A lock ( FBI says it has taken down western Nebraska drug trafficking operation The patrol says the search turned up nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana concealed inside cardboard boxes marked as electronics and other items. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Lock Gilg and other law enforcement officials will announce details of the operation on Friday morning in North Platte. (Photo by Bill Kelly, NET News). The Grand Island Police Department and Hall County Sheriffs Department were among 29 law enforcement agencies that worked on one of the largest drug busts in Nebraska history. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Have a question about Government Services? Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Departments past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. State troopers have found a massive load of marijuana worth about $5 million in a disabled commercial truck on Interstate 80 in south-central Nebraska. Omaha NE 68102, Omaha:(402) 661-3700 Milan Alexander, 42, who maintains residences in both Joplin and Webb City, was charged in a four-count . Everyone loves a parade, especially when you are robbing a bank. By Bill Kelly , Senior Producer/Reporter Nebraska Public Media. The charges allege a firearms conspiracy; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act); drug trafficking crimes; and multiple charges of possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking crimes. We will continue to investigate, arrest, and charge violent gang members who terrorize our community. Have a question about Government Services? Please subscribe to keep reading. Feb 24, 2016 Updated Sep 3, 2020. An official website of the United States government. All arrests were made without incident. Kelly added, Federal statutes provide effective tools to combat violent crimes involving firearms and the cooperation of all levels of law enforcement, as here, will keep our communities safe., After todays arrests, FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, Protecting the public from violent criminals is a fundamental core of the FBI's mission. Seven from Panhandle indicted in 'one of the largest drug busts in A locked padlock The individuals received federal indictments for distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. There was a problem saving your notification. On the states south central border, residents of Blue Hill, in Webster County (population 915), told a reporter from NTV a local auto detailing shop was raided by FBI agents and sheriffs deputies. 1620 Dodge St, Suite 1400 United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced federal criminal charges against 12 members of the No Name Demons Gang in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska law enforcement agencies involved in the operation and investigation also included the Central City Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol. I welcome news tips! United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Darrel B. Twombly, 40, of Bayport, Minnesota, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, to 15 years and eight months for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture, 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and an unspecified amount of heroin by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard. . United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Derrick Lloyd, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. =-=-= Follow Jeff on Twitteror onFacebook=-=-=. 2020 (875) 2019 (939) 2018 (840) 2017 (911) 2016 (877) 2015 (921) 2014 (843) 2013 (840) 2012 (303) 2011 (847) 2008 (10) 2007 (18) . (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The coordination and cooperation in this investigation is a tremendous tribute to the selfless dedication we see time and time again with our law enforcement agencies. The trooper later became suspicious that the truck was involved in criminal activity, and it was towed to a patrol office in Lexington and searched. The Panhandle's WING drug task force was among those honored Tuesday in North Platte for its role in a drug bust dubbed the "largest drug bust in Nebraska history." The task force was recognized . ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. A lock ( The Omaha office of the FBI coordinated the sweep. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nebraska, Twelve Lincoln Gang Members Indicted in Violent Crime and Firearms Conspiracy, Omaha Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Felon In Possession of Ammunition, Omaha Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Firearms and Methamphetamine Charges, Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Twelve Lincoln Gang Members Indicted In Violent Crime and Firearms Conspiracy. Updated: 12:18 PM CDT Aug 17, 2020 State troopers have found a massive load of marijuana worth about $5 million in a disabled commercial truck on Interstate 80 in south-central Nebraska. Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, alongside officers and investigators of the Lincoln Police Department, deputies from the United States Marshals Service, and deputies and investigators with the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office, executed a series of search warrants in connection with these charges earlier today and worked together to take these defendants into custody quickly and safely. Penalties range from 5 to 40 years in prison and fines that can reach into the millions of dollars. One investigator referred to the operation as a monster involving law enforcement agencies from 22 Nebraska counties, Colorado law enforcement, and federal agencies. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Col. Bradley Rice, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, said these arrests should be "a warning" to those dealing in drugs. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Austin Galvan, 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for felon in possession of ammunition. You can cancel at any time. The auto detailing shop in Blue Hill, Nebraska raided by the FBI this week. The first of 60 suspected meth dealers appeared in federal court in Omaha Friday following their arrest in a "groundbreaking" series of police raids in western Nebraska and Colorado. Teams of local and federal officers were deployed to locations across the region and arrests began at exactly the same time to reduce the chance those being pursued would warn one another. Two years ago, we were gathered in North Platte to honor many of these same law enforcement officers who were being recognized with an award from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Gilg added. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Socorro Alejandres Alvarez, 32, of Mexico, was sentenced today in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 9 months' incarceration for Conspiracy to . You have permission to edit this article. A year-long investigation . Colonel Bradley Rice, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, said he had never, never seen a roundup run so smoothly.. Constance Baasch, 68, of rural Grand Island, died on Feb. 28 from injuries suffered in October. Lincoln:(402) 437-5241. The patrol says the search turned up nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana concealed inside cardboard boxes marked as electronics and other items. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Legislature Nixes Food Benefits for Released Drug Offenders, Interdisciplinary Roundtable Seeks to Address Opioid Challenges, Federal Judge Allows Nebraska Execution To Move Forward. United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Raymond McGaugh, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha on February 22, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. Lets think of it as an octopus, Gilg said. Federal authorities and local law enforcement have completed the biggest drug sweep in Nebraska's history, U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg said Friday. The indictment alleges, as part of the firearms conspiracy, the defendants stole firearms, to include a .45 caliber Smith and Wesson Tactical Handgun that was used in a homicide earlier this year, and purchased weapons illegally in order to arm juvenile members of the gang. Suspects were brought to local jails for processing before being turned over to U.S. Marshalls for transport to Omaha for preliminary hearings in Federal District Court. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCCI-TV. Deborah R. Gilg, U.S. attorney for Nebraska, announced on Tuesday that 63 individuals have been indicted as part of a yearlong Department of Justice investigation into a methamphetamine conspiracy in central and western Nebraska and northeastern Colorado. While spread across a nearly 200-mile-wide area, nearly a third of those charged were concentrated in the North Platte area. The indictment was unsealed today and appearances by the defendants are scheduled to begin Monday, November 23, 2020, before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl R. Zwart in Lincoln. Colorado law enforcement agencies involved were the Denver office of the FBI, the Holyoke Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriffs Department and the U.S. attorneys office for the District of Colorado. Several were well known to local law enforcement with many previous drug-related arrests. U.S. Attorney of the Nebraska District Deb Gilg talks with the media at a news conference on the regional drug investigation Friday in North Platte. a local auto detailing shop was raided by FBI agents and sheriffs deputies. Glass, 47, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 9 months incarceration for Conspiracy to Commit Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law. We appreciate the focused work by so many talented and driven staff leading to the arrests.. You have to understand we are talking about pounds and pounds and pounds of meth that these people were moving, said the law enforcement officer, speaking anonymously because they did not have authorization to speak publicly. That HIDTA award, from a case which began in 2012, ironically spun off into this drug conspiracy involving this operation.. Over the past year investigators, using informants and confidential methods, were able to track the meth deliveries through four states as they made their way north from the Mexican production facilities into Colorado and Nebraska. Someone found the victim Sunday, the sheriff's office andHamilton County Attorney's Office said. State troopers have found a massive load of marijuana worth about $5 million in a disabled commercial truck on Interstate 80 in south-central Nebraska. Suspects have addresses in North Platte, Scottsbluff, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Lexington and Gibbon. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Environment and Natural Resources Division, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, Omaha Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Felon In Possession of Ammunition, Omaha Man Sentenced for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, February 2023 Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska, Omaha Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Firearms and Methamphetamine Charges, Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, North Platte Woman Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Crime, Omaha Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Gun Charges, Lexington Man Sentenced for Unlawful Firearm Possession, Omaha Man Sentenced For Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Minnesota Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Drugs, Former Dodge County Attorney Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation, Mexican Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. The defendants are alleged to have used the firearms not only to further their drug trafficking but also to commit robberies of individuals in Lincoln. Marshals Service and Webster County Sheriffs Department. On the states south central border, residents of Blue Hill, in Webster County (population 915). The charges announced today are a direct result of the hard work, successful cooperation, and seamless coordination amongst all of these state and federal law enforcement partners. Other entities taking part were the Alliance Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriffs Department, Cheyenne County Sheriffs Department, Cozad Police Department, Dawson County Sheriffs Department, Deuel County Sheriffs Department, Gering Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Kearney Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriffs Department, North Platte Police Department, Ogallala Police Department, Perkins County Sheriffs Department, Red Willow County Sheriffs Department, Scottsbluff Police Department, Scotts Bluff County Sheriffs Department, Sidney Police Department, U.S. Lock 1620 Dodge St, Suite 1400 {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Independent Contractor (Newspaper Carrier), Family believes rural Grand Island woman's death caused by assault; Hall County Sheriff's Department investigating, 49-year-old woman victim in Marquette homicide; husband arrested, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol investigate suspected homicide in Marquette, Omaha woman dies in Grand Island area crash, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Central City makes state for first time since 1947, Dead fish showing up at Grand Island's Pier Lake, Couple's love affair began at Grand Theatre, Hamilton County man arrested on suspicion of killing wife, Cheerleader, coach discuss solo performance, viral fame after Grand Island competition, State basketball: Centura overcomes early foul trouble, reaches state championship, Grand Island Imperial Palace Express moving to South Locust Street, Grand Island bank robbery | Murders and Mysteries podcast, Episode 4, Police arrest man after standoff at Grand Island church, Killing of the Peak family | Murders and Mysteries podcast, Episode 1, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza. Defendants are presumed innocent until evidence proves their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Jeff Bahr. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Eric D. Colclasure, 35, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. . Feds indict 60 in Nebraska's biggest-ever drug sweep, U.S. attorney says Read More. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Press Release. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Oliver J. (See the original story from NET News). Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana found in truck in Nebraska. U.S. Attorney of the Nebraska District Deb Gilg talks with the media at a news conference on the regional drug investigation Friday in North Platte. U.S. Attorney Kelly praised the efforts of the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Attorneys Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other agencies for coming together on this investigation and prosecution. 22, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. Today a violent gang has been dismantled. The logistics of the operation were epic. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Bath Par Kuol, 27, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. I am the Cops & Courts Reporter for the Grand Island Independent. Washington, D.C. Man Convicted After Nine-Day Trial for Use of a Firearm in Connection with a Murder and a Robbery, and for a Drug Distribution Conspiracy. So many individuals were arrested at least one bus had to be used to make the trip. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The Nebraska State Patrol says in a news release that the marijuana was found Saturday afternoon, when a trooper noticed a commercial box truck stopped on the shoulder of eastbound I-80 near Cozad and stopped to help. Engaging more than 1 million Nebraskans each month through television, radio, online and mobile platforms.Your support is essential! The Grand Island Police Department and Hall County Sheriff's Department were among 29 law enforcement agencies that worked on one of the . An Indictment is simply an accusation. Working closely with ourfederal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the Lincoln Safe Streets Gang Task Force has struck a major blow against violent gang activity in the Lincoln area. "Monster" drug bust in Nebraska fills busses with meth dealer suspects February 21, 2023. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Claude Parker, 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 17, 2023, in federal court in Omaha for Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Lincoln:(402) 437-5241. News FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation Editor's Note: This story was updated Friday 2/26/16 at 1:50 p.m. CT. Get the latest from around Nebraska delivered to your inbox. Asked whether there will be a long-term impact on drug sales in the state, Col. Rice told reporters these arrests should be a warning to anyone who tries to come in and take their place.. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. United States Attorney Steven A. Russell announced that Raymond McGaugh, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha on February 22, 2023, for Possession with Intent to United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Thomas Costanza, 52, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for possession of a firearm by a felon. Connecting Nebraska through PBS, NPR and original content for nearly 70 years. An official website of the United States government. North Platte Police Chief Mike Swain told reporters his department began to see a growing problem with drug trafficking in the community several years ago and reached out to other agencies for assistance. NORTH PLATTE, Neb. NET News previously reported on a series of arrests by federal and state authorities that laid the groundwork for this week's massive operation. The charges allege a firearms conspiracy; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act); drug trafficking crimes; and multiple charges of possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking crimes. The list of those arrested, including 4 on state level charges, were made public at a press conference in North Platte Friday morning.