The man authorities say was the first to bring bath salts to Richland County is going to prison.

Ahmad Fares, 27,  was sentenced Wednesday in Richland County Common Pleas Court.

Fares pled guilty to a second-degree felony drug possession charge, accusing him to selling the illegal synthetic drug in his Lexington Avenue Drive-Thru store.

He also admitted to attempted felonious assault for trying to hire someone to beat-up a prison inmate who was a witness against him.

Fares told Judge James Henson "I take full responsibility for my actions and I apologize to the community and my family".

Henson sentenced him to 4 1/2 years in prison, with three years mandatory.

Prosecutors requested a six-year sentence.

Fares was handcuffed and taken to jail to await his transport to prison.

He can apply for early release after serving 37 months.

If it's granted, he would spend three years on probation.

He also must pay a $7,500 fine, and forfeit his $70,000 Chevy Camaro.