Man sent to federal prison after meth bust on I-80 near Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A man will spend 12½ years in federal prison after getting caught with meth in Lancaster County, the U.S. Attorney’s Office says.

Austin T. Tenbrink, 23, of Michigan was sentenced Monday for possession with intent to distribute of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

On Oct. 26, 2021, Tenbrink committed a traffic violation while exiting eastbound Interstate 80 west of Lincoln, authorities said.

He drove to a gas station, where a Lancaster County sheriff’s deputy gave him a warning.

But after a juvenile passenger pulled out a THC vape cartridge, the deputy searched the vehicle.

Authorities found about 2 pounds of meth, “numerous Xanax bars,” codeine syrup, and more THC cartridges and other marijuana products.

The search also uncovered a handgun that was reported stolen in Michigan.

After his prison sentence, Tenbrink will spend five years on supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.