The former executive director of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, facing federal charges for colluding with a Lincoln strip club owner, has taken a plea deal.
According to U.S. District Court records, Hobert Rupe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and extortion. Six additional counts were dismissed in exchange for his plea.
Court records say the case began in 2022, when Brent Zywiec—a partial owner of The Office Gentlemen’s Club and The Night Before Lounge—promised Rupe benefits such as cash bribes, free alcohol, and sexual acts. In exchange, Rupe would “turn a blind eye to clear violations” at Zywiec’s properties and target competitors by referring allegations of criminal activity to prosecutors…