United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods dropped a hammer on a Lincoln criminal this week, announcing that Nathaniel Lee Stephenson, 28, of the city, will spend over a decade behind bars for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
The heavy sentence came after Stephenson’s September 4, 2025, conviction in federal court, where Judge Susan M. Bazis ruled that no parole would apply in this instance. Following his release from prison, he’ll be under strict supervision for the next five years.
Stephenson’s criminal activities reached a peak on June 13, 2024, when he sold 83½ grams of meth—a solid three ounces—to an undercover Lincoln Police Department officer for a $1,000 price tag. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed that the substance was at least 93% pure, making it one of the most potent street drugs.
This isn’t just a sentence—it’s the culmination of a thorough investigation by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force. Their relentless pursuit brought Stephenson to justice and ensured he’ll be paying for his crimes from behind bars.
Stephenson’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Nebraska and the serious consequences faced by those who deal in dangerous substances like methamphetamine.
The federal system has spoken, and it’s time for Stephenson to face the music. With his 140-month sentence, he will spend years away from society, reflecting on his actions that led him down this dark path.
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Related Federal Cases
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Key Facts
- State: Nebraska
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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