Matthew R. Molsen United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska
Matthew R. Molsen United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska
A federal jury in Omaha, Nebraska, has convicted Clifford Wright III on charges related to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession. The verdicts were delivered on June 6, 2025, following a seven-day trial presided over by Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Sentencing is scheduled for August 29, 2025, with Wright facing a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years.
Wright was found guilty of possessing with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence presented at the trial showed that Wright was involved in hand-to-hand transactions at a gas station in north Omaha on October 31, 2022. During this time, shots were fired toward the parking lot from across the street. Wright attempted to use his handgun but it malfunctioned.
Omaha police discovered approximately 60 shell casings at the scene but no gunshot victims. Surveillance footage helped identify Wright as he had prior convictions for illegal firearm possession and was known as a member of the 29th Street Bloods gang.
Wright was arrested on November 2, 2022. A search warrant led to the discovery of about 850 fentanyl pills and three loaded handguns in a Sentry safe linked to him. Two handguns were reported stolen; one matched the description of the weapon used during the incident at the gas station.
Data extracted from Wright's cell phone indicated ongoing drug dealings since February 2022. Communications revealed terms like "blues" and "30s," referring to illicit fentanyl pills known as “M30.” Other drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy were also mentioned.
The investigation was conducted by the Omaha Police Department with assistance from an agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who testified as an expert witness during the trial. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through community collaboration and strategic enforcement priorities.
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