Susan T. Lehr, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska
Robert Burkhardt, a 56-year-old resident of Grand Island, Nebraska, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. The sentencing took place on February 19, 2025, in Omaha's federal court under Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Following his imprisonment, Burkhardt will undergo a three-year term of supervised release.
The case dates back to January 30, 2024, when co-conspirators Jolene Armentrout and Lonnie Mason traveled from Omaha to Los Angeles to purchase methamphetamine. Meanwhile, Burkhardt and Stephanie Cummings drove Mason’s car from Omaha to Las Vegas. In Las Vegas, they met with Armentrout and Mason before the latter two flew back to Nebraska.
Armentrout and Burkhardt continued their journey to California to collect the methamphetamine bought by Armentrout and Mason. They returned with it to Nebraska on February 4, 2024. Law enforcement intercepted them during a traffic stop where they discovered the drugs hidden in a compartment within the vehicle.
Stephanie Cummings pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and is awaiting sentencing on April 9, 2025. Jolene Armentrout also pled guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on March 19, 2025. Lonnie Mason pled guilty as well and will be sentenced on May 7, 2025.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration alongside the Omaha Police Department as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. This program aims at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening national security through collaborative efforts involving multiple agencies.
