Benkelman man sentenced on meth charges

LINCOLN -- Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning announced Wednesday that a Benkelman man has been sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison for manufacturing the illegal drug methamphetamine, a Class III felony, by Dundy County District Court Judge John Batershell.

Danil K. Johnson, 36, pleaded no contest and was convicted of the charge on Sept. 7. He was sentenced by Judge Battershell Monday, Oct. 24.

Bruning said, "Every time we put a methamphetamine manufacturer behind bars, we come one step closer to stemming the tide of methamphetamine in our communities. The Nebraska Department of Justice will continue to do everything in our power to bring the criminals who make this deadly drug to justice."

Johnson was arrested for manufacturing meth April 4 after Dundy County Sheriff's Office deputies went to his residence regarding a loose dog complaint. When officers arrived at Johnson's home -- which is less than 1,000 feet from a school -- they noticed smoke and a strange smell coming from the garage.

Johnson and his 24-year-old stepson, Zach Luttrell, came out of the garage at the officer's request, padlocking the door behind them. When questioned about the smoke and odor, Johnson said he was cooking a turkey in a wood-burning stove. He later said he was experimenting with fireworks and chemicals to make tear gas and other substances, including gun powder.

After Johnson was taken into custody, officers found coffee filters in his pockets that contained a white, powdery substance which was later determined to be methamphetamine. Johnson eventually agreed to a search of the garage, where officers found a functioning meth lab.

Luttrell, who is visually impaired, agreed to receive a portion of the meth being cooked by Johnson for his services as a sentry. He was convicted of attempted possession of methamphetamine, a Class I misdemeanor, and sentenced to one year probation. He is required to attend drug and alcohol counseling.

The case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Corey O'Brien.