Operation Brass Catcher Results in Numerous Firearms and Narcotics Arrests

Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that members of the Bureau of  Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Omaha Police Department, United States Marshals Service, Omaha Metro Fugitive Squad, Council Bluffs Police Department, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted early morning operations in Northeast and Northwest Omaha, armed with arrest warrants for 22 individuals on federal and state charges for firearms and narcotics violations.  In addition to these arrest warrants, agents and officers served a number of search warrants.  Search warrants resulted in the seizure of several firearms, eleven pounds of marijuana,  $10,000 in cash and a vehicle.

Labeled Operation Brass Catcher, this seven-month long investigation centered on individuals involved in the trafficking and possession of firearms and narcotics. The vast majority of these individuals had gang affiliations and extensive criminal backgrounds. “This investigation involving the Omaha Police Department, ATF, Council Bluffs Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service removed some very dangerous individuals from our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stuart, “We are very pleased with the perseverance, coordination and cooperation among these investigative agencies, as well as the Douglas County Attorney’s Office, in this very successful investigation.”

"Today's operation serves as a wake-up call to those who choose to bring gun violence into our neighborhoods.  In partnership with the Omaha Police Department, ATF is absolutely committed to deterring those who use firearms in furtherance of their criminal activities.” said Acting Special Agent in Charge, John Underwood of the ATF.

“The Omaha Police Department appreciates its partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives”, said Deputy Chief Mary Newman of the Omaha Police Department,  “Partnerships, in which entities pool their collective resources, allow for these types of complex and comprehensive investigations resulting in positive outcomes.  We anticipate these arrests will significantly reduce crime in our area.”

In addition to the arrest warrants, two other individuals were arrested prior to the operation.  Attached are the names and charges of individuals arrested in this investigation.  At the time of this press release five individuals were still at large.  Attached is the list of those in custody.

Field Division: Kansas City Field Division