WISHEK - A nurse is accused of taking morphine from the community's nursing home.

Kathleen Welder, 59, was charged on March 29 for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft of property, McIntosh County State's Attorney Terry Elhard said.

Elhard said the possession of morphine is a Class C felony while the other charges are misdemeanors.

Authorities said Welder took morphine and a syringe from the Wishek Home for the Aged in February.

Morphine is used to treat moderate- to-severe pain.

Elhard said Welder is slated to make an initial appearance in South Central District Court on April 23.

Welder has been fired from her position at the nursing home, Elhard said.

The case is being investigated by the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation.