Norfolk Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine

United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that John E. Kohler, age 53, of Norfolk, Nebraska was sentenced on August 22, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Kohler to 120 months' imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Kohler will be required to complete a 5-year term of supervised release.

Kohler sold methamphetamine to an undercover investigator in Nebraska on three occasions in 2022. The first sale occurred on April 18, 2022, and yielded approximately one ounce of meth. The second sale occurred on April 26, 2022, and yielded 1¾ ounces of meth. The third sale occurred on August 24, 2022, and yielded 2 ounces of meth.

On March 2, 2023, the undercover investigator arranged another deal to purchase 8 ounces of meth from Kohler. Kohler was pulled over in Lincoln, Nebraska before completing the sale. During a search of Kohler's vehicle, over 8 ounces of meth was found in his possession.

Evidence from Kohler's phone dating back to February 13, 2022, corroborated Kohler's involvement in meth trafficking with other parties.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol as part of the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.