Pearl River Woman Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy

Jackson, Miss. – A Pearl River woman was sentenced to 46 months in prison for her role in a conspiracy to distribute hydrocodone and methamphetamine on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Regional Agent in Charge Whitney Woodruff of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

According to court documents, Joyce Cauthen, 55, of Pearl River, participated in a conspiracy to distribute hydrocodone and methamphetamine on the Choctaw Indian Reservation.  She was indicted by a federal grand jury and pled guilty on February 10, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone.

U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs who investigated the case. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Burns.