District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including One in the District of NebraskaRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen said, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local FBI partners have a long history of prioritizing these types of cases and working together to achieve justice for victims of these crimes. We were proud to contribute to this initiative.”
On April 29, 2025, Kody Dickes, 34, of Ashland, Nebraska, was arrested by criminal complaint for distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.
In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Grand Island Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Lonnie Mason, 42, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 7, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Mason to 250 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Mason is released from prison, he will begin a lifetime term of supervised release
On January 30, 2024, Mason and co-conspirator Jolene Armentrout flew from Omaha to Los Angeles, California, and purchased 25 pounds of methamphetamine. Meanwhile, co-conspirators Robert Burkhardt and Stephanie Cummings drove Mason’s car from Omaha to Las Vegas, Nevada. Burkhardt and Cummings met Armentrout and Mason in Las Vegas. Mason and Cummings then flew back to Nebraska while Armentrout and Burkhardt drove to California from Las Vegas and picked up the 25 pounds of methamphetamine. Armentrout and Burkhardt then drove the 25 pounds of methamphetamine back to Mason’s apartment in Grand Island, Nebraska and arrived on February 4, 2024. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and located the 25 pounds of methamphetamine contained in a hidden compartment. On that date, law enforcement also executed a search warrant of Mason’s apartment and located a stolen firearm, methamphetamine, ammunition, and venue to Mason from his recent trip to California.
Cummings, Armentrout, and Burkhardt have all been convicted and sentenced in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska for this conduct. Cummings received 108 months’ imprisonment, Armentrout received 94 months’ imprisonment, and Burkhardt received 57 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Grand Island Police Department. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Florida Couple Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Jaiveer Tyee, 53, and Xanthe Tabbs, 56, both of Coral Gables, Florida, were sentenced on May 2, 2025 in federal court in for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Tyee to 9 months’ imprisonment and Tabbs to 3 years’ probation. Tyee and Tabbs were also ordered to pay $138,926.71 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system. After Tyee’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
From April 25, 2018, to July 19, 2018, Tyee and Tabbs conspired to participate in a scheme to defraud a company located in the District of Nebraska. The victim company specialized in subscription-based services for the analysis and delivery of real-time weather, agricultural, energy, and commodity market information.
Using a spoofed email account, an unknown person posed as a vendor of the victim company and requested a change payment related to an invoice the victim company was in the process of paying. The fraudulent email purporting to be from the vendor contained wiring instructions and third-party bank account information, that in fact was not associated with the vendor. The victim company’s employee, thinking the wire transfer request was legitimate, complied with the wire transfer request.
On May 23, 2018, the victim company was induced into making an unauthorized wire transfer totaling $280,646 from its financial institution to a third-party bank account that was jointly accessed and controlled by Tyee and Tabbs. After the unauthorized wire transfer was deposited, Tyee and Tabbs immediately conducted numerous financial transactions, which included obtaining cashier’s checks and making wire transfers to other bank accounts controlled and accessed by Tyee and Tabbs. After detection of the fraudulently induced transfer, the victim company was able to recover a portion of the proceeds resulting a loss of $138,926.71.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
California Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Trevor Sands, 51, of Culver City, California, was sentenced on May 1, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan Bazis sentenced Sands to 57 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Sands’ release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
Investigators with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force learned that Sands was helping mail packages of methamphetamine to at least two people in Nebraska. Investigators intercepted a package that was delivered to the Post Office in Ulysses, Nebraska on May 13, 2022. A cooperating witness told investigators the package contained methamphetamine that had been shipped by Sands in California. Investigators opened the package and found a half pound of methamphetamine. Investigators found a fingerprint on the package belonging to a California man working with Sands to ship packages of methamphetamine from California to Nebraska.
Between May and September 2022, investigators intercepted three additional packages of meth mailed from California. Post office surveillance video captured Sands mailing at least one of the packages. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in each of the packages, which weighed between one-quarter pound to one pound.
On February 8, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Sands’ residence in Culver City, California. Investigators located methamphetamine in the residence. Sands admitted to distributing methamphetamine, and working with others to mail packages of methamphetamine to Nebraska.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 78 Months’ Imprisonment for Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Derrick Conley, 23, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 1, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for being a felon in possession of ammunition. United Stated District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Conley to 78 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Conley’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On June 11, 2024, officers with the Lincoln Police Department responded to a report of an ongoing disturbance in Lincoln. Derrick Conley was one of the persons involved. Witnesses reported that during the argument, Conley lifted his shirt revealing a handgun tucked into his waistband. Conley then placed the firearm in the car in which he had arrived to the scene. Officers found the firearm in the vehicle. It was a “polymer 80” handgun or “ghost gun,” which is a firearm that is manufactured by the buyer and not required to have a serial number if the person who manufactures the firearm does not transfer it to another person. When the officers examined the gun, they found no serial number on the handgun. The handgun was found with an extended magazine inserted into it, and it was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, which is colloquially known as a “Glock switch.” The firearm was also found loaded with 9mm ammunition.
Conley had been previously convicted of attempted possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska on June 22, 2022. He had also been previously convicted of theft by unlawful taking of items valued between $1,500, and $5,000, in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska on April 6, 2021. Each of those offenses were punishable by a term of imprisonment of more than a year.
The investigation was conducted by the Lincoln Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Four Romanian Men Sentenced for Odometer FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that four co-defendants convicted of odometer fraud and related charges were sentenced on April 30 and May 1, 2025 by United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher.
Razan Trasca, age 35, of Craiova, Romania, pled guilty to four counts of Odometer Fraud and three counts of Utter and Possess Forged and Counterfeit Securities of a State (vehicle titles). He was sentenced on April 30, 2025 to 30 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $53,260 in restitution.
Daniel Andronache, age 28, of Craiova, Romania, pled guilty to one count of Utter and Possess Forged and Counterfeit Securities of a State (vehicle title). He was sentenced on April 30, 2025 to 38 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $26,690 in restitution.
Ionut Madalin Zamfir, age 25, of Craiova, Romania, pled guilty to two counts of Odometer Fraud and two counts of Utter and Possess Forged and Counterfeit Securities of a State (vehicle titles). He was sentenced on May 1, 2025 to 36 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $38,500 in restitution.
Dudu Musi, age 37, of Craiova, Romania, pled guilty to one count of Utter and Possess Forged and Counterfeit Securities of a State (vehicle title). He was sentenced on May 1, 2025 to 36 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $17,150 in restitution.
Each of the defendants had entered the United States sometime between approximately 2020 to 2022 and had been allowed to remain in the country.
During approximately January 2022 to July 2024, in Nebraska and adjoining states, the defendants acquired high mileage vehicles, rolled back the odometers, re-sold the same vehicles at inflated prices, and provided vehicle titles that falsely stated low mileages consistent with the altered odometer readings. Sometimes a defendant acquired and sold the same vehicle himself, but each of the four defendants conducted overlapping transactions concerning certain vehicles, for example acquiring a vehicle that a co-defendant sold or accompanying a co-defendant during an acquisition or sale.
Collectively, the defendants acquired and sold at least 23 vehicles in this same way. The Court determined that the cumulative loss was $104,400, based on the difference between the price for which each vehicle was acquired and the inflated price for which it was sold after its odometer was rolled back.
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen stated, “These defendants defrauded ordinary citizens who were simply trying to stay within their budgets by buying used cars. What makes it even more egregious is that they victimized American citizens after having been allowed to remain in the United States.”
“HSI works closely with our partners to identify and investigate anyone who comes to the U.S. to commit fraud,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. “In this case, the convictions and restitution ordered will support the victims who were defrauded through the defendants’ scheme."
In a separate case, Andronache and Zamfir had been stopped in November 2023 in Blaine, Washington, near the Canadian border. They were transporting twelve aliens, all of whom were Romanian citizens who had entered the United States illegally. In 2024, Andronache and Zamfir were convicted and sentenced in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington of Conspiracy to Illegally Transport Certain Aliens. At the conclusion of that case, Andronache and Zamfir were transported to Nebraska to face the Odometer Fraud and related charges.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Nathanial A. Lazanis, 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lazanis to 130 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Lazanis’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Lazanis was also ordered to pay restitution of $3,000 to each of three identified victims.
On September 25, 2023, a Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) investigator conducted an online investigation on the BitTorrent network for offenders sharing child pornography. Using a computer running BitTorrent investigative software, the investigator directly connected to a device at Lazanis’s address and downloaded files Lazanis’s device made available. Two of those files contained child pornography. NSP’s investigative software identified the IP address used by Lazanis’s device and learned it came back to Lazanis’s residence in Omaha.
On October 24, 2023, NSP served a search warrant at Lazanis’s residence and seized his electronic devices for forensic examination. After agreeing to speak with investigators, Lazanis admitted using the BitTorrent network to search for and download child pornography. Investigators found the BitTorrent client on Lazanis’s computer to be actively downloading child pornography when searching his home. Investigators forensically extracted and analyzed Lazanis’s electronic devices. The device extractions revealed Lazanis possessed at least 3,828 child pornography image files and 256 child pornography video files. The files included pornographic images and videos involving prepubescent children, including toddlers, adults having sex with children, and depictions of masochistic conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
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Two Lincoln Men Convicted by Jury for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that a federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, returned a guilty verdict on April 24, 2025, against Olen Warner aka Dan Warner, age 51, and Ernesto Leyva, age 36, both of Lincoln. Warner was convicted for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogue and one count of distribution of a mixture or substance containing any fentanyl analogue and a mixture of substance containing fentanyl. Leyva was convicted for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and heroin. The verdict subjects Warner to a potential prison term of up to life and a minimum of ten years for count one and a potential prison term of up to 40 years and a minimum of five years for count two. The verdict subjects Leyva to a potential prison term of up to life and a minimum of ten years. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis presided over the trial and set sentencing as to both defendants for July 17, 2025.
Olen Warner was involved in drug trafficking meth and fentanyl in Lincoln and the District of Nebraska, since at least October 2019. Ernesto Leyva was involved in the distribution of fentanyl, pills and powder, and heroin in the Lincoln area since 2021. He also trafficked in meth. Co-defendant Danna Hespen, who had pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy charge, had been involved in the distribution of meth in the Lincoln area since at least 2021. She mainly dealt in meth but would also occasionally sell fentanyl and heroin.
The three began working together in earnest shortly after Hespen got out of jail in November of 2022. Phone records show that the trio was working together by December 2022. From December 2022 until July 2023 the three worked together to sell meth, fentanyl, and heroin.
Warner brought meth and fentanyl from Colorado to Hespen, Leyva, and others, in Lincoln to distribute. Over the course of the conspiracy, Warner brought pounds of meth and thousands of M30 pills to Lincoln for Hespen and Leyva to sell. Warner made trips to Colorado about once a week to pick up the drugs for Hespen and Leyva. Hespen and Leyva were dating and were often involved in transactions together. Hespen sold most of the meth and Leyva sold most of the M30 pills. They made sales together and occasionally sold each other’s product on the other’s behalf.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force and the Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force.
Grand Jury for the District of NebraskaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 22 unsealed Indictments charging 24 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Julius Phillips, age 40, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Phillips with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about November 21, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Phillips with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 21, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release not more than 3 years, and a $100 special assessment.
Jason Vorse, age 50, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, is charged with possession of child pornography on or about October 28, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Jonnathan Ernesto Santos-Fuentes, age 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Santos-Fuentes with false representation of a social security number with intent to deceive on or about September 25, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Santos-Fuentes with use of false identification documents on or about September 25, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Santos-Fuentes with false claim to U.S. citizenship to obtain employment on or about September 25, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Pedro David Jaimes-Diaz, age 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Jaimes-Diaz with false representation of a social security number on or about June 5, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Jaimes-Diaz with use of immigration documents not lawfully issued on or about June 5, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Jaimes-Diaz with false claim to U.S. citizenship on or about June 5, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 3 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Walter Agustin Navarro-Santa Cruz, age 48, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Navarro-Santa Cruz with false representation of a social security number with intent to deceive on or about November 30, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Navarro-Santa Cruz with use of false identification documents on or about November 30, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Navarro-Santa Cruz with illegal reentry of a previously removed alien on or about March 21, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Edwin Abraham Navarro-Santacruz, age 43, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Navarro-Santacruz with false representation of a social security number on or about September 14, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Navarro-Santacruz with use of false claim to U.S. citizenship on or about September 14, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 3 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Patrick Campbell, age 41, of North Platte, Nebraska, is charged with acquiring a controlled substance by fraud beginning on or about March 1, 2023, to April 5, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 4 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Ricardo Gutierrez-Castillo, age 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, Heleodoro Luviano-Cabrera, age 37, of Cypress, Texas, and Eric Luviano-Cabrera, age 40, of Cypress, Texas, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about December 28, 2024, and continuing to on or about January 3, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Nelson Geovani Santos-Parada, age 25, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Santos-Parada with use of a false identification document on or about June 23, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Santos-Parada with false representation of a social security number with intent to deceive on or about June 23, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Santos-Parada with false claim to U.S. citizenship on or about June 23, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 3 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Jose Dimas Escobar, age 45, of Fremont, Nebraska, is charged with false representation of a social security number on or about December 1, 2021. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Jose Guadalupe De La Torre, age 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about February 20, 2025, and continuing to on or about April 3, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, not less than 5-years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Jorge Leonardo Hernandez-Romero, age 35, of Gretna, Nebraska, is charged with money laundering conspiracy from on or about May 7, 2022, and continuing to on or about December 14, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States and were found in the United States, without the Attorney General of the United States or her designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States:
Paul Randolfo Gutierrez Gamez, age 40
Eliseo Israel Escobar Marroquin, age 32
Jorge Luis Mejia Narciso, age 23
Maximiliano Rolando Perez-Gomez, age 30
The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States following a felony conviction and were found in the United States, without the Attorney General of the United States or her designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States:
Martin Silva Bravo, age 35
Ever Roberto Sauceda Castillo, age 37
Marcos Eliseo Tercero-Bautista, age 27
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 following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States following an aggravated felony conviction and were found in the United States, without the Attorney General of the United States or her designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States:
Alfredo Hernandez Lopez, age 48
Roberto Lamadrid Campuzano, age 36
Luis Edgardo Herrera-Ramos, age 61
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.
Contact Amy Donato at 402-661-3700 for further information.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Jesus Martinez-Garcia, 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 23, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Martinez-Garcia to 200 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Martinez-Garcia is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On March 11, 2020, Martinez-Garcia sold a confidential informant 372 grams of lab confirmed actual methamphetamine in Omaha. During the controlled drug transaction, Martinez-Garcia also possessed three firearms.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Mexican National Sentenced to 57 Months for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Martin Omar Rodriguez Vega, 56, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced on April 23, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for distributing more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Vega to 57 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On September 16, 2022, an undercover trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol arranged to purchase one pound of methamphetamine with an individual located in Mexico. The Mexican source directed the undercover trooper to Hickman, Nebraska, to meet someone to pick up the pound of methamphetamine. At the meet location, the undercover trooper met Martin Omar Rodriguez Vega who delivered 420 grams of pure methamphetamine to the trooper.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and Lincoln Police Department.
Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Robert Johnson, age 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 24, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Johnson to 240 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, for a total sentence of 300 months. Seven-thousand dollars was forfeited to the United States as drug proceeds. There is no parole in the federal system. After Johnson is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On January 17, 2023, Omaha DEA received an anonymous tip that Robert Johnson (“RJ”) was selling fentanyl pills and methamphetamine in the Omaha area. On April 19, 2023, a federal search warrant was executed on Johnson’s home in Omaha that he shared with codefendant Whitney Washington. Law enforcement recovered methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, a Taurus 9mm handgun, $7,000 in drug proceeds and narcotics trafficking paraphernalia. Investigators determined that Robert Johnson, along with Tijuana L. Johnson, were mailing the narcotics from Arizona to Omaha to be distributed.
Codefendant Tijuana L. Johnson was sentenced on January 29, 2025, to 120 months’ incarceration after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Codefendant Whitney Washington was sentenced on March 27, 2025, to 63 months’ incarceration after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Selling Gun to MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Camarion Almond, 21, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 17, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln for unlawful disposition of a firearm. United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Almond to 57 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Almond’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
In 2023, officers with the Lincoln Police Department began investigating Clifton Davis after several guns purchased by him were used in crimes committed by others, including a homicide. Through search warrants executed on Davis’s phone, law enforcement learned that he had transferred multiple guns to Camarion Almond. Law enforcement reviewed text messages between Almond and others, and learned that on February 17, 2023, Almond called Davis after another friend, a minor at the time, told Almond that he wanted to purchase some firearms. The following day, Almond texted his friend to say that guns were available, and the two briefly discussed a price. Additional discussions in March include others reaching out, through Almond, to see if Davis had any additional guns to sell.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Bazis stressed the risk providing guns to those who cannot legally get them poses to the general public. One of the guns Almond passed along to the minor was ultimately used in a homicide.
Davis was previously sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment for his role in the offense.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.
Repeat Offender Sentenced for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Hannie Rice, 67, formerly of Oakland, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 16, 2025 in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Rice to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Rice’s release from prison, he will begin a four-year term of supervised release.
In January 2023, a Burt County sheriff’s deputy received information from arrested individuals that Rice was a meth distributor. On May 6, 2023, sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at Rice’s home in Oakland. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Rice told a deputy that there was meth in his bedroom. Rice took the deputy to his bedroom, where the deputy found approximately 35 grams of meth inside of a lock box.
Postal records showed that eight packages, weighing from four ounces up to four pounds seven ounces, were mailed from California to Rice’s residence since the fall of 2022. These postal records corroborated the information deputies received from the arrested individuals that Rice was receiving three-pound packages of meth through the mail from California.
At sentencing, Rice’s advisory sentencing range was increased because of multiple California convictions involving possessing meth and marijuana for sale.
This case was investigated by the Burt County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Phone Spoof WarningRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska is alerting the public to be aware of imposter scams involving individuals claiming to represent the United States Attorney’s Office or other government agencies.
Scammers may call, email, text, write, or message members of the public on social media claiming to be from the United States Attorney’s Office or another government office. While legitimate employees of the United States Attorney’s Office do contact the public for business purposes, they will never pressure, threaten, or inform you to make payments in questionable ways.
Scammers may use tactics to sound and appear credible. Often, they will provide information or actual names of federal employees and federal office addresses. Scammers also commonly rely on “phone spoofing”, this is where a caller falsifies the information displayed on a caller ID to make their identity or location unknown. Phone spoofing can make calls appear to be from a local number or trusted organization.
If you are the victim of such a call, please report the incident via https://www.ic3.gov/ or https://tips.fbi.gov/home.
Additional resources on how to avoid imposter scams can be found at https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-avoid-imposter-scams.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Purchasing Firearms for Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Stephanie Kessel, 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 16, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Kessel to three years of probation
On July 28, 2023, Kessel met with an individual cooperating with law enforcement in the parking lot of Cabela’s in La Vista, Nebraska. The cooperator told Kessel that the cooperator was a convicted felon and the cooperator could not buy firearms legally. After hearing about the cooperator’s criminal history, Kessel walked into Cabela’s and purchased two Taurus 9mm handguns. After the sale, she walked back out to the parking lot and sold the guns to the cooperator for $1,000. To purchase the handguns, Kessel filled out a mandatory ATF firearms purchase form indicating that she was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearms even though the firearms were actually purchased by the cooperator.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Escaping Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Troy D. Murphy, 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 16, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for escaping from federal custody. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Murphy to 15 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Murphy’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On October 12, 2021, Troy Murphy was sentenced to 77 months’ incarceration resulting from his convictions for transferring a firearm to a prohibited person and for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. As part of his term of incarceration, he was placed at Dismas Charities in Omaha. Although it is a non-secure facility, he still needed authorization to leave.
On October 11, 2024, Dismas employees discovered that Murphy escaped by leaving the facility without authorization. Security camera footage showed him leaving at 10:02 p.m. Murphy’s whereabouts remained unknown until October 30, 2024. The United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force arrested Murphy at his mother’s residence in Omaha. He surrendered without incident.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Escaping Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Troy D. Murphy, 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 16, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for escaping from federal custody. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Murphy to 15 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Murphy’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On October 12, 2021, Troy Murphy was sentenced to 77 months’ incarceration resulting from his convictions for transferring a firearm to a prohibited person and for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. As part of his term of incarceration, he was placed at Dismas Charities in Omaha. Although it is a non-secure facility, he still needed authorization to leave.
On October 11, 2024, Dismas employees discovered that Murphy escaped by leaving the facility without authorization. Security camera footage showed him leaving at 10:02 p.m. Murphy’s whereabouts remained unknown until October 30, 2024. The United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force arrested Murphy at his mother’s residence in Omaha. He surrendered without incident.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Lexington Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Roberto Ceja, Jr., 33, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 16, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Ceja to 66 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ceja is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
This case involved a Title III wiretap investigation that involved three of Ceja’s cell phones. Co-conspirators were also intercepted involving discussions about narcotics and meeting under surveillance. As part of the investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted three undercover buys from Liban Mohamud Adan who investigators learned was being supplied by Ceja. Ceja was responsible for distributing 88 grams of actual methamphetamine in the Lexington area.
Liban Mohamud Adan pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by a 5-year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nebraska State Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or More of Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Allen Green, 73, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 15, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Green to 262 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Green is released from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release.
After receiving information that Green was involved in distributing controlled substances, law enforcement obtained a court order allowing them to get precision location information from his phone. On December 15, 2023, law enforcement obtained data from Green’s cell phone that he had traveled to Chicago, Illinois, from Omaha and after a short time began to travel immediately back to Omaha. Iowa state troopers pulled Green over near Des Moines, Iowa, for several traffic violations. In the vehicle, law enforcement located 280 grams of fentanyl analogue in powder form. The lab confirmed the fentanyl and the powder also contained heroin and Xylazine. Green admitted that the fentanyl was going to be distributed in the Omaha area.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Task Force, which is comprised of law enforcement from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Illinois Woman Sentenced for Misprision of FelonyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Mia Armani Williams, 22, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced on April 14, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for misprision of a felony. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Williams to two years of probation. There is no parole in the federal system.
On October 1, 2022, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper saw two nearly identical black Mercedes SUVs with Illinois plates traveling eastbound on I-80 in Seward County. A traffic stop was made on one SUV which was driven by co-defendant Jennilee Velez. Velez’s passenger was Mia Williams. The other SUV sped away and was later stopped by a Saline County deputy who was working with the Seward County Task Force. That SUV was driven by co-defendant Samantha Francisco, and her sister, co-defendant Julany Rivera, was her passenger.
Both SUVs were searched after Williams and Francisco admitted having marijuana. In the SUV driven by Velez, more than 16 pounds of cocaine were found along with 393 oxycodone pills. In the other SUV, more than 24 pounds of cocaine and 66 oxycodone pills were found. Searches of Velez’s and Francisco’s phones showed the four women had traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles, where other persons loaded the drugs into the two SUVs. The four were headed back to Chicago at the time they were stopped. Williams failed to notify law enforcement about Velez’s illegal activities when initially contacted.
Jennilee Velez was previously sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment and two years of supervised release on April 29, 2024. The other co-defendants’ cases remain pending.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Seward County Sheriff’s Department, the Saline County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Phillips Man Sentenced for Drug User in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Tyler Caudill, age 22, of Phillips, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 10, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession of a firearm while an unlawful user of marijuana and THC. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Caudill to 37 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Caudill’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On the morning of May 4, 2021, authorities in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office learned that Caudill had taken a pickup without permission and his father was missing an AR-15 style rifle. That same morning, surveillance cameras captured Caudill walking through an aviation building attached to the Central Nebraska Regional Airport (CNRA) in Grand Island, Nebraska. Caudill was carrying several bags including a rifle case. He was able to make his way onto the tarmac where an 11-person Cessna Citation Bravo aircraft was parked. He opened the hatch and entered the aircraft. He brought some personal belongings along with an AR-15 rifle and some ammunition onto the aircraft.
Later that afternoon, when pilots entered the aircraft to prepare for flight, they found Caudill asleep on the plane and the firearm in the cabin. One pilot threw Caudill’s bags out of the plane, removed the rifle from the plane, then contacted police. Grand Island police officers arrived to assist. Caudill was seen trying to manipulate the controls of the airplane once he awoke. A tactical team of investigators was eventually able to remove him from the plane after deploying chemical munitions. An inbound flight from Dallas was diverted to Kansas due to the disruption at the airport. No one was injured.
Caudill was taken to the hospital where he admitted having used marijuana and THC. A urine sample tested positive for the presence of THC. Caudill claimed possession of the firearm and told investigators he believed he was going to take the plane to a bunker in Montana. Investigators collected THC vape cartridges from his clothing.
This case was investigated by the Grand Island Police Department, the Kearney Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
North Platte Man Sentenced to 235 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Brian Titman, 46, of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 10, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Titman to 235 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Titman’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Titman was also sentenced to an additional 15 months in prison on a separate case, stemming from the fact he was on supervised release at the time of he committed his new offense. That 15-month sentence will run consecutive to the 235-month sentence.
Titman had previously been sentenced in January of 2017 to 60 months in the Bureau of Prisons as a result of a separate federal conviction for distributing 50 grams or more of meth mixture. At the conclusion of his custodial sentence in that case, Titman was sentenced to a term of supervised release, which he violated. A warrant was issued for his arrest in March of 2023, and over the next year, Titman and law enforcement in west-central Nebraska played a game of cat and mouse, with Titman taking steps to conceal his identity and law enforcement actively working to arrest him. On at least two occasions, Titman fled law enforcement at high speeds, pursuits that were eventually terminated because of the risk to the public.
On March 15, 2024, a citizen reported to law enforcement the vehicle Titman was driving and where he was headed. Law enforcement again moved to contact Titman on a traffic stop, and Titman, driving the vehicle with two passengers, again took off.
During the pursuit occupants of the vehicle threw out multiple baggies of meth, personal belongings including phones, and ammunition. The recovered items included a Walmart bag containing 9mm ammunition and multiple baggies containing a total of 6.3 ounces of meth. Additional meth was located in the vehicle.
The vehicle eventually became high centered in a pasture in Lincoln County and all occupants fled into a nearby tree line. Officers were able to call all occupants out and take Titman and the passengers into custody.
The following day, the owner of the pasture called law enforcement and turned over approximately 11.5 ounces of methamphetamine, Narcan, and several personal items. The owner indicated he had found the items in the pasture and on the county road used to access it. The methamphetamine he turned over was packaged the same as the items located in the vehicle and during the pursuit. Law enforcement also located additional meth when they re-searched the field. In total, more 600 grams of methamphetamine were located.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the CODE Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 97 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Dustin Lee Vittitoe, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 10, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, for possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Vittitoe to 97 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Vittitoe’s release from prison, he will begin an eight-year term of supervised release.
On January 21, 2023, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of an individual in possession of child pornography on his cell phone. Deputies learned Dustin Lee Vittitoe had child pornography on his cell phone and within the MEGA application contained on his phone. Deputies confirmed the subscriber information for Vittitoe’s MEGA account. On February 22, 2023, deputies served a federal search warrant at Vittitoe’s residence and seized his electronic devices for forensic examination. Investigators forensically extracted and analyzed Vittitoe’s electronic devices. The device extractions showed Vittitoe soliciting and searching for child pornography across several applications. The extractions revealed Vittitoe possessed at least 411 child pornography image files. The files included pornographic images involving prepubescent children, adults having sex with children, and depictions of sadistic and masochistic conduct involving children.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Drug Dealer from Washington State Receives 150 Months for Trafficking More Than 10 Pounds of Methamphetamine in OmahaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Narciso Maciel, 25, of Moses Lake, Washington, was sentenced on April 10, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Maciel to 150 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Maciel’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On September 5, 2023, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine from Maciel in Omaha. On October 26, 2023, they purchased another pound of methamphetamine from him. On November 2, 2023, law enforcement served a search warrant of the Airbnb Maciel rented in Omaha and seized more than 8 pounds of methamphetamine, drug packaging, shipping labels, receipts of money wires to Mexico, and $10,146 in United States currency. Through the investigation, law enforcement learned that Maciel was receiving and storing methamphetamine at the Airbnb in Omaha while also distributing methamphetamine and wiring money to Mexico for the drug trafficking organization. The currency has been forfeited to the United States.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
South Dakota Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact with a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Arvis Manvil Lewis, Jr., 39, of Sisseton, South Dakota, was sentenced on April 9, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for abusive sexual contact with a child under twelve (12) years of age. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lewis to 77 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Lewis’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
In December 2022, Lewis made sexual contact with a minor child (age 9) entrusted to his care as the child slept. The minor child disclosed Lewis’s conduct to a trusted adult, who reported the incident to appropriate authorities. A forensic interview was conducted with the minor child, confirming the offense occurred in the child’s home in Santee, Nebraska, on the Santee Sioux Nation Indian Reservation. After initially denying the offense, Lewis ultimately confessed to law enforcement that he had perpetrated against the minor child.
This case was prosecuted in federal court because the offense was a felony and occurred on the Santee Sioux Nation Indian Reservation in Nebraska.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Iowa Man Sentenced for Selling Shotgun and Methamphetamine in OmahaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that William Lewis, Jr., 32, of Glenwood, Iowa, was sentenced on April 9, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for distribution of methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Lewis to 135 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Lewis’s release from prison, he will begin a four-year term of supervised release.
On June 5, 2023, Lewis sold a 12-gauge shotgun to an individual cooperating with law enforcement in Omaha. Lewis was a convicted felon prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms. On June 8, 2023, Lewis sold the cooperator 91.4 grams of methamphetamine in Omaha.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department.
Drug Dealer Receives 108 Months After Picking up Package with 4 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Stephanie Cummings, 39, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 9, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Cummings to 108 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Cummings’ release from prison, she will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
On December 5, 2023, law enforcement intercepted a package that contained nearly 4 pounds of methamphetamine in Nebraska. On December 6, 2023, law enforcement, in an undercover capacity, delivered the package to a residence in Omaha. Cummings and Mitchell Bostic picked up the package. Officers watched Cummings and Bostic as they drove away in Bostic’s vehicle. Believing law enforcement was following them, Bostic instructed Cummings to throw the package containing methamphetamine out of the car window. The officers located the package and subsequently conducted a traffic stop of Bostic’s vehicle. Bostic and Cummings were both arrested. Bostic was previously sentenced in federal court to 235 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Hanna J. Williams, 44, of Omaha, was sentenced April 2, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for distributing methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Williams to 200 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Williams’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On November 15, 2023, a Drug Enforcement Administration confidential source (CS) made a controlled purchase of 1 pound of methamphetamine. The CS first met with Hanna Faust aka “Williams” at a buy location in mid-town Omaha. Faust then made a call to her supplier, Daniellea M. Fedail, while the CS got in her car and waited for Fedail supplier to arrive.
Fedail arrived a short time later and delivered 1 pound of methamphetamine with 99% lab confirmed purity to Williams who then gave the meth to the CS in exchange for money.
Fedail previously pled guilty to distributing meth and was sentenced by Judge Buescher on December 19, 2024, to 120 months’ imprisonment. She will also serve a 5-year term of supervised release following her release from prison.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Mexican National Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Salvador Ochoa-Cuevas, 44, of Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced April 2, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Ochoa-Cuevas to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Ochoa-Cuevas will be subject to deportation to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.
On March 26, 2021, a confidential source (CS) working with law enforcement placed a recorded phone call to Ochoa-Cuevas for the purpose of obtaining meth. During the phone call the CS and Ochoa-Cuevas agreed to meet near Highland Park at 25th and C streets in Omaha to complete the drug transaction.
That same day, the CS was outfitted with audio and video recording devices for the transaction. Surveillance was maintained on the CS as he arrived at Highland Park. Shortly thereafter, Ochoa-Cuevas arrived and delivered 388 grams of meth to the CS in exchange for $4,000. The recording device captured the transaction.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omaha Police Department.
Justice Department to Surge Resources to Indian Country to Investigate Unresolved Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced that it will surge FBI assets across the country to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country, including crimes relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons.
FBI will send 60 personnel, rotating in 90-day temporary duty assignments over a six-month period. This operation is the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date. FBI personnel will support field offices in Albuquerque; Denver; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; and Salt Lake City. The FBI will work in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions.
FBI personnel will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and they will use the latest forensic evidence processing tools to solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable. U.S. Attorney’s Offices will aggressively prosecute case referrals.
“Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska supports this mission and has similarly sought to aggressively pursue violent criminals who have victimized people on Indian reservations in Nebraska. For example, this past February, our AUSAs obtained a murder conviction against Michelle Marr following a jury trial. The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on June 5, 2025.
Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization. At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations.
Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years. Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.
Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a ‘Glock Switch’ Machine GunRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Ty’nell D. Jimmerson, 20, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for illegal possession of a machine gun. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Jimmerson to 32 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Jimmerson’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On July 28, 2024, Omaha Police Officers observed a Jeep speeding and driving recklessly near 60th and Ames Streets. As officers approached, the Jeep fled. OPD helicopter Able-1 followed the Jeep to Orchard Park. Officers in Able-1 saw the Jeep enter the park and pull into a public-access parking stall. Ty’nell Jimmerson ran from the Jeep to a nearby group of trees on the edge of the parking lot where he discarded a loaded Glock 21 .45 caliber handgun. The gun contained a high-capacity magazine and was equipped with a ‘Glock switch’ machine gun conversion device (‘MCD’). The device converts the weapon to a fully automatic machine gun. The firearm had previously been reported stolen during a vehicle break-in.
After concealing the firearm, Jimmerson got into the back seat of a waiting Nissan. Both vehicles left the park. Able-1 followed the Nissan to 90th Street and Blair High Road where OPD conducted a traffic stop and arrested Jimmerson.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department.
Lexington Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Mikayla Daleness, 26, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United Sates District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Daleness to 78 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Daleness’s release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
From summer 2023 into early 2024, Daleness and three others from Cozad worked together to bring pounds of methamphetamine from Colorado to the Lexington-Cozad area where the drugs were distributed. Search warrants for Facebook communications allowed investigators to identify individuals and their residences involved in the distribution of methamphetamine. During a January 2024 search warrant at a co-conspirator’s residence in Cozad, investigators found a loaded handgun, ammunition, methamphetamine, and distribution paraphernalia. Search warrants for the residents’ cell phones contained messages showing drug distribution. Recorded jail calls tipped investigators to the group’s travel plans to get more methamphetamine in Colorado. A search warrant for a tracking device led investigators to making a traffic stop on February 6, 2024. Daleness was a passenger in the car containing more methamphetamine, THC, and drug paraphernalia. A later search of Daleness’s Cozad residence turned up drug use and distribution paraphernalia.
This case was investigated by the CODE Drug Task Force which is comprised of members from the Lexington Police Department, the Cozad Police Department, the North Platte Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol. Investigators from the West Metro Drug Task Force in Colorado also assisted in the investigation.
Polk County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Daniel J. Brewer, 58, of Polk County, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Brewer to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Brewer’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On July 27, 2023, a confidential source purchased 28 grams of methamphetamine from Brewer at his Polk County residence. Officers conducted a search of Brewer’s residence later that day and recovered approximately 875 grams of methamphetamine, scales, packaging, and various live ammunition. Brewer was stopped after leaving his residence and found in possession of a meth pipe and the buy money from the controlled buy earlier that day.
This case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and Specialized Narcotics Abuse Reduction Effort Task Force.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possessing with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Javier Guzman-Andrade, 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 26, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Guzman-Andrade to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Guzman-Andrade is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. He will also forfeit to the United States $10,635.00 in United States currency that was drug proceeds.
In 2023, officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department identified a multiple pound quantity methamphetamine distributor named Javier Guzman-Andrade. On November 27, 2023, law enforcement executed a state court-authorized search warrant at the residence of Guzman-Andrade. As a result, approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine were seized. In addition, a single shot Deringer firearm was located in a different room from where the drugs were found. A forensic laboratory analysis confirmed 2,964 grams of actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Drug Task Force Operation Leads to Multiple Drug ArrestsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that on March 26, 2025, a multi-agency operation led to the arrests of 8 individuals in central Nebraska on federal drug charges, and the unsealing of several indictments. An additional 5 people were arrested on state charges. Multiple search warrants were also executed.
Those arrested federally and a summary of their charges and the penalties include the following:
A superseding indictment was unsealed charging Manuel Enrique Corona-Ramirez, Shawn Norris, Trevor Hardin, and Omar Gonzalez-Garcia with conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine between March 1, 2024 and February 5, 2025. Also listed in that conspiracy count are Reyes Ernesto Garcia-Urquizo and Enrique Martinez, who were arrested a month prior. A conviction on that conspiracy charge carries a possible penalty of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million; and a term of supervised release not less than five years.
A related indictment was also unsealed charging Adelso Saravia and Adriana Zepeda Rivera with conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual) between October 3, 2024 and November 30, 2024. The penalties on that charge are not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million; and a term of supervised release not less than five years.
These cases were investigated by the Cooperative Operations for Drug Enforcement (CODE) Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska in cooperation with federal partners at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Also assisting in the investigation and subsequent arrests were the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) Task Force based around the Grand Island-Hastings-Kearney area, the Cozad Police Department, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, the Lexington Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, the North Platte Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
To report tips on drug trafficking, please contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 402-492-8688 or the Nebraska Crime Stoppers tipline at 1-800-422-1494.
Canadian National Sentenced to More Than 15 Years for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that John Francis, 23, of Canada, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Francis to a total of 181 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Francis’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On March 4, 2023, a Saline County Sheriff’s Deputy performing patrol and drug interdiction duties on I-80 westbound initiated a traffic stop of a 2023 Chevy Tahoe. Instead of slowing, the Tahoe accelerated, resulting in a 30-minute pursuit over three counties for approximately 50 miles, at sustained speeds of more than 100 mph. Officers from six different departments were called in to assist with the stop due to the excessive speed of the fleeing Tahoe.
Officers had to deploy three sets of spike strips (tire deflation devices) across the interstate. The spike strips ultimately caused three of the four tires on the Tahoe to fail, and the Tahoe came to rest in the middle of the passing lane on the interstate. Francis emerged from the Tahoe with his hands in the air and immediately laid down on his chest in the median.
The driver and only occupant of the vehicle was eventually identified as John Francis, although another person’s Canadian driver’s license was found in the Tahoe. Francis had a loaded handgun in the cupholder and a duffle bag on the passenger seat. The duffle bag contained approximately 6.65 pounds of
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in crystalline form. Officers also found more than $6,000 and other indicators of drug trafficking on Francis and in the Tahoe. The $6,000 was forfeited to the United States as proceeds from drug trafficking.Francis previously pled not guilty. He was found guilty by a federal jury on November 13, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Seward County Sheriff’s Office, York County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Lincoln Police Department.
Two Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Mario Garibay-Reyes, 47, and Diego Mendoza-Aguilar, 37, of Mexico were sentenced on March 26, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Garibay-Reyes to 160 months’ imprisonment and Mendoza-Aguilar to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garibay-Reyes and Mendoza-Aguilar are released from prison, they will each begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Because they are in the United States illegally, they are subject to deportation following their release from prison.
On November 9, 2023, law enforcement utilized an undercover agent to purchase 414 grams of actual methamphetamine from Mendoza-Aguilar in Omaha. Following this controlled buy, law enforcement observed Mendoza-Aguilar distribute 208 grams of actual methamphetamine to other individuals. Law enforcement arrested the individuals and seized the methamphetamine. Garibay-Reyes provided the aforementioned methamphetamine to Mendoza-Aguilar for these drug transactions.
On November 14, 2024, law enforcement served a search warrant at Mendoza-Aguilar’s residence in Omaha. At the time, Garibay-Reyes was residing at Mendoza-Aguilar’s residence with Mendoza-Aguilar. During the search, law enforcement located 559 grams of actual methamphetamine from Garibay-Reyes’s bedroom and 22 grams of actual methamphetamine from Mendoza-Aguilar’s bedroom. Parked outside the residence was Garibay-Reyes’s vehicle. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and located 5,718 grams of actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Mexican National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Jonathan Ovalle Solis, 33, of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, was sentenced on March 21, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Solis to 78 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Solis is released from prison, he will be subject to deportation to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.
Solis was charged as a result of his involvement as a local courier with a Mexico Source of Supply (SOS) of meth who supplies the Omaha and Council Bluffs areas. On July 20, 2023, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation utilized a cooperating witness who purchased one pound of meth from Solis at an Omaha location. During the course of the conspiracy, surveillance officers observed Solis meet with other co-conspirators and conduct suspected drug deals, including a delivery of 174 grams of meth on August 23, 2023.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Grand Jury for the District of NebraskaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned an Indictment charging six defendants with offenses related to human trafficking. The indictment was unsealed on Friday, March 21. Eduardo Jose Perdomo, Michel Martinez-Gonzalez and Alfredo Zambrano-Hurtado are all charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit human trafficking from December 16, 2024, through January 7, 2025. The same three defendants are also charged with two counts of sex trafficking minors or by force, fraud, and/or coercion. Sumit Chaudhari, Kavankumar Patel, and Vishal Goswami are all charged with two counts of sex trafficking minors or by the use of force, fraud, or coercion relating to events alleged to have occurred January 3 through January 6, 2025. All charges related to human trafficking carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a term of supervised release of up to life, and special assessments of $100 and $5,000. Eduardo Jose Perdomo and Michel Martinez-Gonzalez are further charged with two counts of child enticement from December 16, 2024, through January 6, 2025. The maximum possible penalty for each child enticement count is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, lifetime supervised release, and special assessments of $100 and $50,000.
The prosecution of major cases, such as this case, always requires collaboration with multiple agencies. The Douglas County Attorney’s Office has been a significant contributor to the team effort to move this case forward. We thank them for their assistance in furthering the investigation, and in taking swift action in bringing initial charges.
Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Council Bluffs Women Sentenced to 210 Months on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Tracy Gulzow, 56, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced on March 20, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Gulzow to 210 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
As part of a long-term Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation, Gulzow was identified as a distributor for a Mexican-based meth drug trafficking organization (DTO). DEA first identified Gulzow as a customer of the DTO in March of 2022. In the fall of 2023, DEA became aware that Gulzow had stepped into a distributor role for the DTO. On January 24, 2023, the Omaha Police Department stopped Gulzow for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, nine pounds of meth were seized. Gulzow admitted to law enforcement that more meth was located at her residence. Gulzow also admitted to receiving more than 50 pounds of meth from the DTO since she became a distributor. Law enforcement went to her residence where they recovered two more pounds of meth, a firearm, and $19,563 which was derived from the sale of methamphetamine.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Police Department, and Bellevue Police Department.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matt R. Molsen announced that Gabriel Lee Rice, 36, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 20, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a spouse or intimate or dating partner. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Rice to 30 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Rice’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
In July 2022, Rice assaulted a woman known to him, pinning her against a wall, then covering her mouth and nose with his hand. Rice restricted the victim’s breathing to the point that the victim could not breathe at all and fell unconscious. The assault occurred in front of a child.
This case was prosecuted in federal court because the offense was a felony and occurred on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Nebraska.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Grand Jury for the District of NebraskaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matt Molsen announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 17 unsealed Indictments charging 19 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.
Deaviea Brown, age 24, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Brown with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person beginning on or about December 19, 2024, and continuing to on or about January 14, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Brown with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute beginning on or about December 19, 2024, and continuing to on or about January 14, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 2 years, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Brown with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime beginning on or about December 19, 2024, and continuing to on or about January 14, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Jermaine Cobb, age 33, of Auburn, Nebraska, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 27, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a $100 special assessment.
Jorge E. Morrison, age 45, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 7, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Oswaldo Molina Cisneros, age 20, of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Victor Molina Morales, age 22, of Bellevue, Nebraska, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about October 22, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Steven Jones, age 45, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Jones with attempted production of child pornography beginning on an unknown date and continuing through on or about September 30, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than 5 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Jones with distribution of child pornography beginning on or about September 1, 2022, and continuing through on or about September 30, 2022. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than 5 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Chloe Johnson, age 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with threatening to assault a United States Representative, a Member of Congress, on or about February 24, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 6 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Dontae D. Orduna, age 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, and Bruce J. Dortch, age 30, of Omaha, Nebraska, are charged in a five-count Indictment. Count I charges Orduna and Dortch with conspiracy to commit bank robbery between on or about January 1, 2025, through March 12, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3- year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Orduna and Dortch with bank robbery on or about January 14, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Orduna and Dortch with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on or about January 14, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 7 years and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Orduna and Dortch with attempted bank robbery beginning on or about March 1, 2025, and continuing through March 12, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count V charges Orduna with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 12, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release.
The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States and were found in the United States, without the Attorney General of the United States or her designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States:
Genaro Barriente, age 46
Wilson Hamilton Chinchilla-Ruiz, age 38
Eber David Flores-Gomez, age 27
Oscar Gabino-Maganda, age 37
Jose Vicente Diaz-Sorto, age 55
Christian Fernando Alvarado-Nieto, age 30
Jesus Eduardo Nunez-Alvarez, age 28
Gabriel Zarza-Estrada, age 32
The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States following an aggravated felony conviction and were found in the United States, without the Attorney General of the United States or her designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States:
Marco Mejia, age 50
Javier Banderas Guevara, age 39
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.
Grand Island Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matt Molsen announced that Jolene Armentrout, 50, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced March 20, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Armentrout to 94 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Armentrout is released from prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On January 30, 2024, Armentrout and co-conspirator Lonnie Mason flew from Omaha to Los Angeles, California, and purchased 25 pounds of methamphetamine. Meanwhile, co-conspirator Robert Burkhardt drove Mason’s car from Omaha to Las Vegas, Nevada, with co-conspirator Stephanie Cummings. Burkhardt and Cummings met Armentrout and Mason in Las Vegas.
Mason and Cummings then flew back to Nebraska while Armentrout and Burkhardt drove to California from Las Vegas and picked up the 25 pounds of methamphetamine purchased by Armentrout and Mason. Armentrout and Burkhardt then drove the 25 pounds of methamphetamine back to Nebraska and arrived on February 4, 2024. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and located the 25 pounds of methamphetamine contained in a hidden compartment.
Burkhardt has been sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. Cummings pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2025. Mason pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and is scheduled for sentencing on May 7, 2025.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Grand Island Police Department. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Fremont Man Sentenced to 97 months’ for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew Molsen announced that Robert Blessing, 28, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 20, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for distribution of child pornography. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Blessing to 97 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Blessing’s release from prison, he will begin a six-year term of supervised release. Blessing was also ordered to pay restitution of $3,500 to each of four identified victims.
On August 14, 2023, Medialab/KIK (KIK) made a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicating a KIK user uploaded a video depicting child pornography on or about June 29, 2023. The IP address associated with the CyberTip resolved to a Fremont, Nebraska, residence belonging to Robert Blessing. A Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) investigator obtained a search warrant for Blessing’s KIK account and, in reviewing the KIK account’s contents, learned Blessing sent the child pornography video reported in the CyberTip to another KIK user on June 29, 2023.
On October 5, 2023, NSP served a search warrant at Blessing’s residence and seized his electronic devices for forensic examination. Investigators forensically extracted and analyzed Blessing’s electronic devices. The content of Blessing’s KIK account and his device extractions revealed he possessed at least 1,917 child pornography image files and 26 child pornography video files. The files included pornographic images and videos involving prepubescent children, including infants and toddlers, adults having sex with children, and depictions of sadomasochism.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
California Woman Sentenced to more than 14 Years’ Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matt R. Molsen announced that Elicia Grigsby, 54, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced March 20, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Grigsby to 170 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Grigsby’s release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On October 26, 2023, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration personnel received information from the Omaha United States Postal Inspection Service regarding an inbound mail parcel destined for an Omaha residence. Investigators served a court-authorized search warrant on the parcel, opened it, and discovered it contained approximately 119 grams of fentanyl pills and approximately 464 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators then repackaged some of methamphetamine into the parcel for the purposes of a controlled delivery operation at the intended delivery residence.
On the same date, investigators delivered the subject parcel to the residence where it was accepted by codefendant Shawn Robbins. Thereafter, investigators served a court-authorized search warrant on the residence, found the package, and arrested Robbins and Grigsby who were both found inside the residence.
In a post-Miranda interview Grigsby admitted to her involvement in the delivery of the parcel and knew it contained approximately (2) pounds of methamphetamine. Grigsby also admitted to previously accepting multiple packages containing narcotics. Robbins is scheduled to plead guilty at a later date.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Women Sentenced for Wrongful Disclosure of Health InformationRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Oliva Gross, 47, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 14, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for wrongful disclosure of health information. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Gross to two years’ probation. On March 7, Chief Judge Rossiter sentenced co-defendant, Kiara Gross, 24, of Omaha, Nebraska, to two years’ probation for wrongful disclosure of health information. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mid-City OB-GYN in Omaha provided obstetrics and gynecology services, amongst other services. Mid-City OB-GYN is a health care provider. As such, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was applicable to the employees of Mid-City OB-GYN. HIPAA precludes access to, and use of, and disclosure of a patient’s individually identifiable health information without a patient’s authorization. Kiara Gross was employed at Mid-City OB-GYN from on or about May 2019, to on or about December 13, 2023. Kiara Gross worked as a medical assistant. Oliva Gross was employed at Mid-City OB-GYN from on or about July 2009, to on or about December 2023. Olivia Gross worked as a medical assistant.
Victim 1 was a patient who obtained medical treatment at Mid-City OB-GYN. Victim 1’s last medical appointment at Mid-City OB-GYN was in approximately July 2023. On December 11, 2023, Kiara Gross and Olivia Gross while working at Mid-City OB-GYN, obtained individually identifiable health care information related to Victim 1 without authorization.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 180 months in Prison for Dealing Drugs with a GunRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Freeman L. Johnson, Jr., age 47, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 14, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for distributing crack cocaine, possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and crack cocaine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Johnson to 120 months’ imprisonment on the drug charges and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearms charge, for a total sentence of 180 months. Additionally, $9,005.00 in drug proceeds was forfeited. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Federal Bureau of Investigations, Safe Streets Task Force Officers utilized a cooperating source to purchase crack cocaine from Johnson outside of his residence near the 46th block of Reddick Avenue on four occasions: on December 14, 2023, the source purchased 13.70 grams crack cocaine; on December 19, 2023, the source purchased 26.12 grams of crack cocaine; on January 5, 2024, the source purchased 38.64 grams of crack cocaine; and on January 31 2024, the source purchased 9.64 grams of crack cocaine.
As a result of Johnson’s crack sales, Safe Streets Task Force Officers obtained a search warrant for his residence and served it on February 8, 2024. During the search of his residence, the task force seized 446 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 1,784 pills containing 317.98 grams of methamphetamine, 38.18 grams of crack cocaine, 81.52 grams of cocaine, a digital scale, $9,005.00 of cash drug proceeds, a Canik TP9 9mm handgun, a Polymer 80 handgun, and multiple boxes of handgun ammunition. One firearm was found near the bulk of the drugs. The other was found near the cash proceeds.
Johnson is also prohibited from possessing firearms due to several, prior felony convictions, including convictions for delivery of cocaine (2001), possession of cocaine (2003), and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine (2003).
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Safe Streets Task Force.
Florida Man Sentenced for Using Gasoline to Start Employer’s Semi Trailer on Fire at EppleyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Kevin Kaedi, age 27, of Florida was sentenced on March 14, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for malicious use of explosive materials. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Kaedi to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Kaedi is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On March 31, 2024, a semi-truck owned by Prime Inc., a nationwide-based trucking company headquartered in Missouri, was damaged due to arson.
On March 25, 2024, Kaedi, a Prime, Inc. driver, disconnected his semi-truck’s tracking device so his employer could no longer see the vehicle movement. He eventually parked the semi in the south cell phone parking lot of Eppley Airfield in Omaha.
On March 31, Kaedi can be seen on surveillance video walking into Eppley Airfield terminal and renting a vehicle. He then drives the rental back to the semi-truck and unloads items from the semi-truck into his rental car. Kaedi then drives away in his rental car. Several minutes later, smoke can be seen coming from the semi-truck. Fire fighters were dispatched to the scene and extinguished the fire. Investigators located a red plastic gas container inside the cab of the semi-truck along with an incendiary device, indicating that the fire was intentional. The amount of loss totaled $59,353.63, which Kaedi was ordered to pay as restitution.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and City of Omaha, Fire Investigation Unit.
Texas Man Sentenced for Supplying Cocaine to Omaha DealerRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Luis Perez, 37, of Rosenburg, Texas, was sentenced on March 12, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Perez to 87 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Perez’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Perez was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
Law enforcement became aware of co-defendant Gary Pope as a dealer of cocaine in the Omaha area. This led to a three-month wiretap of Pope’s cell phone in 2022. The wiretap intercepts and resulting investigation confirmed that Pope would receive cocaine deliveries from Perez. Perez would send kilogram quantities of cocaine from Texas using a courier, co-defendant Joseph Reyes. Reyes was arrested on May 23, 2022, in Kansas with two kilograms of cocaine destined for Omaha.
After Reyes’s arrest, Pope began receiving cocaine from a different Texas supplier. Co-defendant Lonnie Embers was arrested on July 15, 2022, in Oklahoma with two kilograms of cocaine destined for Omaha from the Texas supplier that was not Perez.
Perez was the last of the four defendants to be sentenced. Pope, 43, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for the Nebraska case and was sentenced to an additional 66 months in prison for a case prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa for charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Reyes, 34, of Houston, Texas, and Embers, 53, of San Marcos, Texas, were each sentenced to 46 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven,
multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.