YOUNGSTOWN  A former pharmacist who was caught stealing controlled substances from a Boardman drug store was sentenced to two years of probation on Tuesday after pleading guilty to three felony counts of theft of drugs.

Colt Edwards, 33, of Hubbard, also agreed to permanently surrender his pharmacy license as part of a plea agreement. He could have faced a maximum of 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine for the charges. A misdemeanor count of drug theft was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

According to a Board of Pharmacy document, Edwards stole dangerous drugs, including hydrocodone, tramadol, and zolpidem, from a pharmacy on Market Street in Boardman. He was identified as the pharmacy's "responsible person" from July 11, 2023, through the time of his summary license suspension on Sept. 28, 2023.

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy launched an investigation after Edwards's employer reported the theft of controlled substances. The investigation also revealed that Edwards stole store merchandise, including protein bars, condoms, and over-the-counter drugs. During an interview with the store’s Asset Protection Team member, Edwards admitted to stealing the merchandise and drugs and disclosed that he was receiving addiction services.

Edwards was sentenced by Judge Maureen A. Sweeney in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.