Two defendants in drug- related cases entered guilty pleas in Carbon County court before Judge Steven R. Serfass on Tuesday.

Brenton Wayne Gruber, 31, of Palmerton, pleaded to one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested on Nov. 19, 2015, in the area of 244 Avenue A by Palmerton police. Police responded to the area for a complaint and found Gruber in possession of a needle and syringe used for illegal drugs.Serfass placed him on probation for a year and ordered he get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment and render 50 hours of community service.James Joseph Simmons, 24, of Weatherly, pleaded to one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested on Dec. 4, 2015, by Jim Thorpe police. Police responded to the adult probation office at the courthouse for a report of a defendant appearing at the office with three oxycodone pills in his possession which he did not have a prescription for.Simmons is currently in an inpatient, long-term rehabilitation program run by the Salvation Army in Harrisburg.Serfass placed him on probation for a year and ordered he get a D&A evaluation and render 50 hours of community service.Each defendant must also pay court costs of about $1,000 and pay a $50 per month supervision fee while on probation or parole.