AVA, Ill. (WJPF) — An Ava man will spend the next 5 ½ years behind bars for violating the probation he received for possession of methamphetamine.

In December 2018, Merle “Oney” Boland, 46, was involved in a home invasion in DeSoto. Prosecutors say that Boland and another individual forcibly entered a home and then beat and restrained the people inside. Investigators in the case obtained a search warrant for Boland’s vehicle and found 21 grams of meth in the driver’s seat.

In August 2019, Boland pleaded guilty to possession of meth and was sentenced to 36 months probation. Five months laters, Boland violated probation by again using meth and not completing court ordered substance abuse treatment.