On Aug. 9, 55 individuals in Omaha, Neb. were charged with federal and state crimes including illegal firearm possession, drug trafficking and other offenses. Over 100 law enforcement officers and agents executed arrest warrants as a result of a seven-month investigation targeting violent crime in Omaha.
Law enforcement agents and officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) Special Response Team, Omaha Police Department's Emergency Response Unit and the Metro Fugitive Task Force made the arrests. The arrests result from an investigation by a newly formed firearms task force between ATF and the Omaha Police Department tasked with reducing violent crime in the greater Omaha area.
Approximately 70 firearms were seized during the investigation and nearly $50,000 worth of illegal drugs including PCP, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana and prescription narcotics. In addition, the 55 defendants have a total of 2,637 previous contacts with law enforcement, 255 arrests, 52 felony convictions and 151 misdemeanor convictions.
"These arrests are the result of the hard work and dedication of ATF agents and the Omaha Police Department," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Michael P. Gleysteen. "Those who choose crime as a way of life should note that ATF will use every resource to find those who peddle in drugs and violence and remove them from the streets."
Many of the defendants face minimum prison sentences ranging from three to 10 years and maximum penalties of 20 years to life in prison. The federal defendants will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office.
"Today marks a significant step in ridding our community of felons, firearms and drugs but there is still much work to do," said United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska Deborah R. Gilg. "The joint federal/local task force members are to be commended for their outstanding work."
