JASPER, Tenn. — Ten Marion and Hamilton County residents have been charged in federal court with conspiracy and distribution of the narcotic painkillers oxycodone and hydrocodone according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s office.

The charges enlarge a case originally announced in April against Guild, Tenn., resident James Moon and three others on charges of conspiracy and distribution.

Marion County authorities said three other county residents have been arrested on state charges.

The defendants are believed to have trafficked pills stolen in a series of pharmacy burglaries in Hamilton, Marion and Sequatchie counties and in Knoxville, authorities said.

The investigation began in March, 2007, authorities said, and involved the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marion and Hamilton County sheriff’s offices.

Neither the Marion sheriff’s office nor the U.S. Attorney’s office could be reached this afternoon.

See Friday’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for complete coverage.