North Hills Woman Pleads Guilty To Unlawfully Possessing Oxycodone

PITTSBURGH, Pa, - A North Hills resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Kathryn Joyce, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Joyce unlawfully possessed with intent to distribute 334 oxycodone 30 mg tablets on Jan. 11, 2012 when stopped by the Ross Township Police.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 2, 2013. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ross Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Joyce.