Lincoln man imprisoned for dealing fentanyl, in Beatrice

BEATRICE – Convictions in three criminal cases have resulted in a state prison term for a 32-year-old Lincoln man, in Gage County District Court.
David Fentress was convicted of one charge of distribution of fentanyl….and two counts of possession of methamphetamine. The defendant asked his attorney, John Ball, of Lincoln to speak in favor of a probation term….a sentence he had never received, despite a lengthy criminal record.

"The bottom line is that Mr. Fentress is more than willing and able to maintain his sobriety, with help. He is asking the court for an opportunity on probation....an opportunity he had never been afforded, before. In looking at his record, this is a first for me, judge. I would never stand up and ask for probation with that criminal history....and with these types of charges. In my mind that would be inappropriate.....but again, I think we've got extraordinary circumstances, here."

District Judge Rick Scheiner recounted Fentress’ criminal history since 2006 starting as a juvenile…and ordered a 10-to-15-year prison term for the fentanyl distribution crime.

"Here we are, and you're alleged to have been dealing fentanyl in this case, which is killing people every day. So, you gave somebody something that could potential kill them, for money."

Fentress received two-year terms on each of the drug possession counts. However, all of the sentences will be served at the same time. Fentress received 135 days credit for time spent in jail.  As part of a plea agreement, two weapons charges against Fentress were dismissed.

In June and July of 2022, Beatrice Police conducted an investigation using a confidential informant and made a controlled purchase of an illegal drug.
Through continual surveillance, authorities monitored a transaction as Fentress was picked up in a vehicle along Tenth Street… and driven toward a local motel.
Authorities said while enroute, Fentress received $100 for fentanyl that was contained in a plastic bag in a plastic tube…surrounded by tin foil and contained in another bag.