Defendants are presumed innocent until evidence proves their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. As of Friday afternoon, seven people were still at large. 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. All arrests were made without incident. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. This 50-year-old cold case has yet to be solved. 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. One investigator referred to the operation as a monster involving law enforcement agencies from 22 Nebraska counties, Colorado law enforcement, and federal agencies. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian. Someone found the victim Sunday, the sheriff's office andHamilton County Attorney's Office said. We will continue to investigate, arrest, and charge violent gang members who terrorize our community. 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. Today a violent gang has been dismantled. 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. Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 9 months' incarceration for Conspiracy to . Engaging more than 1 million Nebraskans each month through television, radio, online and mobile platforms.Your support is essential! Col. Bradley Rice, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, said these arrests should be "a warning" to those dealing in drugs. 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. =-=-= Follow Jeff on Twitteror onFacebook=-=-=. All are in custody without incident. Sources involved in aspects of the investigation confirmed to NET News the arrests are an outgrowth of an operation nicknamed Mexican Seafood stretching back to 2012 when two individuals arrested for selling marijuana provided information about methamphetamine dealers in western Nebraska and northeast Colorado. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. While spread across a nearly 200-mile-wide area, nearly a third of those charged were concentrated in the North Platte area. 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. So many individuals were arrested at least one bus had to be used to make the trip. Legislature Nixes Food Benefits for Released Drug Offenders, Interdisciplinary Roundtable Seeks to Address Opioid Challenges, Federal Judge Allows Nebraska Execution To Move Forward. 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. While only a small amount of meth was found in the possession on the day of their arrest, Gilg cautioned that should not be seen as an indication of the volume of drugs these suspects are accused of moving through the region, calling it only a snapshot on a single day.. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Lock 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. The patrol says the search turned up nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana concealed inside cardboard boxes marked as electronics and other items. 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. This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justices signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. A locked padlock Nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana found in truck in Nebraska. An official website of the United States government. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Lincoln man after a hit and run crash led to a pursuit in north Lincoln. 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. This is an incredible effort involving nearly 30 law enforcement agencies, Gilg said in a news release. These communities developed solutions. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCCI-TV. (Courtesy NBC Nebraska). 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. Jeff Bahr. 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. A series of previous arrests stretching over the last three years brought on even more leads culminating in the police sweep this week. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Lock Constance Baasch, 68, of rural Grand Island, died on Feb. 28 from injuries suffered in October. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 26 unsealed Indictments charging 28 defendants. . A lock ( That operation was reportedly run out of a ranch house south of Big Springs, Nebraska just off the intersection of Interstates 80 and 76. 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. That HIDTA award, from a case which began in 2012, ironically spun off into this drug conspiracy involving this operation.. Have a question about Government Services? The Grand Island Police Department and Hall County Sheriff's Department were among 29 law enforcement agencies that worked on one of the . 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. The patrol says the search turned up nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana concealed inside cardboard boxes marked as electronics and other items. A western Nebraska drug trafficking operation was dismantled by a joint law enforcement operation last week, according to the FBI. Official websites use .gov 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. 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. 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. saved Bragg's life in the October 2020 crash on Nebraska . Jeff Bahr. Grand Island police officers surrounded the church., which is at 422 W. Second St. Connecting Nebraska through PBS, NPR and original content for nearly 70 years. a local auto detailing shop was raided by FBI agents and sheriffs deputies. Federal authorities and local law enforcement have completed the biggest drug sweep in Nebraska's history, U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg said Friday. 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. NET News previously reported on a series of arrests by federal and state authorities that laid the groundwork for this week's massive operation. 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. We cut off some tentacles.. 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. Have a question about Government Services? ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. The federal government isn't actually measuring how inflation is hurting rural America, Participation in girls basketball is declining, creating challenges for some Nebraska teams, Getting around rural America without a car is hard. 1620 Dodge St, Suite 1400 Lets think of it as an octopus, Gilg said. 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. Gilg and other law enforcement officials will announce details of the operation on Friday morning in North Platte. I welcome news tips! 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. 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 . An Arizona man who was driving the truck was arrested. Nebraska law enforcement agencies involved in the operation and investigation also included the Central City Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol. 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. One of largest drug busts in Nebraska history announced. (See the original story from NET News). Milan Alexander, 42, who maintains residences in both Joplin and Webb City, was charged in a four-count . On the states south central border, residents of Blue Hill, in Webster County (population 915). The auto detailing shop in Blue Hill, Nebraska raided by the FBI this week. 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. Omaha NE 68102, Omaha:(402) 661-3700 Feb 24, 2016 Updated Sep 3, 2020. . 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. Penalties range from 5 to 40 years in prison and fines that can reach into the millions of dollars. I am the Cops & Courts Reporter for the Grand Island Independent. February 21, 2023. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Some of the charged defendants, if convicted, face up to life in federal prison. 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. 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. 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. Lincoln:(402) 437-5241. 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. 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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. We appreciate the focused work by so many talented and driven staff leading to the arrests.. By Bill Kelly , Senior Producer/Reporter Nebraska Public Media. 22, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. You can cancel at any time. Putting these suspects in jail, he said, certainly impacted the safety of the citizens of North Platte for the better. A year-long investigation . 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. 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. Official websites use .gov 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.. . 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. Several were well known to local law enforcement with many previous drug-related arrests. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. An official website of the United States government. Lincoln, NEB. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website.