Former Deputy Charged With Stealing Drugs and Toys

LITCHFIELD, MN (Townsquare Media/WJON) -– The Meeker County Sheriff’s Deputy who has been accused of stealing both drugs and toys was formally charged on Thursday.

33-year-old Travis Sebring of Grove City is facing nine criminal charges in the case.

The criminal complaint says the investigation began in late November when the Chief Sheriff’s Deputy says he spotted Sebring digging through the Drug Take Back Box in the main lobby of the Law Enforcement Center in Litchfield. Sheriff Brian Cruze also reviewed video surveillance footage from several dates, during which he says Sebring had a “pattern” of going into the box, taking out a plastic tote, carrying the tote to a nearby stairwell out of camera range, and then would return a few minutes later.

The criminal complaint says Sebring has admitted to taking medications for personal use, and says he could have been doing it for as long as a year.

He also admitted to taking toys from a toy drive including: a football, Barbie doll, and Disney bathtub toys. He says he took two garbage bags full of toys on December 19th and gave them to his family. The toys are valued at less than $500.

A search of Sebring’s department issued squad car also recovered prescription pills and bottles.

Sebring, who has resigned from the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office, was released on his own recognizance.