A 45-year-old Brookings man has admitted to stealing nearly $1,400 from the local driver's license exam station in March.

Craig E. Dudley, of 511 Main Ave. S., pleaded guilty in Brookings County Circuit Court this week to one count of grand theft.

Court documents indicate that Dudley took the money from the state Department of Public Safety without consent of the appropriate governing body and with the intent of depriving the owner.

State's Attorney Clyde Calhoon said that Dudley, a former longtime driver's licensing bureau employee , took $1,370 earlier this year.

A regional Department of Public Safety officer discovered Dudley had been taking proceeds from the Brookings exam station for his own use and confronted him. Calhoon said the employee admitted what he had done, both to the regional officer and to a state Division of Criminal Investigation official investigating the matter. Restitution has already been paid. After accepting Dudley's guilty plea, Circuit Judge Vincent Foley ordered a pre-sentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for July 15. Grand theft is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Dudley is free on personal recognizance . Contact Jill Fier at jfier@brookingsregister.com.