UNION TOWNSHIP, Ohio – A member of the Union Township Clermont County fire department stole painkillers intended for patients and tried to cover up his crime by diluting the drugs he left behind, according to authorities.
Carl E. Murray II pleaded guilty Wednesday to two felony counts of theft of drugs and two felony counts of tampering with drugs. The drugs were fentanyl and morphine, according to court documents. An official said they don't know if any patients were treated with the drugs Murray diluted.
Fire officials noticed the missing and tampered with drugs and notified Union Township police on June 3, police said. An investigation identified Murray as a suspect and he was placed on administrative leave.
Murray, of Moores Hill, Indiana, was fired from the fire department Wednesday, but he may not have to go to jail.
The prosecutor said he won't ask for jail time because Murray, a 10-year veteran of the department, doesn't have a criminal record. Sentencing is Jan. 27.
