United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 16 unsealed Indictments charging 22 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Kenneth M. Johnston, Jr., age 46, of Big Springs, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges Johnston with distribution of 50 grams of methamphetamine on or about July 10, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Johnston with distribution of 50 grams of methamphetamine on or about July 14, 2023. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Johnston with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about January 22, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not more than 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Robert Crable, Jr., age 59, of Bayard, Nebraska, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges Crable with conspiracy to produce child pornography beginning on or about November 27, 2023, and continuing until on or about May 20, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Crable with attempted production of child pornography beginning on or about November 27, 2023, and continuing until on or about May 20, 2024. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 15 years’ and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Crable with receipt of child pornography beginning at least on or about February 9, 2022, and continuing to on or about March 13, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Crable with possession of child pornography on or about March 13, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.