JEFFERSON COUNTY, N.Y. -- A former U.S. Postal Service employee has pleaded guilty to stealing prescription drugs from mail in Jefferson County.

Authorities say Phillip Wiley, 38, of Dexter, pleaded guilty Friday to stealing 55 pieces of mail containing prescription medication, which were sent from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Watertown Post Office. They say the theft began in late 2009.

Postal Service Agents began the investigation in 2010 after multiple complaints from customers who did not receive the medications.

Wiley was charged with felony theft of mail matter and will be sentenced in March of next year. He is facing up to five years behind bars and a $250,000 fine.