SALEM – A 20-year-old Lynn man who admitted he was involved in four drug sales of heroin to an undercover police officer in Saugus last year was given leniency by a Superior Court judge, but warned if he violates the three year probationary term he was going to jail.Angel Cotto, of 11 James St., avoided a trial by pleading guilty Wednesday afternoon in Salem Superior Court to four counts of distribution of heroin before Judge Howard J. Whitehead.The judge placed Cotto on three years of probation saying he took into account his youth, that the case is right on the border for probation or time and that Cotto was not the “principal” actor.Whitehead told Cotto he was retaining jurisdiction over his case and warned him if he violates the terms of his probationary contract he would come down hard on him and he could face up to 10 years in prison, with no chance of early release.Whitehead had indicated during the colloquy plea that he would sentence Cotto to a split term of two and one-half years in jail, with all but 60-days to be served and two years probation, but after defense lawyer John V. Apruzzese allocated asking for leniency, saying his client his client works two jobs, has always shown up in court dressed appropriately, is taking responsibility and was not the “brains” of the operation, he changed his mind.Assistant District Attorney A.J.Camelio asked for at least 18 months in jail with probation.He said the charges involved four drug deals of heroin to an undercover officer in Saugus in which two bags of heroin were sold each time for $100.Cotto was the driver of the vehicle in which his alleged co-conspirator, Ramon J. Avalo, 22, transacted three of those drug deals, on June 14, June 21 and July 3. The fourth drug deal was consummated by Cotto on July 11, Camelio said as he told Whitehead that Cotto was fully “aware what was going on.”Under the terms of his probationary period, Cotto must live with his mother, consent to random drug tests, has a curfew between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. and must maintain employment.Cotto has been free on bail since being arraigned in January.Avalo, whose last known address is 53 Rockwell St., Malden, currently is in default on the case and an indictment warrant has been issued for his arrest.