A North Hills woman pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced Monday.

Kathryn Joyce, 30, of 404 Sunset Road, McCandless Township, pleaded guilty to one count before U.S. 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.

Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 2, 2013. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1 million, 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 U.S. 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.

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