Former Nebraska Liquor Commission head pleads guilty

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 21:44 · Archive

Hobert Rupe, former executive director of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to extortion and conspiracy to commit services fraud in Lancaster County. Rupe served as executive director from 2003 until his resignation in June 2025.

Prosecutors alleged that Rupe conspired with co-owner Brent Zywiec to benefit two Lincoln strip clubs — The Office and The Night Before Lounge — by using his government influence in exchange for access to dancers, free drinks and sexual favours. Court records show that Rupe used his position to protect Zywiec's liquor licenses and direct authorities towards competitors in Omaha, allegedly allowing Zywiec to commit violations against his liquor licensing.

Rupe was initially charged with one count of extortion, two counts of wire fraud, three counts of services fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit services fraud. Had he been convicted on all counts, he faced up to 20 years in prison. Under the plea deal, Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca recommended that Judge Susan Bazis accept the agreement. Sentencing is scheduled for February 4.

How it is being reported

• Former head of Nebraska Liquor Commission changes plea in fraud, extortion caseThe state’s former executive director of the Liquor Commission has struck a plea deal on federal charges of extortion and fraud.1011Now · 28 Oct, 21:09
• Former head of Nebraska Liquor Commission changes plea in fraud, extortion caseThe state’s former executive director of the Liquor Commission has struck a plea deal on federal charges of extortion and fraud.WOWT · 28 Oct, 21:09

In this story: Hobert Rupe · Brent Zywiec · Nebraska Liquor Control Commission · Lincoln · Omaha

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