CRIME JOURNALISM EXCLUSIVE: A Pearl River woman, Joyce Cauthen, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone on the Choctaw Indian Reservation. U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCall announced the charges.
Cauthen was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2021, facing four counts related to methamphetamine and hydrocodone distribution. She pleaded guilty to count four, admitting her role in the offense. The investigation began after an inmate introduced methamphetamine into the Choctaw Detention Center, leading to a search warrant at Cauthen’s home.
During the search, investigators found hydrocodone tablets and evidence of text messages between Cauthen and others discussing sales. Cauthen will be sentenced on May 19, 2023, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison hanging over her.
Four co-defendants have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing. U.S. Attorney LaMarca emphasized the office’s commitment to combating drug trafficking in both tribal and non-tribal communities.
The investigation was conducted by the Choctaw Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the DEA. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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