WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A former Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy who admitted buying prescription painkillers from an informant has been sentenced to six months in prison.

Sarah Ann Thompson faced up to 15 years at the Monday sentencing if convicted at trial, but instead pleaded guilty to petit theft, making false statements and purchasing or intending to purchase oxycodone.

The FBI in January and February caught the road patrol veteran conducting three drug deals in Jupiter-area parking lots.

Thompson allegedly told the informant the buys were part of an undercover operation, but the sheriff's office says they were never authorized.