SALISBURY — A Mocksville man was convicted in court this week and sentenced to 13 years to 18 years in prison for felony trafficking in heroin.

Darren Lynn Johnson, 32, was convicted by a jury this week in Rowan County Criminal Superior Court of three counts of felony trafficking in heroin by possession, transportation and selling; two counts of felony selling heroin, and felony possession with intent to sell/deliver heroin.

After the jury’s verdict, Judge Lori Hamilton sentenced Johnson to a total of a minimum of 154 months to a maximum of 212 months in prison and ordered a $50,000 fine.

During the course of an ongoing investigation, detectives with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office began direct negotiations with Johnson for the purchase of heroin. On April 7 and April 14, 2016, an undercover officer with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office purchased heroin from Johnson in exchange for $200.

On April 28, 2016, an undercover officer with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office purchased heroin from Johnson in exchange for $700.

Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook thanked Assistant District Attorney Kristina Scally and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office in seeing that Johnson was brought to justice. Cook said heroin continues to have a destructive impact on the citizens in our community and as a result, her office will continue to hold those who sell illegal narcotics accountable for their actions.