By Allison Peck
A federal grand jury has indicted former North Platte Police Investigator John Deal, 46, of North Platte, on two counts related to child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska.
The indictment was among 12 unsealed indictments returned by a federal grand jury and announced September 24 by U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods. The Justice Department identifies the charges against Deal as receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
According to the federal indictment, Count I alleges Deal received child pornography beginning on at least October 21, 2011, and continuing through at least December 29, 2024.
Count II alleges Deal possessed child pornography on or about August 4, 2026.
If convicted on Count I, Deal faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years, along with a fine of up to $250,000, supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Count II carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
The federal grand jury indictment follows a federal investigation that resulted in Deal's arrest last month. Deal had previously worked for the North Platte Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasizes that an indictment is a charging document containing accusations. Deal is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The federal case is being prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska.
Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nebraska — Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska – September 2026, September 24, 2026.