A former Roanoke Rapids pharmacist pled guilty to three counts of unlawfully distributing a controlled substance by a practitioner.

According to court records, William Timothy Bratton was sentenced for two of the offenses last week and was given 6 to 8 month suspended sentences for both. He will have to serve 36 months of supervised probation and perform 30 hours of community service.

Bratton was charged last April following a joint investigation by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigation and the N.C. Pharmacy Board.

The probe was sparked by complaints of illegal sales of prescription medication.

Bratton, a former pharmacist with Drugco, was originally charged with nine counts of trafficking opium and heroin, one count embezzling controlled substances by a registrant, three counts sell and deliver schedule III drugs and one count of manufacturing schedule III.

Court records indicate he voluntarily surrendered his license. He may reapply for his license upon completion of his probation but it will be up to board whether to grant the request, a spokesperson said.