Jefferey Edwards, Firearms Possession, Nebraska 2022

Jefferey Edwards, a 23-year-old Omaha man, has been sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. According to Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr, Edwards was one of three occupants of a Dodge Charger that was stopped by police on October 4, 2022.

During the investigation, an Omaha Police helicopter, Able One, observed the occupants of the Charger meet with the occupants of a white Mazda SUV. The helicopter also provided aerial footage showing suspects hiding items in a vacant lot and then leaving in the white Mazda.

Officers searched the vacant lot and found an iPhone case with identification for one of the occupants of the Mazda. They also discovered a red Chevy Tahoe in the lot with a rifle case in the back seat and ammunition in plain view. Inside the Tahoe, officers found a Glock handgun on the front passenger side floorboard.

A resident of the home at the front of the vacant lot confirmed that she lived there but did not own the firearms recovered. The owner of a white Malibu parked in the lot also disclaimed ownership of the firearms and allowed officers to search the car and recover a Century Arms, Inc. Model M70AB2 rifle. DNA testing of the rifle confirmed that Edwards was a contributor to the mixture of DNA on the rifle.

The rifle, which was ordered forfeited, is an AK-47 style assault weapon capable of accepting large capacity magazines. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Upon release from prison, Edwards will be required to complete a 3-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Edwards’ 48-month prison sentence is a significant blow to those involved in firearms trafficking in the Omaha area.

The investigation showcased the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the use of aerial surveillance in combating crime. The Omaha Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives worked together to bring Edwards to justice.

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