A summary of arrests, charges in drug trafficking bust

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — In a coordinated effort led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Nebraska State Patrol, 19 individuals were arrested on January 23, 2024, following the unsealing of nine indictments. Acting United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr revealed the charges against each individual, highlighting the severity of their alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

Conspiracy to Distribute Over 500 Grams of Methamphetamine:
• Alejandro Ruiz (41, California)
• Guadalupe Ramirez (38, North Platte)
• Roberto Duran (33, Brule)
• Michael Shawn Harrell (47, Ogallala)
• Eduardo Gomez (33, North Platte)
• Carl McKinney (37, Kentucky)
Penalties: Not less than 10 years to life imprisonment, up to $10 million fine, and supervised release not less than five years. Additional charges include possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, with potential imprisonment, fines, and supervised release.

Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine:
• Jamie Hopkins (37, North Platte)
• Michael Stroble (30, North Platte)
• Joey Romero (36, North Platte)
• Luke Schwartz (30, North Platte)
Penalties: Not less than 10 years to life imprisonment, up to $10 million fine, and supervised release not less than five years.

Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine:
• Jessica Binegar (37, North Platte)
• John Hernandez (35, Lincoln)
• Brad Leeper (46, North Platte)
Penalties: Not less than five years, nor more than 40 years in prison; up to $5 million fine; and supervised release not less than four years. Brad Leeper faces an additional charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Other Charges:
• Wesley Kraft (36, Lincoln): Distribution of meth and felon in possession of a firearm.
• Timothy Huisman (39, North Platte): Distribution of meth.
• Shane Ross (46, Ogallala): Distribution of meth.
• Richard Torres (44, Brule): Conspiracy and distribution of more than five grams of meth.
• Timothy Maisner (62, North Platte): Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
• Eddie Houpt (59, North Platte): Distribution of meth.

The cases were investigated by the CODE Task Force, a collaborative effort involving various law enforcement agencies. This operation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, aiming to identify and dismantle high-level criminal organizations. Indictments are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

To report tips on drug trafficking, contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 402-492-8688, or Nebraska Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-1494.