April 28--SALINE COUNTY, AR-- A man who impersonated a firefighter in order to steal prescription medication from the elderly was sentenced to five years in jail after pleading guilty Thursday.
KATV reports that Thomas Wright of Benton was accused of identifying himself as a firefighter and telling residents he was there to inspect their smoke detectors before stealing the medications. Wright was arrested and charged with four counts of residential burglary, four counts of criminal impersonation and four counts of theft of property.
The Saline County Prosecuting Attorney's Office told KATV that Wright was sentenced to 60 months in prison, plus 36 months suspended release.
The attorney's office says he was arrested while wearing a blue pullover with "Firefighter Paramedic" stitched on it and a firefighter patch on the right shoulder.
Authorities say Wright had been an employee with the City of Memphis Fire Department until October 2008.
Bryant police say Wright later admitted to the crimes.
