New Philadelphia, Ohio - A Tuscarawas County grand jury has returned a two-count indictment against a former Sugarcreek Police officer accused of stealing drugs used for canine training. 

David M. Strubel, 33, of Bolivar is charged with one count of theft of drugs, a fourth-degree felony, and one count of theft in office, a fifth-degree felony. 

The indictment alleges that Strubel stole controlled substances from the Sugarcreek Police Department and/or the Ohio State Highway Patrol between August 18th and September 27th of this year. He was suspended without pay on September 28th, and his employment with the village was terminated the following week.  

If convicted, Strubel could face up to 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. A felony conviction would also result in the immediate revocation of his peace officer certification. He is scheduled to appear in Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court on January 10th for arraignment.