BENTON — A 38-year-old Mt. Vernon man was sentenced yesterday to federal prison for heroin and firearm offenses, according to James L. Porter, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

Scott L. Fowler had previously pled guilty to a three-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

On the heroin offense, Fowler was sentenced to 204 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years’ supervised release. On the firearm offenses, Fowler was sentenced to concurrent terms of 120 months in prison, followed by 3 years’ supervised release. Fowler was fined a total of $600.00.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that, from at least August 2014 to March 2015, Fowler was involved with others in the distribution of heroin in Williamson and Jefferson Counties.

During a March 19, 2015, search of a vehicle being driven by Fowler, agents located over 200 grams of heroin, a large amount of U.S. currency, a sawed-off Winchester 12-gauge shotgun, and ammunition.

At sentencing, the judge found that Fowler was responsible for the distribution of over 1.8 kilos of heroin and 35 grams of ice/methamphetamine. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the firearm.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Marion Police Department, Mt. Vernon Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.