SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Seven people, including five juveniles, were taken into custody Wednesday after a months-long investigation into suspected drug trafficking and illegal firearms in Scotts Bluff County, county prosecutors said.
What changed for residents
The arrests followed coordinated early-morning actions July 15 in Scottsbluff, Gering and Bayard. Law enforcement served search and arrest warrants at multiple locations; officials said the operations were carried out without incident.
Who led the operation
The probe was led by the Western Nebraska Intelligence & Narcotics Group (WING/HIDTA Task Force) after information surfaced that juveniles and others may have been involved in distributing illegal drugs and in possession of fully automatic firearms, according to the Scotts Bluff County Attorney's Office.
Agencies involved
- Scotts Bluff County SWAT Team
- Nebraska State Patrol SWAT Team and Air Wing
- U.S. Marshals Metro Fugitive Task Force
- Scottsbluff and Gering police departments
- Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office
- Homeland Security Investigations
- Regional West Ambulance Service
Officials said the elevated tactical response stemmed from reports that automatic weapons might be present during the serving of warrants.
Arrests and charges
Two adults and five juveniles were arrested. The county attorney’s office identified the adults as Preston Torres-Isles, 18, and Rochne Gukeisen, 19. Both face charges of possession of a machine gun.
| Person | Age | Alleged charge |
|---|---|---|
| Preston Torres-Isles | 18 | Possession of a machine gun |
| Rochne Gukeisen | 19 | Possession of a machine gun |
| Juvenile | 17 | Possession of a machine gun |
| Juvenile | 17 | Possession of a machine gun |
| Juvenile | 16 | Possession of a machine gun |
| Juvenile | 15 | Possession of a machine gun; also two juveniles face distribution charges of cocaine |
In addition to the machine-gun allegations, two juveniles were charged with distribution of cocaine. The county attorney’s office said the investigation is ongoing.
Legal note and next steps
Under Nebraska law, juveniles are presumed innocent until convicted. Prosecutors did not release additional details about evidence seized or planned court dates. The multi-agency team said further arrests or charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Residents with information about the case are encouraged to contact the Western Nebraska Intelligence & Narcotics Group or the Scotts Bluff County Attorney’s Office. Local authorities emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation, which united federal, state and local resources to address alleged trafficking and potentially dangerous weapons in the community.
News Block will update this report as officials release more information.
