United States Attorney Joe W. Stecher and the Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, Kearney Police Department, Hastings Police Department, the Hall County Attorney’s Office,  the Internal Revenue Service and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, announce the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release:   On May 1, 2008, a former Grand Island resident was sentenced to 8 years and 1 months, (97 months), in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine between January of 2004 and April of 2007.  William Smith was held responsible for the distribution of between 18 ounces and 3 pounds of methamphetamine.  Following the prison term, he will serve four years on supervised release.  Smith was ordered to pay $400 in restitution to the Tri-City Federal Drug Task Force for drugs sold to a confidential informant working with the Nebraska State Patrol on two occasions in July of 2005.   Smith was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.

Name of Defendant: William Conrad Smith

Alias:  Billy

Age: 26

City of residence: Stanton, Nebraska

Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty): Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.  The possible penalty is not less than five years nor more than 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000.  Following any prison term, there would be a term of supervised release of not less than four years.  There is also a $100 special assessment.     

Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Lincoln, Nebraska

Location of Arrest: Stanton, Nebraska

Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug: Smith was held responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) but less than 1.5 kilograms (approximately 3 pounds) of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

Others Charged in Same Scheme: none

Relevant Dates: 

Date of Alleged Crime: Between on or about January 1, 2004, and on or about April 2, 2007

Federal Arrest Date: June 1, 2007.

Date Complaint Issued: 

Indictment Returned Date: May 23, 2007

Initial Appearance Date: June 4, 2007

Plea or Trial and Date(s): Pled guilty on February 12, 2008.

Sentencing Date: May 1, 2008

Next Court Hearing Type and Date: none

Assigned Magistrate Judge: The Honorable David L. Piester

Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: Released from custody on June 4, 2007.

In Continuous Custody Since:

Assigned District Court Judge: The Honorable Richard G. Kopf

Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: SEF