A Salisbury man was recently sentenced to serve four and a half years for cocaine distribution.

John Christopher Hyde Jr., 29, was sentenced last week.

Detectives with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office conducted a two-month undercover operation during March and April. Hyde became a suspect in a crack cocaine distribution operation.

Detectives learned that Hyde had recently been released from federal prison and was probation for a firearms crime.

Hyde was arrested May 2 and indicted in the Middle District of North Carolina for cocaine distribution and probation violation.

He has a number of previous convictions that include felony breaking and entering.