Erica A. Bay, former caretaker at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community in Lawrence, pleads guilty Friday morning in Douglas County District Court to two counts of mistreatment of an adult in connection with a theft of morphine discovered at the nursing home last year. Judge Paula Martin scheduled Bay's sentencing date for May 10 in Douglas County District Court.

A nursing home caregiver accused of stealing morphine from two patients pleaded guilty this morning in Douglas County District Court.

Erica A. Bay, 29, who appeared with her attorney before District Judge Paula Martin, pleaded guilty to two counts of mistreatment of a dependent adult.

The judge set Bay’s sentencing date for 10:30 a.m. May 10 in district court. She is free on bond.

The thefts took place last year at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community, 4851 Harvard Rd.

Prosecutors said Bay stole morphine gel out of skin patches intended for a 79-year-old woman and a 96-year-old man who died soon after. Authorities said there was no connection between the missing painkiller and the man’s death.

A nursing-home manager said at the time that no resident had experienced pain because of the alleged thefts.