Union Adventist Professor Arrested Following Drug Investigation
Nov 08, 2024
Lincoln Police cruiser. (Jeff Motz/KFOR News)LINCOLN–(KFOR Nov. 8)–A 45-year-old history and political professor at Union Adventist University here in Lincoln is facing drug-related charges, after investigators intercepted a drug-filled package intended for him that arrived in New York and originated from the United Kingdom.
Benjamin Tyner was pulled over in south Lincoln on Wednesday, after it was discovered that more than 63 grams of ecstasy pills were found in the package by Customs at New York’s JFK Airport. An arrest affidavit says Lincoln Police were notified last Friday and the package arrived on Monday.
Arrest records say 15 ecstasy tablets were left out for a controlled delivery at Tyner’s home. Working with the U.S. Postal Service, investigators had them leave the package in his mailbox on Wednesday. Authorities said Tyner picked the package up around 2:45 p.m. and drove away, before he was stopped on South 27th Street.
A search of Tyner’s vehicle found five used meth pipes and a small amount of meth. Tyner was arraigned on Thursday, and his bond was set at 10% of $50,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 3.
On Thursday, Union Adventist University released a statement saying Tyner has been placed on administrative leave and that the university will “fully cooperate” with authorities as they investigate.