Washington Duo Sentenced After Arrest in Hamilton County

Acting United States Attorney Matthew Molsen announced that Maleeka Gilbert, 23, of Federal Way, Washington, was sentenced February 19, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Gilbert to 120 months’ imprisonment. On February 14, Judge Rossiter sentenced co-defendant, Damar Johnson, 21, of Tukwila, Washington, to 120 months’ imprisonment consecutive to 60 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. There is no parole in the federal system. After Gilbert and Johnson are released from prison, they will each begin a 5-year term of supervised release. They will also forfeit to the United States $16,020.11 in United States currency that was drug proceeds.

On March 31, 2023, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop near Grand Island, Nebraska. Gilbert was driving a Dodge Durango and Damar Johnson was the passenger. The deputy informed Gilbert the reason for pulling them over was for a road rage incident. The officer indicated he could smell marijuana from inside the vehicle.   The deputy had to repeatedly request Gilbert to exit the vehicle. Johnson was also being disruptive and was on his phone to 911 requesting to speak to a supervisor. Based on the deputy smelling marijuana, he conducted a search of the Durango. In the center console, the deputy located a firearm and $16,020.11 in United States currency. In the back of the vehicle on the driver’s side, in a pink duffle bag, the deputy located approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills. Johnson claimed responsibility for the firearm, and there was no evidence Gilbert knew of its existence. The $16,020.11 was proceeds from or money used to facilitate the distribution of fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the Hamilton County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Office.