United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on Oct. 25, 2018, Cristian J. Richards, 28, of Lincoln, was sentenced to 10 years and one month (121 months) in federal prison for distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine. Richards was also sentenced to five years (60 months) in prison for carrying and possessing a firearm, during, and in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense. The sentence for the gun charge will be served consecutive to (after) the sentence for the drug offense. Following the prison terms, Richards will serve five years on supervised release.
On Aug. 31, 2017, Richards was arrested by members of the Lincoln Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force after he was seen engaging in drug transactions. In Richards’s backpack, officers found at least 350 grams, (approximately 12 ½ ounces) of actual (pure) methamphetamine; a 9mm handgun; and $5,800 cash. Richards had an additional $3,041 cash on his person. As part of a plea agreement, Richards agreed to the forfeiture of $8,841 to the United States of America.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
