District of Nebraska

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that David C. Evans, 35, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for receiving child pornography.  The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Evans to sixty months of prison.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison Evans will be under federal supervision for five years and be required to register as a sex offender. 

On July 11, 2012, Evans’ computer was observed by law enforcement officers with images of child pornography available for sharing.  Two of the videos involved prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts.

A search warrant was executed by agents of Homeland Security Investigations on November 14, 2012.  Forensic analysis recovered deleted files of child pornography.  Search terms consistent with seeking and receiving child pornography were recovered.  Four videos of child pornography were found in a shared file folder. 

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.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 34 indictments charging 38 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

*          Maria Alfaro, age 21, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about July 18, 2012.    The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment charges that on or about July 18, 2012,  Alfaro misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Nondriver License No. X206043001,  knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges on or about July 18, 2012,  the defendant made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Ayala-Estrada, Silverio, age 36, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 25, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Elmer Baker, Jr., age 33, of Winnebago, Nebraska, is charged with resisting and interfering with a federal officer of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services on or about March 22, 2014.     If convicted, he faces a maximum imprisonment of 8 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Donald Baker, age 54, of  Nicholasville, Kentucky; William Graham, age 36, of Lexington, Kentucky; and Jonathan Turner, age 47, of Lexington, Kentucky,  are charged with conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone beginning on or about an unknown date and continuing to on or about April 24, 2014.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Luis Alonzo Carbajal-Rodriguez, age 20, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about June 2, 2011.    The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about June 2, 2011,  Carbajal-Rodriguez made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment charges that on or about June 2, 2011, the defendant misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Identification Card  knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Emmanuel Castro-Molino, age 21, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska , is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about May 16, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Rodrigo Delacruz, age 27, of Fremont, Nebraska , is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about May 2, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jacob W. Deng, age 32, of Dakota City, Nebraska , is charged in a four-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about February 1, 2014 and continuing to on or about April 17, 2014.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges Deng with distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about April 17, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana on or about April 17, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about April 17, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to $7,400.00 in United States currency seized from the defendant on April 17, 2014, should be forfeited to the United States.

*          Jose Fernandez-Landeros, age 30, of Aurora, Colorado,  is charged with  illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 19, 2014,  following deportation as an aggravated felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.    

*          Christopher Garcia, age 29, of Gering, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about May 9, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Sergio Garcia-Estrada, age 35, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 5, 2014, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Juan Garcia-Lopez, age 27, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about November 3, 2011.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment charges that on or about November 3, 2011,  Garcia-Lopez misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Nondriver License No. S133115014,  knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges on or about November 3, 2011,  the defendant made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Michelle Renee Harris , age 44, of Gordon, Nebraska, is charged with conversion of Social Security funds beginning in at least June, 2009 through June, 2012.  Harris made application to the Social Security Administration which allowed her to receive survivor benefit payments for the use and benefit of her daughter.  Harris received the payments but converted the payments for her own use, rather than for the benefit of her child.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Cirilo Hernandez-Hernandez, age 30, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about October 7, 2011.    The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about October 7, 2011,  Hernandez-Hernandez made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment charges that on or about October 7, 2011, the defendant misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Identification Card  knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Christina Hingorani, age 28, and Tremaine Windham, age 38, of Omaha, are charged with  conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute Oxycodone beginning on or about January 2014 and continuing to on or about February, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Lucio Jeronimo-Martin, age 32, of  Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 6, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years  imprisonment,  a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Trudie Diane Lemon, also known as Trudie Diane Bruce and Trudie Diane Miller, age 51, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with  possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana on or about May 3, 2014.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Rolando Lopez-Lopez, age 29, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 25, 2013, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Maria Lucas-Jacinto, age 28, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about April 28, 2014.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment charges that on or about April 28, 2014,  Lucas-Jacinto misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Non-driver License,  knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges on or about April 28, 2011,  the defendant made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Hector Gustavo Montoya Irias, age 46, of Hastings, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 1, 2014, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Courtney Neitzel, age 39, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 31, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to United States currency seized from the defendant on March 31, 2014, should be forfeited to the United States.

*          Jose Ortiz-Flores, age 35, of  Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about May 1, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years  imprisonment,  a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Domingo Palz-Bernabe, age 26, is charged in a four-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about June 3, 2011.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about June 3, 2011,  Palz-Bernabe made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment charges that on or about June 3, 2011, the defendant misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Identification Card  knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IV of the Indictment charges that on or about May 15, 2014  the defendant is charged with illegal reentry into the United States following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years  imprisonment,  a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Oswaldo Pavon-Garcia, age 26, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about April 15, 2010.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment charges that on or about April 15, 2010,  Pavon-Garcia misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Non-driver License,  knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges on or about April 15, 2010,  the defendant made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Miguel Pedro-Gregorio, age 36, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about February 18, 2010.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about February 18, 2010,  Pedro-Gregorio made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment charges that on or about February 18, 2010, the defendant misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Identification Card  knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Gerardo Rafael-Antonio, age 31, of  McCook, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 3, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years  imprisonment,  a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Benito Rodriguez-Leon, age 39, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 21, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment,  a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Pablo Rodriguez, age 39, of Omaha, is charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about May 2, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Count II alleges that on or about May 2, 2014, the defendant possessed a DPMS AR-15 rifle during, in relation to, and in furtherance of the drug trafficking offense alleged in Count I. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to United States currency seized from the defendant on May 2, 2014, should be forfeited to the United States.

*          Martin Silva-Bravo, age 24, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about February 27, 2014,  following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment,  a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Carlos Tercero-Jacinto is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about April 28, 2011.    The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about April 28, 2011,   Tercero-Jacinto made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.    
*          Maria Torres, age 43, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about July 28, 2011.    The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about July 28, 2011,  Torres made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment charges that on or about July 28, 2011, the defendant misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Identification Card  knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Jose Luis Ulloa, age 42, and Diane Renee Holbrook, also known as Diane Renee Grandel, Diane Renee Sheltraw and Diane Renee Perdue, age 42, of York, Nebraska, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine between on or about January 1, 2012, and on or about February 28, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Cecilio Hector Vicente-Vicente, age 30, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about January 7, 2011.    The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about January 7, 2011,   Vicente-Vicente made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.    

*          Alberto Victorino-Juarez is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about August 26, 2011.    The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about August 26, 2011,   Victorino-Juarez made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.    

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Jorge Ortiz-Lopez, also known as Moreno, to 292 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Mr. Ortiz-Lopez pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on February 25, 2014.  Ortiz-Lopez had been involved in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Lincoln and eastern Nebraska area for several years.  He received large quantities of methamphetamine from Phoenix, Arizona, which he distributed to other dealers in the Lincoln and eastern Nebraska areas.  The Court found that Ortiz-Lopez managed other methamphetamine dealers in Nebraska, and maintained an apartment where drugs were stored.   

A search on October 23, 2013, of the apartment of one of individuals Ortiz-Lopez supervised, uncovered nearly $40,000.00 in cash.  From that apartment the police also recovered 9.6 pounds of methamphetamine.  A search of another location in Lincoln uncovered over $53,000.00 in cash belonging to Ortiz-Lopez.  Ortiz-Lopez is expected to be deported to his native Mexico after serving his prison sentence.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.

On May 22, 2014, Krystal Lynn Burke, 47, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  On January 3, 2013, a search warrant was served at Burke’s Lincoln residence.  During the search, officers found 107 grams of methamphetamine which tested as at least 95% pure with a digital scale on a freezer in the basement.  Additional small amounts of methamphetamine were found in Burke’s basement bedroom.  Burke waived her Miranda rights and said all the methamphetamine in the house belonged to her. 

Following the prison term, Burke will serve three years on supervised release.  She was also ordered to forfeit $388 cash found during the search.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

The 27th annual Nebraska Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC) Criminal Justice and County Attorney’s Conference is being held in Kearney, Nebraska May 21-23, 2014  with more than 300 local, state, and federal law enforcement officials and prosecutors attending. 

The conference is designed to bring training to law enforcement officials and prosecutors in the latest topics impacting the criminal justice system.  The conference is annually hosted by the United States Attorney's Office, Nebraska County Attorneys Association and the Nebraska Sheriffs Association.

This year’s topics include:

• Role and Function of the DMV in Fraud and Criminal Matters
• Law Enforcement and the Media
• Case Study on the Gang Recruitment Statute
• Child Porn “Pedo Board” - International Child Pornography Case Study
• Synthetic Drugs/K2 drugs
• Immigration Issues
• Preventing and Handling In-Custody Deaths
• Biohazard Concerns at Crime Scenes
• Juries and Social Media
• Hate Crimes

Awards will be presented during the Thursday evening (May19th) banquet by United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg, to criminal justice officials for their outstanding contributions to the criminal justice system and their communities. 

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that John Main, age 62 of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced for making a false declaration on his 2006 tax return.  The Honorable Richard G. Kopf sentenced Main to five years probation, 100 hours of community service, and six months of home confinement with an electronic monitoring device. 

As the sole proprietor of Main Concrete and Construction, Main is required to file a Form Schedule C as part of his Form 1040.  On his 2006 and 2007 tax returns, he underreported his gross receipts by $860,491.00.  When he filed his returns, he signed a declaration under the penalty of perjury that the information contained therein was true when in fact he knew the gross receipt figures were wrong.  Judge Kopf found that the amount of tax loss to the United States was $240,937 and ordered Main to pay restitution to the IRS in that amount. 

“We should not forget that the ultimate victims in tax fraud cases are the American people – those honest taxpayers who diligently file tax returns and pay what they owe each year,” said Sybil Smith, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.

This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Heriberto Gomez, Jr., age 32, and Adrian Pisares-Valenzuela, age 25, both of Omaha, Nebraska, were sentenced for conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in Omaha, Nebraska.  Mr. Gomez was also sentenced for money laundering.  Sentencing proceedings were held before United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon.  Mr. Gomez was sentenced on April 28, 2014, to time served, followed by a five-year term of supervised release.  Mr. Pisares-Valenzuela was sentenced on December 23, 2013, to nine years in prison and will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release following the completion of his prison sentence.

Heriberto Gomez, Jr., owned Gomez Auto Sales and traded methamphetamine in exchange for work done on vehicles at his business.  He sold vehicles to Mr. Pisares-Valenzuela and others, knowing the source of the payments were from drug sales or other illegal activities.  Gomez falsified paperwork regarding the purchase of vehicles to disguise the sources of the funds by falsifying the purchasers’ name, purchase price, down payment and/or subsequent payment amounts.  He also constructed concealed compartments in two vehicles that were purchased.  He used four bank accounts to deposit cash received from those transactions.  On two occasions, Mr. Gomez did not file a Form 8300, a Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business.  A Form 8300 is required to be filed with the IRS when a cash purchase of more than $10,000 takes place.

This case was investigated by the Bellevue Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Omaha Police Department.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 36 indictments charging 41 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.

*          Salomon Acevedo-Sanchez, age 55, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 13, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Cecilio Aguilera-Villafana, age 32, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 30, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Brigido A. Angeles, age 59, of Springlake, Minnesota, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about February 7, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Braulio Arizmendiz-Contreras, a/k/a Carlos Arizmendiz-Salido, a/k/a Miguel Rivera, age 42, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with  illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 9, 2014,  following deportation as an aggravated felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges Arizmendiz-Contreras with possession with a firearm by a prohibited person on or about April 9, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with alien in possession of a firearm on or about April 9, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 years term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  

*          Jesus Avalos-Colimote, age 38, of Lexington, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 5, 2014, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Esteban Barajas-Medina, age 27, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about February 2, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years  imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Quantal Blake, age 27, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with bank robbery of Bank of the West, on or about February 4, 2014.  The  maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges Blake with attempting to enter Premier Bank with the intent to commit a bank robbery on or about March 20, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with bank robbery of First Westroads Bank, on or about March 20, 2014.  The maximum penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Alfonso Camarena-Soriano,  age 43, of  Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about February 11, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jose L. Castillo-Mendez, age 33, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendant with assaulting two officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or about March 20, 2014.   If convicted, he faces a maximum imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. 

*          Melissa S. Clinton, age 35, of McCook, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute  methamphetamine on or about April 1, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment , a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Leonardo De La Rosa, age 32, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 6, 2013,  following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment , a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges De La Rosa with illegal alien in possession of a firearm on or about April 6, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   

*          Alberto Favila-Cervantes, age 31; Uriel Ivan Iribe-Ortiz, age 30; Ivan Trujillo-Cruz, age 24; and David Acosta, age 35, are charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants conspired together and with others to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine beginning on or about March 27, 2014 and continuing to on or about April 22, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Acosta with distributing a mixture or substance containing  methamphetamine on or about April 22, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment charges Favila-Cervantes, Iribe-Ortiz and Trujillo-Cruz with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about April 22, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment,  a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Amy N. Fisher, age 41, of Papillion, Nebraska, is charged with embezzlement from the Bank of the West.  Between on or about September 4, 2012 and continuing to on or about March 26, 2014, the defendant allegedly embezzled approximately $136,000 for her own personal benefit.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.

*          Alejandro Garcia De Jesus, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 8, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Ricardo Garcia De Jesus,  age 30, of  Bellevue, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 8, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years  imprisonment,  a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jose Antonio Garcia, age 25, of Palmdale, California, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine beginning on or about April 3, 2014 and continuing to on or about April 22, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Juan Carlos Garcia-Gamino, age 26, of Lincoln, is charged in a four-count Indictment.  Counts I thru III  of the Indictment charge the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about December 27, 2013, on or about January 7, 2014 and on or about January 31, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. Count IV of the Indictment charges Garcia Gamino with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about April 4, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,00  fine, a 5 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          William L. Gienger, age 48, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on or about March 31, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Severo Hernandez-Hernandez, age 30, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 14, 2014, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Aaron James Jackson, age 28, of Lincoln, is charged with harboring a fugitive on or between March 20, 2014 and April 4, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Ricardo Losada-Hernandez, age 38, of Fremont, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 15, 2014, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Fernando Martinez, also known as Silent, age 26, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about March 11, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Alejandro Memije-Fuentes, also known as Hilario Leandro Memije-Fuentes, age 33, of Santa Anna, California; Javier Gomez Zambrano, age 20, of Santa Anna, California, and Miguel Davalos Gomez, age 22, of Costa Mesa, California, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine between on or about April 3, 2014 and on or about April 22, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Luis Armando Morena-Ayala, also known as Ramon Lopez-Rocha, also known as Cho Cho, age 34, of Omaha, is charged in Count I of the indictment with receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography from on and before September 30, 2014.  If convicted, the maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of not less than 5 years or more than 20 years, a fine of $250,000, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment. The defendant is charged in Count II of the Indictment with possession of child pornography on or about February 11, 2014. The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Luis Armando Moreno-Ayala, also known as Ramon Lopez-Rocha, also known as Cho Cho, age 34, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about November 6, 2013, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Antonia Noyola-Diaz, age 22, is charged in a four-count Indictment.  Counts I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about July 8, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 26, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment alleges on or about July 8, 2013, Noyola-Diaz made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IV of the Indictment charges that on or about July 8, 2013, the defendant  misused a Social Security Card and a State of Nebraska Operator’s License knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment , a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Shannon Pohlmeier, age 43, is charged in a four-count Indictment.  Counts I thru III  of the Indictment charge the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about January 22, 2014, on or about January 27, 2014 and on or about March 6, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count. Count IV of the Indictment charges Pohlmeier with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about March 6, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 5 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jose Ponce-Ramos, age 27, of  Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 8, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years  imprisonment,  a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Esteban Riveros-Morgado, age 35, is charged with misuse of a social security card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years  imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Bacilio Rodriguez-Tapia, age 45, of  Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about April 1, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years  imprisonment,  a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Levi Sanderson, age 25, of  Kearney, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with manufacturing a controlled substance which created a substantial risk of harm to human life on or about December 13, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the Indictment charges Sanderson with possession and distribution of pseudoephedrine, a listed chemical, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe it would be used to manufacture  methamphetamine on or about December 31, 2013.  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. 

*          Ottoniel Silva-Avalos, age 25, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 28, 2014, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Joshua Carl Lee Suggs, age 23, of Sacramento, California, is charged with interference with a flight crew member on or about April 13, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Victor Tercero-Jacinto, age 31, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 28, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Alfonso Vargas-Zacarias, age 22, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 19, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Agnes Wood, age 56, of Omaha, is charged with embezzlement of funds from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska on or about October 7, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year team of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Albert Dansby, 59, was sentenced in the United States District Court in Omaha, Nebraska for two bank robberies.  The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Dansby to an 84 month term of imprisonment for each robbery.  The terms were ordered to run concurrently.  Upon his release from prison Dansby will serve a 3 year term of supervised release.  Dansby was ordered to pay restitution totaling $5,417.50.

Dansby was serving a 100 month sentence for four bank robberies in July 2013.  The Bureau of Prisons placed Dansby on furlough and put him on a bus to transport him from a federal facility in Texas to a half-way house in Hastings, Nebraska.  Dansby left the bus in Omaha and robbed the US Bank, 1700 Farnam, of $1,914 on July 24, 2013.  On August 9, 2013, he robbed the Bank of the West, 1921 Harney Street of $3,502.  Both robberies were done by presenting a demand note requesting the teller’s cash.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on April 17, 2014, United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon, sentenced Tina Angela Davis-Smith, age 44, to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment following her conviction for making a False Statement to the Social Security Administration, and 24 months imprisonment to be served consecutively for Aggravated Identity Theft.  Davis-Smith was also ordered to serve a three year term of supervised release after serving her prison term.   

An investigation conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, determined that in 2011 Davis-Smith made a false statement on a Social Security Administration Work Activity Report when she failed to report her previous employment.  The Work Activity Report was relied upon by the Social Security Administration to determine Davis-Smith’s continued receipt of Social Security Administration Benefits.  The investigation also determined that in 2010 Davis-Smith used the identification of another person for purposes of obtaining employment.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on April 18, 2014, Senior United States District Court Judge Richard G. Kopf, sentenced Tommy Vasser, age 50, to probation for a term of 2 years under special conditions, following his conviction for Assaulting, Intimidating, or Interfering with a Federal Employee.  Vasser was also ordered to pay a $25 special assessment.  An investigation conducted by the Veterans Affairs Police Department determined that on April 13, 2013, Vasser was at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, when he assaulted a Veterans Affairs Medical Center nurse.

This case was investigated by the Veterans Affairs Police Department.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on April 15, 2014, Markham Deshay Jones, age 46 of Lincoln, was sentenced to 77 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine) between January of 2011 and February of 2012.  Following the prison term, Jones will serve six years on supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.

An investigation showed that Jones was responsible for the distribution of at least 28 grams (approximately one ounce) of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, in the Lincoln area between January of 2011 and February of 2012. 

The matter was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force, which includes officers of the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, (FBI), and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Police Department.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Martin M. Mazarura, 33, was sentenced in the United States District Court in Omaha for preparing false individual income tax returns.  The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Mazarura to the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons for a year and a day.  He was ordered to pay restitution in the sum of $82,738.  After his release from prison Mazarura is to begin a one year term of supervised release although he is likely to be returned to Canada following his release from the Bureau of Prisons.

In 2006 Mazarura was engaged in the business of preparing individual income tax returns from his office at 72nd and Blondo in Omaha.  The IRS Fraud Detection Center noted that Mazarura had submitted a number of returns containing inflated credits.  The case was referred to the IRS Criminal Investigation Division.

The criminal investigation focused on 18 tax returns prepared by Mazarura.  The tax loss to the United States from these 18 returns totaled $82,738.  On these returns Mazarura claimed Telephone Excise Tax credits, additional Child Care credits, and Earned Income Credits when they were not applicable or, when applicable, claimed credits well in excess of the entitled amount.  Mazarura provided his customers with dependents on their returns who were not dependents and frequently were unknown to the customer. 

Mazarura is a citizen of Zimbabwe.  He left the United States and took up residence in Canada.  He was extradited from Canada upon the understanding that after his prison sentence he be allowed the opportunity to return to Canada. 

“While most return preparers provide excellent service to their clients, a few unscrupulous tax preparers file false and fraudulent returns to defraud the government, the tax-paying public and their own clients,” said Sybil Smith, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.

On April 10, 2014, Felipe G. Olmos-Torres, age 37 of Dallas, Texas, and formerly of Lincoln, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute drugs.  Olmos Torres was held responsible for the distribution of at least 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of cocaine; at least 1.5 kilograms (3⅓ pounds) of methamphetamine, and at least 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of marijuana in the Lincoln area between September of 2009 and September of 2012.  Information provided to law enforcement indicated that some of the drugs were being distributed out of a Lincoln used car business operated by Olmos Torres

Following the prison term, Olmos Torres will serve five years on supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

On April 4, 2014, a complaint was unsealed charging Aaron James Jackson, 28 of Lincoln, harboring a fugitive.  The complaint alleges that between March 20, 2014, and April 4, 2014, Aaron James Jackson was aware that a federal warrant had been issued for his brother, Jason Robert Jackson, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  During that time, Aaron Jackson helped his brother evade the Metropolitan Fugitive Task Force’s efforts to locate him.  Aaron Jackson had his first court appearance on April 4, 2014, and he was detained.  Aaron Jackson faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Jason Robert Jackson remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.  Persons with information about Jackson’s whereabouts should contact their local law enforcement agency.

This case was investigated by the Metro Fugitive Task Force, including officers and agents of the United States Marshals Service, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, and the Lincoln Police Department.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that following a three day jury trial, Lori Jenkins, age 47 of Omaha, was found guilty by a federal jury of two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition.  Each count is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three years.   The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, Chief Judge of the United States District Court, presided over the trial.  Ms. Jenkins remains in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for June 30, 2014 before Chief Judge Smith Camp. 

This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Omaha Police Department.

United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Milton James LaRose, age 26 of Winnebago, Nebraska, for his conviction of assaulting a federal officer.  LaRose was sentenced to time served (seven months) and was further ordered to serve 6 months at the Dismas Charities residential reentry center in Sioux City, Iowa. 

LaRose was encountered on the Winnebago Indian Reservation by a BIA officer on July 11, 2013.  The officer had been called due to a report of a disturbance.  When the officer attempted to arrest LaRose and place him in handcuffs, LaRose pulled away and punched the officer in the eye.  LaRose continued to struggle and resist arrest until the officer was able to gain control of him. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Ashley F. Gerbig was sentenced on Monday, March 31, 2014, by U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp to a term of forty-six month in prison.  Mr. Gerbig pled guilty on October 28, 2013, to selling a firearm and ammunition to a prohibited person.  On March 7, 2013, Mr. Gerbig sold a firearm and ammunition to a law enforcement cooperating witness. The cooperating witness was a convicted felon who had previously informed Mr. Gerbig of his or her status as a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that Laron Hawkins, age 26, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Hawkins to 6 years, 3 months in prison.  After his release from prison Hawkins will begin a 3 year term of supervised release.   

On September 13, 2013, Omaha police officers stopped a car Hawkins was driving after they saw him commit a traffic violation.  As they made contact with Hawkins, they saw he had a small quantity of marijuana in his lap.  A search of the vehicle was done and a stolen .45 caliber handgun was found under his seat.  Hawkins had previously been convicted of a felony offense and, as such, is prohibited by law from possessing firearms.

This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.

On March 24, 2014, an Indictment was unsealed charging Jason Robert Jackson, 24, and Stacy Lynn Henry, 40, both of Lincoln, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine between January of 2012 and October of 2013.  Henry had her first court appearance on March 26, 2014, and she was released on conditions.  Henry’s next scheduled court appearance is a status conference on May 20, 2014. 

A warrant has been issued for Jackson’s arrest.  He has not yet been apprehended.  Persons with information about Jackson’s whereabouts should contact their local law enforcement agency.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

On March 24, 2014, an Indictment was unsealed charging Rachel Rayanne Rodriguez, 28, of Lincoln with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine between April of 2009 and May of 2013.  Rodriguez had her first court appearance on March 25, 2014, and was ordered held without bond.  Rodriguez’s next scheduled court appearance is a status conference on May 20, 2014.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 41 indictments charging 45 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.

*          Jorge Almazan-Garcia, age 44, of Gibbon, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about January 30, 2014, following deportation as an aggravated felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Richard D. Avila, Jr., age 50, of Omaha, is charged with conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine beginning on or about May 1, 2013 and continuing to on or about November 21, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jose Avila-Ortiz, age 26, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 10, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Keith D. Baker, age 40, of Omaha, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 10, 2014. The maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of up to life, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Diana Castillo-Toscano, age 28, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about August 13, 2012. The maximum possible penalty for each count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges that on or about August 13, 2012, the defendant misused a Social Security Card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for her use. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Rosa Cervantes-Santiago, age 42, of Omaha, is charged with misuse of a Social Security Number on or before September 17, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Tyler L. Coddington, age 20, of Omaha, is charged with failure to register as a Sex Offender in the State of Nebraska on or about January 21, 2014. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, a term of supervised release for life, and a special assessment of $100.    

*          Jonathan Contreras, age 19, is charged with conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine on or about February 20, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $1 million fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jeffrey L. Eckert, age 54, of Pilger, Nebraska, was charged with fraudulently making a material false oath and account in his Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, on or about March 23, 2009. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Julio Enriquez-Salinas, age 30, is charged in a four-count indictment. Count I charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about January 30, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $1 million fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about February 3, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $1 million fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about February 6, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $1 million fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about February 12, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $1 million fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Blanca Estela Factor-Villanueva, using the name L.P., age 38, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about January 7, 2013. The maximum possible penalty for this count if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised, and a special assessment of $100. Count II of the Indictment charges on or about January 7, 2013, the defendant made a false statement and claimed to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits and to be employed in the United States. The maximum possible penalty for this count if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges that on or about January 7, 2013, the defendant misused a Social Security Card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for her use. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Santiel Flores-Trejo, age 24, of Omaha is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about February 14, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Alfonso Lopez Garcia, also known as Alfonso L. Garcia and also known as Alfonso Garcia, age 55, of Modesto, California, and Fredy Salvador Alcaraz Mendoza, also known as Fredy Mendiolaza-Untiveros, age 41, of Shawnee, Kansas, were charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about March 2, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Conrado Gastelo-Sanchez, age 45, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about August 12, 2013, following deportation as an aggravated felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Darwin Alexi Gonzalez-Rodriguez, age 34, of Jacksonville, Texas, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 11, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Kurt Hansen, age 34, of Lincoln, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine on or about February 19, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

*          William Hurst, age 30, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I alleges that beginning on or about September 1, 2013, and continuing to on or about January 16, 2014, the defendant conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II alleges that on or about January 16, 2014, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to the United States currency seized from the defendant on January 16, 2014, should be forfeited to the United States.

*          Francisco Lara-Beltran, age 40, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about February 17, 2014, following deportation as an aggravated felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Roxana Maritza Lopez-Ramon, age 24, of Omaha, is charged with misuse of a Social Security Number on or before February 27, 2012. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Ruben Machuca-Delgado, age 44, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 5, 2014, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Pascual Mancinas, age 29, of Omaha, is charged with conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 5 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine beginning on or about May 1, 2012, and continuing to on or about May 30, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to $195,905.00 in United States currency seized from the defendant on May 2, 2013, should be forfeited to the United States.

*          Susan Marr, age 38, of Walthill, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I alleges that from on or about July 30, 2007, and continuing to on or about October 19, 2012, the defendant stole and converted to her own use $38,171.00 in Social Security Supplemental Security Income payments made on behalf of her son, knowing her son was not entitled to those payments. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II alleges that on or about October 19, 2012, the defendant made a false statement and representation of a material fact for use in determining rights to Social Security Supplemental Security Income. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III alleges that beginning on or about July 2, 2009, and continuing without interruption until on or about October 19, 2012, the defendant concealed and failed to disclose to the Social Security Administration material facts knowing the facts would affect her son’s eligibility to continue to receive Social Security Supplemental Security Income. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          William Giovanni Sandoval Martinez, using the name S.O.M., age 35, of Schuyler, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about June 3, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about during and between April 1, 2013, and June 30, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges that on or about and between April 1, 2013, and June 30, 2013, the defendant misused a Social Security Card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for his use. The maximum possible penalty for this count if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          McDonald, Aaron, age 28, is charged with conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine beginning on or about January 27, 2014, and continuing to on or about March 6, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

*          Trevor P. McLaurine, age 24, of Elkhorn, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges McLaurine with receipt of child pornography from on or about February 1, 2012, to on or about August 28, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment. McLaurine is charged in Count II with possession and distribution of child pornography on or about August 28, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment and any and all property used or intended to be used in any manner or part to commit and to promote the commission of the violation should be forfeited to the United States.

*          Luis Mellan-Rivera, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about February 27, 2014, following deportation as an aggravated felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Martha Molina, age 44, and Osman Meza-Romero, age 24, both of Omaha, are charged with conspiring together and with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine beginning on or about November 1, 2013, and continuing to on or about January 17, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $1 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to: United States currency seized on January 17, 2014, from 311 William Street, Omaha, Nebraska, should be forfeited to the United States.

*          Ricardo Muro and Juan Aguilar-Arredondo are charged with conspiring together and with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine beginning on or about January 1, 2014, and continuing to on or about March 10, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in Count I of the indictment, including but not limited to: $28,000.00 in United States currency seized from Juan Aguilar-Arrendondo on March 10, 2014, and $5,200.00 in United States currency seized from the residence of Ricardo Muro on March 10, 2014, should be forfeited to the United States.

*          Adam Mwanza, age 42, of Omaha, is charged in a 15-count indictment. Counts I through XV allege that for calendar years 2007 and 2008, the defendant aided, assisted, advised, and prepared individual income tax returns for taxpayers knowing the income tax returns were false and the taxpayers were not entitled to claim the various deductions, credits, and refunds the defendant claimed on their tax returns. The maximum possible penalty for each count includes imprisonment of 3 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Juana Bautista Palma Nunez, using the name A.L.P., age 31, of Schuyler, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about June 3, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about during and between April 1, 2013, and June 30, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges that on or about and between April 1, 2013, and June 30, 2013, the defendant misused a Social Security Card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for her use. The maximum possible penalty for this count if convicted includes imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Dannes Aracely Padilla-Villatoro, age 29, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Counts I and II of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about December 21, 2012. The maximum possible penalty for each count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III alleges that on or about December 21, 2012, the defendant misused a Social Security Card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for her use. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Olga Padilla-Villatoro, using the names O.P.M. and P.M., age 31, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Counts I and II of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about during and between April 1, 2013, and June 30, 2013. The maximum possible penalty for each count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III alleges that on or about during and between April 1, 2013, and June 30, 2013, the defendant misused a Social Security Card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for her use. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Guillermo Pena-Perez, age 46, of Fremont, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about February 24, 2014, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Everardo Perez-Gutierrez, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about June 23, 2013, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Diana Rincon-Martinez, age 27, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 12, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jesus Romero-Cante, age 28, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about March 3, 2010. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges that on or about March 3, 2010, the defendant misused a Social Security Card knowing that said document was not issued lawfully for his use. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Matthew Sears, age 26, of Gretna, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I alleges that beginning on or about December 1, 2013, and continuing to on or about January 10, 2014, the defendant conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II alleges that on or about January 10, 2014, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Enrique Simeon-Franco, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about February 27, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Brian Spotts, age 46, of North Platte, Nebraska, is charged with conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine beginning on or about February, 2013, and continuing to on or about February 12, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to the United States currency seized from the defendant on February 12, 2014, should be forfeited to the United States.

*          Jose Joel Vargas-Castro, age 32, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about March 4, 2014, following deportation. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Louis A. Venditte, age 66, Ruby A. Venditte, age 65, and John W. Wagstaffe, age 64, all of Omaha, are charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I alleges that the defendants conspired together and with others to transport an individual in interstate commerce with the intent to promote prostitution from at least 2003 through on or about October, 2013. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100. Count II alleges that on or between January, 2013, and August, 2013, the defendants transported an individual in interstate commerce with the intent to promote prostitution. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100. Count III alleges that on or between January, 2013, and August, 2013, the defendants persuaded and attempted to persuade, induce, entice and coerce an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100. Count IV alleges that on or about March 20, 2012, Louis A. Venditte used a facility in interstate commerce with the intent to promote, manage, establish, carry on and facilitate the promotion of prostitution. Ruby A. Venditte and John W. Wagstaffe were members of the conspiracy at the time Count IV occurred. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. 

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that James B. Haugh, 57, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 21, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to seven and a half years in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for receipt and distribution of child pornography.  After his release from prison, Haugh will be required to serve a 5 year term of supervised release and be registered as a sex offender.  Haugh was found guilty by a jury in December of last year following a 3 day jury.  In addition, United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard ordered that the property used to commit the crime be forfeited to the United States.   

Haugh came to the attention of investigators of the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office through a proactive investigation conducted by the Nebraska Attorney General into the receipt and distribution of child pornography through file sharing software.  Investigators used automated software to determine that a computer utilizing a specific IP address was sharing child pornography through the Internet.

The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant on December 28, 2012, at Haugh’s residence in Grand Island, Nebraska.  A forensic examination of a computer and other storage media seized at the residence revealed numerous videos child pornography that had been received and distributed between January 3, 2009 and December 28, 2013.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Kristopher C. Tibbs, 28, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 14, in Lincoln, Nebraska to five and a half years in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard for receipt of child pornography.  After his release from prison, Tibbs will be required to serve a 5 year term of supervised release and be registered as a sex offender.

While conducting an operation in February of last year, investigators with the Lincoln Police Department were able to access child pornography images from computers that were using file sharing software publicly available on the Internet through Peer-to-Peer Network.  On three occasions, investigators were able to make a direct connection to a specific computer which was sharing images of child pornography.  Using computer programs, investigators were able to identify the IP address for that computer.  The Internet service provider indicated that the IP address was assigned to Tibbs.

A search warrant was executed at Tibbs’ residence.  When investigators examined Tibbs’ computer, they found digital images and over 170 videos depicting sexually explicit conduct of children under the age of 18.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg today announced that Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp, sentenced Jason Armstrong, age 35 of Omaha, Nebraska, following his conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud.  Armstrong was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of $141,091.18.  Following his release from prison Armstrong will be required to serve a 3 year term of supervised release.

Armstrong worked as a case manager for the Nebraska Aids Project where he was tasked with addressing the needs of Nebraska clients living with HIV/AIDS.  Armstrong linked clients to appropriate resources, including housing assistance.   Armstrong, working in concert with another individual, submitted fraudulent applications for housing benefits that were paid out with funds provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The applications were fraudulent, in some instances, because they had been submitted in the names of people who were not clients of the Nebraska Aids Project.  In other instances, the applications were submitted in the names of actual clients but the submissions were made without the clients’ knowledge or consent.  Checks would be issued in response to the fraudulent applications and the proceeds would be split between Armstrong and the person with whom he conspired.  During the course of the scheme approximately $141,091.18 in fraudulent benefits were paid out.  Tamika Payne has also been charged in connection with the same scheme.  She is currently awaiting trial. 

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.

United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska, Deborah R. Gilg, announces today members of the CODE and WING drug task forces received a regional High Intensity Drug Trafficking award for their work in dismantling a significant methamphetamine drug organization into western Nebraska and eastern Colorado.  The investigation identified a distribution organization which brought methamphetamine from Mexico, transported it through Arizona, Colorado, and eventually into Nebraska.  The investigation showed money made though the narcotics sales were being transferred back to the country of Mexico either by wire or through personal couriers. 

This investigation began as a joint effort with the FBI, through their office in North Platte, and the CODE and WING drug task forces making undercover purchases of methamphetamine from an individual in the Ogallala, Nebraska area in late 2012 and early 2013. This methamphetamine distribution organization was responsible for bringing in pound quantities of methamphetamine into the Julesburg and Sterling, Colorado, area and spanned an area of operation from Sterling, Colorado, to Lexington, NE, a distance of approximately 200 miles.

CODE and WING task force members worked together utilizing undercover agents/officers to make purchases of drugs, conducted numerous surveillances, executed search warrants, made multiple arrests, and utilized other investigative techniques.  In addition to the various law enforcement agencies comprising these Nebraska task forces, there was significant cooperation across federal judicial districts.  Because the enterprise operated over both the Districts of Colorado and Nebraska, it presented numerous legal hurdles in the investigation.   Important to the success of this investigation was the assistance, partnership, and leadership of the Assistant United States Attorney who  worked with Task Force staff at all hours of the day, seven days a week, coordinating the activities of the 33 law enforcement organizations involved in the investigation in Nebraska, as well as Colorado.
 
The investigation yielded approximately 29 narcotics “buys” of methamphetamine, 18 of which were 1 ounce quantities or more.  The controlled narcotics buys were initially only of several grams but increased to 1 to 2 ounce buys, and culminated with the seizure of approximately 2.7 pounds of methamphetamine during the execution of a search warrant on 08/12/2013.

The numerous successes achieved by Task Force personnel working together on the investigation led to the dismantling of this criminal enterprise and resulted in 17 arrests.  Controlled drug buys executed on the case recovered approximately 23 ounces of methamphetamine.
 
“The outstanding cooperative efforts in this case were remarkable and necessary in order to achieve the undoing of this distribution network over such a vast geographic area”, said U.S. Attorney Gilg, “It is a tribute to the cooperation and coordination of efforts we have in the heartland of America.”

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 24 indictments charging 28 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.

*          Tempest Amerson, age 23, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Yolanda Clemons, age 46, of Kansas City, Kansas; Isys Jordan, age 23, of Marietta, Georgia; Rosland Starks, age 44, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Thomas Whitlow, age 52, of Kansas City, Kansas are charged in a twelve-count Indictment.  Beginning at least on or about May 31, 2011, and continuing through on or about November 1, 2013, the defendants allegedly devised a scheme to solicit money from elderly individuals under false pretenses.  The defendants called elderly individuals and claimed to be family relatives or persons acting on their behalf.  The caller claimed that the family member needed money immediately due to exigent circumstances.  The elderly individual would then wire money immediately to the defendants.  In all, these elderly individuals wired approximately $20,000.     If convicted each of the twelve counts is punishable by 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Richard D. Avila, Jr., age 50, of Omaha, is charged with conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine beginning on or about May 1, 2013 and continuing to on or about November 21, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Lamar Bertucci, age 45, of Walthill, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count indictment.  Count I of the indictment alleges Bertucci shot and killed a bald eagle on or about February 10, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty, if convicted, is 2 years imprisonment , a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the indictment alleges Bertucci shot and killed a rough-legged hawk on or about February 20, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty, if convicted, is 6 months imprisonment, a $5,000 fine and a $10 special assessment. 

*          Carlos Francisco-Hernandez, age 22, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about February 9, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000,  3 years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.  Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about February 9, 2014, Francisco-Hernandez made a false statement claiming to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits or to otherwise obtain employment  in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges that on or about February 9, 2014, Francisco-Hernandez  misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Identification Card knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Jose Fuentes-Urbina, age 31, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 24, 2013, following deportation as an aggravated felon.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jazmin Gallardo-Luna, age 27, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about December 10, 2009.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000,  3 years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.  Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about December 10, 2009,  Gallardo-Luna made a false statement claiming to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits or to otherwise obtain employment  in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges that on or about December 10, 2009, Gallardo-Luna misused a Social Security Card and a State of Illinois Identification Card knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Alfa Juarez-Miranda, age 45, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about August 28, 2009.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000,  3 years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.  Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about August 28, 2009, Juarez-Miranda made a false statement claiming to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits or to otherwise obtain employment in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges that on or about August 28, 2009, Juarez-Miranda misused a Social Security Card and a State of Minnesota Identification Card knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Jose Antonio Lopez-Salas, age 26, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about January 17, 2014, following deportation as a felon.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Christo Lorenzo-Ortiz, age 30, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about March 12, 2009.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000,  3 years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.  Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about March 12, 2009, Lorenzo-Ortiz made a false statement claiming to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits or to otherwise obtain employment in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges that on or about March 12, 2009,  Lorenzo-Ortiz misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri driver’s license  knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Deysi Magana-Flores, age 23, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about July 27, 2011.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, 3 years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.  Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about July 11, 2011, Magana-Flores made a false statement claiming to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits or to otherwise obtain employment in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges that on or about July 11, 2011, Magana-Flores misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Identification Card knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Francisco C. Marin, age 24, of Offutt AFB, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine on or about January 31, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to Life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.   The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in Count I of the indictment, including but not limited to: United States currency seized on January 31, 2014, should be forfeited to the United States.

*          James F. Parks, age 65, of Alliance, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges Parks with receipt and distribution of child pornography from at least on or about June 9, 2013 and continuing to on or about June 10, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment.  Parks is charged in Count II of the Indictment with possession of child pornography on or about August 8, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Ryan William Perich, age 29, of Woodbridge, California, is charged with traveling in interstate commerce from on or between about March 1, 2013 through about January 24, 2014, to distribute the proceeds and to promote the carrying on of an illegal activity.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, 3 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

*          Lewis E. Phoenix, age 21, of Arlington, Texas, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 28  grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base on or about October 30, 2013.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.   

*          Rudy Alexander Reyes, age 32, of Fremont, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry into the United States on or about January 17, 2014, following deportation as an aggravated felon.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the indictment charges Reyes with failure to register as a sex offender from on and before January 17, 2014.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to Life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Wesley A. Roberts, age 62, of Bridgeport, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges Roberts with receipt and distribution of child pornography from at least on or about September 17, 2013, and continuing to on or about January 7, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for Life, and a $100 special assessment.  Roberts is charged in Count II of the Indictment with possession of child pornography on or about January 7, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment.  The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violations, including but not limited to: One Samsung Tracphone, should be forfeited to the United States.

*          Adrian Salgado-Sandoval, age 42, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about September 11, 2013, following deportation.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Inocencio Segura Jimenez, also known as Inocencio Segura, age 32, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about September 5, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to Life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.   

*          Amen Sheridan, age 53, and Julie L. Whiteskunk, age 53, both of Walthill, Nebraska, are charged in a two-count Indictment.  Counts I and II of the Indictment charge Sheridan and Whiteskunk with theft of funds from the Omaha Tribal Housing Authority for their own personal use on or about November 24, 2009 and on and before August 5, 2009.  The maximum possible penalty for both Counts if convicted is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

*          Anthony Slizoski, a 31, of Columbus, Nebraska is charged in a two-count indictment.  Count I charges Slizoski with conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine beginning on or about July 17, 2013 and continuing to on or about January 17, 2014. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on or about January 17, 2014.   The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $1 million fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Camilo Solorzano-Ramirez, also known as Victor Solorzano-Ramirez, age 43, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about January 13, 2014, following deportation as an aggravated felon.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Maria Solis_Lorenzo, age 24, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about March 10, 2009.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, 3 years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.  Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about March 10, 2009, Solis-Lorenzo made a false statement claiming to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits or to otherwise obtain employment in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges that on or about March 10, 2009, Solis-Lorenzo misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Identification Card knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Pablo Vasquez Alvarado, also known as Juan Pablo Abrajan-Marino, age 38, is charged in a two-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about March 20, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, 3 years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.  Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about March 20, 2013, Alvarado made a false statement claiming to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits or to otherwise obtain employment in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Israel Vicente-Ordonez, 25, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about December 14, 2010. The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, 3 years supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.  Count II of the Indictment alleges on or about December 14, 2010,  Vicente-Ordonez made a false statement claiming to be a United States citizen with the intent to receive Federal and State benefits or to otherwise obtain employment in the United States.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges that on or about December 14, 2010, Vicente-Ordonez misused a Social Security Card and a State of Missouri Identification Card knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Ramon Garcia, also known as, Jose Alionso Meza Lopez and also known as Victor Hugo Lopez, to 292 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Mr. Garcia pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on November 12, 2013.  Garcia had been involved in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Lincoln and eastern Nebraska areas since 2009.  He coordinated the transportation of large quantities of methamphetamine to Lincoln from Phoenix, Arizona.  He then distributed the methamphetamine to other dealers in Nebraska.  Garcia was responsible for 45 pounds of methamphetamine that were brought to and distributed in the Lincoln and eastern Nebraska areas between February and October 22, 2013.  The Court found that Garcia was the supervisor and manager of the two couriers who drove Garcia’s vehicles between Phoenix and Lincoln, carrying methamphetamine and cash.  They made approximately 19 round trips during 2013.  His sentence was enhanced because he rented a residence and garage at 3718 J Street in Lincoln, which Garcia used exclusively to load, unload and hide cars used to transport drugs and cash.  Garcia was arrested on October 22, 2013, as he was about to exchange a car containing $10,000.00 in cash for one which had just been driven from Phoenix which contained about 4 pounds of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on February 13, 2014, Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf sentenced Rodney R. Moraczewski, age 53 of Loup City, Nebraska, to 41 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Moraczewski was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $299,206.60 to the Internal Revenue Service.

In 2009 and 2010, Rodney Moraczewski filed ten false tax returns in his name and the names of other people resulting in payments from the IRS to Moraczewski totaling $299,206.60.  Moraczewski pled guilty on November 20, 2013, to felony charges of filing a false federal tax return and identity theft.  

“Investigating refund fraud and identity theft is a top priority,” said Sybil Smith, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.  “Stealing identities and filing false tax returns hurts innocent taxpayers and causes a monetary loss against the U.S. Treasury.”

This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service, the Nebraska Department of Revenue, and the Sherman County Sheriff’s Department.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Stephen J. Wilson, 32, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha after failing to register as a sex offender.  The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Wilson to thirty months in federal prison.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison Wilson will begin a five year term of supervised release and once again be required to register as a sex offender. 

This is Wilson’s third conviction for failing to register as a sex offender.  It is his first federal conviction for failing to do so. 

Wilson was convicted in the State of Iowa for enticing a minor.  He received a two year sentence and a twenty-five year obligation to register as a sex offender.  After being released from prison in Clarinda, Iowa, in May 2013 for failing to register as a sex offender, Wilson traveled to Nebraska.  He was arrested on June 13, 2013, at a residence in Bellevue, Nebraska where he had been residing.  He had not registered with the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry. 

This case was investigated by United States Marshal Service and was prosecuted as a part of Project Safe Childhood.  Project Safe Childhood is an initiative of the United States Department of Justice designed to protect children from individuals who would exploit them online or offline and includes individuals who travel in interstate commerce and fail to register as sex offenders as required by law.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Joshua M. Meyer, 33, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for distributing and possessing child pornography.  The Honorable Lyle E. Strom, Senior United States District Court Judge, sentenced Meyer to a ten year term in federal prison.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison Meyer will begin a ten year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. 

On January 27, 2013, Meyer displayed an image of child pornography involving a two year old victim during a webcam session.  The incident was reported to law enforcement. 

A search warrant was served on Meyer’s residence in Omaha on May 24, 2013.  More than 300 videos of child pornography were recovered from computers seized from his home.  The average age of the child victims was between five and ten years.  Meyer admitted to collecting child pornography over eight years and deleting his collection six months earlier. 

This matter was investigated by the Omaha FBIs Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF), of which the Nebraska State Patrol is a partner.  The Omaha CCTF is a multi-jurisdictional task force consisting of eleven federal, state and local law enforcement agencies from Nebraska and Iowa.  The mission of the Omaha CCTF is to investigate and apprehend high technology criminals and to protect our communities by preventing high technology crime and national security threats involving computers and computer networks.  The Omaha CCTF was established on the premise that the capabilities of law enforcement agencies to investigate computer and high technology related crimes are enhanced in a task force setting involving the sharing of resources and expertise. 

The 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.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Brian D. Benedict, age 33 of Tilden, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for receiving child pornography.  The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Benedict to a 60 month term of imprisonment.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison Benedict will begin a five year term of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.  

On January 23, 2013, an investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol was investigating individuals sharing child pornography on the internet.  The investigator was successful in downloading a video of child pornography from Benedict’s computer.  That same day an investigator from the Hastings Police Department successfully downloaded another video of child pornography from the same computer. 

A warrant was issued for Benedict’s home in Tilden, Nebraska.  Officers recovered 13 videos of child pornography and search terms designed to locate videos involving children as young as infants engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Benedict acknowledged searching for child pornography and downloading as many as 100 videos during the previous year.

U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg acknowledged the work of the Nebraska State Patrol and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in the investigation of this matter.

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.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Michael Partain, 44, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for distributing child pornography.  The Honorable Lyle E. Strom, Senior District Court Judge, sentenced Partain to seven years in prison.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison Partain will be on supervised release for five years and will be required to register as a sex offender.

On two separate occasions Partain distributed child pornography videos to agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation acting in an undercover capacity.  Some of these videos involved victims under five years of age. 

On August 29, 2012, agents assigned to the Omaha FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at Partain’s residence.  The agents recovered 109 files of child pornography.  Twenty-seven videos involved a victim under the age of five.  Sixty-one videos involved victims between the ages of six and ten. 

The case was investigated by the Omaha Cyber Crimes Task Force and 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.

Marquis Harrington, age 44 of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced for his conviction for mail fraud and making false statements to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  United States District Court Judge John Gerrard sentenced Harrington to 2 months of imprisonment to be followed by 6 months of home confinement during a three year term of supervised release.  Harrington was further ordered to pay $22,708.00 in restitution to H.U.D.

Harrington made an application for Section 8 housing assistance through the Douglas County Housing Authority.  The Section 8 program provides full or partial rental assistance depending on the number of people residing in the apartment and the income of those persons.  During the time he was receiving Section 8 assistance, Harrington failed to report annual income of approximately $60,000.00 and falsely reported the number of people who were living in the home.  As a result of Harrington’s actions, he received rental assistance of $22,708.00 over a two and one half year period that he should not have received.

After moving out of the apartment, Harrington purchased a home in Omaha.  He applied for a FHA mortgage which was insured by H.U.D.  Under H.U.D. rules for FHA insured loans, there can be no second mortgage associated with the purchase of the home.  In this case, Harrington gave the seller a $23,400.00 note which was not disclosed that was in addition to his mortgage.  At the time of the closing on the FHA insured loan, Harrington signed forms affirmatively representing that there were no such loans. 

This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that on January 24, 2014, United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Cameron Mitchell, age 53 of Lincoln, to 370 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons following his guilty pleas and convictions related to his robbery of seven banks in Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs, between June 23, 2012, and August 24, 2012.  Mitchell walked into the bank’s lobbies armed with a handgun, and then jumped over the counters and into the tellers’ areas where he took money from the teller drawers and put it into bags he carried with him.  Following completion of his sentence, Mitchell will be required to serve five years of supervised release, and will also be required to pay $74,179.73 in restitution to the victim banks.

Investigation and prosecution of these cases was coordinated with the cooperation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Police Department, Council Bluffs Police Department, Lincoln Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Offices in Nebraska and the Southern District of Iowa.

On January 27, 2014, Angie Ray Shera, 39, formerly of Beatrice, Nebraska, was sentenced to six years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  Following the prison term, Shera will serve five years on supervised release. 

Information provided to law enforcement indicated that between January of 2011 and February of 2013, Shera was involved with other persons in the distribution of 500 grams or more, (approximately 18 ounces), of methamphetamine in the Lincoln and Beatrice areas.  On February 23, 2011, Shera was stopped by Lincoln Police officers after she left the Lincoln apartment of her source.  Shera was found in possession of 10 grams of methamphetamine, and she admitted she had been selling methamphetamine.  The source’s apartment was then searched and additional methamphetamine was found. 

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

Adam Beck, age 50 of Lyons, Nebraska, was sentenced for his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Beck to 110 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release.

In August of 2012, Beck’s residence was searched by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department in connection with an investigation of another individual.  During the search, various firearms were located including a Ruger rifle which had been reported stolen in Burt County, a Winchester rifle and a Savage Arms rifle.  DNA testing indicated that Beck was the major contributor of DNA found on two of the weapons and that he was a minor contributor of DNA found on the third rifle.  At the time of the search, Beck was on supervised release from a 2007 federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

 This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 20 indictments charging 21 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

*          Anthony Aranda, age 22, and Jamie Speelman, age 29, of Sioux City, Iowa, are charged in a three-count indictment.  Count I of the indictment charges both defendants with carjacking a 2000 GMC pickup in the Omaha area on November 22, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty, if convicted, is 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.  Count II of the indictment charges both defendants with brandishing a rifle during the carjacking.  The maximum possible penalty, if convicted of that charge, is 7 years to life imprisonment consecutive to the carjacking penalty, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the indictment charges Speelman with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The maximum possible penalty, if convicted, is 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.  In a separate indictment, Speelman is charged with interference with commerce by robbery for her involvement in the robbery of the Midtown Gas and Grocery, 1222 S. 24th Street, Omaha, also on November 22, 2013.  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.  She is also charged with brandishing a firearm during this robbery and, if convicted, faces a 7 years to life sentence consecutive to this robbery.

*          Ruben James Buchanan,  age 17, of Winnebago, Nebraska, is charged with aggravated sexual abuse on or about July 30, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of up to Life, a $250,000 fine, 5 years to life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Katiengnainin Coulibaly, age 26, of Bellevue, Nebraska, is charged with possession of fifteen or more counterfeit or stolen credit and debit cards on or about January 13, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Gregory Dreher, age 38, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine on or about December 14, 2013. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 4 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jorge Escobedo-Estrada, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about July 27, 2013,  after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Juan Francisco Galarza-Galarza, age 38, of Omaha,  is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about January 13, 2014,  after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Isidro Gonzalez-Chavez, age 34, of Harvard, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 31, 2013, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Ivell M. Hagens, age 29, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of firearm on or about September 17, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. 

*          Gene Howard, age 41, of Sterling, Colorado, is charged in a two count indictment.  Count I alleges that on or about November 22, 2013, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of up to 20 years, a $1 million fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II alleges that on or about November 22, 2013, Gene Howard was in possession of a firearm, to wit: a Ruger .22 caliber semiautomatic handgun after having been convicted of a felony. The maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

*          Rafael Jaimes-Diaz, age 36, of Lincoln, Nebraska,  is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about December 19, 2013,  after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of  2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Francisco Javier Lopez-Acosta, age 25, is charged with conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin beginning on or about December 1, 2013 and continuing to on or about January 7, 2014.  The maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jose Lorenzo-Ignacio, age 29, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about January 16, 2014,  after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Lorenzo Pedro Lorenzo-Lucas, age 49, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about January 9, 2014,  after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Wilfredo Lorenzo-Ordonez, age 23, of Lexington, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about October 16, 2013,  after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Anthony James Lovejoy, age 28, of Walthill, Nebraska, is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury on or about December 20, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Heriberto Negrete-Rojas, age 22, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about January 8, 2014,  after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Fernando Parra-Salmeron, age 32, of Fremont, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about November 15, 2013,  after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Olman Rodas-Ramos, age 27, of Bellevue, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about June 24, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Cesar Salazar-Rodriguez, age 23, of Omaha, is charged in a four-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry into the United States on or about December 11, 2013, following deportation as an aggravated felon.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.    Count II of the Indictment alleges that on or about May 22, 2013, Salazar-Rodriguez misused a Social Security Card and a Permanent Resident Card knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty for this count is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count III of the Indictment alleges that on or about November 8, 2013, the defendant misused a Permanent Resident Card knowing that said documents were not issued lawfully for his use.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Number on or about May 22, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty if convicted is imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

*          Jerald Vrbas, age 60, of Palisade, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment.  Count I of the Indictment charges Vrbas with production and manufacturing of child pornography on or about September 2012.  If convicted, the maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of not less than 15 years nor more than 30 years, a fine of $250,000, 5 years up to life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the indictment charges Vrbas with receipt and distribution of child pornography from on and before September 6, 2013.  If convicted, the maximum possible penalty is imprisonment of not less than 5 years nor more than 20 years, a fine of $250,000, 5 years up to life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  The defendant is charged in Count III of the indictment with possession of child pornography from on or about October 22, 2013.  The maximum possible penalty for this count if convicted is imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to life supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

On January 9, 2014,  Allen E. Peithman, Jr., age 35 of Lincoln, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for being a drug user or addict in possession of a firearm.  Following the prison term, Peithman will serve three years on supervised release. 

On December 11, 2012, Peithman was a passenger in a car which was stopped by a Lincoln Police Department officer for a traffic violation.  Officers learned there was marijuana in the car, and both the driver and Peithman were asked to get out of the car.  Peithman told an LPD officer that he had a gun in the left sleeve of his coat.  An officer found a loaded .45 caliber pistol in the sleeve of Peithman’s coat.  During a search of Peithman's person, officers found a plastic bag containing a small amount of methamphetamine in a pants pocket.  Peithman was arrested and taken to the Lancaster County Jail where a corrections officer found a marijuana cigarette in Peithman's coat pocket and an additional plastic bag containing a small amount of methamphetamine in a pants pocket.  Peithman told officers he had the gun with him because he carried it at his business.  Peithman said the methamphetamine belonged to him and admitted to being a user of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.

On January 8, 2014, Davaughn Richard Lavell Perkins, age 24 of Omaha, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.  Following the prison sentence, Perkins will serve five years on supervised release.  He was also ordered to forfeit $472 in cash to the United States. 

On July 23, 2013, officers of the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at a Lincoln apartment.  Upon entry into the living room, officers found Davaughn Perkins on the floor and another individual on the couch.  Small amounts of crack were found in the living room.  During a search of Perkins' person, officers found a total of $472 in cash.

Perkins was arrested and taken to the Lancaster County Jail where he was searched as part of the booking process.  During that search, a Lancaster County Corrections Officer saw Perkins attempt to conceal something in his hand.  The officer obtained the item from Perkins, and it was found to be a baggie containing cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, weighing 36.6 grams.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Tabatha N. Ashburn was sentenced on Monday, January 6, 2014, by U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp to a term of probation for five years, twelve months of which must be served under the location monitoring program.      

Ms. Ashburn pled guilty on October 7, 2013, to one count of conspiracy to use facilities in interstate commerce in aid of a racketeering enterprise, that is, a business enterprise involving prostitution, and to induce travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in prostitution.

Starting in approximately April 2008, and continuing to in or about January 2012, Defendant assisted in operating three “spas” in Omaha, Nebraska.  The spas had different names over time, but were frequently referred to as the 93rd Street Spa, the 72nd Street Spa and the It Works Spa (collectively, the “Spas”).  Defendant entered an arrangement to purchase one of the Spas as an ongoing business and make payments over time.  Defendant never ultimately completed the purchase of that Spa location. 

Each of the Spas was, in fact, a front for prostitution.  The majority of customers received sex acts from workers, rather than legitimate spa services, in exchange for money.  Defendant had “sessions” with customers during which she provided sex acts in exchange for money.  Some customers traveled to the Spas from Iowa and from other states to obtain sex acts for money. 

Customers paid a fee that varied by the length of the “session.”  That fee was kept by the Spas.  Customers separately negotiated a “tip” with the worker, which the worker kept.  During certain periods of time, workers at the Spas were required to pay a daily fee to the Spas for “booth rental.” 
During certain periods of time, Defendant herself worked at the front desk, answering the phones, taking appointments and collecting money.  During other periods of time, Defendant oversaw and managed workers who handled these duties at the front desk. 

Defendant placed advertisements for the Spas on the internet.  The Spas also maintained a website accessible over the internet.  The website advertised available services and contact information, and included a “Members Only” section.  Established customers of the Spas were given a user name and password by which they could access the “Members Only” section.  Members accessing this section could read about the female workers providing services and view provocative pictures of them.

Customers arranged appointments for “sessions” using cellular telephones and other facilities in interstate commerce.  The website also allowed customers to communicate with the Spas by e-mail and to set up appointments online. 

Defendant also helped maintain a computerized record keeping and management system, entitled “Spa Manager.”  The Spa Manager system generated text messages to workers’ cell phones to notify them of appointments for which they had been scheduled.  The Spa Manager system also tracked various data related to the spas’ operation.

During the time when Defendant assisted in managing the Spas, there were an overall total of more than twenty workers providing commercial sex acts.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Christopher L. Bohlen, age 51 of Douglas, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha for receiving and possessing child pornography.  The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Bohlen to sixty months of imprisonment for receiving child pornography and a concurrent term of one year and one day for possessing child pornography.  There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison Bohlen will begin a five year term of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender. 

Bohlen was identified as an individual interested in child pornography after the United States Postal Inspection Service noted correspondence to Bohlen from a website offering images of children.  On June 28, 2012, an Investigator from the Postal Inspection Service accompanied by an Investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol approached Bohlen at his home. 

Bohlen provided the investigators with verbal consent to search his computers for child pornography.  He rescinded his consent after telling investigators that there was child pornography on each of his computers. 

A federal search warrant was obtained for the contents of the computes.  Approximately 47,000 image files of child pornography and child erotica were found on the computers.  The child pornography included prepubescent children ranging from 2 to 12 years of age involved in sexual and sadomasochistic conduct.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg expressed her appreciation to the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Nebraska State Patrol for their investigation. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Nebraska - U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that the District of Nebraska collected $4,588,507.19 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2013.  Of this amount, $2,356,773.53 was collected in criminal actions and $2,231,733.66 was collected in civil actions. 

              The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

              The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Education.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Nebraska, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,168,854 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2013. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.              

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Paul Rosberg, age 63, of Wausa, Nebraska, was convicted of the Sale of Misbranded Meat, a felony.  Senior United States District Judge Richard Kopf sentenced Rosberg to eighteen months imprisonment, a term of supervised release of one year and imposed a fine of $8,450. 

            In October of 2011 Rosberg while owner of Nebraska Finest Meats, a meat locker in Randolph, Nebraska, supplied the Omaha Public School system with approximately 2,650 pounds of ground beef certifying that the meat was federally inspected when in fact it was not inspected. Agents of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) were able to intercept all of the uninspected meat before it was served to the student population.

The case was investigated by the USDA Office of Inspector General with the assistance of the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Christopher J. Tierney was sentenced on December 23, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp to a term of probation of three years.  Mr. Tierney was also ordered to pay a fine of $15,000.00.   Mr. Tierney pled guilty on August 19, 2013, to one count of conspiracy to use facilities in interstate commerce in aid of a racketeering enterprise, that is, a business enterprise involving prostitution, and to induce travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in prostitution.

Starting in approximately April of 2008 and continuing to January of 2012 Tierney assisted in the operation of three “spas” in Omaha, Nebraska.  The spas had different names over time, but were frequently referred to as the 93rd Street Spa, the 72nd Street Spa and the It Works Spa.  Each spa was, in fact, a front for prostitution

Tierney provided computer and electronic services for the spas.  He set up a spa website accessible over the internet.  The website advertised available services and contact information.  He also upgraded the website to include a “Members Only” section.  Established customers of the spas could access a “Members Only” section of the website to read about the female workers providing services and view provocative pictures of them.   Tierney conducted “photo shoots” of workers for inclusion in the “Members Only” section of the website.  The website also allowed customers to communicate with the spas by e-mail and to set up appointments online.  Tierney also participated in “sessions” with workers during which he received sex acts in exchange for money.

In addition to setting up the website for the spas, Tierney set up and maintained surveillance cameras at the 93rd Street Spa and later at the 72nd Street Spa.  Using those cameras and the internet, Tierney and others could remotely monitor what was occurring inside and outside the 72nd Street Spa.

Tierney also created and upgraded a computerized record keeping and management system, entitled “Spa Manager.”  The Spa Manager system generated text messages to workers’ cell phones to notify them of appointments for which they had been scheduled.  The Spa Manager system also tracked various data related to the spas’ operation. 

On December 20, 2013, Israel Dewayne Mileage, age 22,of Lincoln, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.  Following the prison sentence, Mileage will serve four years on supervised release.  He was also ordered to forfeit $209 in cash to the United States.

On April 10, 2013, a U.S. Postal Inspector went to Mileage’s Lincoln apartment to deliver a package which had been identified as suspicious.  When contacted by the Postal Inspector, Mileage said he was expecting the package and said it contained shoes.  Mileage eventually admitted he was not the person to whom the package was addressed.  After obtaining permission from the person to whom the package was addressed, the Postal Inspector opened the package and found two pairs of shoes.  Inside the shoes were two bags containing a total of 54.5 grams of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.  Mileage was arrested and was found in possession of   $209 in cash.  A search warrant was obtained for Mileage’s apartment.  During the search,   officers found a digital scale containing cocaine base residue in the kitchen; a small amount of marijuana in the living room; and a loaded pistol in Mileage’s bedroom.

This case was investigated by the Postal Inspection Service and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.

On December 20, 2013, Michael James Sands, age 35 of Lincoln, was sentenced to six months in prison, (time-served), for escape.  On June 13, 2013, Sands failed to return as scheduled from a job site to a work release facility in Hastings, Nebraska, where he was serving a sentence for violation of supervised release following an earlier federal prison term for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  Sands returned to the Hastings facility approximately 24 hours late.  He was arrested on the escape charge on June 20, 2013, and has remained in custody since that date.  Sands will serve an additional one year on supervised release after completing the prison term.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced today that following a 3 day trial in United States District Court, a jury found James B. Haugh, age 57, guilty of receiving and distributing child pornography. Haugh, a resident of Grand Island, Nebraska, faces imprisonment of at least 5 years and a maximum of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release after imprisonment of at least 5 years and a maximum life term of supervision. In addition, United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard ordered that the property used to commit the crime be forfeited to the United States.   

Haugh came to the attention of investigators of the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office through a proactive investigation conducted by the Nebraska Attorney General into the receipt and distribution of child pornography through file sharing software.  Investigators used automated software to determine that a computer utilizing a specific IP address was sharing child pornography through the Internet.

The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant on December 28, 2012, at Haugh’s residence in Grand Island, Nebraska.  A forensic examination of a computer and other storage media seized at the residence revealed numerous videos child pornography that had been received and distributed between January 3, 2009 and December 28, 2013.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Tammy Schuck was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp to 33 months imprisonment.  Ms. Schuck was also ordered to pay a forfeiture judgment of $235,213.88, representing proceeds and facilitating property of the offenses.  Ms. Schuck will also be placed on five years of supervised release following her release from incarceration. 

Ms. Schuck pled guilty to conspiracy to promote a prostitution enterprise and to induce interstate travel to engage in prostitution; inducing or attempting to induce interstate travel to engage in prostitution; and a conspiracy to launder money.  She also admitted a forfeiture allegation. 

Starting in approximately April 2008, and continuing to in or about January 2012, Ms. Schuck operated three “spas” in Omaha, Nebraska.  Each of the spas was, in fact, a front for prostitution.  The majority of customers received sex acts from workers, rather than legitimate spa services, in exchange for money.  Ms. Schuck and other workers had “sessions” with customers during which they provided sex acts in exchange for money.  Some customers traveled to the spas from Iowa and from other states to obtain sex acts for money.   Customers paid a “door fee” depending on the length of the session and negotiated a separate “tip” with the workers for the sex act. 

Ms. Schuck placed advertisements for the spas on the internet.  Ms. Schuck also helped create a website for the spas accessible over the internet, and periodically updated the website.  Established customers could access a “Members Only” section of the website to read about the female workers providing services and view provocative pictures of them

During the time when Ms. Schuck owned and managed the spas, there were an overall total of more than twenty workers providing commercial sex acts.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg stated, “This defendant and her conspirators victimized dozens of women over a number of years.  The United States Attorney’s Office, in cooperation with State and federal agencies, will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute cases of human trafficking in all its forms.”

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Dennis Lewis, age 43 of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced for transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.  The Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Lewis to 10 years in prison.  After his release from prison Lewis will begin a 5 year term of supervised release.   

For approximately one year, Lewis was communicating with 14 year old from the Bellevue area that he had met on Facebook.  In April of this year the volume of Facebook communications and text messaging increased.  The content of a lot of the communication was sexual in nature.  This case culminated when Lewis drove to the Bellevue area, picked up that minor and transported that minor to Tulsa for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse.  He was arrested by the Tulsa Police Department prior to any sexual intercourse occurring. 

The case was prosecuted as a part of Project Safe Childhood.  Project Safe Childhood is an initiative of the United States Department of Justice designed to protect children from individuals who would exploit them online or offline and includes individuals who travel in interstate commerce and fail to register as sex offenders as required by law.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.