Wichita ? Two employees of an Internet pharmacy once located here go on trial today on charges of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute prescription drugs.

Pharmacist Jerry L. Lovern, 68, and computer technician Robert J. Barron, 37, both of Wichita, were charged in a federal indictment on April 4 with one count of conspiracy and three counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances. They remain the only defendants in that case to face trial.

The owner of Red Mesa Pharmacy, Wilbur D. Hilst, 76, of Wewoka, Okla., pleaded guilty in December to the conspiracy count and agreed to forfeiture of about $20,000 seized from a bank account in exchange for reduced charges. His sentencing is March 7.

Defense attorney Lee Thompson, who represents Lovern, declined to comment on the case so close to trial. But in the past he has said that his client had nothing to do with the organization or operation of Red Mesa Pharmacy.