BENTON — A 26-year-old West Frankfort man has been indicted in federal court on heroin related charges in a two count Indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Benton.

Erik Scott Brown was indicted on charges that on or about December 2, 2014, in Franklin County, Brown knowingly and intentionally distributed heroin, a Schedule I Controlled Substance, to Steven Keith Scott, and that Scott died as a result of the use of the heroin which Brown had distributed.

Count 2 charges that on December 3, 2014, in Franklin County, Illinois, Brown knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute heroin. With respect to Count 1, Brown faces a minimum of 20 years, to life in federal prison, up to $1 million fine, and supervised release of not less than 3 years.

With respect to Count 2, Brown faces up to 20 years in prison, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 3 years.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Illinois State Police, the West City Police Department, the Benton Police Department, the West Frankfort Police Department, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

The Franklin County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation of this case. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney George Norwood.