James C. DeMarsh, 47, was arraigned on 15 charges on Jan. 23.
Those charges stem from a six- to nine-month period in 2001 when DeMarsh allegedly stole controlled substances from city ambulances, used those substances and replaced the pre-packed syringes with water or saline solutions.
DeMarsh was arraigned on three counts of official misconduct, three counts of second-degree possession of a controlled substance, three counts of second-degree theft, three counts of obtaining a controlled substance unlawfully and three counts of recklessly endangering another.
In a conditional release agreement, DeMarsh was ordered not to administer medications to any other person and not to possess unprescribed drugs.
The controlled substances involved included Meperidine (Demerol), morphine and Diazepam.
An investigation began on Sept. 29 when another paramedic found a syringe that was supposed to contain Valium but appeared unusual. Lab results returned on Oct. 4 indicate a syringe contained water instead of Valium. On Oct. 5, all controlled medications were removed from ambulance lock boxes and given to police as evidence.
Following a staff meeting and a meeting between DeMarsh and Fire Chief Mike Beaver on Oct. 6, DeMarsh was suspended with pay. His employment was terminated later.
DeMarsh has not yet entered a plea on the charges.
His next court appearance is at 1:15 p.m. on Feb. 25 at Linn County Courthouse.