BENTON — A Mt. Vernon man has been sentenced to 140 months in prison on a federal methamphetamine violation.

U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said Wednesday that earlier this year 51-year-old Leonard M. “Lenny” Falcone pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Falcone was involved with numerous others in the distribution of methamphetamine in Williamson, Franklin and Jefferson counties.

At sentencing, the judge found that Falcone was responsible for the distribution of approximately 125 grams of ice, which is methamphetamine with a purity level of at least 80 percent.

Falcone received an enhanced sentence because he possessed a dangerous weapon during the offense, which happened between September 2017 and May 31, 2018.

Falcone’s sentence includes three years of supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Vernon Police Department, Illinois State Police and the Williamson County States Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.