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. 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. Lincoln:(402) 437-5241. We appreciate the focused work by so many talented and driven staff leading to the arrests.. 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. Nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana found in truck in Nebraska. =-=-= Follow Jeff on Twitteror onFacebook=-=-=. We cut off some tentacles.. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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 Grand Island Police Department and Hall County Sheriff's Department were among 29 law enforcement agencies that worked on one of the . 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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. Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for drug trafficking and illegally possessing firearms. 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. I welcome news tips! saved Bragg's life in the October 2020 crash on Nebraska . Milan Alexander, 42, who maintains residences in both Joplin and Webb City, was charged in a four-count . 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. 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. Several were well known to local law enforcement with many previous drug-related arrests. Federal authorities and local law enforcement have completed the biggest drug sweep in Nebraska's history, U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg said Friday. Someone found the victim Sunday, the sheriff's office andHamilton County Attorney's Office said. 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. An official website of the United States government. United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Oliver J. 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. One investigator referred to the operation as a monster involving law enforcement agencies from 22 Nebraska counties, Colorado law enforcement, and federal agencies. Official websites use .gov 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. That operation was reportedly run out of a ranch house south of Big Springs, Nebraska just off the intersection of Interstates 80 and 76. Omaha NE 68102, Omaha:(402) 661-3700 (See the original story from NET News). United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced federal criminal charges against 12 members of the No Name Demons Gang in Lincoln, Nebraska. 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. Engaging more than 1 million Nebraskans each month through television, radio, online and mobile platforms.Your support is essential! 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. Official websites use .gov Some of the charged defendants, if convicted, face up to life in federal prison. A series of previous arrests stretching over the last three years brought on even more leads culminating in the police sweep this week. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. Lincoln, NEB. So many individuals were arrested at least one bus had to be used to make the trip. 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. By Bill Kelly , Senior Producer/Reporter Nebraska Public Media. A western Nebraska drug trafficking operation was dismantled by a joint law enforcement operation last week, according to the FBI. The patrol says the search turned up nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana concealed inside cardboard boxes marked as electronics and other items. . This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justices signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Jeff Bahr. 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.. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Marshals Service and Webster County Sheriffs Department. 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. Press Release. Lincoln:(402) 437-5241. Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. to 9 months' incarceration for Conspiracy to . The patrol says the search turned up nearly 2,300 pounds of marijuana concealed inside cardboard boxes marked as electronics and other items. Other defendants face up to 60 years in federal prison if convicted of their charges. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCCI-TV. NORTH PLATTE, Neb. 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. Lock An Indictment is simply an accusation. Legislature Nixes Food Benefits for Released Drug Offenders, Interdisciplinary Roundtable Seeks to Address Opioid Challenges, Federal Judge Allows Nebraska Execution To Move Forward. A lock ( 1620 Dodge St, Suite 1400 While spread across a nearly 200-mile-wide area, nearly a third of those charged were concentrated in the North Platte area. NET News previously reported on a series of arrests by federal and state authorities that laid the groundwork for this week's massive operation. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). 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. 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. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Lincoln man after a hit and run crash led to a pursuit in north Lincoln. 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. 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. 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. That HIDTA award, from a case which began in 2012, ironically spun off into this drug conspiracy involving this operation.. We will continue to investigate, arrest, and charge violent gang members who terrorize our community. 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. Nebraska law enforcement agencies involved in the operation and investigation also included the Central City Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol. 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 defendants are alleged to have used the firearms not only to further their drug trafficking but also to commit robberies of individuals in Lincoln. {{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. Gilg and other law enforcement officials will announce details of the operation on Friday morning in North Platte. 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. 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 Joe Kelly announced federal criminal charges against 12 members of the No Name Demons Gang in Lincoln, Nebraska. 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. 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. All arrests were made without incident. 1620 Dodge St, Suite 1400 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. 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. 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 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. 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. Everyone loves a parade, especially when you are robbing a bank. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Feb 24, 2016 Updated Sep 3, 2020. 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. Lock Please subscribe to keep reading. 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. 22, 2023, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Defendants are presumed innocent until evidence proves their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. Connecting Nebraska through PBS, NPR and original content for nearly 70 years. Dean Elliott said. (Photo by Bill Kelly, NET News). Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading.