The ex-Floyd County Sheriff’s Office Deputy charged with stealing prescription medications from citizens under the pretense of investigating a crime – pled guilty Thursday, in Superior Court.  Jessie Stiles entered the plea to all 53 counts contained in the indictment and he was sentenced by Judge Tami Colston to 30 years with 10 to serve.

Stiles must also enter a substance abuse treatment center upon release.    

Charges included violation of oath of office, theft by taking and exploitation of the elderly.

Stiles was accused of taking painkillers from eleven different victims – he was arrested back on January 26th.

Stiles said he became addicted to pain pills after sustaining a couple of serious injuries.

Prior to sentencing, Assistant District Attorney Kay Ann Weathington said this wasn’t just a case of addiction because Stiles used his badge, and his power as a law enforcement officer, to feed his drug habit; she added that many of the victims were elderly and sick and needed the medication that was stolen.

(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)