Lincoln Man Rice Cops 78 Months for Meth Conspiracy

A Lincoln man has been sentenced to 6 1/2 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy that left a trail of devastation in his wake.

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that John W. Rice, 35, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 19, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Rice was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 78 months’ imprisonment with no possibility of parole. Following his release from prison, Rice will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.

Prosecutors revealed that Rice conspired with at least two other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in Nebraska from May 4, 2020, until December 28, 2021. During that time, Rice purchased or was fronted meth in ounce to half-pound quantities to resell to others, and he sold meth in quantities ranging from 1.75 grams to 2 ounces to at least five others.

In total, Rice purchased and distributed more than 500 grams of meth from May of 2020 until December 28, 2021. The staggering amount of methamphetamine distributed by Rice and his co-conspirators has undoubtedly contributed to the scourge of addiction that plagues our communities.

The investigation into Rice’s activities was led by the Lincoln Police Department, who worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence necessary to bring him to justice. Their efforts have sent a clear message to those involved in the illicit distribution of methamphetamine: you will be held accountable.

Rice’s sentence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies across the state. It’s a reminder that the consequences of engaging in such activities are severe and will be vigorously prosecuted.

At Grimy Times, we will continue to expose the crimes that threaten our communities and hold accountable those who would seek to harm others. This sentence is a victory for justice, but it’s also a sobering reminder of the devastating impact that methamphetamine has on our society.

The case serves as a stark reminder that the war on drugs is far from over. As long as individuals like Rice continue to profit from the suffering of others, we will continue to report on the crimes that plague our communities.