A Metairie man faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty Thursday in federal court to dealing Ecstasy.

Lance Gassen, 24, of 2720 Independence St., appeared before U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess Ecstasy with the intent to distribute, possession of Ecstasy with the intent to distribute and two counts of Ecstasy distribution, according to U.S. Attorney Jim Letten’s office.

Gassen was arrested July 8 after an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. A confidential informant outfitted with surveillance equipment bought Ecstacy pills from Gassen on three occasions in June.

In addition to prison time, Gassen could be fined up to $250,000 and be ordered to serve three years of supervised released for each count. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13.