The now-former director of Indian River County Planning and Development Services is facing felony charges after investigators say he gave his grandfather an unprescribed drug and forged a signature to take ownership of his home.

Christopher Balter, 35, is charged with counterfeiting public records and delivery of a controlled substance, according to an arrest affidavit.

Police records show the investigation began in February as a possible homicide case. A friend told investigators Balter admitted to giving his grandfather some of his own prescription Ambien, saying it “helped him out.” The friend said she expressed concerns after the comment.

Court records show Balter and his grandfather lived together in the home on Ardmore Street that the grandfather owned before his death. On Jan. 6

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