By Allison Peck
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Seven people, including five juveniles, were arrested Wednesday following a months-long investigation into suspected drug trafficking and illegal firearms in Scotts Bluff County.
According to the Scotts Bluff County Attorney's Office, the investigation was led by the Western Nebraska Intelligence & Narcotics Group (WING/HIDTA Task Force) after authorities received information that individuals, including juveniles, were allegedly involved in drug trafficking and possessed fully automatic firearms.
Beginning in the early morning hours of July 15, law enforcement officers executed multiple search and arrest warrants in Scottsbluff, Gering and Bayard.
Because of the nature of the investigation and the reported presence of automatic weapons, the warrants were served by the Scotts Bluff County SWAT Team, the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Team and the U.S. Marshals Metro Fugitive Task Force. Officials said all warrants were executed without incident.
Additional agencies assisting with the operation included the Scottsbluff and Gering police departments, the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, including its Air Wing, Homeland Security Investigations and Regional West Ambulance Service.
Authorities arrested two adults:
- Preston Torres-Isles, 18, charged with possession of a machine gun.
- Rochne Gukeisen, 19, charged with possession of a machine gun.
Five juveniles also were taken into custody. Three juveniles, ages 17, 17 and 16, along with one 15-year-old, face charges related to possession of a machine gun, according to the county attorney's office. Two juveniles are charged with distribution of cocaine.
The investigation remains ongoing. Under Nebraska law, juveniles are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.