Lincoln man caught with meth in a cooler gets 15 years in prison

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Lincoln man will spend 15 years in prison on meth and weapon charges.

Terry L. Christianson, 66, was sentenced Monday in federal court, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

U.S. District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced him to 15 years for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.

Christianson also got 10 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm, but he will serve the sentences concurrently.

In March 2022, he was pulled over in Lincoln for a traffic violation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Police saw a handgun in the vehicle, which prompted a search.

Officers found a revolver, a safe containing $7,125, and a cooler holding about 12 ounces of pure meth.

This will not be Christianson’s first extended stay behind bars.

He was sentenced in 1983 for five counts of robbery and five weapon charges, according to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

He spent 20 years in state prison.

After he is out this time, he will serve years on supervised release.