Robert Burkhardt, a 56-year-old resident of Grand Island, Nebraska, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Acting United States Attorney Matthew Molsen announced the sentencing, which took place on February 19, 2025, in Omaha's federal court. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. presided over the case.
Burkhardt was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Following his prison term, he will be subject to three years of supervised release as there is no parole in the federal system.
The case involved several co-conspirators. On January 30, 2024, Jolene Armentrout and Lonnie Mason traveled from Omaha to Los Angeles and acquired 25 pounds of methamphetamine. During this time, Burkhardt drove Mason’s car from Omaha to Las Vegas with Stephanie Cummings as a passenger. The group reconvened in Las Vegas before splitting up again: Mason and Cummings returned to Nebraska by air while Armentrout and Burkhardt continued to California by road.
After picking up the drugs in California, Armentrout and Burkhardt transported them back to Nebraska. Upon their arrival on February 4, 2024, law enforcement intercepted their vehicle during a traffic stop and discovered the methamphetamine concealed within a hidden compartment.
Stephanie Cummings has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; her sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2025. Jolene Armentrout also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing on March 19, while Lonnie Mason’s sentencing is set for May 7.
The investigation was carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration alongside the Omaha Police Department under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. This initiative targets high-level criminal organizations posing threats across the U.S., employing a multi-agency approach driven by intelligence and led by prosecutors.