Filmmaker, former ‘LSD kingpin’ arrested with 437 pounds of marijuana in Seward County, affidavit shows

SEWARD COUNTY, Neb. (KOLN) - A man convicted of distributing LSD in the 90s was arrested after deputies found over 400 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop in Seward County.

On Oct. 29, a Seward County Sheriff's deputy pulled over a white Ford F-150 on I-80, just south of Seward, for driving on the shoulder.

While speaking to the driver, Seth Ferranti, 53, of Keansburg, New Jersey, deputies reportedly smelled marijuana coming from his truck.

Court documents show that the deputy requested and was denied consent to search the vehicle. However, due to the strong odor, the deputy had probable cause to conduct a search.

During the search, the deputy found 14 boxes and a duffle bag that contained heat-sealed packages of marijuana, documents show. In total, 437 pounds of marijuana was located.

According to the affidavit, the sheriff's office also learned that Ferranti was convicted of distribution of LSD in 1993, and in 2021 was also convicted on delivery of a controlled substance.

Ferranti was then arrested and lodged in the Seward County Jail.

Ferranti is facing charges for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a controlled substance without a tax stamp.

His bond was set at 10% of $500,000. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Seward County District Court on Nov. 18 at 10 a.m.

According to the Gorilla Convict website , Ferranti received a 25-year LSD kingpin conviction in the 90s, after faking his suicide and landing on the U.S. Marshals Top-15 Most Wanted list. His case drew national attention.

During Ferranti's time behind bars, he began building his writing and journalism career and earned multiple degrees.

In February 2015, after serving 21 years, Ferranti was released from prison. He went on to write and direct "White Boy", "The Precious and the Damned", and more.