District Attorney Warren Montgomery announced Monday that an assistant district attorney in his office is facing criminal charges and has been fired.

Montgomery, who serves as district attorney for the 22nd Judicial District that includes Washington and St. Tammany parishes, said that Kim DeBrock was arrested on Friday at about 6 p.m. She is charged with felony attempted possession of a Schedule II dangerous substance, misdemeanor theft, and misdemeanor illegal possession of stolen things. DeBrock was an assistant district attorney who had been handling juvenile prosecutions in Montgomery’s office.

“On Jan. 31, I contacted the State Police and requested a criminal investigation into complaints from my employees, regarding stolen prescription medication from individual offices,” Montgomery said. “This led to the arrest and dismissal of Assistant District Attorney Kim DeBrock.”

Montgomery said that his office has recused itself from prosecuting the case.

“Drug addiction and the abuse of opioids is a crisis in our community,” Montgomery said. “It extends even into the law enforcement community itself. It is sad that I had to make this decision, but no one is above the law.

“I felt it was important to have an independent agency investigate this and treat it is as a criminal matter. Everyone must be held accountable, especially those in positions of public trust.”