Omaha Safe Streets Task Force Leads to Conviction of Omaha Resident

United States Attorney Joe W. Stecher, the Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force (consisting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Omaha Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol), in coordination with the Bellevue Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office announce the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release: On April 9, 2009, a federal jury convicted Torone Russell of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine as well as two counts of possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute. His sentencing is set for July 6, 2009.

The case resulted from a long-term investigation conducted by the Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance and cooperation of several local law enforcement agencies.  The investigation resulted in the indictment and arrest of 18 persons, all of whom have cases pending in federal court.  Many of these cases have been resolved, but some remain set for trial.  Name of Defendant: Torone Russell AKA: “Rome” Age: 30 City of residence: Omaha, NE Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty:

Ct. 1-Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of crack cocaine; 5-40 years, $3,000,000, 4 Yrs supervised release, $100 SA.

Ct. 2—Possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of crack cocaine; 5-40 years, $3,000,000, 4 Yrs supervised release, $100 SA.

Ct. 4—Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; 0-20 years, $2,000,000, 3 Yrs supervised release, $100 SA.

Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Omaha, Nebraska Location of Arrest: Omaha, NE Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug: 5 grams or more of crack cocaine Others Charged in Same Scheme: Talanda Penn and Arthur Johnson

Relevant Dates:

Date of Alleged Crime: March 2008 to December 2008

Federal Arrest Date: 12/19/08

Date Complaint Issued:

Indictment Returned Date: 12/15/08

Initial Appearance Date: 12/19/08

Trial and Date(s): 4/7/09-4/9/09

Sentencing Date: 7/6/09

Next Court Hearing Type and Date: Sentencing 7/6/09

Assigned Magistrate Judge: FG3 Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: Released on Bond In Continuous Custody Since: Assigned District Court Judge: LSC Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: JEH/cr