A Jackson County man recently received a 15-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to dealing methamphetamine out of his apartment on different occasions last year.

Zachary R. Cole, 23, of Seymour received that sentence from Jackson Circuit Judge Richard Poynter, who suspended three of the 15 years.

The incident that led to the plea agreement on the Class B felony charge stems from an investigation that began a year ago.

In March 2014, police reported making two undercover buys from Cole’s residence in the 600 block of East Oak Street, according to the probable cause affidavit.

On March 3, Cole sold 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine for $320 and four-tenths of a gram of methamphetamine for $50. Two days later, he sold a quarter of a gram of methamphetamine for $25, police said.

On Sept. 15, Seymour Detective Brian Moore said he set up surveillance at a residence in the 600 block of Euclid Avenue after receiving a report of the illegal distribution of drugs in that area.

Moore, who was in an unmarked police vehicle, said he saw Cole ride up to that residence on his bicycle, interact with a group of people and then ride off again on his bike to Oak Street.

Moore reported he called for backup so he could arrest Cole for the undercover buys in March.

Moore said he followed Cole and another man as they rode their bikes for a while toward Broadway Street and then in an alley near apartments on South Vine Street.

Moore said while attempting to arrest Cole, he dropped his bike and tried to run. Moore, however, was able to catch him a short time later.

Police said they found a corner baggie of methamphetamine and 10 pills of hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, which Cole had thrown out, according to the probable cause affidavit.

If Cole doesn’t get into trouble during his first 10 years, he will be eligible to serve the remaining two years on home detention. Jackson Jennings Community Corrections or another court-approved program will have to supervise the home detention.

As part of the plea agreement, the state agreed to dismiss two Class A felony charges of dealing in methamphetamine, along with charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and resisting law enforcement.

Cole received 140 days credit and 140 days credit time. Poynter also ordered him to submit to an alcohol and drug abuse program.