LIBERTY TWP, Ohio - A former Liberty Township firefighter pleaded guilty to lesser charges earlier Thursday. 

Joshua Cleland was originally facing two felony charges, aggravated possession of drugs and tampering with evidence. Cleland was also charged with a misdemeanor drug possession charge. 

Cleland plead guilty to amended charges of attempted possession of drugs with specification of forfeiture and attempted tampering with evidence. 

Cleland was arrested in 2020 on drug-related charges after the overdose death of firefighter John Beard in 2020. 

An investigation then began into possible drug use and drug trading inside the Liberty Fire department. 

Cleland's sentencing is set for a later date.