United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced on Mar. 24 that the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 14 unsealed indictments charging a total of 16 defendants with various offenses. These indictments are formal accusations, and all individuals named are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The cases include charges related to drug distribution, child pornography, firearm offenses, bank robbery, false representation of identity documents, and illegal reentry into the United States after removal or felony convictions. The announcement outlines the specific allegations and potential penalties for each defendant if convicted.
Among those indicted is Charlie Red of Hialeah, Florida, charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Jeffrey T. Ehlers of Lincoln faces two counts related to child pornography following a prior conviction; Giovany Alberto Gomez Aguilar from Texas is accused of aiding and abetting the sale or receipt of stolen vehicles; Pedro Jose Serpa and Teon Wayne Patterson face drug-related charges in Lincoln; while several Omaha residents—Victor Henderson (also known as “Whodi,” “Wop,” or “Don”), Cedric Glover (“Ced”), and Christopher Grutel (“22,” “Twenty Two,” “Creep,” or “Gunner”)—are charged with conspiracy involving firearms offenses.
Other notable indictments include Juan Us-Ralios on multiple counts including false representation of a social security number and illegal reentry; Alberto Avitia-Esparza on methamphetamine distribution and illegal reentry after a felony conviction; Nathanial Condon for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Deron Lewis-Payne for bank robbery and firearm use during a crime of violence. Additional individuals were charged for being present in the United States without legal permission following previous deportations or aggravated felony convictions.
If convicted, these defendants face sentences ranging from up to two years’ imprisonment for certain immigration violations to life imprisonment for serious drug trafficking or violent crimes. Fines range from $100 special assessments up to $20 million depending on the severity of each charge.
The announcement highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address criminal activity within Nebraska through grand jury proceedings.
