District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Phoenix Man Sentenced for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Jose Luis Meza-Lopez, age 39, to 210 months in federal prison on two counts of conviction, followed by 5 years of supervised release. The sentences are to be served concurrently.
Mr. Meza-Lopez, from Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to launder money on October 16, 2014. Meza-Lopez had been involved in the transportation of methamphetamine from Phoenix to Lincoln where it was distributed in the eastern Nebraska area by a group headed by Ramon Garcia. Meza-Lopez prepared cars in Phoenix which transported large quantities of methamphetamine to Lincoln. Those cars then took cash back to Phoenix from Lincoln. He was found responsible for 45 pounds of methamphetamine sent to Lincoln by the organization between February and October 22, 2013. The organization made about 19 round trips during that time. The last known trip resulted in Ramon Garcia’s arrest in Lincoln on October 22, 2013. Garcia was about to exchange a car containing $10,000.00 in cash for one which had just been driven from Phoenix which contained about 4 pounds of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Lincoln Man Receives 13 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Glenn L. Ogden, age 53 of Lincoln, was sentenced in federal court in Lincoln for possessing child pornography. The Honorable John M. Gerrard sentenced Ogden to a 13 year term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison Ogden will be on supervised release for 20 years and be required to register as a sex offender.
Ogden had previously been convicted in Stanton and Madison Counties in Nebraska in 2002 for possessing child pornography. He received sentences of probation and 30 days in jail.
In January 2014 an Investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol, acting in an undercover capacity, was contacted by Ogden. During online chats Ogden expressed an interest in meeting the undercover with the intent of engaging in sexual relations with a four-year-old girl. Ogden sent 14 images of child pornography, 10 of which involved prepubescent minors, to the undercover investigator.
Ogden was arrested after he traveled from Lincoln to Kearney, Nebraska to meet the undercover investigator. At the time of his arrest Ogden had a Dora the Explorer doll and condoms in his vehicle.
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg commended the Nebraska State Patrol for the investigation and arrest of this dangerous predator. She expressed her appreciation to the Patrol and the Internet Crimes Against Children agencies that it oversees for their diligent efforts in protecting the children of Nebraska.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
Mexican Woman Sentenced for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Marcela Vallin Barajas, age 42 of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced after having previously pled guilty to providing a false statement in an application for a passport and falsely representing a Social Security number to be hers. The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Barajas to time served, after she had been in custody since August 21, 2014. She will be deported.
Barajas is in the United States illegally. She first applied for and obtained a passport using a Texas woman’s name and Social Security number in 2002. From 2002 through 2011 she used the passport for travel from the United States to Mexico 10 times. On November 26, 2012, Barajas applied for a renewal passport in the same name using the same number and a passport was subsequently issued to her. As part of the application, she stated the Texas woman’s name was hers and declared under penalty of perjury that she was a citizen or non-citizen national of the United States.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.
Former Macy Residents Sentenced for Copyright InfringementRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Carroll Webster, III, age 21, and Kayla Parker, age 22, of Wanblee, South Dakota, were sentenced for their convictions of copyright infringement. Senior United States District Court Judge Lyle E. Strom sentenced Webster and Parker to 5 years’ probation. While on probation, Webster and Parker will each have to perform 150 hours of community service and they will each have to pay $500 in restitution.
Webster and Parker resided together on the Omaha Indian Reservation during 2012 and 2013. From March of 2012 through May 6, 2013, Webster and Parker obtained pirated copies of copyrighted motion pictures which they reproduced and sold to persons on the Omaha Indian Reservation without the consent of the copyright holders. The investigation revealed that Webster and Parker sold approximately 600 DVDs during this time period.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Columbus Man Sentenced to more than 17 years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Matthew D. Renner, 35, of Columbus, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 5, 2015, to 212 months in prison by United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Renner had previously pled guilty for his involvement in distributing methamphetamine in the Columbus area dating back to the summer of 2013.
The investigation began after Renner’s federal probation officer received information from law enforcement that Renner was involved in distributing methamphetamine in early 2014. On April 11, 2014, a search of Renner’s residence revealed approximately $1,930 in his dresser drawer, and approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine in a shed. At the time Renner was serving a Term of Supervised Release for a previous drug conviction. As a result, his sentence of imprisonment for the instant case was increased by two years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Columbus Police Department and the United States Probation Office.Texas Man Sentenced to 15 Years and 8 Months Imprisonment for Distributing Cocaine in NebraskaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on December 30th, 2104, Laron Gray was sentenced by the Honorable Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp to a term of 15 years and 8 months imprisonment, which will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. On June 30, 2014, Gray, who is 37 years old and from Fort Worth, Texas, pleaded guilty to distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (i.e. crack cocaine) on December 12th, 2013 in Omaha, Nebraska. Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Gray would regularly arrange for large quantities of cocaine base to be delivered to people in Omaha Nebraska. On December 12th, 2013, Gray sold approximately 4 ounces of cocaine base to an undercover officer. Evidence adduced at the sentencing hearing also showed that Gray’s prior criminal record included convictions in Dumas, Arkansas for violent felony offenses including aggravated assault and battery.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force.Omaha Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on December 19, 2014, United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Mark A. Swift of Omaha, Nebraska, to ten years of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison Swift will begin a 10 year term of supervised release.
On March 7, 2014 members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force served a search warrant looking for child pornography at Swift’s residence in South Omaha. Swift was in possession of seventy-five (75) videos of children, many prepubescent, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Swift, a registered sex offender, was previously convicted in Florida for Lascivious Battery of a Child Over 12 years of age.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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.
Rigoberto Schmidt of Grand Island IndictedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned a five-count indictment against Rigoberto Schmidt, 22, of Grand Island. The Indictment charges Schmidt with four counts of selling a firearm to a felon resulting from two incidents in April, 2014, and two incidents in May, 2014. The fifth count charges Schmidt with the sale of a stolen firearm from an incident in May, 2014.
The maximum possible penalty for each charge 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.
Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.
Harvey Fuller and Christina Doyle of Grand Island IndictedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned a two-count indictment against Harvey Fuller, 48, and Christina Doyle, 47, both of Grand Island. The Indictment charges Fuller and Doyle with one count each of distribution of methamphetamine in March, 2014.
Fuller faces a maximum possible penalty if convicted of 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for each count.
Doyle faces a maximum possible penalty if convicted of 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment for each count.
Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.
Grand Island Man Sentenced to 262 Months Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Fernando Martinez, 26 years old, was sentenced on December 18, 2014, to serve 262 months imprisonment, and 5 years of supervised release after his prison sentence is complete, by the Honorable Richard G. Kopf, Senior United States District Court Judge. An indictment filed in May of 2014 charged Martinez with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, with the intent to distribute. Martinez pleaded guilty to that charge on August 28, 2014.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Martinez was a member of a street gang known as the “East Side Locos” in Grand Island. An investigator with the Grand Island Police Department, and who is also a member of the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, testified that Martinez is known to use the moniker “Silent.” The Court received into evidence copies of two music videos produced by members of the East Side Locos gang. The videos credited “Silent” as performing some of the songs. The lyrics in the songs promoted drugs, violence and gang membership. The investigator also testified about an incident where Martinez was previously convicted for unlawful discharge of a firearm for a drive-by-shooting incident which occurred in Grand Island in March of 2007. The house targeted in that drive-by-shooting was the home of two rival gang members.
This case was investigated by the Grand Island Police Department, and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.
California Man Sentenced for Transporting Marijuana CashRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on December 18, 2014, a California man was sentenced to 12 months plus one day in prison for interstate travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises. Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf also ordered Ryan William Perich, 30, of Elk Grove, California, to pay a fine of $6,000 and to serve three years on supervised release after completing his prison term.
On January 24, 2014, Perich was stopped on westbound I-80 near Lincoln by Lancaster County Sheriff’s Deputies for following a semi-tractor trailer truck too closely. He consented to a search of his rental vehicle, and a total of $934,722 in cash was found. Perich told the deputies he knew the money came from marijuana sales, and said he was transporting the cash to California from the east coast at the direction of other persons. Perich said the money did not belong to him. Papers found in the vehicle contained addresses and entry code numbers for storage units on the east coast and notes believed to contain records of drug debts and/or money collected. Homeland Security Investigations Agents served search warrants at several east coast storage facilities referenced in the notes found in Perich’s rental vehicle and obtained security videos and other information. Security video from one of those facilities showed Perich taking a number of boxes into the storage facility and leaving them there. The $934,722 cash was confiscated and was administratively forfeited to the United States of America by the Department of Homeland Security in April of 2014.
Information obtained from the Drug Enforcement Administration, (DEA), indicated that high-grade, indoor-grow marijuana would sell for approximately $4,500 per pound on the east coast. Based on that estimate, the $934,772 in cash would be roughly equivalent to 94 kilograms or approximately 208 pounds of marijuana.This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Embezzlement and Theft from an Employee Pension Benefit PlanRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on December 16, 2014, United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Karen L. Gagner of Lincoln, Nebraska, age 68, to a 5 year term of probation, following her conviction for embezzlement and theft from an employee pension benefit plan. Ms. Gagner was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $36,815.30.
Ms. Gagner was the Secretary-Treasurer, Director and an owner of Gagner Restoration, Inc., a Nebraska corporation. Gagner Restoration, Inc. had established a 401(k) employee benefit plan for eligible employees’ retirement savings. Ms. Gagner served as the 401(k) employee benefit plan’s trustee. Ms. Gagner also acted on behalf of Gagner Restoration, Inc. as the 401(k) employee benefit plan Administrator.
Beginning January 2008 and continuing through September 2011, Ms. Gagner, without permission or authorization, caused 16 check transfers totaling $94,485.64 to be made from Gagner Restoration, Inc. employee 401(k) accounts. Ms. Gagner admitted she used the funds to sustain the operation of Gagner Restoration, Inc.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor.
December 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 15 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.
* Antonio Bertucci, age 23, of Macy, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendant with domestic assault by a habitual offender on or about October 13, 2014 and on or about October 2, 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 for each count. Count III of the Indictment charges Bertucci with interstate domestic violence on or about August 2, 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
* Angel G. Casarrubias, 21, of Lincoln, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendant with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about November 4, 2014 and on or about November 19, 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 for each count.
* Andrew Jose Espinoza, age 43, and Nicole Renee Contreras, a/k/a Nicole Renee Svoboda, age 48, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine between on or about January 1, 2010, to on or about October 16, 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. Count II of the Indictment charges Espinoza and Contreras with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine on or about October 16, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted if 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment should be forfeited to the United States.
* Juan C. Garcia Hernandez, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about November 18, 2014, following deportation as a felon. 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.
* Dale Delmar Hess, age 61, of Lincoln, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt of child pornography from on or about September 11, 2010, and continuing to on or about July 22, 2014. 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 Hess with possession of child pornography on or about July 23, 2014. 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 property used or intended to be used as part of this violation should be forfeited to the United States.
* Kevin M. Lee, age 37, is charged in a two-count indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with bank robbery of American National Bank, 1412 Harney Street, Omaha, Nebraska, on or about November 17, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Lee with bank robbery of U.S. Bank, 222 S. 72nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska, on or about November 18, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Felizardo Martines-Reyes, age 36, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about November 21, 2014, 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.
* Myron Plummer, age 51, of Mentor, Ohio, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment alleges that on or about August 6, 2014, the defendant falsely represented a Social Security account number as belonging to him for the purpose of obtaining a benefit to which he was not entitled. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Plummer with using a means of identification of another person during and in relation to a felony violation on or about August 6, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is mandatory 2 year imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Shane Seizys, age 22, Emmanuel Chaplain, age 24, Thomas Jones-Ross, age 22, and Dilang Dat, age 21, all of Omaha, Nebraska are charged with a number of crimes arising out of a series of robberies that occurred in Omaha this summer. On June 16, 2014, Subway at 10814 Cottonwood Lane and Kentucky Fried Chicken located at 4385 Dodge Street were robbed. Seizys is charged with robbing both of those locations and is additionally charged with brandishing a firearm during the Kentucky Fried Chicken robbery. On June 19, 2014, Jiffy Lube at 5819 Maple Street, Jensen Tire and Auto at 4901 L Street and Jiffy Lube at 1221 S. 120th Street were all robbed. Seizys and Chaplain are both charged with each of those robberies. Additionally, they are each charged with brandishing a firearm during the Jensen Tire and Auto and 120th Street Jiffy Lube robberies. On June 23, 2014, Subway at 5005 Center Street and O’Reilly Auto Parts at 3620 North 72nd Street were robbed. Seizys and Chaplain are charged with robbing and brandishing a firearm at Subway and also charged with robbing O’Reilly Auto Parts. The Kum & Go located at 1010 South 154th Street was also robbed on June 23, 2014. Seizys, Chaplain and Jones-Ross are each charged with robbing that store and brandishing a firearm during that robbery. On July 16, 2014, Game Stop located at 9959 Redick Circle and Kentucky Fried Chicken located at 7601 North 30th Street were robbed. Seizys, Chaplain and Dat are each charged with both of those robberies. Seizys, Chaplain and Jones-Ross are also each charged with one count of felon in possession of a firearm. The maximum possible penalty on each robbery is 20 years imprisonment. The brandishing of a firearm carries a minimum term of 7 years to life imprisonment in addition to each robbery. Each additional brandishing conviction carries a minimum term of 25 years imprisonment to life. There is a maximum 10 years imprisonment for a felon in possession of a firearm conviction. Each robbery and firearm charge carries a $250,000 fine, 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment.
* Alberto Tristan-Castillo, age 45, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about November 19, 2014, following deportation as a felon. 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.
* Thomas White, Jr., age 31, of Winnebago, is charged with assaulting, resisting, and interfering with a federal officer on or about October 17, 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.Omaha Woman Convicted of Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Shantoria Valentine-Deguenon, age 23 of Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted today after a jury found her guilty of bank robbery. The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon presided over the trial that was held this week in Federal District Court. Sentencing has been set for March 6, 2014. Ms. Valentine-Deguenon faces 20 years of imprisonment when she is sentenced.
On July 28, 2014, Valentine-Deguenon walked into the Wells Fargo branch located at 4725 South 84th Street, Ralston, Nebraska and gave a note to two tellers indicating she had a bomb. She also yelled that she had a bomb and demanded money from the tellers. The tellers gave her money and she fled the bank. A Good Samaritan, who happened to be parked in the bank parking lot, saw Valentine-Deguenon run from the bank, followed her, and tracked her to the Ralston Middle School parking lot where he ordered her to the ground. As that was happening, Ralston police officers arrived on the scene and placed her under arrest. She was found in possession of $1213.00 in U.S. currency taken from the bank.
The case was investigated by the Ralston Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.Columbus Man Sentenced to 13 years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Bryan Groene, 33, of Columbus, Nebraska, was sentenced on December 5, 2014, to 13 years in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. Groene had previously pled guilty after an incident on January 19, 2014, when a police officer encountered him outside a Columbus residence. The officer knew that Groene had an active warrant for his arrest. Upon contact, Groene was informed of the arrest warrant at which time he ran from the officer. The officer caught Groene after a short chase, but not before Groene discarded a plastic bag containing 6.41 grams of 88% pure methamphetamine. Thereafter, investigators located additional witnesses who identified Groene as a multiple ounce methamphetamine distributor in the Columbus area dating back to September of 2013. After serving his sentence, Groene will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 5 years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Columbus Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jimmy L. Channel was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for receiving and distributing child pornography. The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, Senior District Court Judge, sentenced Channel to a 60 month term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison Channel will begin a five year term of supervised release.
On June 4 and September 18, 2011, officers with the FBI Omaha Cyber Crimes Task Force observed a computer in Channel’s home offering to share child pornography. The images Channel offered to the public included three videos of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts.
On March 21, 2012, officers with the Douglas County Sherriff’s Office and the Cyber Crimes Task Force served a search warrant at Channel’s residence. Channel admitted to downloading and erasing child pornography and using specific search terms to search the internet for images of prepubescent child pornography. A search of his computer recovered 35 images of child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Total of 10 years on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on December 2, 2014, Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf sentenced Pablo Rodriguez, 39, of Omaha, to five years (60 months) in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and five years (60 months) for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The sentence for the gun charge must be served consecutive to (after) the sentence for the drug charge. Following the prison terms, Rodriguez will serve five years on supervised release. Rodriguez was also ordered to forfeit $4,782 in cash to the United States of America.
On the evening of May 2, 2014, officers of the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force were conducting surveillance on a Lincoln residence. They saw Rodriguez arrive and carry items to and from the residence. Officers followed Rodriguez away from the residence. He was stopped for a traffic violation. He told officers he had 1/8 ounce of methamphetamine in his wallet and provided a baggie containing methamphetamine to the officers. He told officers there was an AR-15 assault rifle in his vehicle but said it did not belong to him. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded AR-15, additional methamphetamine, and $4,782 in cash. Rodriguez said he had just dropped off eight ounces of methamphetamine at the residence where he was first seen by the officers. A search warrant was executed at that residence on the early morning of May 3, 2014, and officers found additional methamphetamine. A total of approximately 250 grams of methamphetamine was found during the searches of Rodriguez’s person, vehicle, and the Lincoln residence.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.Former Hospital Administrator Sentenced in Child Porn CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that James F. Parks, 65, formerly of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 3 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf for possession of child pornography. After his incarceration, Parks will be required to serve 5 years on supervised release and register as a sex offender.
On June 18, 2013, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol met with the CEO of Box Butte County General Hospital. Investigators were informed that the hospital’s IT personnel had been conducting a search of the computer system at the hospital for a malware virus. The hospital had contained and repaired the virus, however, when they conducted an additional search to find where the virus originated, it was found to have originated on Parks’ computer. A that time, Parks was employed as the Chief Information Officer. Upon further investigation they retrieved Parks’ internet history, located where the virus was introduced, and found what they felt to be file names consistent with child pornography. Search warrants of Parks’ email account indicated that he received images of child pornography in June of 2013 using his email account.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc for more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.District of Nebraska U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $14 Million Dollars in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2014Read the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that the United States Attorney’s office for Nebraska collected over Fourteen (14) Million Dollars in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2014. Of this amount, $1,247,000 was collected in criminal actions and $10,573,000 was collected in civil actions. Gilg stated, “Our collection figure represents nearly three times our annual operating budget and we are proud to have such an outstanding financial result for victims of crime and the taxpayers.”
Gilg cited the $10, 573,000 recovered from American Growers, a subsidiary of American Growers Insurance Company, as an example of collaboration between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) and the Nebraska Department of Insurance. Crop insurance coverage was provided to American Growers through a reinsurance program. American Growers failed to establish minimum liquidity which placed farmers’ crop insurance coverage at risk. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation intervened with the assistance of the Nebraska Department of Insurance to liquidate and hold funds for disbursement to creditors of American Growers. The United States Attorney’s Office successfully defended several competing creditor challenges to the RMA claim and was able to collect the funds.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014. The more than $24 billion in collections in FY 2014 represents nearly eight and a half times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 United States Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
“Every day, the Justice Department’s federal prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy. And this result shows the fruits of the Justice Department’s tireless work in enforcing federal laws; in protecting the American people from violent crime, national security threats, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse; and in holding financial institutions accountable for their roles in causing the 2008 financial crisis.”November 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 23 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Clement U. Akara, age 60, of Omaha, is charged in a twenty-four-count Indictment with health care fraud. Counts I thru XXIV of the Indictment charge the defendant with submitting false and fraudulent claim information to Nebraska Medicaid from on or about November of 2004 through August of 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 for each count.
* Alfredo Avila-Nava, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about November 6, 2014, 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.
* Jeffery Belmont, age 50, of Ralston, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges Belmont with unlawful manufacturing of explosive materials without a license on or about June 23, 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. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with aiding and abetting the unlawful manufacturing of explosive materials without a license from on or about May 1, 2013 through on or about June 15, 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. Count III of the Indictment charges Belmont with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of explosives on or about June 24, 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. Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms and ammunition on or about June 24, 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. The indictment also alleges property used or intended to be used as part of this violation should be forfeited to the United States.
* Jonathon Ibarra Bojorquez, age 21, and Tye Root, age 32, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture of methamphetamine from an unknown date but at least as early as September 1, 2014, and continuing to on or about October 25, 2014. 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.
* Brandon Byrd, age 30, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about September 23, 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.
* Roberto Campos-Guerrero, age 36, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 29, 2014, 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.
* Alejandro Cruz-Hernandez, age 23, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment alleges that on or about August 8, 2007, the defendant used a Nebraska ID Card and a Social Security card knowing said documents were not issued lawfully for his use. 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. Count II charges that on or about August 8, 2007 through on or about November 12, 2014, Cruz-Hernandez falsely represented a Social Security account number as belonging to him for the purpose of obtaining a benefit to which he was not entitled. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* James F. Delgado, age 62, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Counts I, II, and III of the Indictment charge the defendant with distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about September, 4, 2013, on or about February 25, 2014, and on or about March 6, 2014. 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 IV of the Indictment charges Delgado with distribution of methamphetamine on or about March 27, 2014. 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.
* Francisco R. Delrio, age 38, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about October 8, 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.
* Jose Ubaldo Fajardo-Guillen, age 29, of Memphis, Tennessee, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 24, 2014, 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.
* Ryan Franks, of Bellevue, Nebraska, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of methamphetamine on or about October 23, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Franks with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about October 29, 2014. 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 III of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of more of methamphetamine on or about November 6, 2014. 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 IV of the Indictment charges Franks with carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking offense. 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. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in Counts I, II and III of the indictment should be forfeited to the United States.
* Chancellor T. Jackson, age 23, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about September 3, 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.
* Faustino Maradiaga-Arias, age 40, of Omaha, is charged with illegal alien in possession of a firearm on or about May 3, 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.
* Erik Pereyra-Esteban, age 32, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about November 13, 2014, following deportation after conviction for an aggravated felony. 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.
* Melissa Prentice-Erickson, age 47, of Henderson, Nebraska, is charged in a twenty-seven-count Indictment with health care fraud. Counts I thru XXVII of the Indictment charge the defendant with submitting false and fraudulent claim information to Nebraska Medicaid from on or about November of 2009 through on or about July of 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.
* Pascual Rodriguez Antonino, age 34, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 20, 2014, 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 Arturo Romero-Saenz, age 35, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about August 1, 2014, and continuing to on or about September 18, 2014. 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 Romero-Saenz with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about September 18, 2014. 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 III of the Indictment charges the defendant with using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, a drug trafficking offense. 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.
* Omar Santana, age 34, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine beginning on or about April 1, 2014, and continuing to on or about October 23, 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.
* Irving Oswaldo Suastegui-Mejia, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges that on or about November 1, 2012, Suastegui-Mejia falsely represented a Social Security account number as belonging to him for the purpose of obtaining a benefit to which he was not entitled. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about November 1, 2012, the defendant made a false claim to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment alleges that on or about November 1, 2012, the defendant misused visas, permits and other documents knowing said documents were not issued lawfully for his use. 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.
* Cirino Tule Bernal, age 36, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 16, 2014, 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.
* Veronica Valverde-Galindo, age 34, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine. 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 constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in Count I of the indictment should be forfeited to the United States.
* Cristian Vides-Carranza, age 29, of Schuyler, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 2, 2014, 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.Lincoln Man Sentenced for Harboring a FugitiveRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on November 19, 2014, a Lincoln man was sentenced to two and one-half years (30 months) in prison for harboring a fugitive. Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf ordered that Aaron James Jackson, 28, serve two years on supervised release after the completion of his prison term.
On March 20, 2014, members of the Metro Fugitive Task Force informed Aaron Jackson of the existence of a federal warrant for the arrest of his brother, Jason Robert Jackson. At that time, Aaron Jackson claimed not to know the whereabouts of his brother. However, information provided to law enforcement indicated that between March 20, 2014, and April 4, 2014, Aaron Jackson helped his brother avoid arrest.
This case was investigated by the Metro Fugitive Task Force, including officers and agents of the United States Marshals Service, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, and the Lincoln Police Department.
Kansas City Man found Guilty of Defrauding Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Thomas Whitlow, 53, formerly of Kansas City, Kansas, was convicted by a federal jury on November 18, 2014, of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud, after a three-day trial.
Whitlow was indicted, along with four co-defendants, on the conspiracy and wire fraud charges in February of 2014. He is scheduled for sentencing on February 13, 2015. The maximum penalty that could be imposed is up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution to the victims, and a fine of up to $250,000. Three of Mr. Whitlow’s co-defendants have already pled guilty and have been sentenced, with a fourth scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2014.
Evidence presented at trial indicated that between May of 2011 and November of 2013, Whitlow was a member of a group which devised a conspiracy scheme to defraud elderly victims and to obtain money. As part of the scheme, Mr. Whitlow contacted the elderly victims, purporting to be a family relative, or a person acting on behalf of that relative. He then solicited money from the elderly victims under a false pretense, such as a motor vehicle accident or some other type of fabricated emergency. The victims were then instructed to obtain a money order and to have it sent to a specific person. The victims purchased money orders under the misguided notion that they were helping a family member. Over the course of this conspiracy, Whitlow and his co-defendants, obtained approximately $20,000.00 from their victims.
At trial, witnesses testified that Whitlow directed co-conspirators to send and receive proceeds of the scheme through wire transfers, including wire transfers conducted in the District of Nebraska. Once the wire transfers were received by the co-conspirators, the money would then be provided to Whitlow or used to pay expenses of Whitlow.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, United States Department of Homeland Security and the Lincoln Police Department.
Two Lincoln Residents Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on November 18, 2014, two Lincoln residents were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine between January of 2012 and February of 2014. Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf sentenced Jose Luis Ulloa, 43, to 21 years and 10 months (262 months) and Diane Renee Holbrook, 47, to 10 years and 10 months (130 months) respectively. Each will serve five years on supervised release following their prison terms. Judge Kopf ordered Holbrook’s sentence run concurrent to (at the same time as) a ten-year state sentence imposed in March of 2014 in Lancaster County District Court on a related charge of possession of a controlled substance and being an habitual criminal.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that between January of 2012 and February of 2014, Ulloa and Holbrook were involved together in the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area. In June and July of 2013, Ulloa sold methamphetamine to an undercover officer on four occasions and had another person deliver methamphetamine to the officer on a fifth occasion for a total of approximately ½ ounce of methamphetamine. In December of 2013, a search warrant was executed at Ulloa’s Lincoln residence. During that search, officers found small amounts of methamphetamine and three firearms which had reportedly been received in trade for methamphetamine. In July of 2013, a search warrant was executed at Holbrook’s Lincoln residence, and officers found approximately ¾ of an ounce of methamphetamine in a safe in Holbrook’s bedroom.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.Omaha Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jonathan M. Vidlak, 22, was sentenced in the United States District Court in Omaha, Nebraska for receiving child pornography. The Honorable John M. Gerrard sentenced Vidlak to ninety (90) months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison Vidlak will begin a 15 year term of supervised release.
A computer used by Vidlak was observed by law enforcement in October and November 2011 to be offering videos of child pornography on a file sharing network. The videos involved children between the ages of five and ten engaged in sexual acts.
On March 22, 2012, a search warrant was executed at Vidlak’s residence. During an interview with a Douglas County Sheriff Investigator, Vidlak admitted to downloading child pornography on the internet. He admitted searching for child pornography two or three times a week and deleting the images. Although no child pornography was found on the computer, forensic analysis revealed evidence consistent with searching for child pornography. In addition agents had successfully downloaded a partial video of child pornography from Vidlak’s computer as it was being offered to the public through the file sharing program.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 matter was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF), of which the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, is a partner. The Omaha CCTF is a multi-jurisdictional task force consisting of eleven federal, state and local law enforcement agencies from Nebraska and Iowa. The mission of the Omaha CCTF is to investigate and apprehend high technology criminals and to protect our communities by preventing high technology crime and national security threats involving computers and computer networks. The Omaha CCTF was established on the premise that the capabilities of law enforcement agencies to investigate computer and high technology related crimes are enhanced in a task force setting involving the sharing of resources and expertise.
La Vista Man Sentenced for Making False Statements in an Application for a Position with the United States Air Force Weather ServiceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Franklin Ansu, age 31 of La Vista, Nebraska, was sentenced for his conviction for making false statements in an application for a position with the United States Air Force Weather Agency. Senior United States Judge Lyle E. Strom sentenced Ansu to three years of probation and ordered him to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000. Ansu was further ordered to perform 120 hours of community service while on probation.
Ansu, a naturalized United States citizen, served in the United States Air Force. After his discharge from the Air Force, he obtained a civilian position with the United States Air Force Weather Agency at Offutt Air Force Base. Ansu completed a required SF-86 Questionnaire form for each position which described his background and prior work experience. His answers on the questionnaires omitted any reference to Ansu’s prior employment with the Ghana Bureau of National Investigations. Ansu resigned his position with the weather agency after criminal charges were filed against him.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jeffrey S. Leslie, 31, was sentenced in the United States District Court in Omaha, Nebraska for possession of child pornography. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Leslie to a ten year term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison Leslie will begin a 15 year term of supervised release.
Leslie was previously convicted in Douglas County, Nebraska in 2002 of Third Degree Sexual Assault, a misdemeanor. Prior to April 2012 an Internet Protocol (IP) address at Leslie’s Southwest Omaha residence was observed by law enforcement hosting videos of child pornography.
A search warrant was executed at the residence on March 19, 2013. Forensic analysis revealed over 100 images of child pornography. Leslie admitted to being the sole user of the computer. He admitted to deleting child pornography from the computer. The images included prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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.
California Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
On November 12, 2014, Jose Antonio Garcia, 26, of Palmdale, California, was sentenced to five years and 10 months (70 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Garcia was ordered to serve three years on supervised release following the prison term. As part of his plea agreement, Garcia also agreed to forfeit any interest he had in a 2009 Freightliner semi-tractor.
In April of 2014, Garcia, a truck driver, agreed to transport a quantity of methamphetamine to Lincoln. On the evening of April 21, 2014, officers were conducting surveillance in the area of a motel near the Lincoln airport. Officers saw Garcia’s truck arrive at a location near the motel. They also saw a car which had been parked at the motel arrive at the same location. Persons were seen going back and forth between the truck and the car. The car then returned to the motel, and Garcia’s truck headed eastbound on Interstate 80. Garcia was contacted at the Ashland/Waverly scales on eastbound I-80. He admitted he had just delivered an air compressor which he believed contained money or drugs or both. Garcia said he had dropped off a different air compressor in Lincoln two days earlier, but was later told he had delivered the wrong one. As a result, Garcia said he returned to Lincoln on the evening of April 21, 2014, and delivered a second air compressor. He said he expected to be paid $5000 to $6000 for making the trip from California. In the early morning hours of April 22, 2014, officers executed a search warrant on the Lincoln motel room. Three individuals were found in the room along with an air compressor containing approximately 6 ¼ pounds or 2.8 kilograms of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force with assistance from Nebraska State Patrol Carrier Enforcement officers.
Beatrice Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Terry L. Dill, 31, formerly of Beatrice, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 7, 2014, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 70 months in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for possession of child pornography. After his release from prison, Dill will be required to serve a 5 year term of supervised release and be registered as a sex offender.
Dill came to the attention of law enforcement after Dropbox, Inc., a file hosting service that offers cloud storage, reported possible child pornography in one of their customer’s files to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC then provided the information to the Nebraska State Patrol, who obtained and executed search warrants on Dill’s residence, a computer tablet of Dill’s, and his Dropbox account. Investigators found digital files containing 966 sexually explicit pictures and 116 sexually explicit videos of children under the age of 13.
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 Beatrice Police Department.
Wauneta, Nebraska Man Sentenced to 70 Months Imprisonment for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Richard E. Cooley, 61, of Wauneta, Nebraska was sentenced in the United States District Court in Lincoln, Nebraska for receiving child pornography. The Honorable John M. Gerrard sentenced Cooley to a 70 month term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison Cooley will begin a seven year term of supervised release.
Cooley received a thumb drive containing 26 videos and 400 images of child pornography in August 2013. The victims were as young as 3 years old and involved a number of prepubescent minors. He received the child pornography from Gerald Vrbas who was previously sentenced to fifteen years in prison for producing child pornography.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the North Platte Police Department.
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.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
On November 6, 2014, Alejandro Memije-Fuentes, 33, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 10 years and one month (121 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Lincoln. Memije-Fuentes was ordered to serve five years on supervised release following the prison term. However, it is likely that he will be deported upon completion of his prison sentence.
In April of 2014, Memije-Fuentes contacted an informant who was working with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force and made arrangements for the delivery of two pounds of methamphetamine to the informant. An associate of Memije-Fuentes was supposed to make the delivery to the informant, but the associate was contacted by officers on April 4, 2014, consented to a search of his car, and was found in possession of approximately two pounds of methamphetamine.
Despite his associate’s arrest, Memije-Fuentes stayed in contact with the informant and made arrangements for the delivery of five pounds of methamphetamine to the informant. Memije-Fuentes told the informant that the methamphetamine was being transported to Lincoln in a truck. On the evening of April 21, 2014, officers saw Memije-Fuentes and at least one other person meet with the driver of a semi-tractor trailer truck near Memije-Fuentes’s Lincoln motel. After this meeting, Memije-Fuentes returned to his motel room. In the early morning hours of April 22, 2014, officers executed a search warrant on that motel room. Memije-Fuentes and two other individuals were found in the room along with an air compressor in which approximately 6 ¼ pounds or 2.8 kilograms of methamphetamine had been hidden.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Lincoln Couple Sentenced in Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Benjamin Martin, 26, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Audrey Glenn, 26, of Lincoln, were sentenced on November 6, in Lincoln, Nebraska, by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Martin was also convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Martin received a sentence of 135 months imprisonment on Count 1 and a consecutive 60 months imprisonment for Count 2, and Glenn received a sentence of 120 months in prison. Both will be required to serve 5 years of supervised release following their prison terms.
Martin distributed large quantities of methamphetamine to others in the Lincoln area. That ended December 20, 2013, when Lincoln Police were dispatched to the Walmart located at 2501 Grainger Parkway due to reports that there was a man passed out in a vehicle that was running. When officers arrived, Martin was slumped over in the vehicle with his pants unbuttoned and pulled down off his hips. Clearly visible were several rifle rounds lying in Martins lap. A rifle was located concealed under a blanket on the passenger seat next to Martin. The vehicle was searched and seized were another rifle, 2 pistols, 200 rounds of ammunition, a large capacity clip for one of the rifles, 15.5 grams of methamphetamine and cash. At the jail, more money was found in Martin’s possession, making the total seized over $48,000. After Martin was lodged in jail, he made a phone call to his girlfriend, Audrey Glenn. Glenn told Martin she was collecting money to get Martin out of jail. She was followed to a storage unit used by Martin and found in it was 4 ounces of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Walthill Man Sentenced for Shooting a Bald Eagle and Rough Legged HawkRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Lamar Bertucci, Sr., age 45 of Walthill, Nebraska, was sentenced for his violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Senior United States District Court Judge Lyle E. Strom sentenced Bertucci to eight months of imprisonment to be followed by one year of supervised release. Bertucci was further ordered to pay restitution of $6,500.
On February 10, 2014, residents of Macy, Nebraska, heard gunshots and observed a car in a field where two bald eagles were located. Fearing that the eagles were being shot, the residents called law enforcement. A tribal game warden was in the area and responded to the scene as the car was exiting the field. A brief chase ensued and Bertucci was arrested after his vehicle developed mechanical problems. A search of the vehicle yielded a dead bald eagle. A trace of the route the car had traveled yielded a rifle and a rough legged hawk which had been recently shot. Bertucci admitted to shooting both the eagle and the hawk.
At the time of sentencing, Bertucci objected to the method used by the government to value the bald eagle and the hawk in determining the applicable sentencing guideline range. Judge Strom denied Bertucci’s objections and announced his sentencing guideline calculations were the same as the Probation Office’s calculations. In this respect, the Presentence Investigation Report placed a value of $10,000 per bald eagle and $1,750 per hawk. However, for the separate purposes of restitution, after considering Bertucci’s financial circumstances, Judge Strom announced that he was imposing an order of restitution in the amount of $6,500 which consisted of $5,000 for the bald eagle count and $1,500 for the rough legged hawk count.
Bertucci had been charged in March of 2009 with similar violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. He pleaded guilty to one count of possession of bald eagle feathers and was sentenced on October 14, 2009.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Walthill Man Sentenced for Two Counts of AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Senior United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Verlyn Grant, age 40, of Winnebago, Nebraska for his conviction on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Grant was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.
In the early morning hours of February 20, 2014, Grant was drinking at his residence on the Omaha Indian Reservation with his girlfriend and another woman when Grant became angry with his girlfriend. Grant threw his girlfriend to the ground and began punching and kicking her with his steel-toed boots. The other woman attempted to stop the assault by getting on top of Grant’s girlfriend as she lay on the floor. Grant continued kicking and eventually kicked the other woman as well. Both women sustained bodily injuries as a result of the assault.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Woman Sentenced to 5 years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Trina Matthews, 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 27, 2014, to 5 years in prison by United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Matthews had previously pled guilty for her involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Omaha area dating back to January 1, 2014. Matthews had delivered and arranged for the delivery of more than 5 grams of actual methamphetamine, which caused her to be sentenced to a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years. After serving her sentence Matthews will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 4 years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office and the Omaha Police Department.
Press Release by United States Attorney Relating to November 2014 ElectionsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Laurie Kelly will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 4, 2014, general elections. AUSA Kelly has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Nebraska, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Gilg said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 4, 2014, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Gilg stated that AUSA/DEO Kelly will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (800) 889-9124 or (402) 661-3700.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (402) 493-8688.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Gilg said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Fremont Man Sentenced to 5 years in Prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Rodrigo Delacruz, 27, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 27, 2014, to 5 years in prison by United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Delacruz had previously pled guilty after Fremont police officers responded to a domestic assault call on May 2, 2014. The investigation led to contact with Delacruz at a Fremont gas station. Delacruz was found in possession of over 10 grams of actual methamphetamine , a scale, drug paraphernalia, and $1,797 in his coat.
During a post arrest interview, Delacruz admitted to using and selling methamphetamine in the past. Because Delacruz possessed more than 5 grams of actual methamphetamine, he faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years. After serving his sentence Delacruz will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 4 years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Fremont Police Department and III CORPS Drug Task Force.
October Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 32 indictments charging 38 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.
* Abraham Amador-Mendoza, age 41, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 17, 2014, 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.
* Javier Antonino-Miguel, age 31, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 23, 2014, following deportation as a felon. 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.
* David S. Baird, age 33, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment alleges the defendant used or carried a firearm during and in relation to, or possessed a firearm in furtherance of, the drug trafficking offense alleged in Counts II and III. 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 for each count. Count II of the Indictment charges Baird with conspiracy to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about July 31, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about July 31, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges Baird with felon in possession of a firearm on or about July 31, 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.
* Marcus Chiles, age 34, 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 28 grams or more of cocaine base beginning on or about January 1, 2013, and continuing to on or about May 30, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Counts II, III, and IV of the Indictment charge Chiles with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base on or about April 3, 2014, May 30, 2014, and July 8, 2014. 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.
* Carlos Humberto Collazos-Vallecilla, age 40, of South Valley, California, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin on or about October 6, 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.
* Daniel J. Converse, age 50, is charged with interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle from the State of Nebraska to the State of Illinois from on or about April 12, 2014, through on or about October 15, 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.
* Jose Corona-Rea, age 25, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 1, 2014, following deportation as a felon. 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.
* Nathaniel J. Cullum, age 34, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about June 19, 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.
* Rodolfo Esquivel, age 30; Alejandro Garcia-Roa, age 52; Agueda Arroyo, age 34; Ernesto Arroyo, age 60, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine beginning on or about August 1, 2014, and continuing to on or about October 15, 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. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in Count I of the indictment, including but not limited to a total of $82,635.00 in United States currency seized on October 15, 2014, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Froylan Chan, age 32; Angel Gabino-Gonzalez, age 24; Quirino Gabino-Gonzalez, age 23; and Victor Lorenzo-Gallardo, age 25; all of Omaha, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine; 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine; and 28 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine base beginning as early as June 10, 2014, and continuing to on or about October 7, 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. Count II of the Indictment charges Froylan Chan, Angel Gabino-Gonzalez and Quirino Gabino-Gonzalez with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine; 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine; and 28 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine base on or about October 7, 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. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in Counts I and II of the indictment, including but not limited to $7,642.00 in United States currency seized on October 7, 2014, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Eduardo Garcia-Valdez, age 32, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 6, 2014, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Daniel Goynes, age 22, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 28 grams of a mixture of cocaine base on or about June 28, 2014, and on or about June 30, 2014. 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 alleges the defendant used or carried a firearm during and in relation to, or possessed a firearm in furtherance of, the drug trafficking offense alleged in Count IV. 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. Count IV of the Indictment charges Goynes with possession with intent to distribute a mixture of cocaine base on or about July 11, 2014. 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.
* Deandrae Johnson, age 39, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base on or about May 16, 2014. 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. Counts II and III of the Indictment charge Johnson with possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture containing crack cocaine on or about May 19, 2014 and on or about May 22, 2014. 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 IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about August 18, 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.
* Patrick Keough, of Wood River, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I and II charge Keough with transporting hazardous waste from Minden, Nebraska to a field near Crete, Nebrask, to a facility which did not have a permit issued to it by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, to treat, store or dispose of hazardous waste. 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. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with storing hazardous waste without a permit. 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.
* Timothy James Kirsch, age 31, of Omaha, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender in the State of Nebraska from on and before May 29, 2014, and continuing through July 2, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment.
* William D. Knutson, age 55, of Omaha, is charged with theft of government money from the Social Security Administration. The defendant converted to his own use retirement benefit payments to which he knew he was not entitled, having a value of approximately $193,298.00. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Veronica Lorenzo Ruiz, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment alleges that on or about June 28, 2013, the defendant used a Nebraska ID Card and a social security card knowing said documents were not issued lawfully for her use. 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. Count II charges that on or about June 28, 2013, Lorenzo Ruiz misused a Social Security Card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for her use. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with using a means of identification of another person during and in relation to a felony violation on or about June 28, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is mandatory 2 year imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment alleges Lorenzo Ruiz falsely claimed United States Citizenship on or about June 28, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Manuel Martinez-Bautista, age 37, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 26, 2014, following deportation as an aggravated felon. 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.
* Everardo Moline-Cisneros, age 23, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 27, 2014, 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.
* Miguel Alberto Monzon, age 42, of Norfolk, Nebraska is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about September 26, 2014. 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 Monzon with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing heroin on or about September 26, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Alex Morales-Molina, age 27, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 7, 2014, 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.
* Frank Oliver, age 30, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about October 24, 2013. 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.
* Kenneth Charles Poston, III, age 37, of Lincoln, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of child pornography on or about February 10, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Poston possession of child pornography on or about August 29, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges property used or intended to be used as part of this violation should be forfeited to the United States.
* Juan Rodriguez-Rivas is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 15, 2014, following deportation as a felon. 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.
* Alfredo Rojas-Martinez, age 47, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 29, 2014, following deportation as a felon. 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.
* Hugo Salgado-Gonzalez, age 42, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 18, 2014, 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.
* Gilberto Salinas-Martinez, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment alleges that on or about Septemer 4, 2012, the defendant falsely misused a Social Security Card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for his use. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment alleges that on or about September 4, 2012, Salinas-Martinez used a State of Oklahoma non-driver’s License No. and a social security card knowing said documents were not issued lawfully for his use. 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. Count III charges that on or about June 28, 2013, Lorenzo Ruiz misused a Social Security Card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for his use. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment alleges the defendant falsely claimed United States Citizenship on or about September 4, 2012. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Leland Brett Saul, age 50, of Omaha, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender in the State of Nebraska from on and before September 26, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Michael Settles, age 27, is charged with possession of a short shotgun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Christopher Shea, age 33, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about June 1, 2014, and continuing to on or about October 9, 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. Count II of the Indictment charges Shea with distribution of methamphetamine on or about September 12, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of more of methamphetamine on or about October 9, 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.
* Derel Smith, age 27, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I thru III of the Indictment charge the defendant with possession with intent to distribute a mixture of cocaine base on or about June 13, 2014, on or about June 26, 2014, and on or about July 8, 2014 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.
* Robert R. Stoppel, age 55, of Lincoln, is charged with theft of government money from the Social Security Administration. The defendant converted to his own use retirement benefit payments to which he knew he was not entitled, having a value of approximately $19,533.00. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.Omaha Woman Convicted of Theft of Government Property and Mail FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that LaTosha Bolton, age 48, of Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted on October 16, 2014, after a jury found her guilty of theft of government property and mail fraud. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp presided over the trial that was held this week in Federal District Court. Sentencing has been set for January 12, 2015. Ms. Bolton faces 20 years of imprisonment on the mail fraud conviction and 10 years imprisonment for the theft.
From 1993 until 2013 Ms. Bolton was receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits on behalf of one of her children. While it was clear the child did have a disability, by finding her guilty, the jury found that Ms. Bolton did not use the money for the benefit of her child as required by law. Ms. Bolton received $124,960.00 of government SSI funds and most of that money was sent through the United States mails.
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General, Social Security.
Omaha Man Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
On October 9, 2014, Todd Shannon Bartusek, age 43 of Omaha, Nebraska, pled guilty to one count of Tax Evasion, a felony, before the Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon, Senior United States District Court Judge. The penalty for such offense includes a term of imprisonment of up to five years, a $250,000 fine, or both such fine and imprisonment, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. Bartusek is to be sentenced on January 9, 2015.
An investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service determined that between at least 2007 and 2010, Bartusek operated a sports bookmaking business while a resident of the District of Nebraska. While operating the sports bookmaking business, Bartusek collected losses, receiving payment in the form of cash, checks, and internet payments. Bartusek did not report any of the income he received from the sports bookmaking business on his 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 personal income tax returns. The unreported income for 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 resulted in an additional income tax due and owing the Internal Revenue Service of at least $256,902.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
On October 9, 2014, Inocencio Segura Jimenez, 32, of Lincoln, was sentenced to five years and ten months (70 months) in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Segura will serve three years on supervised release.
On September 5, 2013, a search warrant was served by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force at Segura’s Lincoln residence. Segura was present at the time the warrant was served, and he was found in possession of a roll of black electrical tape. That black electrical tape matched tape which had been used to seal a plastic container found buried in the backyard of the residence. That container was opened and found to contain 176.43 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of greater than 95%. Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Segura intended to distribute that methamphetamine to other persons in the Lincoln area.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
California Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
On October 9, 2014, Roberto Sanchez Quiroz, 29, of Sanger, California, was sentenced to five years (60 months) in prison for possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Following the prison term, Quiroz will serve four years on supervised release.
On November 20, 2013, Quiroz was contacted outside his Lincoln hotel by investigators who had received information regarding Quiroz’s possible involvement in drug transactions. Quiroz consented to a search of his hotel room. He was found in possession of 109.76 grams (3.8 ounces) of heroin and $14,598.78 in cash. Quiroz told officers that he intended to sell the heroin in Omaha. He said the cash represented proceeds from prior marijuana sales, and he was using that money to pay for his Lincoln hotel and other expenses while he prepared to go to Omaha to sell the heroin.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
On October 8, 2014, Juan Carlos Garcia-Gamino, 26, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Lincoln. Garcia-Gamino was ordered to serve four years on supervised release following the prison term. However, it is likely he will be deported upon completion of his prison sentence.
In December of 2013 and January of 2014, Garcia-Gamino sold one-ounce quantities of methamphetamine to an undercover officer in Lincoln on three occasions. On April 4, 2014, Garcia-Gamino was contacted in Lincoln and consented to a search of his car. During that search, officers found 906 grams, (approximately two pounds), of a substance later found to contain methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
North Platte Man Convicted of Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Johnny Michael Castro, age 33 and formerly of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 3, 2014, to a 30 month term of imprisonment for failing to register as a sex offender in the State of Nebraska after relocating here in early 2014. After his release from prison, Castro will be required to serve a five year term of supervised release and be registered as a sex offender.
SORNA, also known as the Adam Walsh Protection and Safety Act, requires that a convicted sex offender register in each jurisdiction where the offender resides, where the offender is employed, or where the offender is a student, and that the sex offender maintain current registrations. Castro was required to register as a sex offender because he had been convicted of sexual battery in 2001 in the Superior Court for Sacramento County, California. This conviction required that Mr. Castro register as a sex offender in the state of California, and by federal law, in any other state to which he moved.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Fremont Man Sentenced to 5 years in Prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Kurt Hansen, 34, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 2, 2014, to 5 years in prison by United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon. Hansen had previously pled guilty after he was caught with 12 grams of methamphetamine outside of a Fremont residence where agents were conducting a search warrant. Because Hansen possessed more than 5 grams of actual methamphetamine, he faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years. After serving his sentence Hansen will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 5 years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the III CORPS Drug Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 46 months in Prison for Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Cameron G. Beck, 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 23, 2014, to 46 months in prison by United States District Judge Lyle Strom. Beck was indicted after a search warrant executed on his residence located a 7.62 rifle with one drum magazine capable of holding over 50 rounds of ammo, one 30 round magazine with 30 rounds of ammo, and 3 empty handgun magazines. Beck is a convicted felon for aggravated driving while intoxicated 3rd offense. After serving his sentence, Beck will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 3 years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol.
September Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 25 indictments charging 27 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.
* Fredy Aguilar-Portilo, age 31, Jose Salazar-Billalba, age 44, and Daniella Erickson, age 37, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and 5 kilograms or more of a mixture containing cocaine from an unknown date but at least as early as August 23, 2014, up to and including August 28, 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.
* Inocente Bonilla-Fraire, age 34, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about August 19, 2014, 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.
* Adrian Montoya Carlos, aka Ariel Montoya Carlos, age 29, of Lincoln, is charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition on or about September 3, 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.
* Raul Delgado-Medina, age 51, 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 50 grams or more of methamphetamine from an unknown date but at least as early as August 7, 2014, up to and including September 5, 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, III and IV of the Indictment charge Delgado-Medina with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about August 8, 2014, on or about August 29, 2014 and on or about September 5, 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 for each count.
* James Kim Gatluak, aka Kim J. Gatluak, aka James Keem Gatluak, age 25, of Omaha, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on or about September 2, 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.* Levi Hallett, age 26, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with production of child pornography on or about May 17, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years in prison up to 30 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Hallett with receipt and distribution of child pornography from on or about December 4, 2012 to on or about August 27, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession of child pornography from on or about December 4, 2012 to on or about August 27, 2013. 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 property used or intended to be used as part of this violation should be forfeited to the United States.
* Larry L. Hathaway, age 54, of Union, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment alleges on or about May 25, 2011, the defendant submitted fraudulent statements on behalf of Lake WaConDa and Cass County SID #1 to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by submitting claims exceeding $245,000 for repairs to a boat ramp and boat trailer parking area knowing the statements were false. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Hathaway with making false claims to FEMA on or about May 25, 2011. 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 Andres Garcia Ibarra is charged 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 September 2, 2014, up to and including September 3, 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.
* Juan Francisco Jaime-Gayton, age 35, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about March 26, 2012. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about March 26, 2012, the defendant made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges that on or about March 26, 2012, Jaime-Gayton misused a Social Security Card and a State of Nebraska Identification Card, knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Sonia Lopez-Perez, age 35, of Crete, Nebraska is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment alleges the defendant misused a Social Security Card and a Missouri Identification Card, knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for her use on or about April 12, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a social security number on or about April 12, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Cirilo Mendez-Parra, age 34, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 28, 2014, 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.
* Enrique Najar, age21, and Brett Booker, age 20, are charged in a nine-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture containing 25B-NBOMe, beginning on or about March 1, 2014, and continuing to on or about September 10, 2014. 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. Counts II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII of the Indictment charge Najar with distribution of a mixture containing 25B-NBOMe on or about March 26, 2014, April 9, 2014, April 29, 2014, June 18, 2014, July 16, 2014, and July 24, 2014. 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 VIII of the Indictment charges Najar with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing 25B-NBOMe on or about September 10, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IX of the Indictment charges Booker with possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing 25B-NBOMe on or about September 10, 2014. 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 constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in Count I of the indictment, including but not limited to United States currency seized on September 10, 2014 at the residence of the defendant Brett Booker should be forfeited to the United States.
* Jose Orellana-Sales, age 38, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 9, 2014, following deportation as a felon. 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.
* Wilfredo Rodriguez-Ortega, age 29, is charged with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about July 2, 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.
* Becky Ryan, age 44, of Valparaiso, Nebraska, is charged in an eight-count Indictment. Counts I thru VIII of the Indictment charge Ryan with aiding and assisting in the preparation of eight different fraudulent U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Form 1040, on behalf of various taxpayers. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 3 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Sergio Adrian Saldana-Arredondo, age 30, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 3, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose J. Solorzano-Farias, age 24, of Las Vegas, Nevada and Jose A. Solorio-Salinas, age 33, of Burnsville, Minnesota, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about September 6, 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. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendants with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture containing heroin. 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.
* Felix C. Uzoechi, age 48, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Uzoechi is the owner and operator of Kabada Enterprises, L.L.C., doing business as African Farms, a retail grocery store. The indictment alleges Uzoechi committed fraud by allowing the benefits to be exchanged for cash. Counts I, II and III of the Indictment charge Uzoechi with exchanging benefits for cash on April 4, 2014, June 3, 2014 and July 2, 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 for each count.
* Shantoria Valentine-Deguenon, age 23, of Omaha, is charged with bank robbery of approximately $1,213 from Wells Fargo Bank, 4725 South 84th Street, Ralston, Nebraska, on or about July 28, 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.
* Alberto Sanchez Villareal, age 37, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about August 19, 2014. 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. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in Count I of the indictment, including but not limited to $10,247.00 in United States currency seized from 7416 Blondo Street, Apartment #1, Omaha, Nebraska, on August 19, 2014, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Phillip M. Weber, age 38, is charged with car jacking a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer from a person by force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm on or about June 6, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Daniel Webster III, age 22, of Macy, Nebraska, is charged with second degree murder on or about August 28, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Robert Weikle, age 44, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about August 5, 2014. 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 Weikle with distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about February 25, 2014. 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.
* Yusuf Xasan, age 21, of Grand Island, is charged with possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition on or about August 19, 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.
* Arturo Zepeda-Tovar, age 30, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about August 25, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.Lincoln Man Indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
On September 19, 2014, an Indictment was unsealed charging William Nathan Chandler, age 38 of Lincoln, with 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. The charge carries a possible penalty of not less than 10 years, nor more than life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and a term of supervised release following any prison term of at least five years, and a $100 special assessment.
Chandler’s first court appearance was on September 19, 2014. The matter was scheduled for trial beginning on November 17, 2014, and Chandler was ordered temporarily detained without bond. Chandler’s next scheduled court appearance is a detention hearing on September 24, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Northwest Omaha Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jeffrey R. Rongish, age 31of Omaha, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for receiving and distributing child pornography. The Honorable Lyle E. Strom, Senior United States District Court Judge sentenced Rongish to a 78 month term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison Rongish will begin a twelve year term of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
On October 28, 2013, a Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy using an undercover computer detected a computer at Rongish’s northwest Omaha residence offering to share child pornography. A search warrant was executed by members of the FBI Omaha Cyber Crimes Task Force on January 24, 2014.
Rongish admitted downloading child pornography for over 15 years. He provided agents with his encryption password. Agents recovered 4,500 images of child pornography. The images included children ranging from infants to teens engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This matter was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF), of which the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is a partner. The Omaha CCTF is a multi-jurisdictional task force consisting of eleven federal, state and local law enforcement agencies from Nebraska and Iowa. The mission of the Omaha CCTF is to investigate and apprehend high technology criminals and to protect our communities by preventing high technology crime and national security threats involving computers and computer networks. The Omaha CCTF was established on the premise that the capabilities of law enforcement agencies to investigate computer and high technology related crimes are enhanced in a task force setting involving the sharing of resources and expertise.Lincoln Man Receives 135 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Ian B. Wait, 24, of Lincoln, Nebraska was sentenced for distributing child pornography. The Honorable Richard G. Kopf, Senior United States District Court Judge sentenced Wait to prison for 135 months. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison Wait will begin a 15 year term of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
Wait was brought to the attention of law enforcement based on a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. An Internet Service Provider reported a user was observed displaying an image of child pornography during a webcam session. The Internet Protocol address of that user was provided to the Nebraska State Patrol. The address was traced to Wait’s residence in Lincoln, Nebraska.
On September 11, 2013, Wait admitted to an Investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol that he had used an internet service to distribute and receive child pornography. He admitted to exchanging texts with an individual representing himself as a ten year old girl. The communications resulted in Wait’s receipt of a sexually explicit photo of a ten year old girl. Wait consented to a search of his computer. A total of 867 images of child pornography were found on the computer.
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg expressed her appreciation to the Nebraska State Patrol for their investigation of this case. The case was prosecuted under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. Project Safe Childhood is 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.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing a Firearm while Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Steven Payment of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on September 15, 2014, to 15 years in prison by United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Payment had previously pled guilty for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute multiple pounds of methamphetamine in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Payment’s sentence was increased 5 years as he was found to have possessed a handgun during the course of the conspiracy. After serving his sentence, Payment will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 5 years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.