Two defendants in pending criminal cases entered guilty pleas in Carbon County court on Friday.

Judge Steven R. Serfass accepted the pleas.

• Christopher S. Ruckle, 39, of Palmerton, pleaded to one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. A charge of possession of a controlled substance was dropped.

Ruckle was charged on Aug. 15, 2021, by Lehighton police following a vehicle stop. Police found needles and a baggie of heroin in the vehicle.

Serfass placed him on probation for a year and ordered he get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment, render 50 hours of community service, and pay court costs and probation supervision fee.

• Ronald L. Miller, 56, of Lehighton, pleaded to one count of driving under the influence.

He was arrested on Dec. 4, 2019, at routes 209 and 443, in Lehighton, by state police at Lehighton for DUI of a controlled substance.

Sentencing was deferred so he can obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation.