Yorkville’s former deputy police chief pleaded not guilty today to charges that he stole addictive narcotic painkillers from the department’s drug collection program, Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis said.

Dave Delaney, 37, of Yorkville, was charged in May with illegal possession of a controlled substance and theft of government property.

The drug collection program was designed for residents to turn over to police expired and unused prescription drugs for safe and proper disposal. After Yorkville police officials became suspicious that some drugs that had been turned in were missing, they asked the Illinois State Police to do an investigation.

The investigation led to the discovery that some of the missing drugs were in Delaney’s possession, authorities said.

Yorkville police discontinued the drug collection program after announcing Delaney’s arrest.

Delaney was demoted from his administrative rank and is on unpaid leave of absence.

If convicted, Delaney, who has no previous criminal record and is out on $2,500 bond, faces up to three years in prison, Weis said Delaney’s next court appearance is set for Aug. 29.

abarnum@tribune.com