NEWS RELEASE

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA

JOE STECHER, UNITED STATES ATTORNEY

1620 DODGE STREET, OMAHA, NE 68102-1506

(402) 661-3700

November 7, 2007

  United States Attorney Joe W. Stecher announces the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release:

Kelsey Peterson appeared in federal court in the Southern District of California today and waived her right to contest removal to the District of Nebraska.  She was ordered detained by the Magistrate Judge.  As a consequence she will be returned to the State of Nebraska in the custody of the United States Marshal for further proceedings.  The exact date of her appearance in Omaha has not been determined.  Ms. Peterson was arrested pursuant to a complaint charging her with transportation of a minor in interstate and foreign commerce with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity.  Persons charged by criminal complaint are entitled to have their cases heard by a federal Grand Jury which determines whether an indictment should be returned.

Name of Defendant: Kelsey L. Peterson

AKA: 

Age: 25

City of residence: Lexington, NE

Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty): Transportation of a minor in interstate and foreign commerce with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; 10 years to life; $250,000 fine or both; 5 year term of supervised release; $100.00 special assessment.

Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Lexington, Nebraska

Location of Arrest: Mexicali, Mexico

Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug: NA

Others Charged in Same Scheme: None

Relevant Dates: 

Date of Alleged Crime: October 26 th through November 2 nd of 2007

Federal Arrest Date: November 2, 2007

Date Complaint Issued: November 1, 2007

Indictment Returned Date: NA

Initial Appearance Date: November 5, 2007

Plea or Trial and Date(s): Not yet scheduled

Sentencing Date: NA

Next Court Hearing Type and Date: Initial appearance in Nebraska; date is undetermined

Assigned Magistrate Judge: F.A. Gossett

Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: Detained

In Continuous Custody Since: November 2, 2007

Assigned District Court Judge: Not yet determined

Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: JWS/js