Kansas woman sentenced in connection with Irish Mob witness plot

OMAHA, Nebraska - Juanita Gibson, a 38-year-old woman from Hillsboro, Kansas, was sentenced on November 21, 2023, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for her involvement in a witness retaliation plot. The Acting United States Attorney, Susan Lehr, announced that Gibson was charged with conspiracy to assault a witness and attempted assault of a witness. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter sentenced her to 24 months' imprisonment, emphasizing the absence of parole in the federal system. Following her release, Gibson will be subject to a three-year term of supervised release.

The case traces back to the fall of 2021 when Johnny Dolph, under investigation by the United States Secret Service for financial crimes, including counterfeit currency and check-related offenses, was allegedly associated with the Irish Mob Gang. Dolph faced scrutiny, leading to the arrest of Victim 1's husband in Nebraska for forgery charges. Victim 1's husband was believed to be collaborating with Dolph, prompting Dolph to target Victim 1 and her husband.

In October 2021, a search warrant was executed on Dolph's Omaha apartment, signed by Magistrate Judge Susan Bazis and based on information provided by a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service. Post-search, Dolph and Jennifer Norwood, also known as Jennifer Dolph, attempted to gather information about the affiant agent and the magistrate judge. They extended their efforts beyond Nebraska, disclosing details about Victim 1 and her family to individuals outside the state.

On November 19, 2021, Dolph enlisted the help of Kate Ruth, also known as Kate Winter or Kate Hill, requesting her to travel from Kansas to Omaha to carry out the "green light" on Victim 1. Gibson, in turn, drove Ruth from Kansas to Nebraska in a red pickup truck provided by Dolph. Dolph sent money for gas over CashApp, provided travel updates, and directed them on where to park near his apartment.

Gibson, during a Sept. 2, 2022 interview with the United States Secret Service, admitted to traveling to Nebraska at Dolph's request to locate a female targeted by Dolph.

Gibson's sentencing follows Dolph's imprisonment for 150 months on various charges, including felon in possession of a firearm and conspiracy to assault a witness. Norwood pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2023, to making false statements during the purchase of a firearm, conspiracy to destroy evidence, and conspiracy to assault a witness. Ruth is currently awaiting trial and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the Omaha Police Department, and the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.