The suspect whom employees said tried to steal more than $1,000 worth of medical supplies from the hospital in Austin pleaded not guilty Thursday in Mower County Court.

Employees said Jeffrie Gean Eastman, 30, of Hector, Minn., checked in with stomach pains on Jan. 11 and was placed in an examination room to wait for help. However, employees say Eastman filled his pockets and a bag with medical supplies, according to the Mower County Court complaint. The police report adds Eastman tried to steal hypodermic needles, saline solution and blood pressure cuffs, among other items.

Eastman admitted he uses drugs, according to the court complaint, and he added he used heroin and methamphetamines as recently as two days before the alleged theft.

Eastman’s next court appearance is set for May 24. He faces a felony charge for theft.