Woman Indicted for Distributing Prescription Drugs

A resident of McKees Rocks has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics laws, according to U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced Thursday.

The six-count indictment named Carol Combs, 54, of 1429 1/2 Flemming Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Combs distributed oxycodone unlawfully on five occasions, and conspired to distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone between August 24, 2010 and January 20, 2012 that she obtained from a Peters Township physician.

"Carol Combs is charged with selling large amounts of oxymorphone and oxycodone that she fraudulently obtained from Dr. Herndon," Hickton said.

"She led a large organization that preyed upon people with addiction and profited from the sale of these prescription drugs."

The law provides for a maximum total sentence at each count of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

to health care fraud in court Tuesday.