Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Oxycodone

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, oxycodone, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

George Norkus, 68, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Norkus was a pharmacist at all times relevant to the charged offense. From on or about Oct. 1, 2015, to on or about Feb. 16, 2016, Norkus knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute, a quantity of oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. In addition, Norkus, unlawfully, knowingly, and intentionally omitted material information from reports, records, and other documents required to be made, kept, or filed under Title 21 of the United States Code.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Dec. 1, 2016 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 24 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, a term of supervised release of at least three years, or any or all of the above. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of George Norkus.