Nebraska Authorities Seek Suspect(s) in Meat Fraud

The Gage County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate Bradley Harold Gardner who on December 10, 2007 at approximately 1200 hours sold $105.00 of meat to a victim in rural Beatrice.  Gardner told the victim he would be back shortly with the meat.  The victim became suspicious and called the bank at 1215 hours to learn the check had already been cashed.  Gardner used his Arkansas Drivers License (9246358710) for ID at the bank (additional bank photos available).  This victim had purchased meat from Gardner in the past.

On December 14, 2007, Gardner sold $150.00 of meat to another victim in rural Beatrice.  Gardner told the victim he would return the next day with the meat or he offered to run to Fairbury (NE) to pick up the meat and bring it back.  Victim agreed he could deliver it the next day.  Gardner did not show up with the meat.  This victim had purchased meat from Gardner in the past.

On December 18, 2007, Gardner sold $75.00 of meat to one victim and $102.00 of meat to another victim in Nemaha, Nebraska.  Gardner told the victims he was going to Falls City (NE), then to Omaha (NE) where he would pick up the meat and return around noon.  One of these victims had purchased meat from Gardner in the past.

On January 02, 2008, Inv. Sandersfeld received information from a subject in Lincoln (NE) advising she had been contacted by Brad Gardner.  The subject refused to buy meat from Gardner.  At that time, Gardner was a passenger in a small light colored possibly two-tone pickup.

Investigation has revealed that Gardner was an independent seller and purchased his meat from Prairie Gold Foods of Eden Prairie, MN.

Gage County has an active warrant for Gardner. 

Possible DOB:              05-21-1958

RACE/SEX:                 White/Male

HGT/WGT:                  5’07”/170 lbs

EYES/HAIR:                Blue/Brown

Possible SS#:               325-54-3351

VEHICLE:                   Small light colored pickup with freezer in box.

            546 S. 12^th Street, Superior, Nebraska  68978

            1404 Southern Hills, Unit 288, West Plains, MO  65775

            Two miles north of Fairbury (NE), Hwy 15, on west side of road

            Haddam (Washington County) KS

Agencies with information or inquires should contact Inv. Rob Sandersfeld, Gage County Sheriff’s Office at (402) 223-5222 ext 207.