United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the sentencing of Taft Burtton, a 52-year-old resident of Omaha, Nebraska. On January 3, 2025, Burtton was sentenced in federal court for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., imposed a sentence of 120 months' imprisonment on Burtton. In the federal system, parole is not an option. Following his release from prison, Burtton will serve a five-year term of supervised release.
The investigation leading to Burtton's arrest began on February 15, 2023. The Drug Enforcement Administration Overdose Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in Omaha known for selling fentanyl. During the operation, suspects at the location identified Burtton as their source of fentanyl.
In an undercover operation by law enforcement, Burtton was lured to the residence and subsequently arrested upon arrival with 99 grams of fentanyl in his possession.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation into this case.