the Chinese government. Scott Usher had previously represented that the Chinese government was close to consummating a deal with him to purchase the right to use his desalinization technologies. The deal was represented to be worth billions of dollars. Mr. Usher’s representations were entirely fabricated. Following the trip to Hawaii, Scott and Robin Usher attended dinner parties in Lincoln restaurants where Scott Usher told investors and lenders that his meetings with the Chinese had gone well. Robin Usher never contradicted Scott Usher or told the investors and lenders that no such meetings had taken place. Thereafter, an additional $85,878.55 in monies were provided by investors and lenders to Scott Usher. Robin Usher’s failure to disclose the truth about the trip to the Hawaii was, in part, responsible for those additional losses. Scott Usher was immediately remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal following sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lincoln Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Manufacturing Counterfeit Identification DocumentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney, Deborah R. Gilg, announced that Faustino Suastegui-Villalva, 49, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp to a total of 54 months in federal prison for his role in the production of counterfeit identification documents. Saustegui, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested on October 22, 2014, after a criminal complaint had been filed against him charging him with possessing five or more counterfeit Social Security cards with the intent to sell them. On November 18, 2014, Suastegui was charged in a superseding indictment with conspiring with Fernando Nevarez-Carreon to manufacture and sell counterfeit Social Security cards. Federal agents had purchased counterfeit Social Security cards and other identification documents on July 16, 2014, July 23, 2014, and September 11, 2014. The investigation of Nevarez-Carreon lead to the presence of Suastegui. Federal agents executed a search warrant at the residence of Suastegui and seized equipment used in the manufacturing operation including various computers on which images of counterfeit identification documents were located. The computer equipment contained over one-hundred fraudulent counterfeit identification documents.
Suastegui was sentenced to 30 months in prison upon his conviction on the conspiracy charge and for a charge of unlawfully transferring identification documents. Judge Smith Camp ordered that he serve an additional 24 months consecutive to the original 30 months for his conviction on the aggravated identity theft charge. After completing his 54 month combined prison sentence, Suastegui will be deported back to his home country of Mexico.
Nevarez-Carreon is scheduled to be sentenced for his role in the case on June 29, 2015.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and by agents with the Department of Homeland Security.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Being A Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Kyle Bigbear, age 24, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 1, 2015 upon his conviction for being a felon in passion of a firearm. Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Bigbear to 10 years imprisonment to be followed by a term of supervised release of 3 years.
On September 5, 2014, Bigbear was driving on the Winnebago Indian Reservation while in possession of a rifle. When Bigbear came across a Winnebago resident he had a disagreement with, Bigbear stopped his vehicle and pointed the rifle at the resident. At the time of this incident, Bigbear was prohibited from possession of firearms because he had previously been convicted in Iowa in 2013 for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Thomas White, Jr., age 31, of Winnebago, Nebraska was sentenced on June 1, 2015 upon his conviction for assaulting a federal officer. Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Thomas to 33 months imprisonment to be followed by a term of supervised release of 2 years.
On October 17, 2014, a Winnebago police officer was on duty at the Winnebago school as school was letting out for the day. White was present on the school grounds as well even though he had been asked to leave the school earlier that day. When the officer approached White, he detected the odor of alcohol. As the officer attempted to detain White, White charged at the officer and struck him on the side of his face. White continued to strike the officer about his head, arms and side until the officer was finally able to gain control of White and place him in handcuffs.
The Winnebago officer is a federal employee who is employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Omaha Plumbing Business Is Sentenced for Davis-Bacon Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
V & V Construction, Inc., d/b/a Vincentini Plumbing, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for false statements relating to violations of the Davis-Bacon Act. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp sentenced the company to a three-year term of probation. The Court imposed a $25,000 fine and ordered restitution in the sum of $138,643.54. V & V Construction was further ordered to cooperate with the United States Department of Labor in a three-year debarment precluding its participation in federal contracts during the three-year ban.
V & V Construction Inc. does business as Vincentini Plumbing. It is a residential and commercial plumbing company located in Omaha, Nebraska. V & V Construction was a sub-contractor for two building projects for the Council Bluffs Public Schools in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The two schools were federally funded projects requiring compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act. V & V Construction was awarded the plumbing and pipe-laying subcontract for both projects.
The Davis-Bacon Act requires that any participant on a qualifying federal contract pay a prevailing wage. Between June 2010 and continuing until July 2011 V & V Construction falsified certified payroll records to the United States Department of Labor stating that they had paid the required prevailing wage. In fact they had paid employees less than the prevailing wage resulting in a $138,643.54 difference between what they certified as wages paid and actual wages paid.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor.
Omaha Man Convicted of Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Quantal Blake, age 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted of three counts of bank robbery this afternoon following a jury trial this week, in front of the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp. Sentencing has been set for August 24, 2015. The defendant faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on each count.
On February 4, 2014, the Premier Bank located at 352 North 114th Street was robbed at approximately 11:15 a.m., when two men ran in, with partially covered faces, and demanded money. They took money from the bank and fled the area. A vehicle they had stolen the night before was used and was recovered, abandoned, a few blocks away. On March 20, 2014, at approximately 8:40 a.m., two men with masks drove up to the front door of the same bank. The passenger got out of a vehicle that had been stolen the day before, and attempted to enter the bank. The lobby was not yet open. They fled the area, striking another vehicle in the process and abandoned the vehicle a short distance away. Later that same day, at approximately 1:17 p.m., two males entered the First Westroads Bank located at 612 North 98th Street. The men had their faces obscured and one had his hand under a coat as if he had a weapon. They got money from the bank, fled the area, and abandoned the vehicle they used near 96th and Western.
Through the efforts of the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation it was determined Blake was on parole from a prior robbery conviction. As part of his parole he was required to wear an electronic monitoring device on his ankle. The device was tracked by time and location to the places where each robbery occurred, from the locations where both vehicles had been stolen and where all three vehicles had been abandoned after the robberies.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Omaha Police Department.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jason Michael Leatherwood, 41, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 10 years and eight months, (128 months), in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine between about October of 2012 and April of 2014. Following the prison term, Leatherwood will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Leatherwood was responsible for the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine. In December of 2013, an undercover officer purchased a small amount of methamphetamine from Leatherwood. In February of 2014, Leatherwood was contacted by law enforcement officers and found to be in possession of methamphetamine residue. At that time, he admitted he had been selling small amounts of methamphetamine for approximately two years. In April of 2014, Leatherwood was contacted again and was found to be in possession of approximately ¼ ounce of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Nebraska LECC Criminal Justice ConferenceRead the Press Release
The 28th Annual Nebraska Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC) Criminal Justice and County Attorney’s Conference is being held in Kearney, Nebraska May 20-22, 2015 with more than 300 local, state, and federal law enforcement officials and prosecutors attending.
The conference is designed to bring training to law enforcement officials and prosecutors in the latest topics impacting the criminal justice system. The conference is annually hosted by the United States Attorney's Office, Nebraska County Attorneys Association and the Nebraska Sheriffs Association.
This year’s topics include:
• Marijuana Legalization – The Consequences of Legalized Marijuana
• Nikko Jenkins Murder Spree Trilogy - Case Presentation and Study
• Winning Strategies for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement from Investigation to Trial
• Asset Forfeiture Changes on the Federal Level
• Supreme Court and Legislative updates
• State-Wide Child Advocacy Centers
• Juvenile Diversion Programs and Juvenile LegislationAwards will be presented during the Thursday evening (May 20th) banquet by United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg, to criminal justice officials for their outstanding contributions to the criminal justice system and their communities.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 16 Years Imprisonment for Arson and Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on May 14, 2015, Thomas Schropp, 53, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced for arson and insurance fraud. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Schropp to a 16-year term of imprisonment. After his release from prison, Schropp will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years. Additionally, he was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $7.6 million to various victims of his crimes, including Sentry Insurance, various banks and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
In November of 2008, Schropp, the owner of PK Manufacturing in Nashville, Nebraska, hired an individual to burn down his business and then after the burning of the building submitted a false insurance claim for approximately $4.3 million.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Summer Camps Must Reasonably Accommodate Children with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
Summer camps are legally required to make reasonable accommodations to accept children with disabilities, U.S. Attorney Deb Gilg announced today.
With summer approaching, parents are beginning to think about sending their children to summer camps. To help ensure that children with disabilities receive the opportunity to attend summer camp, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be sending a flyer to summer camps located within the District of Nebraska reminding them of their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
Under the ADA, summer camps, both private and those run by municipalities, must make reasonable modification to enable campers with disabilities to participate fully in all camp programs and activities. This generally means that children with disabilities are entitled to attend any camp or activity that non-disabled children attend, that camps must evaluate each child on an individual basis, and that camps must train their staff in the requirements of the ADA. Camps are obligated to pay for the cost of any reasonable modifications necessary for disabled children to participate in camp activities, and parents should not be charged any additional fee beyond standard camp enrollment costs.
“Summer camps present tremendous growth opportunities for children to learn independence, try new activities and gain self-confidence,” Gilg said. “The law requires camps to provide equal opportunities to disabled children whose needs can be reasonably accommodated.”
Additional information about the ADA is available at www.ada.gov, or through contacting the Department of Justice ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice); 800-514-0383 (TTY) or the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (402) 661-3700.