United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced on July 23 that the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 20 unsealed indictments charging 21 defendants. The indictments include charges ranging from possession of child pornography and failure to register as a sex offender, to drug distribution offenses and immigration violations.
The announcement states, “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.” Among those charged are Steven R. Harper and Scott Wellensiek of Omaha for possession of child pornography with prior convictions; Diego J. Vigil for failure to register as a sex offender; Jose Alfredo Sandoval-Huitzil, Aaron Torres, Joel Lopez-Franco, Jermaine Lewis, Peter Lam, and Trong Tran on various drug-related charges including methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution; as well as multiple individuals charged with illegal reentry into the United States after deportation or following felony convictions.
Penalties upon conviction vary by charge but include possible imprisonment ranging from two years up to life, fines up to $10 million depending on the offense, terms of supervised release spanning several years or up to life, and special assessments of $100 per count.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska prosecutes federal crimes and handles civil cases for the U.S. government while working with law enforcement agencies across Nebraska to protect residents. The office uses facilities in both Omaha’s federal courthouse and Lincoln’s federal building while serving the entire state through coordinated efforts aimed at public safety enhancement, according to the official website.
The office also collaborates closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in its mission to advance community well-being throughout Nebraska, according to the official website.