United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Catherine Gibson, 45, of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for her role in a methamphetamine conspiracy. The Grand Island Police Department is part of the Central Nebraska Tri-Cities Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, which was involved in the joint operation. The list of those arrested, including 4 on state level charges, were made public at a press conference in North Platte Friday morning. 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. 22, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. 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. 1620 Dodge St, Suite 1400 2020 (184) 2019 (185) 2018 (133) 2017 (91) 2016 (116) 2015 (127 . . Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. A series of previous arrests stretching over the last three years brought on even more leads culminating in the police sweep this week. A locked padlock Nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana found in truck in Nebraska. 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. 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. Press Releases | DEA.gov 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. All arrests were made without incident. 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 Joe Kelly announced federal criminal charges against 12 members of the No Name Demons Gang in Lincoln, Nebraska. 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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. {{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. While all of those arrested will still face trial and are presumed innocent until found guilty, Gilg estimated more than 90 percent of the drug cases originating from a federal grand jury in the Omaha District have ended in guilty verdicts or plea agreements. The day before the raids more than 100 law enforcement officers gathered in a North Platte National Guard armory for a briefing on the mass raid. A year-long investigation . Several were well known to local law enforcement with many previous drug-related arrests. Defendants are presumed innocent until evidence proves their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The logistics of the operation were epic. Some of the charged defendants, if convicted, face up to life in federal prison. 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. News FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation 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. While there are no indications of a local presence of cartel representatives, and there was no large-scale coordination of controlling regional drug trafficking, law enforcement officials involved in the investigation say the arrests succeeded in smashing individual meth dealer groups in a number of communities. 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An official website of the United States government. Penalties range from 5 to 40 years in prison and fines that can reach into the millions of dollars. One of largest drug busts in Nebraska history announced. Dean Elliott said. . Milan Alexander, 42, who maintains residences in both Joplin and Webb City, was charged in a four-count . We appreciate the focused work by so many talented and driven staff leading to the arrests.. 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. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. 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. 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.. This case was primarily investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lincoln Police Department with operational assistance from the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office and the United States Marshals Service. 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. 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. 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. Lock 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The patrol says the search turned up nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana concealed inside cardboard boxes marked as electronics and other items. 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. Lincoln:(402) 437-5241. Other defendants face up to 60 years in federal prison if convicted of their charges. Engaging more than 1 million Nebraskans each month through television, radio, online and mobile platforms.Your support is essential! 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. 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. An official website of the United States government. FBI says it has taken down western Nebraska drug trafficking operation Jeff Bahr. 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. February 21, 2023. 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. 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. Federal authorities and local law enforcement have completed the biggest drug sweep in Nebraska's history, U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg said Friday. 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. The Omaha office of the FBI coordinated the sweep. Putting these suspects in jail, he said, certainly impacted the safety of the citizens of North Platte for the better. We will continue to investigate, arrest, and charge violent gang members who terrorize our community. As part of the operation, the Grand Island Police Departments tactical response team helped serve a warrant at a Grand Island residence on Tuesday morning, police Capt. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. I am the Cops & Courts Reporter for the Grand Island Independent. An Arizona man who was driving the truck was arrested. Press Release. The U.S. Attorney of the Nebraska District, Deb Gilg, referred to those taken into custody as a 'Whos Who' of major meth dealers in western Nebraska, likely supplied by drug cartels based in Mexico. 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. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 26 unsealed Indictments charging 28 defendants. 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. Omaha NE 68102, Omaha:(402) 661-3700 Our Safe Streets Task Force is committed tocreating a higher quality of life for all residents in Lincoln by eliminating the threat of gang violence., Lincoln Chief of Police Jeffrey Bliemeister stated, The collaborative efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies combined with the support of the citizens of Lincoln are critical to impacting violent crime. "Monster" drug bust in Nebraska fills busses with meth dealer suspects 1620 Dodge St, Suite 1400 Suspects have addresses in North Platte, Scottsbluff, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Lexington and Gibbon. 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. District of Nebraska | News | United States Department of Justice Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Lincoln man after a hit and run crash led to a pursuit in north Lincoln. 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. United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced federal criminal charges against 12 members of the No Name Demons Gang in Lincoln, Nebraska. 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. 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 lock ( Most of those arrested are charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, reflecting that evidence would show they are dealers of 50 grams or more when they dealt with undercover officers. Col. Bradley Rice, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, said these arrests should be "a warning" to those dealing in drugs. We cut off some tentacles.. While spread across a nearly 200-mile-wide area, nearly a third of those charged were concentrated in the North Platte area. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCCI-TV. saved Bragg's life in the October 2020 crash on Nebraska . Nebraska law enforcement agencies involved in the operation and investigation also included the Central City Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol. Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 9 months' incarceration for Conspiracy to . Have a question about Government Services? That HIDTA award, from a case which began in 2012, ironically spun off into this drug conspiracy involving this operation.. Official websites use .gov Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Everyone loves a parade, especially when you are robbing a bank. A western Nebraska drug trafficking operation was dismantled by a joint law enforcement operation last week, according to the FBI. 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. 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. The patrol says the search turned up nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana concealed inside cardboard boxes marked as electronics and other items. At least one of the 63 people indicted is a Grand Island resident, Elliott said. 2020 (875) 2019 (939) 2018 (840) 2017 (911) 2016 (877) 2015 (921) 2014 (843) 2013 (840) 2012 (303) 2011 (847) 2008 (10) 2007 (18) . Grand Island police officers surrounded the church., which is at 422 W. Second St. News | Nebraska State Patrol Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Official websites use .gov Lincoln:(402) 437-5241. 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian. 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. Lets think of it as an octopus, Gilg said. These communities developed solutions. 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. (See the original story from NET News). 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. At approximately 3:35 p.m. Sunday, a trooper was on patrol on 27th Street near Interstate 80 in Lincoln when he saw what appeared to be two vehicles that had just had a crash. =-=-= Follow Jeff on Twitteror onFacebook=-=-=. The operation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, also included investigators from the Cooperative Operation for Drug Enforcement Drug Task Force and the Western Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Group, as well as Colorado law enforcement authorities. You have permission to edit this article. One investigator referred to the operation as a monster involving law enforcement agencies from 22 Nebraska counties, Colorado law enforcement, and federal agencies. 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. 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. This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justices signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Jeff Bahr. Omaha NE 68102, Omaha:(402) 661-3700 (Courtesy NBC Nebraska). That operation was reportedly run out of a ranch house south of Big Springs, Nebraska just off the intersection of Interstates 80 and 76.