A former maintenance worker who stole from one of the residents in an upscale condominium complex that employed him has been sentenced to 3½ years of probation.

Christopher Relihan, 31, of Adams Township pleaded guilty to theft by unlawful taking, and he was sentenced Thursday by Butler County Judge Timothy McCune.

Relihan’s defense attorney, Matthew Mangino, said his client’s problems began when he had back pain that was exacerbated by a fall. A doctor “overprescribed” pain medication causing Relihan to become dependent, according to Mangino.

Mangino said the doctor was charged criminally and lost his medical license. So Relihan, without a legitimate source for drugs, started buying heroin off the streets and committed the theft to support his habit.

According to court records, Relihan was working at Adams Pointe when a resident, Pittsburgh surgeon Robert Kang, noticed several items missing from his condo, including jewelry.

Kang told investigators that after he moved in, the condo’s maintenance crew had been in his home to do repair work.

Relihan sold to a pawn shop a class ring that Kang later was able to identify, according to court records,

When questioned by police, Relihan reportedly was in possession of two unopened suboxone patches. Relihan acknowledged he did not have a prescription for the drug.

In addition to the prison time, Relihan was ordered to pay $9,500 in restitution.

Mangino said Relihan is unemployed but has skills in plumbing and heating and air conditioning and hopes to start his own business.

Relihan thanked the court for its time and pledged to continue drug treatment.

The victim did not speak during the hearing.