LINCOLN, Neb. – Two Lincoln men have been convicted of trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, in Nebraska.
Olen Warner, also known as Dan Warner, 51, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogues, as well as one count of distributing a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.
Ernesto Leyva, 36, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and heroin.
According to prosecutors, Warner and Leyva worked with co-defendant Danna Hespen, who previously pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy charge. The three began collaborating shortly after Hespen was released from jail in November 2022. From December 2022 through July 2023, the trio operated a drug distribution network based in Lincoln.
Warner supplied meth and fentanyl—transported from Colorado—to Hespen, Leyva, and others for distribution. Prosecutors say Warner made weekly trips to Colorado, delivering pounds of meth and thousands of M30 fentanyl pills to Lincoln. Hespen and Leyva, who were in a relationship, often conducted drug sales together. Hespen primarily sold meth, while Leyva handled most of the fentanyl pill transactions. However, they occasionally sold each other’s products on the other’s behalf.
As a result of the convictions, Warner faces a minimum of ten years and up to life in prison for the conspiracy charge and a minimum of five years and up to 40 years for the distribution charge. Leyva also faces a minimum of ten years and up to life in prison. Sentencing for both men is scheduled for July 17.
