A federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, has found two local men guilty of multiple drug charges. Olen Warner, also known as Dan Warner, aged 51, and Ernesto Leyva, aged 36, both from Lincoln, were convicted on April 24, 2025, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen.
Warner was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a fentanyl analogue, and another count of distribution of a mixture or substance containing any fentanyl analogue and fentanyl. Leyva faced conviction on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, and heroin.
The charges render Warner subject to a potential prison term of up to life with a minimum of ten years for the first count, and up to 40 years with a minimum of five years for the second count. Leyva also faces a maximum potential prison term of life with a minimum of ten years. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis oversaw the trial and has scheduled sentencing for both defendants on July 17, 2025.
Warner's involvement in drug trafficking within Lincoln and across the District of Nebraska dates back to at least October 2019, focusing on meth and fentanyl distribution. Leyva's activities began in 2021, dealing in fentanyl pills and powder, heroin, and methamphetamine in the Lincoln area. Co-defendant Danna Hespen, who had previously pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy charge, was engaged in meth distribution since 2021 and occasionally sold fentanyl and heroin.
The trio's collaboration intensified post-Hespen’s release from jail in November 2022, as revealed by phone records. From December 2022 to July 2023, they collectively trafficked meth, fentanyl, and heroin. Warner transported meth and fentanyl from Colorado to Lincoln, delivering significant quantities to Hespen and Leyva for distribution. With Warner making weekly trips to Colorado, Hespen and Leyva managed their sales operations, with Hespen mainly dealing in meth and Leyva handling M30 pills.
This investigation was carried out by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force and the Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force.