JEFFERSON COUNTY — A 29-year-old Mt. Vernon man was sentenced this week in Jefferson County Court to 18 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to Class X felony armed violence.

Mt. Vernon police arrested Codey Ince during a traffic stop in January.

Police had developed information Ince was involved in distributing drugs and was likely in possession of a handgun.

During the traffic stop, officers discovered Ince was in possession of both methamphetamine and a handgun.

Per the plea agreement, a Class X charge of being an armed habitual criminal, as well as felony possession of less than 5 grams of meth was dismissed. Ince was given credit for 194 days served in the Jefferson County Jail.