A Smithfield man was sentenced last week to two years and seven months for his part in distributing heroin in Isle of Wight County.

Patrick David Simmons, 27, of the 8700 block of Smithfield Apartments Lane, pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing heroin and one of possessing heroin with intent to distribute. A charge of distributing drugs near a school was not prosecuted as part of the plea agreement.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Georgette Phillips told the court that Simmons engaged in selling heroin on four different occasions at various locations within Isle of Wight County, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.

The grand jury indicted Simmons on the charges on Jan. 12 and March 9. The U.S. Marshals arrested him April 1 in Poquoson.

These charges stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Meherrin Drug Task Force, according to the release. The Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office is a member agency of this task force.

“Simmons will spend the next several years in the custody of the Department of Corrections and not contributing to the heroin issues facing our county,” the press release stated. “The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute those that seek to distribute illegal substances within the county.”

Circuit Court Judge Robert H. Sandwich Jr. handed down the sentence. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office and the Isle of Wight County Sheriff are working to secure additional federal charges against Simmons, according to the release.