Jail employee accused of delivery

FALLS CITY – The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of a jail employee following an internal investigation.

Derek Olberding, 32, is suspected of delivery of a controlled substance and possession.

A press release says the sheriff’s office would not release information in violation of personnel privacy laws. The press release says appropriate criminal charges have been filed, but as of Sunday night the only 2026 criminal charge reported online in Richardson County Court is not connected to a county employee.

The sheriff says the matter had been turned over to the Richardson County Attorney's Office for criminal review.

Here is the sheriff's office press release

Falls City, NE — January 2, 2026 — The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) announces that a jail employee has been arrested following the conclusion of an internal investigation.

The investigation revealed that the employee was in violation of multiple RCSO policies and procedures, as well as several Nebraska state statutes. Upon completion of the investigation, the findings were referred for criminal review, and the appropriate charges have been filed.

The employee was taken into custody and is no longer performing duties with the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office. Due to the ongoing legal process and personnel privacy laws, no further details will be released at this time.

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office holds its employees to the highest professional and ethical standards. When allegations of misconduct arise, they are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. RCSO remains committed to accountability, transparency, and maintaining public trust.

This remains an active case, and all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Here is the sheriff's office update on Saturday.

Our initial post was made prior to the conclusion of the investigation because we believed it was important for the public to hear accurate information directly from our office first, rather than through media outlets. At the time of the initial release, multiple media organizations had already reached out requesting information, and releasing a preliminary statement allowed us to maintain transparency while the investigation was still ongoing.

Now that the investigation has concluded, we can confirm that 32 year old Derek J. Olberding was arrested and charged as a result of the findings.