HUNTINGTON — A West Columbia man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on federal drug and firearm charges.

On Monday, David Michael Persons, 50,was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.

As previously reported, Persons was found guilty in August by a federal jury on three counts of illegal drug distribution, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to Goodwin’s office, evidence at trial proved that on March 3 and 15, 2010, Persons sold a quantity of heroin to a confidential informant working for the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Investigations (BCI). Trial evidence also revealed that on March 31, 2010, Persons also sold a quantity of cocaine to an informant working for the BCI and on April 20, 2010, he possessed heroin with intent to deliver. Goodwin’s office also reported the illegal drug transactions took place at Person’s West Columbia residence.

On April 20, 2010, investigators with the BCI executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized several items that included a quantity of heroin, digital scales, a .22 caliber rifle, and a .410 gauge shotgun, according to the release.

Persons was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his January 2007 conviction in Mason County of conspiracy to commit a felony.

The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation, with Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks and Jenny Rada handling the prosecution.