Deputy Accused Of Stealing Drugs & Toys Charged, Released

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Meeker County sheriff's deputy accused of stealing prescription drugs and toys from children faces nine criminal counts ranging from felonies to petty misdemeanors.

Travis Sebring, 33, was arrested at his department headquarters in Meeker County Tuesday. Investigators say Sebring was spotted digging around in the county's drug take-back box that was located at the law enforcement center. He was one of the officers who had a key to the box, charges state.

Sebring's duties relating to the disposal of drugs surrendered to the box were very specific, and the complaint lists a number of ways he broke protocol.

Charges allege Sebring admitted to taking medications from the take-back box for as long as a year, and had taken acetaminophen hydrocodone and tramadol pills.

At Sebring's home in Grove City, authorities found a number of toys they believe were taken during a holiday toy drive, where toy donations were collected at the court house located next to the Meeker County Sheriff's Office.

The toys included a football and basketball, Disney bathtub toys, a Thor action figure, a pink water bottle and craft supplies. He also admitted to authorities he had taken a wooden chair from the county government building and had it in his garage.

Sebring faces three felony counts of fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance, and another felony count of theft. He also faces a gross misdemeanor count of misconduct by a public official, misdemeanor theft counts, and also petty misdemeanor counts for marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff Brian Cruze says Sebring made his first appearance in court Thursday and was released on his own recognizance. He has also resigned from his position as Deputy Sheriff.