Pine Co. Sheriff Heartbroken, Outraged Over Alleged Deputy Thefts

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Pine County deputy is off the job after being charged with six felony counts for allegedly stealing narcotics while on duty.

According to a criminal complaint, Justin Stoddard, 27, admitted stealing oxycodone from Pine County residents.

In one count, Stoddard is accused of taking the pills from a woman who had called the sheriff's office for help with a custody matter. He returned to her house multiple times saying he needed pictures of the medication.

"I go from being very heartbroken over the situation this young man finds himself in to being outraged on behalf of the citizens of this county," Sheriff Robin Cole said. "I have to take a hard line on misconduct, and the trust that the public has in us can't be broken."

In addition to the six counts of prescription drug theft, Stoddard is also charged with misconduct, a gross misdemeanor.