By Dave Eubanks, Scotts Bluff County Attorney's Office
The Western Nebraska Intelligence & Narcotics Group (WING/HIDTA Task Force) received information that individuals including juveniles were involved in drug trafficking and possession of fully automatic firearms. Following multiple months of investigation by WING and partner agencies, law enforcement served multiple search and arrest warrants beginning in the early morning hours on July 15, 2026.
Due to the nature of the crimes and weapons involved, the warrants were served by the Scotts Bluff County SWAT team, the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT team, and the US Marshal’s Metro Fugitive Task Force. All the warrants were served without incident. The warrants were served in Scottsbluff, Gering, and Bayard NE.
The Scottsbluff and Gering Police Departments, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol including the Air Wing, Homeland Security Investigations agents, and Regional West Ambulance Service also provided personnel for the operation.
Seven individuals were taken into custody.
Adults arrested:
Preston Torres-Isles, age 18, charged with possession of a machine gun.
Rochne Gukeisen, age 19, charged with possession of a machine gun.
Five juveniles were arrested (three age 17, one age 16, one age 15) and all are in custody.
Three are charged with possession of a machine gun.
Two are charged with distribution of a controlled substance/cocaine.