NDCS News Releases

NDCS News Releases

NDCS announces call for VLS grant applications

March 20, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (25-10)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

March 20, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) – The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) is accepting applications for Vocational and Life Skills (VLS) training programs that provide key services to bridge the transition from incarceration to community reentry.

Priority will be given to community colleges, federally or state recognized Native American tribes, and community-based organizations who offer programs, services or training related to...Read more

Missing inmate arrested

March 14, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (25-09)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

March 14, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) – An inmate who went missing from the Community Corrections Center – Lincoln (CCC-L) has been arrested by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office. Jordana Kelley-Nelson #393444 was taken into custody yesterday and booked into the Hall County Department of Corrections in Grand Island.

Kelley-Nelson left CCC-L without authorization on January 16, 2025. She started her sentence on June 13, 2024. Kelley-Nelson was sentenced to...Read more

RTC inmate death

February 20, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (25-08)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

February 20, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Donald Wakefield #216917, age 54, died yesterday at the Reception and Treatment Center.

Wakefield’s sentence began on July 10, 2023. He was serving a sentence of seven to 10 years out of Sarpy County for fourth offense driving under the influence.

While the cause of death has not yet been determined, Wakefield was being treated for a medical condition. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the...Read more

RTC inmate death

February 7, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (25-07)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

February 7, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Jerry Yelli #88652, age 60, died yesterday at the Reception and Treatment Center.

Yelli’s sentence began on November 19, 2018. He was serving a sentence of nine years to 17 years and one month for charges out of Holt and Madison Counties that included possession of meth with intent to deliver, driving under a revoked license and terroristic threats.

While the cause of death has not yet been determined,...Read more

RTC inmate death

February 5, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (25-06)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

February 5, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Edwards Adams #65706, age 83, died yesterday at the Reception and Treatment Center.

Adams’ sentence began on April 2, 2007. He was serving a sentence of 85 years to life for second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and use of a firearm to commit a felony.

While the cause of death has not yet been determined, Adams was being treated for a medical condition. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the...Read more

NDCS announces leadership changes

February 4, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (25-05)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

February 4, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Today, Director Rob Jeffreys announced multiple leadership changes at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS), effective February 24, 2025.

“We have tremendous leaders within NDCS, and these changes are about best utilizing this talent and planning for our future,” said Jeffreys. “Succession planning and operational efficiencies are key priorities for this agency.”

Taggart Boyd, who has...Read more

RTC inmate death

January 17, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (25-04)

CONTACT Caralea Strayer, Communications Manager

OFFICE 402-479-5941 | caralea.strayer@nebraska.gov

January 17, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) – James L. Gavin #218886, age 64, died today at the Reception and Treatment Center.

Gavin’s sentence began on July 25, 2024. He was serving 370 days to 400 days for Violation of the Sex Offender Registration Act out of Phelps County.

While the cause of death has not yet been determined, Gavin was being treated for a medical condition. As is the case whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of...Read more

Inmate missing from community corrections facility

January 17, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (25-03)

CONTACT Caralea Strayer, Communications Manager

OFFICE 402-479-5941 | caralea.strayer@nebraska.gov

January 17, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Authorities have been notified about an inmate missing from the Community Corrections Center – Lincoln (CCC-L). Jordana Kelley-Nelson #393444 left CCC-L without authorization last night.

Kelley-Nelson started her sentence on June 13, 2024. She was sentenced to 15-months for accessory to a felony out of Buffalo County and two years for possession a controlled substance (methamphetamine) out of Adams County. She...Read more

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