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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

Plaintiff,

vs.

RICARDO N. MURO,

Defendant.

8:23–CR–118

PRELIMINARY ORDER OF 

FORFEITURE

This matter is before the Court on the Government’s Motion for Preliminary Order of 

Forfeiture. Filing 61. Having reviewed the record in this case and being duly advised in the 

premises, the Court finds as follows:

1. On July 12, 2024, Defendant Ricardo N. Muro and the Government entered into a plea 

agreement which provided that the Defendant would plead guilty to Count I of the Indictment and 

admit to an Information setting forth prior drug convictions. Filing 57 at 1. Count I charges the 

Defendant with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance 

containing cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1). Filing 1 at 1. 

2. The Defendant further agreed to admit to the Forfeiture Allegation in the Indictment.

Filing 57 at 1. The Forfeiture Allegation provides that the property to be forfeited includes, “$9,380 

in United States currency seized from 2320 S. 11 Street, Omaha, Nebraska, on or about January 

17, 2023.” Filing 1 at 3. The Forfeiture Allegation sought forfeiture of this currency on the basis 

that it constituted or was derived from proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as the result of the 

offense alleged in Count I of the Indictment, or to facilitate the commission of this offense. Filing 

1 at 2. 

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3. On July 12, 2024, the Defendant appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge and 

entered his plea of guilty to Count I of the Indictment. Filing 62 at 20. During this hearing, the 

Defendant admitted to the Forfeiture Allegation as well. Filing 62 at 6, 8, 18. After conducting a 

de novo review of the matter, the Court accepted the Defendant’s guilty plea.

4. By virtue of the Defendant’s plea of guilty and his admissions at the hearing before the 

Magistrate Judge on July 12, 2024, the Defendant has forfeited his interest in the “9,380 in United 

States currency seized from 2320 S. 11 Street, Omaha, Nebraska, on or about January 17, 2023.” 

Filing 1 at 3. The Government is entitled to possession of said currency pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 

853. Accordingly,

IT IS ORDERED:

1. The Government’s Motion for Preliminary Order of Forfeiture, Filing 61, is granted;

2. Based upon the Forfeiture Allegation of the Indictment, Defendant’s plea of guilty to 

Count I of the Indictment, and the Defendant’s admissions at the change of plea hearing, 

the Government is hereby authorized to seize the $9,380 in United States currency;

3. Defendant’s interest in the $9,380 in United States currency is hereby forfeited to the 

Government for disposition in accordance with the law, subject to the provisions of 21 

U.S.C. § 853(n)(1);

4. The $9,380 in currency is to be held by the Government in its secure custody and control;

5. Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. ' 853(n)(1), the government shall publish for at least thirty 

consecutive days on an official internet government forfeiture site, www.forfeiture.gov.,

notice of this Preliminary Order of Forfeiture, notice of publication evidencing the 

government’s intent to dispose of the property in such manner as the Attorney General 

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may direct, and notice that any person, other than the defendant, having or claiming a 

legal interest in any of the subject property must file a Petition with the Court within 

thirty days of the final publication of notice or of receipt of actual notice, whichever is 

earlier.

6. The published notice shall state the Petition referred to in Paragraph 5, above, shall be 

for a hearing to adjudicate the validity of the Petitioner’s interest in the Property, shall 

be signed by the Petitioner under penalty of perjury, and shall set forth the nature and 

extent of the Petitioner’s right, title, or interest in the Property and any additional facts 

supporting the Petitioner’s claim and the relief sought.

7. The Government may also, to the extent practicable, provide direct written notice to any 

person known to have an interest in the Property as a substitute for published notice as 

to those persons so notified.

8. Upon adjudication of all third-party interests, this Court will enter a Final Order of 

Forfeiture pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 853(n), in which all interests will be addressed. 

Dated this 26th day of July, 2024.

BY THE COURT:  

_________________________

Brian C. Buescher 

United States District Judge

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