A former employee of Covidien, a pharmaceutical company whose Hobart-based plant manufactures controlled prescription narcotics, has been arrested and charged with the theft of hydrocodone tablets from the plant.
On Thursday, May 23, Delaware County sheriff's deputies arrested Wayne A. Morse III, a 26-year-old Hobart man and former Covidien employee. Morse is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, petit larceny, and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, all misdemeanors.
Morse's arrest was the result of a tip from Covidien security officers, according to a statement issued by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office. The latest arrest is the second time this year a Covidien employee has been arrested on drug charges. In January, 33-year-old Jason Wilsey was arrested on more serious charges of drug trafficking, for allegedly selling oxycodone powder stolen from the pharmaceutical plant.
Morse was issued appearance tickets and ordered to appear at Town of Stamford Court on June 11.
In recent months, the Delaware County sheriff's office has been increasingly vocal about the rise in drug-related crime in the county, much of which officials say is rooted in prescription drug trafficking.
Covidien has aided local law enforcement in the investigation of drug crime at the Hobart plant, said Delaware County undersherrif Craig DuMond.
"Covidien was very forthright and cooperative in assisting with the investigation," DuMond said.
