Omaha Man Sentenced for Possession of Stolen Explosives
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Travis McQueen, age 28 of Omaha, was sentenced today in Omaha by Chief United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp to 63 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Mr. McQueen had previously pleaded guilty to one count of knowing possession of stolen explosives.
On August 11, 2011, one or more persons broke into storage units at the Buckley Powder Company in rural Cass County, Nebraska, and stole 100 pounds of blasting agent, 3,000 feet of detonating cord and two cases of boosters. A lengthy investigation into the matter eventually led investigators to place reward flyers in various locations in eastern Nebraska. An anonymous caller contacted authorities and suggested Travis McQueen might be involved. Investigators following up on the lead were able to determine that Mr. McQueen had been involved in disposing of the materials by throwing them into the Missouri river. Excavating equipment was brought in by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and investigators were able to locate some of the materials. Investigators believe the bulk of the stolen materials were, in fact, thrown into the river.
The investigation of this matter was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.