Anthony Shields

A Michigan man was sentenced to state prison for a drug distribution case in Butler County Court on Thursday.

Anthony W. Shields, 25, of Port Huron, was sentenced to 13 to 26 months in state prison by Judge William Shaffer.

He was also ordered to pay court costs.

Shields pleaded guilty Feb. 14 to felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and conspiracy.

He was initially charged with another count of possession with intent, which was dismissed as part of the plea,

Butler County Drug Task Force officers filed the charges after a drug raid in the 200 block of West Brady Street on Oct. 11, following a three-week investigation into drug sales at the home that included at least two drug buys.

More than six ounces of suspected crack cocaine — enough to fetch $20,000 on the street — was seized, police said, as well as 32 stamp bags of suspected heroin and 1½ pounds of marijuana on 24 live plants in various stages of growth.

Investigators believe the marijuana came from an indoor grow operation at the same home. A bedroom closet served as the grow room, authorities said. The attic was being used to dry and process the drug.

Officers also turned up grow lights, fans, potting soil, seed starters and other items used in the operation, as well as $285 and four cell phones.

Also charged in the incident was Todd A. Moore, 48, who is a tenant at the West Brady street home.

Moore allowed Shields to use his apartment to sell narcotics, according to authorities. But they believe Moore was responsible for making the grow operation work.

Shields was arrested as he was leaving the apartment. Moore and two others, both there to use drugs, were found inside, police said.

According to court documents, officers found eight packages of suspected crack, weighing about 180 grams, or nearly 6½ ounces.

Shields was caught carrying two smaller bags of crack, police said.

Moore is awaiting further court proceedings.