United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the sentencing of Nicholas Heitman, a 38-year-old resident of Fairbury, Nebraska. Heitman was sentenced on November 21, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis handed down a sentence of 188 months in prison. In the federal system, parole is not available. After serving his prison term, Heitman will be subject to five years of supervised release and must forfeit $4,580 in cash to the United States.
The case dates back to December 6, 2022, when Heitman was stopped by police while driving a vehicle without license plates or transit tags. He did not have a driver's license or the vehicle's title with him at that time. It was discovered that there was an active warrant for his arrest due to felony theft charges from Jefferson County, Nebraska. When instructed by an officer to place his hands behind his back, Heitman resisted.
A search of Heitman's pants pockets revealed a large bag containing methamphetamine which pre-tested positive for the substance and weighed approximately 73.7 grams. A further search of the vehicle uncovered $4,580 in U.S. currency located in the center console.
The drugs were sent for purity testing at the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab where it was confirmed that the bag contained at least 72 grams of pure methamphetamine.
While detained at Gage County jail, investigators reviewed recorded phone calls made by Heitman from jail during which he spoke about additional meth and a gun he had hidden.
The investigation involved several agencies including the Nebraska State Patrol, Gage County Sheriff's Office, Beatrice Police Department, and Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.