A former Houston County narcotics officer pleaded guilty Tuesday to theft of property charges. The sentencing date will be held later, and district attorney Doug Valeska will ask for the maximum penalty.

Former Houston County Sheriff Deputy Ricky Ducker hid behind his attorneys Tuesday as he walked to the courtroom. He was there facing charges of stealing hunting equipment and accessories from Southern Outdoor Sports where he once worked for owner Ronald Fuller.

Fuller says two law enforcement officers who bought hunting bows from Ducker did a routine check on the serial numbers and discovered the equipment had been stolen. That led to a joint investigation which turned up more than $30,000 of stolen goods.

Ducker pleaded guilty to the charges of theft of property first degree, but defense attorneys asked for a separate sentencing date. Judge Lawson Little scheduled the sentencing for October 5.

Ducker ran out of the courtroom after entering his guilty plea. He refused to comment on camera. Ducker is facing two to 20 years in the state penitentiary and up to $10,000 in fines.

Southern Outdoor Sports owner Ronald Fuller will take the stand at Ducker's sentencing. Ducker had worked for the Houston County Sheriff's Office for 25 years.