Kearney man sentenced on federal drug, weapon convictions

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A 29-year-old central Nebraska man will serve time in federal prison for being in possession of drugs and weapons last year.

According to U.S. Attorney Steven Russell's office, Tyler Ray Tockey of Kearney, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for being an unlawful user of controlled substances while in possession of firearms. After he completes his prison sentence, Tockey will be on supervised release for two years. There is no parole in the federal system. Tockey pleaded guilty to the offense on November 29, 2022.

On March 24, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Tockey’s residence in Kearney. Inside the residence, they found guns, ammunition, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Tockey was subsequently arrested.

After being advised of the Miranda warnings, Tockey said he was the only person who lived at the residence, according to Russell's office. Tockey admitted to being a regular user of marijuana and methamphetamine. He also said that police would find guns and drugs in his residence.

The investigation was conducted by the Kearney Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.