AUGUSTA — A Sidney man will spend an initial five years behind bars for trafficking in heroin in a “safe children zone,” near the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers home and a park in Waterville.

Ryan J. Farnum, 27, pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated trafficking that occurred March 31 in Waterville, and agreed to criminal forfeiture of $485 cash seized from him July 6 also in Waterville.

Committing a crime in a safe zone aggravates the offense and the available penalties.

He was sentenced to five years in prison, with the remainder of the 10-year term suspended, and three years of probation.

In exchange for the plea and the forfeiture, a number of other charges against Farnham were dismissed. They included two counts of aggravated trafficking in heroin, one count of conspiracy to commit a crime or crime and unlawful possession of heroin, all March 31-July 5 in Waterville.

He was arrested July 6 during a motor vehicle stop in Waterville following a months-long investigation by Waterville police into drug trafficking in the city.

Farnham was represented by Jeffrey Towne, and the prosecutor was Assistant District Attorney Francis Griffin.