Cornhusker State News

A Spalding, Nebraska man has been sentenced to 192 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods. Tanner Hudson, 27, received his sentence on July 24, 2025, from United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis in Lincoln. Following his release from prison, Hudson will be subject to a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case stems from an incident on March 13, 2022. On that day, Hudson provided a round blue pill to another individual, believing it was Percocet—a controlled substance—based on information gathered from text messages and law enforcement interviews. The recipient lost consciousness within about an hour of taking the pill.

Approximately five hours later, the victim’s roommate returned home and found the victim alive but unconscious and suffering from pulmonary edema. First responders were called and administered Narcan at the scene. Medical doctors later determined that the victim had suffered two episodes of ventricular fibrillation and cerebral edema resulting in severe neurological damage. The victim remains in a vegetative state.

"This case was investigated by the Kearney Police Department."