Fentanyl Pusher Sentenced to 15.67 Years

Austin Barrett, 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was handed a 188-month prison sentence for distributing fentanyl. United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced the sentence May 23, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln.

Barrett’s conviction stems from a disturbing incident that unfolded on April 1, 2021. When Lincoln Police Department officers responded to a call at a residence in Lincoln, they found a victim unresponsive, a used syringe, a baggie with suspected heroin, and one spoon with suspected heroin residue. The victim’s phone was also found at the scene.

Lincoln Fire & Rescue 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 they took. The baggie and spoon were sent to the lab for testing, and the results revealed that they contained fentanyl.

Later investigation revealed that the victim had coordinated with Barrett to purchase heroin from him. Phone records showed that Barrett had pulled into the victim’s residence after the two had 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 the conversation. Barrett admitted to selling heroin/fentanyl to the victim on April 1, 2021. He also admitted to having texted with the victim on April 1, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department. After Barrett is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

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