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Michael Haugen (WHO-HD)
DES MOINES, Iowa — A former Iowa State Trooper has taken a plea deal and admitted he stole prescription drugs from an evidence room.
Michael Haugen originally pled not guilty to third-degree theft and tampering with records. He was set to go trial this month, but he changed his mind and pled guilty.
In June, Haugen sat down with Channel 13’s Dan Winters and opened up about the opioid addiction that took over his life.
“And I felt horrible. I wish I could fix it. And I`m trying every day to fix what I`ve broken,” Haugen said. “I`m sure there`s others out there that are in my similar situation that they`re afraid to ask for help and they`re afraid because it`s going to define them. And I`m grateful for this opportunity because I truly hope that I can reach just that one person.”
Haugen said he became hooked on hydrocodone pills that a doctor prescribed for pain stemming from a severe infection.
He now faces up to two years in prison for each charge. Prosecutors are recommending a suspended sentence.
Haugen will learn his fate on October 25th.