U.S. Attorney Susan T. Lehr | U.S. Department of Justice
Joey G. Romero, a 37-year-old resident of North Platte, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. The sentencing took place on December 12, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska, with United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis presiding over the case. Following his prison term, Romero will serve a five-year supervised release period.
The conspiracy, which spanned from July 2022 to February 2023, involved Romero and others distributing methamphetamine in the North Platte area. Law enforcement conducted multiple controlled buys and executed search warrants during this time. A Confidential Informant (CI) made purchases from each member of the group, including Romero.
In July and August 2022, the CI completed five controlled buys from Romero and Jamie Hopkins. These transactions resulted in the purchase of 26 grams of methamphetamine and 10 pills that tested positive for meth and fentanyl.
Three additional informants also provided information about Romero's activities within the drug operation.
Romero is not the only one facing consequences for these activities. Luke Schwartz received a sentence of 120 months on August 22, 2024, while Jamie Hopkins was sentenced to the same term on October 17, 2024. Michael Stroble's case remains pending as he maintains his innocence until proven guilty in court.
The investigation was led by the CODE Task Force comprising various law enforcement agencies across a 22-county region in west-central/southwest Nebraska. This includes participation from local police departments such as North Platte and Lexington Police Departments; county sheriff’s offices like Dawson County; and federal agencies including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
