Omaha Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearm Charges
OMAHA, Neb. — Acting U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Mark P. Nielson, 44, of Omaha, was sentenced today for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Chief U.S. District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Nielson to 130 months’ imprisonment for the drug distribution and a consecutive 60-month term for the firearm possession. There is no parole in the federal system. After Nielson’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Additionally, Nielson forfeited $1,914 of U.S. currency to the United States.
On July 17, 2022, Omaha police officers saw a 2002 Dodge Stratus parked at the gas pumps of Casey’s located at 3435 S. 42nd Street, Omaha. Officers saw the driver of the car, later identified as the Nielson, asleep in the driver’s seat. Containers of alcohol were seen inside the car as well as a handgun on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat.
The firearm behind the driver’s seat was a Sig Sauer P320 9mm handgun. DNA testing showed that Nielson’s DNA was on the firearm. Officers also located 83 grams methamphetamine, $1,914.00, and an additional handgun magazine next to the Sig Sauer in the car.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Omaha Police Department.
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