Omaha Woman Sentenced for Selling Firearm to Felon

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Denise Penke, 52, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 7, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for transfer or sale of a firearm to a prohibited person. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Penke to time served (five days). Penke will immediately begin a three-year term of supervised release.

On January 4, 2023, an individual cooperating with law enforcement purchased a Glock 43 9mm pistol from Penke at a residence in Omaha. The transaction was audio and video recorded. As the cooperator entered the residence, the cooperator mentioned that the cooperator was a felon. This statement was captured by the recording, which also showed Penke holding the handgun wrapped in a yellow rag.  During a plea hearing, Penke admitted that she knew the cooperator was a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.