Overview

• Federal prosecutors say Hobert Rupe and Brent Zywiec were indicted by a grand jury and arrested on September 24 after a joint DOJ–FBI–Nebraska Attorney General investigation.
• Rupe and Zywiec entered not-guilty pleas in virtual hearings, and a judge ordered both released with conditions pending further proceedings.
• The indictment charges both men with conspiracy to commit honest-services fraud plus three honest-services counts, with Rupe also facing two wire-fraud counts and one Hobbs Act extortion count.
• Prosecutors allege Rupe accepted a stream of benefits including commercial sex acts, cash, drinks, VIP access, and waived cover charges in exchange for failing to enforce liquor rules.
• The filing alleges efforts to harm rival Omaha clubs, specifically Club 180 and Club Omaha, notes an alleged $65,000 extortion for licensing help, and cites potential maximum penalties of up to 20 years per count.