Narcan saves woman's life after fentanyl overdose; Lincoln man found guilty of distribution

LINCOLN, Neb. — A Lincoln woman’s life was saved by the quick administration of Narcan after she overdosed on fentanyl provided by Robert Vincent Harris, 57, also of Lincoln. Harris was found guilty on August 12, 2024, in federal court for distributing the fentanyl that caused the overdose, as well as possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.

The non-jury trial, presided over by Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, concluded with the guilty verdict after evidence was presented on July 18, 2024. The case was built on investigative reports, medical and fire department records, surveillance video, and recorded interviews with both Harris and the victim.

The incident leading to the charges occurred on February 14, 2024. Harris and the victim, who had previously discussed the possibility of purchasing heroin from Harris, stopped at his apartment on the way to a convenience store. There, they both snorted a line of powder, which Harris later admitted was fentanyl.

After leaving the convenience store, the victim collapsed. Lincoln Fire & Rescue responded to the scene, administering Narcan, which revived the victim during transport to the hospital. A subsequent investigation led to the discovery of fentanyl, meth, cocaine, and heroin in Harris’s apartment, along with other drug paraphernalia.

Harris confessed to providing the fentanyl that caused the overdose and admitted to using the remainder of the drug himself after the incident. Further text messages on Harris’s phone revealed discussions about the overdose and arrangements to supply drugs to another person the following day.

A medical expert confirmed that the victim would likely have died or suffered severe injuries without the timely administration of Narcan. The powder seized from Harris’s apartment tested positive for multiple controlled substances, including fentanyl.

Harris faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for November 25, 2024. The case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the Nebraska State Patrol, and Lincoln Fire & Rescue.