Attorneys say there’s a possibility of a plea in the case of a caregiver charged with stealing morphine from two patients at a local nursing home.

During a hearing Friday in Douglas County District Court, attorneys told Judge Paula Martin they were negotiating a possible plea in the case against Erica A. Bay, 29. Bay is charged with two counts of mistreatment of a dependent adult for the alleged thefts earlier this year at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community, 4851 Harvard Road.

Prosecutors allege Bay stole morphine gel out of skin patches intended for a 79-year-old woman and a 96-year-old man who has since passed away. A nursing-home manager said at the time that no resident had experienced pain because of the alleged thefts.

Judge Martin also ruled Friday that Lawrence Police properly notified Bay of her Miranda rights against self-incrimination, which means her two statements to police could be used if the case goes to trial.