U.S. Attorney Susan T. Lehr | U.S. Department of Justice
Nicholas Heitman, a 38-year-old resident of Fairbury, Nebraska, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The sentencing took place on November 21, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis presided over the case.
Following his release from prison, Heitman will be subject to a five-year term of supervised release. Additionally, he is required to forfeit $4,580 in cash to the United States government.
The charges stem from an incident on December 6, 2022, when Heitman was stopped by police while driving a vehicle without license plates or transit permits. At the time of the stop, he lacked a driver's license and the vehicle's title. Authorities discovered that Heitman had an outstanding warrant for felony theft in Jefferson County, Nebraska. Upon being instructed to place his hands behind his back by an officer, Heitman resisted arrest.
During a search of his pockets, officers found a large bag containing methamphetamine weighing approximately 73.7 grams. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed $4,580 in cash located in the center console.
The confiscated drugs were sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab for analysis. A forensic scientist confirmed that the substance contained at least 72 grams of pure methamphetamine.
While detained at Gage County jail, investigators monitored Heitman's phone calls. On recorded lines from jail, he reportedly spoke about additional quantities of meth and a firearm he had concealed elsewhere.
This investigation involved several law enforcement agencies including the Nebraska State Patrol, Gage County Sheriff's Office, Beatrice Police Department and Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
