A Lehigh Acres man was sentenced last week to federal prison on gun and drug charges.

On March 2, U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell sentenced James Thomas Bissell, 32, to 12 years and seven months for possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and heroin, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, hydrocodone, marijuana, alprazolam, and morphine, and possession of firearms as a convicted felon.

Bissell was indicted on Feb. 3, 2016.

On Oct. 23, 2015, Bissell sold cocaine and heroin to an undercover detective from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office from his Lehigh home, according to the plea agreement. On Dec. 3, 2015, the LCSO executed a search warrant at the home and recovered six types of controlled substances that Bissell was holding for distribution, along with 28 firearms and cash.

As a convicted felon, Bissell was prohibited from possessing firearms, two of which had been previously reported stolen.

The case was investigated by the LCSO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jesus M. Casas and David G. Lazarus.

It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Middle District of Florida