Omaha man sentenced for firearm and drug trafficking crimes
OMAHA, Neb. - A 27-year-old Omaha man was sentenced on Friday for marijuana and gun related charges.
Acting U.S. Attorney Steven Russell announced that Arius West was sentenced Friday in federal court in Omaha for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that crime.
The Chief U.S. District Judge sentenced West to 74 months in prison. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on Dec. 23, 2020, officers saw West pick up a suitcase at an Omaha bus station.
After agents tried contacting West, he threw the suitcase and ran away.
Officers arrested West and found approximately 443 grams of marijuana in the suitcase.
On May 12, 2021, officers searched an Omaha residence and encountered West.
Officers saw West put a Glock 36 handgun under a couch cushion. In West’s backpack, officers found a digital scale, marijuana, and United States currency.
On West’s person officers found more marijuana and currency.
In total, West possessed about 586 grams of marijuana and $3,187. West’s DNA was on the firearm.
West agreed to forfeit $6,297 as part of the plea agreement.