District of Nebraska
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Valentine Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Venetia A. Torres, age 44, of Valentine, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 7, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for her role in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Torres to 192 months on the drug offense and 180 months for being a felon in possession, to be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Torres is released from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On May 9, 2023, U.S. Postal Inspection Service searched a USPS Priority Mail parcel mailed from Beaumont, California, to an address in Broomfield, Colorado. The package contained 1,075 grams gross weight of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. The same sender also sent a USPS Priority Mail parcel to Valentine, Nebraska. The package weighed 2 lbs. 13 oz. with a fictious return address and recipient based on addresses.
On June 7, 2023, Venetia Torres approached a postal contractor attempting to retrieve the package. Approximately two weeks prior, Torres attempted to retrieve a package addressed to a particular trailer mailbox even though USPS records showed no one currently assigned this mailbox.
On June 8, 2023, USPIS went to the North Platte Processing and Distribution Facility and located the subject parcel that led to Torres’s arrest. The parcel contained suspicious characteristics. A federal search warrant was obtained, and the contents revealed to be approximately 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine.
On Friday June 9, 2023, codefendant, Aaron Torres, accompanied by his minor brother, arrived at the post office and asked for and received the package containing methamphetamine. Both were detained and questioned by officers.
Defendant Venetia Torres, mother to both Aaron Torres and the minor sibling, arrived at the police department and admitted knowledge of the methamphetamine package and of two previous meth packages on May 22, 2023, and May 3, 2023. In Venetia’s vehicle officers found a Hi-Point .45 caliber handgun, which she admitted knowing was in the vehicle. Venetia Torres is prohibited from possessing firearms due to having prior felony convictions.
The narcotics were sent to a forensic laboratory for testing and confirmed as 1,700 grams of methamphetamine with 98% purity.
On December 6, 2024, codefendant Aaron Torres pled guilty to drug conspiracy. Sentencing has been set for March 14, 2025.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service
California Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew Molsen announced that Nathan Clair, 44, of Riverside, California, was sentenced on March 7, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for shipping 7 pounds of methamphetamine by U.P.S. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Clair to 151 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On February 15, 2022, the DEA Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU) intercepted a package at the U.P.S. store in Omaha. Working with U.P.S. security, it was later determined that the package contained approximately 7 pounds of methamphetamine. Undercover CIU agents took the package to the recipient’s address where Michael Bender arrived to pick up the package. Bender was arrested. Through further investigation it was determined that Clair sent the package from California.
Bender was sentenced on March 13, 2023, to a term of imprisonment of 180 months.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nebraska State Patrol.
Fremont Man Sentenced for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that David McCown, 41, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for production and attempted production of child pornography. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced McCown to a total 280 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After McCown’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender. McCown was also ordered to pay restitution to one of the victims as well as to contribute funds to an account established for victims of these types of crimes.
In July of 2023, investigators with the Fremont Police Department (FPD) received a cellphone and other electronic devices belonging to McCown which were suspected to contain child pornography materials. A search warrant was received for all devices.
During the review of all the devices, investigators located multiple child exploitation videos which appeared to be original productions involving three minors who were known to McCown. The files were dated between 2020 and 2023. After McCown was arrested, he agreed to an interview during which he admitted to recording the videos of the minor victims.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Fremont Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Broken Bow Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Lucas A. Wacker, 39, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for receipt and distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Wacker to 87 months’ imprisonment. Wacker was also ordered to pay $3,000 to go toward a fund established for child victims. There is no parole in the federal system. After Wacker’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
An investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol downloaded two files directly from a suspect IP address during a peer-to-peer (“P2P”) undercover operation in April of 2024. A subpoena was served for the IP address and the IP came back to Lucas Wacker. The files received from the IP included an already known child pornography file.
In May of 2024, a search warrant was executed for the search of Wacker’s home in Broken Bow. During a preview of Wacker’s phone, investigators found several video files depicting child pornography, including one of the videos which was part of the P2P investigation. Search history indicating searches for child pornography content were also located on the program.
Wacker was interviewed during the search, and he admitted to viewing and collecting child pornography. He also admitted to downloading child pornography and he informed investigators of the specific application and search terms that he would use. Wacker’s cellphone was extracted and reviewed. Investigators found 12 video files and 361 image files of child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Arizona Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Money LaunderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Marcus Buffus Richardson, 25, formerly of Maricopa, Arizona, was sentenced on March 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to money launder. United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Richardson to 72 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Richardson’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
In January 2023, Nebraska State Patrol investigators were informed by agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Phoenix, Arizona, that a suspicious package was being shipped from Marcus Richardson in Phoenix to an individual in Lincoln. The package arrived in Lincoln and was immediately seized by DEA agents. A search warrant was obtained, and the package was found to contain 993 fake “M30” pills that contained fentanyl. The package was found to have been shipped by Richardson using an interstate packaging service, for the purpose of redistributing it in Nebraska. Richardson had sent at least two other packages to Nebraska in the preceding month that contained a total of approximately 500 similar pills. After the sales of the pills, the distributors would send money back to Richardson in Arizona. The money would be used to finance the acquisition of additional controlled substances to be sent to Nebraska for further distribution.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Life Sentence for Omaha Man Convicted of Selling Fentanyl Resulting in the Death of a Four-Year-Old and Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Michael Reis, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 25, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, for distributing fentanyl that resulted in death and for sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Reis to life imprisonment, on both charges, to be run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Reis’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On March 12, 2022, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Aspen Grove apartment complex for an unresponsive four-year-old. Upon arrival, deputies began CPR until an ambulance could take the child to Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. The child was later pronounced dead due to fentanyl toxicity. The investigation was led by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Task Force Group 3. TFG3 consists of DEA special agents and local law enforcement officers that specialize in drug overdose investigations. The investigation found that Reis was a fentanyl pill dealer, and that on March 12, 2022, Reis went to Aspen Grove and sold Paris Hunt a fentanyl pill. This pill later wound up in the hands of the Hunt’s son. When Reis was arrested on the federal warrant, he talked with TFG3 investigators and denied responsibility, stating that “he didn’t want to sell it to her and that she begged me” for the pill. However, investigators were able to determine that Reis had sold pills on at least 35 other occasions to Paris Hunt. Reis also acknowledged the risks of selling pills containing fentanyl, telling investigators that he himself had overdosed and that he personally knew someone that died from an overdose.
“Today’s sentencing will not bring back the smiling four-year-old child who ingested a fake pill left lying on a table,” Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell said. “But, Michael Reis will spend the rest of his life in prison, knowing that a pill he sold caused a beautiful soul to leave this earth and a community to grieve. Let this story serve as a tragic reminder that fentanyl in any form is deadly and no one is immune to this substance.”
A life sentence for distributing fentanyl resulting in death is the first in the District of Nebraska.
The sex trafficking of a minor conviction resulted from an investigation by the Omaha Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. In July 2022, investigators met with a runaway that had been found. This 15-year-old told investigators that she met “Menace Primes” on Facebook and that she was eventually sold for sex. After an “interview,” which consisted of sending nude photos, the 15-year-old was later advertised on commercial sex websites. Investigators were able to determine that Menace Primes was Reis. Reis’s phone was seized as part of the overdose investigation, and investigators found that Reis self-described himself as a pimp. Evidence of Reis’s sex trafficking of the 15-year-old was found on the phone as he “shopped her around.” The 15-year-old would beg Reis for money to buy food, which Reis refused telling her that she didn’t “work” enough.
After being arrested on the federal warrant for the sex trafficking charge, Reis agreed to speak with investigators. Reis told investigators he looked for vulnerable women because he knew they were desperate. He would have sex with them and have them call him daddy to establish an emotional bond. “I want you to feel like I’m daddy, I want you to feel like I’m who matters…listen, if I don’t matter than how am I going to be able to get what I need from [them]. It was just easy money for me. I want them to console in me, trust me, and soon as I get what I need I’m gone.” Reis admitted that after the last time he sold the 15-year-old for $500, he took all of the money and left, never talking to her again.
“For years, Reis exploited those weaker and more vulnerable than him, perpetuating a cycle of abuse that devastated countless lives. Today, that cycle ends,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “The successful partnership between HSI and the Omaha Police Department was critical in uncovering Reis’s horrific crimes and delivering justice. This sentencing serves as a stern warning to those who seek to exploit the vulnerable: HSI and our law enforcement partners are committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting traffickers to ensure they face the full force of the law.”
On September 5, 2024, Reis pled guilty to sex trafficking of a minor. On October 9, 2024, a jury found Reis guilty of selling the fentanyl that resulted in the death of the 4-year-old boy.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Molsen said, “Today’s sentence sends a strong message to perpetrators of both crimes. Those who distribute drugs, such as fentanyl, know the danger those drugs pose to users. And when a user overdoses, the drug distributors should know their actions will face significant punishment. Additionally, those who promote prostitution involving minors should also know they too will face significant punishment for their actions.”
This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
Grand Jury for the District of NebraskaRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew Molsen announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 33 unsealed Indictments charging 35 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.
Jacob Smith, age 33, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Smith with distribution of child pornography beginning at least on or about August 10, 2024, and continuing to on or about January 15, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 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. Count II charges Smith with possession of child pornography on or about January 17, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 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.
Jordan Vaughn, age 34, of Scribner, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Vaughn with production of child pornography between on or about November 1, 2019, and February 4, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to 30 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. Count II charges Vaughn with possession of child pornography on or about February 4, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 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. Count III charges Vaughn with transfer of obscene materials to a minor. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a $100 special assessment.
Cody Williams, age 31, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about October 2, 2024. 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.
Dustin Garcia Santiago, age 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Isabelle Ruth Engel, age 25, of Lincoln, Nebraska, are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Garcia Santiago with marriage fraud on about or between March 23, 2020, and March 30, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Engel with aiding and abetting marriage fraud on about or between March 23, 2020, and March 30, 2020. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a $100 special assessment.
Darrell Damme, age 52, of York, Nebraska, and Jason Wainwright, age 36, of Seward, Nebraska, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Damme and Wainwright with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about September 10, 2024, and continuing to on or about October 21, 2024. The maximum possible penalty for Damme, 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. The maximum possible penalty for Wainwright, if convicted on count I, is not less than 15 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 10 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment, based on his prior criminal history. Count II charges Wainwright with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about October 18, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 10 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Damme with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about October 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 term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Sherman R. Wade, age 44, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Wade with bank robbery on or about July 3, 2024. 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 II charges Wade with use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence on or about July 3, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 25 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Adrian Gonzalez, age 22, of River, Nebraska, is charged in a one-count Indictment with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about September 9, 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.
Tyler Foreman, age 22, of Honey Creek, Iowa, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Foreman with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about September 10, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 4 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Foreman with distribution of methamphetamine resulting in death on or about September 10, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 20 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 3 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Julius Leon Ditto, age 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Ditto with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl on or about October 25, 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. Count II charges Ditto with assaulting, resisting, or impeding an officer on or about October 25, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 8 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Donald Isaiah Riley, age 47, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a one-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about January 27, 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.
Justin R. Anderson, age 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a one-count Indictment with using a false document on or about November 6, 2021. 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.
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:
Enrique Mendez Lopez, age 44
Julio Adrian Hernandez-Rodriguez, age 24
Carlos Narciso-Mendoza, age 37
Victor Reynoso-Perez, age 37
Manuel Zacarias-De La Cruz, age 28
Agustin Valenzo-Villanueva, age 36
Juan Chajal Ramos, age 41
Nicolas Bartolo Ramirez, age 38
Pascual Marcos Bernabe-Bernabe, age 27
Hector Antonio Rodriguez Menjivar, age 46
Luis Toscano-Perez, age 37
Marvel Anibal Pineda-Erazo, age 37
Jonatan Reyes-Ramirez, age 23
Hugo Lopez Jimenez, age 42
Orlando Caal-Cal, age 37
Carlos Manuel Castro-Cuin, age 34
Jose Gerardo Ibanez-Avila, age 34
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 after 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:
Luis Rigoberto Medrano-Ramirez, age 45
Nelson Reina Lopez, age 32
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:
Roberto Ortiz-Gomez, age 53
Melvin Javier Avila-Erazo, age 37
Edwin Jose Melendez-Lopez, age 44
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 Man Sentenced to over 4 Years for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew Molsen announced that Jose Luis Deleon, 65, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 13, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Deleon to a total of 57 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Deleon’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On or about May 12, 2014, a Confidential Informant (“CI”) working with the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force arranged to purchase one ounce of meth for $1,100 in Grand Island. The CI and Deleon met at a location, where the CI gave the money to Deleon in exchange for 23 grams of actual meth.
On or about May 22, 2014, the same CI from the buy on May 12, arranged to purchase another one-ounce quantity of meth for $1,100 from Deleon. The CI and Deleon met at a location, where the CI gave the money to Deleon in exchange for another 23 grams of actual meth.
Deleon was originally set for an entry of plea in July of 2015. He failed to appear for that hearing and did not appear again, until he was arrested in Houston, Texas in June of 2024.
This case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.
Washington Man and Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew Molsen announced that Maleeka Gilbert, 23, of Federal Way, Washington, was sentenced February 19, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Gilbert to 120 months’ imprisonment. On February 14, Judge Rossiter sentenced co-defendant, Damar Johnson, 21, of Tukwila, Washington, to 120 months’ imprisonment consecutive to 60 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. There is no parole in the federal system. After Gilbert and Johnson are released from prison, they will each begin a 5-year term of supervised release. They will also forfeit to the United States $16,020.11 in United States currency that was drug proceeds.
On March 31, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop near Grand Island, Nebraska. Gilbert was driving a Dodge Durango and Damar Johnson was the passenger. The deputy informed Gilbert the reason for pulling them over was for a road rage incident. The officer indicated he could smell marijuana from inside the vehicle. The deputy had to repeatedly request Gilbert to exit the vehicle. Johnson was also being disruptive and was on his phone to 911 requesting to speak to a supervisor. Based on the deputy smelling marijuana, he conducted a search of the Durango. In the center console, the deputy located a firearm and $16,020.11 in United States currency. In the back of the vehicle on the driver’s side, in a pink duffle bag, the deputy located approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills. Johnson claimed responsibility for the firearm, and there was no evidence Gilbert knew of its existence. The $16,020.11 was proceeds from or money used to facilitate the distribution of fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Hamilton County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Office.
Jury Convicts Winnebago Woman for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that on February 7, 2025, a jury found Michelle Lee Marr, 49, of Winnebago, Nebraska, guilty of second-degree murder and tampering with documents or evidence after an almost five-day federal trial in Omaha, Nebraska. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher presided over the trial. Marr faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the second-degree murder charge and a maximum 20 years in prison for the tampering with documents or evidence charge.
On March 12, 2022, Marr contacted Winnebago EMS to report the victim was not waking up and requested an ambulance respond to her residence. EMS transported the victim to Twelve Clans Unity hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, the victim was taken by helicopter to Mercy One Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. The medical treatment team at Mercy determined the victim had brain trauma and swelling. Nurses also noted significant amounts of makeup applied to the victim’s face, which revealed bruising when removed, as well as numerous bruises on the victim’s body. On March 13, 2022, the victim succumbed to his injuries. A subsequent autopsy determined the victim’s cause of death to be blunt force trauma and the manner of death to be homicide. The pathologist testified the victim’s injuries were consistent with inflicted trauma as opposed to trauma which might result from some type of fall.
Marr claimed to have been passed out from approximately 5:00 PM on March 11, 2022, until finding the victim on March 12, 2022. Social media evidence and evidence from Marr’s phone, found during the investigation, contradicted Marr’s claims. During the trial, witnesses testified to observing previous incidents of Marr physically assaulting the victim.
Marr will be sentenced on June 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM, before Judge Buescher in Omaha.
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.
DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA Grand Island Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew Molsen announced that Robert Burkhardt, 56, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced February 19, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Burkhardt to 57 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Burkhard is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release
On January 30, 2024, co-conspirators Jolene Armentrout and Lonnie Mason flew from Omaha to Los Angeles, California, and purchased 25 pounds of methamphetamine. Meanwhile, 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.
Cummings pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2025. Armentrout pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and is scheduled for sentencing on March 19, 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 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.
Arizona Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew Molsen announced that Carlos Loya-Rodriguez, 33, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced February 19, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Loya-Rodriguez to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Loya-Rodriguez is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Loya-Rodriguez will also forfeit to the United States $61,195.00 in United States currency that was drug proceeds or used to facilitate his drug trafficking.
On January 2, 2024, law enforcement utilized an undercover agent to purchase 445.3 grams of actual methamphetamine from Loya-Rodriguez in Omaha.
On February 5, 2024, law enforcement officers saw Loya-Rodriguez leave his residence and enter into his vehicle. They watched Loya-Rodriguez commit traffic infractions and initiated a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, a K9 conducted a sniff of the vehicle and indicated to the presence of narcotics. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and located 419.9 grams of actual methamphetamine. Loya-Rodriguez was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Also located in the vehicle was $20,225 in United States currency.
Also on February 5, 2024, law enforcement searched Loya-Rodriguez’s residence in Omaha, pursuant to a search warrant. Law enforcement seized 450 grams of actual methamphetamine, 344 grams of cocaine in multiple baggies, a scale with suspected drug residue, $40,970 in United States currency, and money wire receipts.
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 46 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Rodrigo Marrufo-Pineda, 34, of Zitacuaro, Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced on February 14, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Marrufo-Pineda to 46 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Marrufo-Pineda will be subject to deportation to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.
Marrufo-Pineda was charged as a result of his involvement with a Mexico Source of Supply (SOS) of meth who supplies the Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa areas. Marrufo-Pineda was a local courier who was distributing the SOS’s meth in Nebraska and Iowa.
On January 25, 2024, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation utilized a cooperating witness who purchased approximately one pound of meth from Marrufo-Pineda at an Omaha location. At the time of Marrufo-Pineda’s arrest, he gave a post-arrest statement admitting to distributing pound quantities of meth in the Omaha area.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Jose Israel Robledo, 45, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 13, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Robledo to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Robledo is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On January 5, 2023, Robledo distributed approximately one pound of methamphetamine to a DEA Confidential Source (CS) at a local Burger King in Omaha. After Robledo sold the methamphetamine, he returned to his residence. Law enforcement followed him, and he was arrested. The CS purchased lab confirmed 449.2 grams of actual methamphetamine. Purity was 100%.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Jury Convicts Norfolk Woman for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Causing an OverdoseRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Alexzandra Blanco, 24, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in a jury trial that concluded on February 12, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher presided over the trial. The jury also found that Blanco must forfeit $4,200.00 in United States currency and a 2019 Dodge Ram truck to the United States as drug proceeds. Blanco faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison for the serious bodily injury charge and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison for the drug conspiracy charge.
On March 17, 2023, Blanco and her boyfriend, co-defendant Tremain Monroe, were out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. After the bars closed, at approximately 2:00 a.m., several people gathered at an apartment in Norfolk. Blanco was involved in providing fentanyl to a victim who overdosed but was revived by Narcan. Law enforcement then purchased M-30 fentanyl pills from Monroe on three separate occasions in April 2023.
On May 3, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Monroe and Blanco’s residence. Law enforcement seized 221 fentanyl pills, drug paraphernalia, and more than 5 pounds of methamphetamine.
Co-defendant Tremain Monroe pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 210 months in prison.
Blanco will be sentenced on May 14, 2025, before Judge Buescher in Omaha.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Selling Firearm to FelonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Denise Penke, 52, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 7, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for transfer or sale of a firearm to a prohibited person. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Penke to time served (five days). Penke will immediately begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On January 4, 2023, an individual cooperating with law enforcement purchased a Glock 43 9mm pistol from Penke at a residence in Omaha. The transaction was audio and video recorded. As the cooperator entered the residence, the cooperator mentioned that the cooperator was a felon. This statement was captured by the recording, which also showed Penke holding the handgun wrapped in a yellow rag. During a plea hearing, Penke admitted that she knew the cooperator was a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
New York Man Sentenced for Possession of Stolen Mail and Postal KeysRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that William Stewart, age 29, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession of stolen mail and possession of Post Office master keys. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Stewart to 40 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Stewart’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On April 13, 2024, around midnight, a York County Deputy Sheriff pulled over Stewart who was driving a rental car eastbound on Interstate 80. The deputy smelled marijuana and searched the car, locating some marijuana paraphernalia. In the trunk, deputies found a suitcase containing a United States Postal Service envelope containing personal checks with different amounts issued by various persons and businesses. Stewart was not the payee on any of the checks. The suitcase also contained a laptop computer, a printer, and numerous blank checks. Deputies found a FedEx uniform and two United States Postal Service master or arrow keys, that are used to open Post Office collection and delivery mailboxes, in Stewart’s coat pocket. Stewart admitted the items in the car belonged to him.
In total, deputies seized 392 personal checks, 1,310 blank checks, and 42 blank check backs. Of the 392 checks located in Stewart's vehicle, there were 294 different people or businesses who had written checks. The victims’ checks were dated between December 2023 and April 2024, ranged in value from $1 up to $31,000, and totaled $222,439.95. Of the 392 checks, there were victims located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New York, and Florida. Several victims incurred loss from stop or late payment fees, replacing checks, reestablishing bank accounts, and from resending checks that never made it to their destination. Stewart was ordered to pay $325.40 in restitution to cover these losses.
Deputies called two different victims from North Carolina whose checks were found. Both reported that they had issued the checks to pay bills and had placed them in mailboxes where they lived in North Carolina. Neither victim knew Stewart, nor had they given him permission to have the checks.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the York County Sheriff’s Office.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Merry Barbara Bills, age 42, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln for to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and an unspecified amount of marijuana. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Bills to 125 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Bills’s release from prison, she will being a five-year term of supervised release.
Shortly before 1:00 am on November 26, 2023, Lincoln Police Department officers were dispatched to a convenience store in Lincoln after a clerk found a bag outside the entrance to the store which contained four breast milk bags, each containing approximately 33 grams of meth. The clerk provided the bag to LPD and described the couple believed to be associated with the bag, as well as a description of their car. LPD officers obtained security video from the store which showed Bills and a male companion arriving at the store shortly before midnight on November 25, 2023. Bills dropped the bag containing the meth when she got out of the car and put on her coat before going into the store. Bills and her companion left the store about 20 minutes later but failed to notice the bag on the ground outside. They returned about 10 minutes later and appeared to look around for something briefly before leaving again. Shortly before 2:00 am on the 26th of November, the clerk called LPD to tell them the couple had returned. Bills was found in the store restroom. She was holding a bag containing approximately one ounce of meth and a second bag was found on her person. She told LPD all the meth belonged to her, claiming it was for her personal use. The total meth found weighed approximately six ounces.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Columbus Man Receives 78 Months After Selling Methamphetamine to Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Brandon Salyers, age 31, of Columbus, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Chief United States District Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Salyers to 78 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Salyers’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On October 29, 2023, law enforcement conducted a controlled drug buy against Salyers whereby they purchased 3.5 grams of actual methamphetamine in Nebraska. The next day, law enforcement again purchased 12 grams of actual methamphetamine from Salyers during another controlled drug buy. One month later, on November 30, 2023, law enforcement purchased less than 1 gram of methamphetamine from Salyers. On December 28, 2023, law enforcement arrested Salyers and located 12 grams of actual methamphetamine on his person along with glass pipes and 39 grams of marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department.
Mexico National Sentenced to over 3 1/2 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nicandro Garcia Perez, age 40, of Mexico, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Garcia Perez to a total of 46 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garcia Perez’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
On June 9, 2023, Garcia Perez was contacted by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper at a rest stop along Interstate 80 outside of York, Nebraska. The two engaged in conversation for a period of time before the trooper asked Garcia Perez for consent to search the vehicle. Garcia Perez consented to the search. The trooper began the search and in the back of the vehicle, under the spare tire area, the trooper found multiple square white packages, consistent with cocaine. The trooper also found additional bricks underneath the second and third row seats in the vehicle. Twenty-two bricks in total were found, for a total weight of 55.86 pounds or 25.33 kilograms.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Former Sarpy County Employee Sentenced for Obtaining Information from a Protected ComputerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jeffrey Shafer, age 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for obtaining information from a protected computer. United States Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson sentenced Shafer to one year of probation. Shafer paid restitution in the amount of $26,950 prior to today’s sentencing.
On or about January 16, 2023, Shafer, an Information Systems employee of Sarpy County, was placed on administrative leave. Shafer was informed the same day that he was prohibited from accessing Sarpy County property, physically or via computer. Shafer’s Sarpy County computer network login and credentials were disabled the same day.
On January 25, 2023, a Sarpy County IT Manager observed suspicious logins to the Sarpy County computer network that occurred on January 24, 2023. It was determined Shafer reenabled his account and accessed several accounts on the Sarpy County computer network, including the email accounts of county employees.
FBI agents executed a search warrant at Shafer’s residence and conducted forensic examinations of Shafer’s electronic devices. The devices contained attribution evidence related to the unauthorized access into the Sarpy County computer network.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Bellevue Man Sentenced to 48 months in Prison for Possessing Unregistered Silencers and Short-barreled RiflesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Robert D. Roggentine, Jr., age 63, of Bellevue, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 5, 2025 in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to two counts of possession of unregistered firearms pertaining to his possession of multiple unregistered firearm silencers and short-barreled rifles. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Roggentine to 48 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Roggentine’s release, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release. As part of this prosecution, Roggentine forfeited 10 firearm silencers, four short-barreled rifles, and silencer components.
On March 14, 2024, Bellevue Police Officers responded to a 911 call to Roggentine’s home near 15th and Franklin Streets in Bellevue. Roggentine called 911 because he was hallucinating and had discharged a handgun in his home. Officers observed him to be under the influence. Officers saw several firearms throughout the home and a user quantity of methamphetamine. They arrested him.
Officers searched the residence and seized multiple firearms, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. They observed firearm components, silencers, silencer components, an instruction manual regarding building silencers, multiple firearm magazines, and large amount of ammunition.
On March 30, 2024, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (“ATF”) agents served a search warrant on Roggentine’s home and seized more drug paraphernalia, multiple firearms, firearms parts and accessories, ammunition, tools used in the manufacture of firearm silencers, and nine firearm silencers that were not registered in the National Registration and Transfer Record (“NFRTR”). Many of the firearm silencers showed signs of self-manufacture. Roggentine admitted to habitually smoking methamphetamine and marijuana, and ingesting “chemical” mushrooms he said he had legally purchased. He acknowledged the firearm silencers in his home. He admitted having more firearms and accessories stored at his brother in-law’s house, also in Bellevue. His brother in-law told ATF agents that he had stored the firearms for Roggentine for approximately one month due to concerns that Roggentine would use them to harm himself or others and provided consent for agents to remove them, in total: one firearm silencer and four short-barreled rifles belonging to Roggentine – None of which were registered in the NFRTR.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bellevue Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jaden Stuart, age 32, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 29, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Stuart to 36 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Stuart is released from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
On November 24, 2023, Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 80. The vehicle stopped was being driven by co-defendant, Kyle Bahnsen and the passenger was Jaden Stuart. During the traffic stop, NSP conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and located approximately 59 small blue pills marked with M-30 that were fentanyl pills, 13.3 grams of a white substance that tested positive for fentanyl, and 1.4 grams of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. The narcotics were meant for distribution.
Bahnsen was sentenced on September 19, 2024, to 12 months and 1 day, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Overdose Task Force.
Drug Dealer Receives 168 Months After Selling Fentanyl to Law Enforcement over a Dozen TimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Dre’Shaun Burns, age 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Burns to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Burns’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
Between April 2020 through June 2022, Burns sold fentanyl analogue to confidential informants over a dozen times. On June 16, 2022, the investigation came to a head when law enforcement executed a search warrant of Burns’s mom’s residence in Omaha. During the search, law enforcement recovered 371 grams of fentanyl analogue near two firearms. Burns’s DNA was on this bag of drugs as well as the two firearms.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Air Force Member Sentenced to 96 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Kyle J. Logan, age 25, of Safety Harbor, Florida was sentenced on January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possession of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Logan to 96 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Logan will be placed on a 5-year term of supervised release. Logan was also ordered to pay special assessments of $5,000.00 under each of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) and the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA).
This investigation began in April 2023, when a minor victim living in West Virginia, contacted her local police to report she met an Air Force member, Logan, while playing Call of Duty online. The minor reported she had been in a relationship with Logan, which started after meeting him on the gaming platform and communicating with him on Discord. The minor reported being twelve years old at the time she began speaking to Logan. During the communication with Logan, their conversations turned sexual, and the minor disclosed Logan requested she send sexually explicit pictures of herself to Logan, which she did.
The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) opened an investigation into Logan who was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and ultimately interviewed Logan about his conduct with the minor. Logan admitted to knowing the minor was fifteen years old and requesting and receiving sexually explicit photos of the minor. AFOSI obtained search warrants for Logan’s Discord account and electronic devices. The searches revealed Logan possessed videos and images of the minor who initially reported Logan, as well as images and videos of a second victim. Ultimately, Logan was held accountable for possessing a total of 14 videos and 119 images of child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Lincoln Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that William Arthur Parrott, age 54, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was convicted on January 30, 2025, by a federal jury in Lincoln of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture after a three-day trial in Lincoln presided over by the United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis.
Evidence presented to the jury included testimony from three persons involved in drug distribution with Parrott between March of 2020 and November of 2022. In addition, the Government presented text messages sent between Parrott and one of the witnesses concerning drug transactions, drugs found during the search of a witness’s hotel room, information from searches involving co-conspirators, a tracker placed on a co-conspirator’s vehicle, and surveillance done by narcotics investigators.
Parrot is scheduled to be sentenced April 24, 2025. Parrott faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.00.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
First Two Defendants in Omaha Methamphetamine Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Jody D. Webb, age 45, of Lincoln, Nebraska and Jason Unruh, age 51, of Omaha, Nebraska were sentenced on January 31, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Webb to 75 months’ and Unruh to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After their release from prison, Webb will begin a 2-year term of supervised release, and Unruh a 5-year term of supervised release.
On August 3, 2023, FBI surveillance observed Unruh meet with codefendant Jonathan Ovalle-Solis. During the observed meet, Unruh entered Ovalle’s vehicle and exited with a package of what appeared to be a white substance in a clear bag. This deal was recorded.
A subsequent TextNow search warrant on the phone number belonging to codefendant Ovalle-Solis and his known Mexican meth source of supply, confirmed that Unruh was coordinating with the Mexican source to buy a pound of meth. Messages showed Unruh would pick up pound quantities of meth on multiple occasions in August and September of 2023. The messages from the Mexican source to Unruh would typically give an address and vehicle description of who Unruh was to meet for meth deliveries.
On October 17, 2023, law enforcement officers were investigating this same drug trafficking organization when they observed Webb meet with a suspected drug courier. After the meet officers conducted a traffic stop on Webb who had approximately 2 pounds of meth in her vehicle. Messages obtained from a phone search warrant confirmed that Webb had arranged the 2-pound deal with the same Mexican source of supply.
Jonathan Ovalle Solis pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14, 2025.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Three Wichita, Kansas Women Sentenced for Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking of a Minor & Transportation of a Minor for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that three Wichita, Kansas women were sentenced for charges relating to sex trafficking a minor and transportation of a minor for prostitution.
Khalah Beard, age 24, of Wichita, was sentenced on January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Beard to a total of 123 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Beard’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
Joan Robinson, age 35, of Wichita, was sentenced on January 23, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for one count of transportation of a minor for prostitution. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Robinson to a total of 235 months’ imprisonment. After Robinson’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
Alexas Davis, age 28, of Wichita, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Davis to a total of 108 months’ imprisonment. After Robinson’s release from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
The investigation began on November 16, 2022, when Minor Victim 1 (“MV1”) and Khalah Beard were arrested for shoplifting at a Walmart in Omaha. The responding officer began to suspect that Beard and MV1 were involved in sex trafficking and the officer reported the matter to the Omaha Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit. MV1 was identified as a missing minor who was a ward of the state of Kansas. At the time of this incident, she was only 17 years old.
As the Omaha Police Department and agents with Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter further, it was determined that on November 12, 2022, Robinson, Khalah Beard, Alexas Davis, and MV1 drove from Wichita to Omaha so that Beard, Davis, and MV1 could engage in prostitution at Robinson’s direction. They checked into adjoining hotel rooms in Omaha, which were booked by Robinson using her Priceline account. Photos of MV1 and Beard were placed on websites advertising that they were in Omaha and available for commercial sex acts. Davis kept track of Beard and MV1, and Davis would report to Robinson about when MV1 and Beard would have “dates.” Davis was charged with making sure Robinson was receiving her share of the proceeds from the acts of prostitution. A dispute among the group arose as to whether Robinson was receiving her full share of the proceeds. Robinson and Davis then returned to Wichita, abandoning MV1 and Beard in Omaha. When MV1 and Beard were contacted by police at Walmart on November 16, 2022, Robinson and Davis had already returned to Wichita.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Wichita Police Department.
Nebraska Woman Sentenced in Fentanyl Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Emily Clayton, age 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Clayton to 84 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Clayton’s release from prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. She will also forfeit $2,080.00 in United States currency as drug proceeds.
From February 2022 to February 2023 Emily Clayton was involved with Daniel Lacy and Taft Burtton in selling fentanyl to other individuals. On February 15, 2023, a search warrant was executed on the residence of Clayton and Lacy. Numerous items of drug paraphernalia and distribution were located. On that day, Clayton called Burtton to bring fentanyl, and Burtton arrived with 100 grams of fentanyl and was arrested. Law enforcement received a Crimestoppers tip, and on February 24, 2023, and went back to Emily Clayton’s residence, where they seized 40 grams of fentanyl, a scale, and $2,080.00 in United States currency.
On January 3, 2025, Burtton was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. On January 30, 2025, Lacy was sentenced 120 months imprisonment.
This case was primarily investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Nebraska Man Sentenced in Fentanyl Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Daniel Lacy, age 42, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 30, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Lacy to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Lacy’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
From February 2022 to February 2023, Emily Clayton was involved with Daniel Lacy and Taft Burtton in selling fentanyl to other individuals. On February 15, 2023, a search warrant was executed on the residence of Clayton and Lacy. Numerous items of drug paraphernalia and distribution were located. On that day, Clayton called Burtton to bring fentanyl, and Burtton arrived with 100 grams of fentanyl and was arrested. Law enforcement received a Crimestoppers tip, and on February 24, 2023, and went back to Emily Clayton’s residence, where they seized 40 grams of fentanyl, a scale, and $2,080.00 in United States currency.
On January 3, 2025, Burtton was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. On January 30, 2025, Clayton was sentenced 84 months imprisonment.
This case was primarily investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 27 Months After Pawning Ammunition as a FelonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Scott Young, age 50, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for possession of ammunition by a felon. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Young to 27 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Young’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
On November 9, 2023, Young pawned 10 boxes of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition at Sol’s Jewelry and Loan in Omaha. Each box contained 25 live shells for a total of 250 shells. Surveillance footage from Sol’s confirmed Young went into Sol’s and sold the ammunition for $60. Fingerprint analysis confirmed Youngs prints on the ammunition. Young was a felon at the time and was therefore prohibited from possessing ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Making a False Statement During Attempted Firearms PurchaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Grant Clapp, age 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Clapp to 3 months’ imprisonment. This sentence will run concurrently to the 4-to-10-year sentence that Clapp is serving stemming from his conviction in Douglas County for two counts of First-Degree Sexual Assault. There is no parole in the federal system. After Clapp’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
On June 30, 2022, the defendant, Grant Clapp, was charged by Information in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska with five counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree in case number CR 22-2116. On August 1, 2022, Clapp was released on bond. On November 12, 2022, Clapp went to Cabela’s in La Vista, Nebraska and attempted to purchase a Savage Arms Canada Inc./Savage Arms, Inc. A22 .22LR Rifle bearing serial number 3974748. On the ATF Form 4473, Clapp was asked in Question 21.b. “Are you under indictment or information in any court for a felony, or any other crime for which the judge could imprison you for more than one year, or are you a current member of the military who has been charged with violation(s) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and whose charge(s) have been referred to a general court-martial?” Clapp answered “No.” Clapp signed the document thereby certifying “that my answers in Section B are true, correct, and complete. I have read and understand the Notices, Instructions, and Definitions on ATF Form 5573. … I understand that a person who answers ‘yes’ to any of the questions 21.b. through 21.k. is prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm…. I also understand that making any false oral or written statement, or exhibiting any false or misrepresented identification with respect to this transaction, is a crime punishable as a felony under Federal law, and may also violate State and/or local law.” The response from NICS or appropriate State agency was delayed and the firearm was not permitted to be transferred at that time. Clapp’s application was denied on November 15, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Nigerian Man, a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, Sentenced to 75 Months & Ordered to Pay over $342,000 in Restitution to Victims of Catfishing SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Edwin Okoronkwo, age 36, of Nigeria, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Okoronkwo to 75 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Okoronkwo will be placed on a 3-year term of supervised release and will be deported by immigration authorities. Okoronkwo was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $342,535.00 to seven victims as a result of his crimes.
Edwin Okoronkwo, a citizen of Nigeria and a lawful permanent resident of the United States, and his spouse, Julie Okoronkwo, residing in Nebraska, used “catfishing” schemes to obtain money from victims via the Internet. In doing so, they convinced victims to send money using false online social media personas. In some instances, they claimed to be high-ranking members of the United States military on overseas missions. Through the “catfishing” schemes, victims from all over the country were tricked into sending money through the United States Postal Service (USPS) and other commercial carriers such as FedEx and UPS.
The Okoronkwos used victims’ personal identifying information (PII) obtained from identity theft victims to open bank accounts and other online financial services accounts, including peer-to-peer digital payments platforms (e.g., PayPal and Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App). They directed the victims of the “catfishing” schemes to send money from the victims’ personal peer-to-peer digital payment platform accounts to the peer-to-peer digital payment platforms opened by the Okoronkwos using the names and PII of the identity theft victims. From those false accounts, the Okoronkwos would then transfer money into their personal bank accounts, to bank accounts opened using the names of identity theft victims but controlled by the Okoronkwos, or to cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Some of the money would also then be passed along to recipients overseas to Nigeria via international wire transfers through remittance services.
Julie Okoronkwo contacted “catfishing” victims over the phone to further convince them of the legitimacy of their need for cash and obtained from her workplace – a hospital – victims’ means of identification, including their social security numbers and Nebraska driver’s license information. The means of identification were used by the Okoronkwos in furtherance of their “catfishing’ schemes. Julie Okoronkwo was previously sentenced to imprisonment for 25 months by U.S. District Judge Buescher on January 10, 2025. Judge Buescher stated at Edwin Okoronkwo’s sentencing hearing that the crimes were “truly a tragedy for the victims.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Arizona Woman Sentenced for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tijuana Johnson, age 39, of Phoenix, Arizona was sentenced on January 29, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for her role in a fentanyl and methamphetamine drug conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Johnson to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Johnson is released from prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On January 17, 2023, Omaha DEA received an anonymous tip that Robert Johnson (‘RJ’) was selling fentanyl pills and meth 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, a Taurus 9mm handgun, $7,000 in drug proceeds and narcotics trafficking paraphilia. All narcotics were sent to a forensic laboratory for testing and confirmed as to weight and substance.
The investigation identified Tijuana Johnson as the mailer of several packages from Tempe, Arizona, to Johnson’s home address, each carrying meth, fentanyl or a combination of both. On December 17, 2022, Tijuana Johnson mailed a package containing controlled substances to Robert Johnson’s Omaha address. A January 23, 2023, search warrant was executed on a package addressed to Whitney Washington that contained approximately 3,900 grams of meth and 1,166 grams of fentanyl “M 30” blue pills. The meth tested at 93% pure and 1,079 grams fentanyl 4-ANPP. Codefendant Robert Johnson’s fingerprints were found on the exterior of the box. Video surveillance showed that Tijuana Johnson mailed the package and her license plate information was confirmed. Phone records and CashApp transactions revealed numerous contacts between Tijuana and Robert from 2022 through April 2023.
Codefendant Robert Johnson pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute meth and use or possession of a firearm with drug trafficking. He will be sentenced March 19, 2025.
Codefendant Whitney Washington pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and will be sentenced February 19, 2025.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service
Grand Jury for the District of NebraskaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned six (6) unsealed Indictments charging eight (6) 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.
Brett A. Richardson, age 55, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged in a ten-count Indictment with failure to pay over to the Internal Revenue Service payroll taxes throughout calendar years 2018 to 2021. 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 on all counts.
Walter James Hulit, age 37, of Walthill, Nebraska, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender from at least on or about October 2024, and continuing to on or about November 18, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than 5 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Jal Chuar, age 29, of Omaha, Nebraska is charged with bank robbery on or about December 4, 2024. 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.
Joshua M. Meyer, age 44, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count 1 charges Meyer with distribution of child pornography with a prior conviction beginning on or about June 27, 2023, and continuing until on or about July 17, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to 40 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 2 charges Meyer with distribution of child pornography with a prior conviction beginning on or about June 1, 2024, and continuing until on or about August 7, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than 5 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Doob Tut, age 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a five-count Indictment. Count 1 charges Tut with conspiracy to distribute 10 grams or more of fentanyl beginning on or about October 18, 2023, and continuing to on or about October 16, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than 4 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count 2 charges Tut with distribution of 10 grams or more of fentanyl on or about November 21, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than 4 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts 3 charges Tut with distribution of 10 grams or more of fentanyl on or about June 26, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than 4 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count 4 charges Tut with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 1, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than 4 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count 5 charges Tut with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 2, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, not less than 4 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Rodolfo Urieta-Barba, age 33, of Bellevue, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count 1 charges Urieta-Barba with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about November 13, 2024, and continuing to 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, not less than 5 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count 2 charges Urieta-Barba with possession with the 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, not less than 5 years and up to life term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Contact Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Lecia E. Wright at 402-661-3700 for further information.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Jovan Travis, age 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska was sentenced on January 23, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Travis to a total of 92 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Travis’ release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
On January 12, 2023, an Omaha Police Department (“OPD”) officer was contacted by a Confidential Informant (“CI”) regarding illegal narcotics sales. The officer had the CI arrange a controlled purchase of pills from Travis. On that same day, the CI and Travis met for the transaction. However, at the time of the buy, Travis advised the CI that he did not have the pills yet. Instead, he offered the CI a handgun for $300, which the CI purchased using the task force money. The handgun was reported stolen out of Illinois.
Travis was previously convicted of multiple crimes that were punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.
Omaha Woman Sentenced in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Amy Holmdohl, age 47, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on January 22, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for her participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Holmdohl to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Holmdohl is released from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On December 2, 2022, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agents conducted a controlled delivery operation at the Holiday Inn Express in Omaha after a United States Postal Inspector found approximately 800 grams of meth in two priority mail express packages addressed to the Holiday Inn.
An undercover Postal Inspector delivered the packages to an employee of the Holiday Inn Express, where later that day surveillance officers observed Amy Holmdohl arrive, enter the lobby, and pick up the two packages at the front desk. Holmdohl was taken into custody in the hotel lobby after she took custody of the two packages.
During a police interview Holmdohl admitted to her involvement in distributing meth, and that she had requested the two packages be sent to her from a California Source of Supply.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Meth DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Joseph Goeken, age 40, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 22, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for distribution of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Goeken to 190 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Goeken’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On March 11, 2024, a Drug Enforcement Agency undercover agent purchased approximately one pound of meth from Goeken in Omaha. The meth was submitted to a crime laboratory for testing, which determined the meth weighed 443 grams of meth and purity was at least 91 percent. Goeken made two other meth sales to the undercover – two ounces on March 5, 2024, and another pound on April 4, 2024.
On April 8, 2024, while DEA agents were preparing to execute a search warrant at Goeken’s apartment in Omaha, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper attempted a traffic stop. Goeken drove away at a high rate of speed, passed traffic in the wrong lane, and abandoned the vehicle two minutes later. Officers found approximately 116 grams of meth (weight with packaging) and a digital scale inside of a bag in the vehicle. Inside Goeken’s apartment, agents found approximately 59 grams of meth (weight with packaging).
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Luis Avelar, age 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 22, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Avelar to 262 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Avelar’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
Beginning in 2020, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents identified Avelar as a suspect involved in meth distribution in the Omaha area. On March 11, 2020, Avelar was seen leaving an apartment with a backpack where a confidential source later purchased one pound of meth from someone else. On April 18, 2023, another confidential source attempted to purchase a half-pound of meth from Avelar. Avelar went with the confidential source to meet Avelar’s supplier, but the sale did not occur because the supplier refused to sell less than one pound.
On December 30, 2023, DEA agents interviewed Avelar at the Douglas County Jail. After being advised of his rights, Avelar admitted to his role in meth distribution. Avelar told the agents he started selling meth in Omaha in 2020. Avelar told agents he sold a pound of meth for a Mexico-based drug supplier four or five times. Avelar also said he rented a storage unit for meth to be stored. After someone was busted in a hotel, Avelar went to the storage unit and cleaned it out, delivering at least 10 pounds of meth to a co-conspirator’s house. Investigators confirmed that Avelar rented a storage unit in Omaha from November 7 to November 23, 2022. The unit was rented in the name of Avelar’s girlfriend. Avelar was identified via surveillance footage being at the storage facility on November 23, 2022, the same day Bellevue police had busted someone with 11 pounds of meth in a motel room.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This prosecution 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 Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Keith Fox, age 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 16, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Fox to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Fox is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
In September 2023 a confidential informant (CI) working with the DEA Overdose Task Force purchased 7.5 grams of fentanyl analogue from Fox. Fox was known as “Shorty” on the streets and was selling powder fentanyl, which is even more potent than the M30 pills. In December 2023 the CI purchased another eight grams of powder fentanyl analogue from Fox. Both buys took place in Omaha, Nebraska.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Drug 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.
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Colorado Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Methamphetamine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Juan Rodriguez-Rios, age 39, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced January 16, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for possessing with intent to distribute 430 grams of methamphetamine and 14 pounds of marijuana. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Rodriguez-Rios to 37 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
On September 6, 2022, the Nebraska State Patrol on I-80 around Seward, observed a GMC Yukon with an inoperative brake light. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver and sole occupant was identified as Rodriguez-Rios. At the conclusion of the traffic stop, Rodriguez-Rios was given a warning. During the post-stop encounter, Rodriguez-Rios gave consent to search the vehicle. In the vehicle the trooper located approximately 14 pounds of marijuana and 430 grams of pure meth.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Kyle Joseph Kumpula, age 41, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 16, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Kumpula to 46 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Kumpula’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.
In April and May of 2024, a confidential informant working with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force made two purchases of meth from Kumpula and two purchases of meth from a co-conspirator for a total of approximately 1 ½ ounces. Both purchases from Kumpula occurred at a Lincoln residence shared by Kumpula and his two co-conspirators.
On May 6, 2024, a search warrant was executed at that residence. During the search, investigators found a total of approximately 21 ¾ ounces of meth at various locations in the residence. After the search was completed, investigators saw Kumpula arrive and park near the house. He was found in possession of another ½ ounce of meth.
Kumpula agreed to talk to investigators. He told them he had been living at the searched residence for three to four months. He admitted he had meth on his person at the time of his arrest. He said he started selling meth about two months prior. He said he had about five customers and the meth he sold came from his co-conspirators.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Drug Dealer Receives 235 Months After Picking up a Package with 4 Pounds of Methamphetamine InsideRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Mitchell Bostic, age 41, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Brian C. Buescher sentenced Bostic to 235 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Bostic’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On December 5, 2023, law enforcement intercepted a package that contained nearly 4 pounds of meth in Nebraska. On December 6, 2023, law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery of the package whereby Bostic and Stephanie Cummings picked up the package at a residence in Omaha and law enforcement surveilled Bostic and Cummings as they drove away in Bostic’s vehicle. Believing law enforcement was following them, Bostic instructed Cummings to throw the package containing meth out of the car window. Law enforcement located the package and subsequently conducted a traffic stop of Bostic’s vehicle and both Bostic and Cummings were arrested. Cummings is awaiting sentencing in federal court.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Columbus Woman Convicted of Trafficking in Counterfeit GoodsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Christine L. Parry, age 62, of Columbus, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 16, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for trafficking in counterfeit goods. United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Parry to time already served and a $12,000 fine. Parry was also ordered to pay an additional $1,935 in restitution to two victims.
On July 26, 2021, Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) agents at a FedEx facility in Anchorage, Alaska, inspected goods arriving from China. The CBP agents discovered a package addressed to Parry in Columbus. The package contained counterfeit goods, including imitation Birkenstock sandals, Ray Ban sunglasses, Chanel earrings, Louis Vuitton bags, and Louis Vuitton shoes. Records obtained from shipping companies, such as FedEx and DHL, showed numerous deliveries of packages from China and Taiwan to Parry.
Information obtained from Facebook revealed that Parry had been operating an online store named “Bugaboo Boutique,” at least since April 2019, and continuing to August 2022, which sold numerous counterfeit goods just like the counterfeit goods seized by CBP on July 26, 2021.
HSI agents obtained search warrants for Facebook accounts associated with Parry and the Bugaboo Boutique online store. The records revealed that Parry knowingly sold counterfeit goods through their online store. The counterfeit goods were described using words such as “inspired by” name brand goods. The counterfeit goods were described as virtually identical to the name brand goods but sold at a more affordable price because they were sourced through a different manufacturer. The counterfeit goods included items such as clothing, footwear, purses, bags, wallets, tumblers, headphones, and sports apparel which had counterfeit marks identical to, or substantially indistinguishable from, marks used by many name brand companies which were in use and registered for goods on the principal register of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
A search warrant was obtained for the Parry’s residence and executed on August 10, 2022. HSI agents seized counterfeit goods, various records associated the purchase and sale of such counterfeit goods, and electronic devices which were used to help facilitate the sale of counterfeit goods through the online store “Bugaboo Boutique.”
At Parry’s sentencing hearing, Judge Bazis remarked about how businesses who work hard to develop a reputation for making quality products are substantially harmed when counterfeit goods are sold. The counterfeit goods are far inferior in quality. And even when the initial purchaser of the counterfeit goods are told that the goods are counterfeit, often times those purchasers turn around and sell them to other unsuspecting customers who do not realize they are being sold counterfeit goods.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security.
Winnebago Man Sentenced for Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tylan Joseph Walker, age 21, of Winnebago, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Walker to 97 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Walker’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On March 30, 2024, Walker was drinking and socializing with friends. At one point, he and a female friend met up with a 19-year-old Winnebago man and spent time drinking and talking. After a minor disagreement between the two men, Walker started a fist fight and then stabbed the 19-year-old male in the upper thigh area. The victim bled profusely and was unresponsive by the time emergency services arrived on scene. Despite extensive efforts by emergency services and medical staff at two hospitals, the victim ultimately succumbed to his wounds and died on April 3, 2024. Before handing down Walker’s 97-month sentence, Judge Buescher heard testimony from several members of the victim’s family, who asked the court to consider the deep pain and trauma experienced by their family and the Winnebago community as a whole because of Walker’s actions.
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.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 135 Months & Ordered to Pay $81,000 in Restitution to Victims for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Benjamin Baustian, age 38, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for transportation of child pornography. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Baustian to 135 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Baustian will be placed on a 5-year term of supervised release. Baustian was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $81,000.00 to twenty-six identified victims of his crimes and imposed special assessments of $5,000.00 under each of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) and the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA).
This investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) began with a “cyber tip” received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding suspicious Internet activity. NCMEC’s resulting report to the NSP indicated that a video file consisting of child pornography involving a 9 to12-year-old female victim was uploaded from Baustian’s residential Internet Protocol (IP) address to Dropbox, a cloud storage service, on May 15, 2023.
On October 3, 2023, NSP served a warrant to search for child pornography at Baustian’s residence in Omaha. Investigators seized Baustian’s electronic devices for forensic examination. An NSP investigator observed approximately 2,110 image files and approximately 299 videos of child pornography involving a prepubescent child, with ages varying from 4 to 12 years of age. The investigator observed approximately 59 image files and approximately 78 videos files constituting child pornography involving a pubescent child from 12 to 15 years of age. Some of the material involved toddlers and bestiality. Two hundred and seventy-five known victims were identified by hash value comparison of the digital files, of whom twenty-six sought restitution. Illegal drugs such as marijuana, mushrooms (psilocyn), cocaine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products were also seized from Baustian’s residence during the search.
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.
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Tony Torres Perez, age 35, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced January 15, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Perez to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Perez is released from prison, he will begin a 8-year term of supervised release.
On May 17, 2022, Perez was arrested in Hastings for reckless driving on a motorcycle. The officer observed Perez with a fanny pack that he tried to hide. Inside the fanny pack was marijuana, meth, a scale, and drug paraphernalia.
This case was investigated by the Grand Island Police Department.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Aidan J. Glenn, 25, of Lincoln, Nebraska was sentenced on January 10, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of distribution fentanyl resulting in death. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Glenn to a total of 240 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Glenn’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On August 10, 2023, Aidan Glenn sold Chase Hartung ten fentanyl pills. After Hartung received the pills, he gave five of them to T.R.H. That individual used at least one of the pills which resulted in T.R.H.’s overdose and death.
T.R.H.’s phone records showed that Hartung was T.R.H.’s only source of fentanyl. Hartung admitted he provided T.R.H. with the pill on August 11, 2023. Through conversations with Hartung and a review of Hartung’s phone law enforcement learned that Hartung and T.R.H. occasionally pooled money together to purchase M30 pills from Aidan Glenn and Wren Chamberlain.
On August 12, 2023, Hartung helped law enforcement arrange a controlled purchase of M30s from Glenn. Glenn informed Hartung that he was going to meet Michael Smith at a location in Lincoln to get more pills. Law enforcement then arrested Glenn, Chamberlain, and Smith at that location.
During recorded jail calls Glenn admitted to selling Hartung the pills that resulted in T.R.H.’s death.
Wren Chamberlain was previously sentenced on December 5, 2024, by United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis, to 51 months imprisonment and a 3-year term of supervised release for one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Chase Hartung is currently set for a court hearing on January 28, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca.
Michael Smith is currently set for sentencing on March 6, 2025, before United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.
Omaha Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Aleah Meyer, age 27, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on January 10, 2025, in federal court in Omaha after having pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Meyer to 84 months’ imprisonment and to forfeit $7,613. There is no parole in the federal system. After Meyer’s release from prison, she will begin a 4-year term of supervised release.
On March 30, 2023, and April 11, 2023, law enforcement utilized a confidential source to purchase 1-pound of meth from a Mexico-based source of supply. The drug transactions were arranged through text messages with the source and codefendant, Leonires Perez-Gonzales, both coordinating with the Mexico-based source of supply.
During the April 11, 2023, transaction, the source met with codefendant Perez-Gonzales at an Omaha location where the drug transaction took place inside of the codefendant’s vehicle. The codefendant was driving while Aleah Meyer was in the front passenger seat when the codefendant sold 1 pound of meth to the source for $2,500.
On April 18, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at Meyer’s Omaha apartment. Officers found the codefendant packing a vehicle in front of the apartment. During the search warrant, officers located: a semi-automatic black Sccy Industries 9 mm handgun, semi-automatic Glock 48 9mm handgun, another Glock 48 9mm handgun, a semi-automatic F1 firearms 5.56 rifle, a F.N. Model Scar 17 .762 Caliber rifle, a safe containing 900.4 grams of meth, $7,613 U.S. currency in drug proceeds, a drug ledger, another bag with 234.7 grams of meth, a digital scale, and various amounts of ammunition. Testing established that the codefendant’s and Meyer’s DNA were on multiple firearms seized in this case. By pleading guilty, Meyer gave up any right or claim to the money and firearms seized in this case.
Codefendant Perez-Gonzales had previously pled to drug and gun charges and was sentenced to 248 months’ imprisonment on May 10, 2024.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Corbin Rhine, age 33, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced January 10, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for distribution of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Rhine to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Rhine is released from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On June 14, 2023, Rhine distributed fentanyl to an individual at the Candlewood Suites hotel. The individual overdosed and passed away after ingesting the fentanyl distributed by Rhine. Video from the hotel and the download of the victim’s phone and Facebook account confirmed Rhine went to the hotel to distribute two M30 fentanyl pills.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration.