UPDATE 2/12/13
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A man from Huntington has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

In September, Gregory Donearl Easterling, also known as “Smoke,” pleaded guilty to the charges.

Federal prosecutors say that in December 2011, members of the Huntington Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force conducted a search of the Easterling’s residence where officers found approximately 6.8 grams of heroin located on an open kitchen shelf, an additional six bundles of heroin, three firearms and digital scales.

Also during that search, officers seized a loaded .45 caliber pistol that was hiddenin a bed rail.

Gregory Donearl Easterling, 37, also known as “Smoke” and “Dion A. Foster,” pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Huntington.

On Dec. 21, 2011, members of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force conducted a search of Easterling’s home in Huntington.

During the search of the residence, law enforcement officers found about 6.8 grams of heroin located on an open kitchen shelf, an additional six bundles of heroin, three firearms and digital scales.

Easterling admitted to law enforcement that he intended to sell the heroin.

Also during the December 2011 search of Easterling’s home, law enforcement officers seized a loaded .45-caliber pistol that was stored in the rail of the defendant’s bed. Easterling admitted that he was responsible for a total of 27 grams of heroin and 60 30-milligram oxycodone pills.

Easterling faces up to life in prison and a $1.25 million fine when he is sentenced Dec. 17 by U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers.