A trial is now scheduled for 2027 for a Kearney man facing multiple drug distribution charges stemming from an ongoing narcotics investigation.
Austin Dean, 29, faces charges of distribution of a controlled substance within a school zone – marijuana, a Class 2 felony, and distribution of a controlled substance – lysergic acid, a Class 2A felony.
Dean appeared in Buffalo County District Court on April 3 and entered not guilty pleas to both charges.
During a Nov. 10 court hearing, Dean’s attorney requested a continuance due to ongoing discovery in the case. Judge Kane Ramsey granted the request and scheduled the final pretrial hearing for Jan. 21. The jury trial is set to begin Feb. 8 at 9 a.m.
Dean’s arrest followed an ongoing narcotics investigation involving the Nebraska State Patrol, Kearney Police Department and the TRIDENT Task Force.
According to a Nebraska State Patrol press release, investigators executed a search warrant at a storage unit, where they discovered 25 pounds of marijuana, 1,699 THC vape cartridges, 879 grams of THC wax, four grams of psilocybin mushrooms and five firearms.
An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Dean. Investigators then executed a second search warrant at his residence, located at 1020 West 22nd Street in Kearney, on a Thursday.
Dean was found at the residence and taken into custody. A search of the home reportedly uncovered 787 grams of marijuana, 105 THC vape cartridges, 269 dosage units of LSD and additional psilocybin mushroom products, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.
Dean was booked into the Buffalo County Jail.
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