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

Howard Shreckengost, 49, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from November 2007 to June 2008, Schreckengost conspired with a pharmacy employee in Florida to distribute thousands of oxycodone tablets.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 6, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Howard Schreckengost.

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