Susan T. Lehr, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska
Denise Penke, a 52-year-old resident of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court for the transfer or sale of a firearm to a prohibited person. The announcement came from United States Attorney Susan Lehr on February 6, 2025. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. handed down the sentence of time served, which amounted to five days. Following her release, Penke will serve a three-year term of supervised release.
The incident leading to Penke's sentencing occurred on January 4, 2023. A cooperating individual working with law enforcement purchased a Glock 43 9mm pistol from Penke at an Omaha residence. The transaction was both audio and video recorded. During the exchange, the cooperator mentioned being a felon—a statement captured by the recording that also showed Penke holding the handgun wrapped in a yellow rag. In a plea hearing, Penke acknowledged her awareness that the cooperator was a convicted felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation into this case.
