Deputy admits to jail painkiller theft

PAW PAW, Mich. (WOOD) - A sheriff's deputy of St. Joseph County who was accused of stealing a prescription pain reliever from a jail while on duty has pleaded guilty in the case.

Stephen Morris, 39, was charged with felony larceny counts after the Jan. 9 Tramadol theft.

He pleaded Wednesday o two counts of larceny of more than $200 but less than $1,000.

The case was handled by prosecutors from Cass County.

Assistant prosecutor Kirk Metzger said they will ask that Morris no longer be able to work in law enforcement or as a corrections officer.

Morris is now on administrative leave without pay.