Fairbury Man Sentenced For Possession of Methamphetamine

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nicholas Heitman, age 38, of Fairbury, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 21, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. United Sates District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Heitman to 188 months' imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Heitman's release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Heitman was also ordered to forfeit $4,580.00 in cash to the United States.

On December 6, 2022, Heitman was driving a vehicle with no license plates or in-transits. He was stopped by police and did not have a driver's license or the title of the vehicle with him. Heitman had an active warrant for his arrest for felony theft out of Jefferson County, Nebraska. When the officer advised Heitman to place his hands behind his back, he resisted.

During the search of Heitman's pants pockets, officers located a large bag of meth which pre-tested positive for the substance. The bag weighed approximately 73.7 grams. Officers searched the vehicle and found $4,580 in US currency in the center console.

The drugs were sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab for purity testing. A forensic scientist found the bag of meth to contain at least 72 grams of pure methamphetamine.

While Heitman was detained in the Gage County jail, investigators reviewed his phone calls. Heitman, while on a recorded line from jail, told others about additional meth and a gun he had hidden.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Gage County Sheriff's Office, the Beatrice Police Department, and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.