NDCS News Releases

NDCS News Releases

OCC staff member injured in assault

May 24, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (24-20) CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications OFFICE 402-479-5799 | dayne.urbanovsky@nebraska.gov

May 24, 2024 (Omaha, Neb.) – A staff member at the Omaha Correctional Center (OCC) sustained a serious* injury this morning, resulting from an inmate assault.

The inmate threw an object, striking the staff member in the head. The staff member was diagnosed with a concussion.

An investigation of the incident has been launched. Findings will be provided to the county attorney for determination of criminal prosecution. The NDCS disciplinary process will be utilized...Read more

Director Jeffreys joins Gov. Pillen, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, and Hill Brothers leadership to recognize CDL partnership

May 15, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (24-19)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

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

May 15, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Today, state, city and trucking industry leaders recognized the first cohort of incarcerated individuals to receive a commercial driver’s license (CDL) through a partnership with Hill Brothers Pro-Fleet CDL Driving Academy in Omaha. This initiative aims to provide job training and support to individuals as they return to the community after incarceration.

“This partnership recognizes the potential of the men and women...Read more

RTC inmate death

May 13, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (24-18)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

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

May 13, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Estell Jennings #80794, age 44, died May 11, 2024, at the Reception and Treatment Center (RTC).

His sentence began on August 22, 2014. Jennings was serving a 60 to 80 year sentence for attempted first degree sexual assault of a child out of Douglas County, two counts of first degree sexual assault out of Sarpy County, and two counts of incest out of Sarpy County.

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

RTC staff member injured in assault

May 7, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (24-17)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

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

May 7, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) – A staff member at the Reception and Treatment Center (RTC) sustained a serious* injury in an inmate assault.

The assault happened on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, when a staff member was escorting an inmate to his cell. While the staff member was removing the leg restraint, the inmate kicked the staff member in the head and chest.

The staff member received an initial medical examination by a community medical provider...Read more

LB631 furthers NDCS efforts to transform Nebraska

April 18, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (24-16)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

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

April 18, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Signed into law on April 16, 2024, LB631 expands resources for those returning to the community after incarceration and increases community engagement around criminal justice.

LB631 establishes Community Work Release and Reentry Centers, creates the National Career Readiness Certificate Pilot Program, and transfers the Division of Parole Supervision to the Department of Correctional Services. The bill also establishes the...Read more

RTC staff member injured in assault

April 12, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (24-15)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

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

April 12, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) – A staff member at the Reception and Treatment Center (RTC) sustained a serious* injury in an inmate assault.

The assault happened on Thursday, April 4, 2024, when an inmate punched a staff member in the head multiple times. The initial medical examination indicated the staff member was not seriously injured. At a later date, the staff member was diagnosed with a concussion.

An investigation of the incident has...Read more

Inmate missing from community corrections facility

April 12, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (24-14)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

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

April 12, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Authorities have been notified about an inmate missing from the Community Corrections Center – Lincoln (CCC-L). Alex Reynoso Vargas #217299 was checked out of CCC-L for job orientation and did not return to the facility yesterday evening. Staff went to his last known location near 22nd and “D” Street in Lincoln and located his electronic monitor.

Reynoso Vargas started his sentence on June 14, 2023. He was sentenced to...Read more

OCC inmate death

April 11, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (24-13)

CONTACT Dayne Urbanovsky, Director of Strategic Communications

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

April 11, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) – Brian Adams #26103, age 74, died yesterday. He was incarcerated at the Omaha Correctional Center (OCC).

His sentence began on October 29, 1968. Adams was serving a life sentence for first degree murder out of Douglas County.

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 custody of the Nebraska Department of...Read more

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