Hastings Woman Sentenced for Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute

Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Vallen Bateman, 36, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 24, 2022, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Bateman to 66 months' imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

On September 28, 2020, law enforcement was serving a federal arrest warrant for John Wizinsky at a residence in Grand Island, following his indictment for distributing methamphetamine. Wizinsky was arrested and Bateman was also present. Bateman had an active warrant out of Howard County and was arrested. She admitted to having marijuana in her nearby backpack. A search of her backpack revealed 80 grams of methamphetamine, a scale, and 13 grams of marijuana.

Wizinsky was sentenced on July 23, 2021, to 262 months' imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Grand Island Police Department and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.