LINCOLN — U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Justin Jelinek, 43, of Grand Island has been charged by criminal complaint with multiple federal offenses following an armed confrontation with law enforcement.
Jelinek faces charges including Assault on a Federal Task Force Officer with a Deadly Weapon, Attempted Murder of a Federal Task Force Officer, Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography. These charges carry potential penalties ranging from five years to life in prison, with the firearm discharge count carrying a mandatory 10-year minimum.
According to the complaint, on October 15, 2025, federal task force officers with the Nebraska State Patrol, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations attempted to execute a search warrant related to child sexual abuse material. When Jelinek failed to respond to commands, officers entered the home, where he allegedly confronted them with a firearm.
Negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Jelinek allegedly fired a round from a high-powered rifle through the front door, targeting seven officers positioned on or near the porch. One officer returned fire. Jelinek later surrendered and was taken into custody.
During the search, investigators seized electronic devices suspected to contain child sexual abuse material, along with firearms valued at $100,000 and approximately 25,000 rounds of ammunition.
Jelinek made his initial court appearance on October 30, 2025, before Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca. A preliminary and detention hearing has been scheduled for November 6, 2025.
HSI Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito emphasized the dangers faced by federal officers, noting gratitude that all personnel escaped without injury.
Federal prosecutors remind the public that a criminal complaint consists of accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
