United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 26 indictments charging 30 defendants. 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.
* Tomas Barrios-Samaniego is charged with being an alien illegally in the United States in possession of a firearm, to wit: a Walther P22.22 caliber firearm. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of up to 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Cesar Cabrera-Juarez, age 29, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about Dec. 19, 2012, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Larry K. Christiansen, age 33, and Michelle C. Christiansen, age 43, both of Omaha, are charged in a two count indictment. Count I alleges the defendants conspired together and with others beginning from an unknown date but at least as early as Jan. 1, 2010, and continuing to on or about Oct. 31, 2012, to manufacture and attempt to manufacture 100 or more marijuana plants. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II alleges that on or about Oct. 31, 2012, the defendants possessed with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of up to 20 years, a $1 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count III alleges that on or about Oct. 31, 2012, Larry K. Christiansen possessed a Black Rain Ordinance.223 caliber rifle, during, in relation to, and in furtherance of the drug trafficking offense alleged in Count II. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to life to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to:
a. $146,197.00 in United States currency;
b. 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500;
c. 2011 Cadillac SRX;
d. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette;
e. 2012 Harley Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy Motorcycle;
f. 2013 Harley Davidson FLS Softail Slim Motorcycle;
g. Eight 100 Troy Ounce silver bars;
h. Seventy-four 1 Troy Ounce silver round;
i. Five 10 Troy Ounce silver bars;
j. One 5 Troy Ounce silver bar;
k. Five 1 Troy Ounce silver bars;
l. Two 1 Troy Ounce gold American Buffalo gold coins;
m. One 1 Troy Ounce gold Canadian Maple Leaf gold coin;
n. Black Rain Ordinance.223 Caliber Rifle;
o. DPMS Panther Arms.223 Rifle;
p. Beretta CX4 Storm.45 cal Auto Machine Pistol;
q. Black Rain Ordinance Rifle;
r. Smith and Wesson MP-15 Rifle;
s. HK MR762A1 Rifle;
t. Lot 21, in Deer Creek, a Subdivision, locally known as 7361 North 122nd Avenue Circle, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska; and
u. Lot 134, Pine Creek, a Subdivision, locally known as 16221 Young Street, Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska, seized on Oct. 31, 2012, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Randy Lee Contreras, age 35, and Veronica Contreras, age 25, both of Culbertson, Nebraska, are charged with conspiring together and with others to possess and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine beginning on or about November 2012, and continuing to on or about December 7, 2012. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* John R. Creel, Sr., age 59, of Omaha, is charged with failure to register as a Sex Offender in the State of Nebraska from on or about October 2012 through January 2013. The maximum penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, a term of supervised release for life, and a special assessment of $100.
* John Harvey Deming, age 26, of Sioux City, Iowa, is charged with Assault in the Third Degree. On or about March 23, 2012, Deming assaulted and caused bodily injury to an Indian female minor within the boundaries of the Omaha Indian Reservation. The maximum penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 6 months, a $1,000 fine, supervised release for 1 year, and a special assessment of $10.
* Jeremy David Evans, age 30, of Carol Stream, Illinois, is charged with bank robbery of Bank of the West, 7910 Cass Street, Omaha, Nebraska, on or about Oct. 10, 2012, in the amount of approximately $11,340. The maximum possible penalty, if convicted, includes 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Matthew David Fell, age 29, of Waterloo, Iowa, is charged in a two-count indictment. Counts I and II charge that on or about June 18, 2012, and June 25, 2012, respectively, Fell made threats via the mail to kill unspecified individuals and to unlawfully damage real and personal property. The maximum possible penalty for each Count includes imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Ismael Francisco-Francisco, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about Dec. 17, 2012, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Christi Leigh Freemont, age 30, of Winnebago, Nebraska, is charged in a one-count Indictment with embezzlement from an Indian tribe. From on or about Jan. 1, 2012, and continuing to on or about June 4, 2012, Freemont, an employee of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, embezzled more than $1,000 for her own use from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. The maximum penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000, supervised release of 3 years, and a special assessment of $100.
* Troy Gee, age 34, of Omaha, is charged in a 15 count indictment. Count I alleges that on or about Sept. 27, 2012, the defendant distributed 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Counts II through VII allege that on or about Aug. 24, 2012, the defendant sold an individual an H&R Topper 12 gauge break open shotgun (Count II), a Remington Fieldmaster 572.22 caliber rifle (Count III), a Remington Wingmaster 870 12 gauge shotgun (Count IV), a Ruger 10/22.22 caliber semi-automatic rifle (Count V), a Squires Bingham Squibman 20A.22 caliber semi-automatic rifle (Count VI), and a Baikal Russia, imported by EAA, MP-153 12/89 (Count VII), knowing the individual had previously been convicted of a felony. The maximum possible penalty for each count includes imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts VIII through XI allege that on or about September 5, 2012, the defendant sold an individual a Harrington and Richardson model 349 Gamemaster 12 gauge bolt action shotgun (Count VIII), a Remington model 1100 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun (Count IX), and two Arisaka bolt action rifles (Counts X and XI), knowing the individual had previously been convicted of a felony. The maximum possible penalty for each count includes imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts XII through XIV allege that on or about Sept. 27, 2012, the defendant sold an individual a DPMS model A15.233 caliber semi-automatic rifle (Count XII), a Taurus model PT740 slim.40 caliber semi-automatic pistol (Count XIII) and a Colt model Diamondback.38 caliber revolver (Count XIV), knowing the individual had been previously convicted of a felony. The maximum possible penalty for each count includes imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count XV alleges that on or about Oct. 25, 2012, the defendant possessed a Romarm Cugir/WASR 10/63 UF 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle from which the serial number had been removed, altered and obliterated. The maximum possible penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Ilman Jose Gonzalez-Davila, age 29, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm on or about Dec. 31, 2012. The penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, followed by a term of supervised release of 3 years, and a special assessment of $100. Count II alleges that on or about Dec. 31, 2012, Gonzalez-Davila was in possession of an unregistered firearm. The penalty for this count includes imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $10,000, followed by a term of supervised release of 3 years, and a special assessment of $100.
* Gabriel Gonzalez-De La Cruz, age 38, of Columbus, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about Jan. 1, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Floyd Victor Johnson, age 21, of Niobrara, Nebraska, is charged with sexual abuse of a minor sometime between on or about April 1, 2011, and on or about May 15, 2011, within the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation. The maximum penalty includes imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of $250,000, supervised release for life, and a $100 special assessment.
* Tyler Joseph Keup, age 29, of North Platte, Nebraska, is charged in a two count indictment. Count I alleges that beginning on or about Oct. 1, 2012, and continuing until on or about Nov. 25, 2012, the defendant conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II alleges that on or about Nov. 2, 2012, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
* Moises Mendez-Coti, age 30, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about Feb. 3, 2013, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Isidro Ortiz, Jr., age 33, is charged in a three count indictment. Count I alleges that beginning on or about Oct. 1, 2012, and continuing until on or about Nov. 25, 2012, the defendant conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II alleges that on or about Nov. 2, 2012, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count III alleges that on or about Nov. 19, 2012, the defendant, having previously been convicted of a felony, was in possession of three firearms: a Winchester, model 1400, 12 gauge shotgun, a Smith and Wesson SW40VE,.40 caliber pistol, and a Jimenez Arms J.A. NINE, 9mm pistol. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violations alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to $2,000.00 in United States currency seized on Nov. 19, 2012, from the purse of Angel Benitez and $770 in United States currency seized from Angel Benitez on Nov. 1, 2012, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Troy M. Ortmeier, age 45, of West Point, Nebraska, is charged with four counts of wire fraud from on or about July 2, 2008, to on or about Sept. 1, 2011. It is alleged that Ortmeier, Manager of Ortmeier & Associates under a Broker-Sales Associate Contract and a Real Estate Broker, paid himself from the Real Estate Trust Account and from the Operating Account, monies to which he was not entitled, in addition to his commissions and monthly payment which were legitimate payments to himself from Ortmeier & Associates. Ortmeier made false entries in Ortmeier & Associates’ electronic bookkeeping system to conceal the unauthorized payments. Ortmeier also sent falsified Reconciliation Detail Reports to the owners of Ortmeier & Associates. The maximum possible penalty for each of these counts includes imprisonment of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges property used or intended to be used as part of these violations should be forfeited to the United States.
* Sergio Arturo Portillo-Lujan, age 30, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about Dec. 11, 2012, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jairo Rodriguez, age 27, who was previously convicted of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, a felony, is charged with being in possession of a firearm, to wit: a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard.380 handgun and.380 ammunition on or about February 8, 2013. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment for 10 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jhonatan Roman-Heredia, age 24, Virgilio Roman-Chadez, age 48, and Gonzalo Arredondo-Sicairos, age 27, of Omaha, are charged in a four count indictment. Count I alleges that beginning from an unknown date but at least as early as Jan. 1, 2012, and continuing to on or about February 8, 2013, the defendants conspired together and with others to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Counts II, III, and IV allege that on or about Jan. 17, 29, and February 5, 2013, Gonzalo Arredondo-Sicairos distributed 5 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty for each count includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained by Jhonatan Roman-Heredia and Virgilio Roman-Chaidez, directly or indirectly as a result of the violations alleged in the indictment, including but not limited to $113,817.00 in United States currency seized on February 8, 2013, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Valentin Saenz-Tarrango, age 28, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about Jan. 31, 2013, after deportation or removal. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 2 years, a $250,000 fine, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Christopher S. Stevens, age 51, of Omaha, is charged with theft of funds from the United States Social Security Administration beginning on or about March 18, 2007, and up to and including May 16, 2012, by receiving Supplemental Security Income in the amount of approximately $43,722. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, supervised release of 3 years, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Suarez-Estrada, age 46, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States on or about February 8, 2013, following deportation as a felon. The maximum possible penalty if convicted includes imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Gustavo Armenta Trujillo, also known as Gustavo Trujillo Armenta, also known as Gustabo Trujillo Armenta, also known as Gustavo Armenta-Trujillo, also known as Carlos Mendoza-Armenta, also known as Marcos Armenta Valdez, also known as Miguel Carasco Perez, also known as Miguel Contreras Perez, age 41, of Lincoln, is charged in a two count indictment. Count I alleges that on or about Jan. 28, 2013, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years, a $5 million fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II alleges that on or about Jan. 28, 2013, the defendant who had previously been excluded from the United States following a conviction for an aggravated felony, to wit: possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, was found in the United States. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 20 years, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in Count I of the indictment, including but not limited to $697.00 in United States currency seized from the defendant on or about Jan. 28, 2013, should be forfeited to the United States.
* Eduardo Valenzuela-Nunez, also known as Eden Mora-Castro, also known as Damien Palacios, also known as Lalo, also known as Gordo, also known as Viejon, age 34, is charged in a two count indictment. Count I alleges that beginning on or about Dec. 1, 2009, and continuing to on or about Nov. 27, 2012, the defendant conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million dollar fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Count II alleges that on or about October 4, 2012, the defendant distributed 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The maximum possible penalty includes imprisonment of not less than 10 years and up to life, a $10 million dollar fine, a 5 year term of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
