Lincoln Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Austin Barrett, 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced May 23, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for distribution of fentanyl. Senior United State District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Barrett to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Barrett is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.

On April 1, 2021, Lincoln Police Department (LPD) officers were dispatched to a residence in Lincoln following a call stating that a person was not breathing.  At the residence, officers found a used syringe, a baggie with suspected heroin, and one spoon with suspected heroin residue, and the victim’s phone.  Lincoln Fire & Rescue (LFR) administered Narcan, and the victim began responding and became alert.  The victim admitted to taking an opioid but did not remember which one or how much he took. The baggie and spoon were sent to the lab for testing.  The lab determined that the baggie and spoon contained fentanyl.  

Later investigation revealed the victim coordinated with Barrett to purchase heroin from Barrett. Phone records revealed that on April 1, 2021, Barrett pulled into the victim’s residence after the two arranged the sale, and only 16 minutes later, the call to 911 was made. 

On April 20, 2021, an LPD officer spoke with Barrett by phone and recorded it.  Barrett admitted to selling heroin/fentanyl to the victim on April 1, 2021.  Barrett also admitted to having texted with the victim on April 1, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.