A West Columbia man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after being convicted of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.

According to authorities, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives identified Phillip O’Neal McCoy, 45, as a convicted felon involved in the unlawful sale of firearms and narcotics in the West Columbia area.

Investigators determined that on Jan. 5, 2024, McCoy distributed a quantity of crack cocaine while in possession of additional controlled substances. On Jan. 10, 2024, he sold a loaded semiautomatic pistol while again possessing additional controlled substances, the press release said.

Federal law prohibits McCoy from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior convictions, including pointing and presenting a firearm, first-degree assault and battery, domestic violence and multiple offenses related to the distribution of controlled substances.

Officials also noted that McCoy was on probation at the time of the offenses.

McCoy was sentenced to 77 months in prison, followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal prison system.