Cop charged in theft found in Las Vegas

DECATUR, Ala. -- An all-out search for a missing Alabama organized crime specialist led to Las Vegas, where the decorated officer was arrested and accused of staging his disappearance to cover up the theft of $2,500 from his department, authorities said Tuesday.

Federal marshals caught up with Sgt. Faron White of the Decatur Police Department in a Hampton Inn hotel lobby Monday night. The 48-year-old, who was selected Decatur's 2007 officer of the year, has been charged with theft.

Also arrested was 29-year-old Sarah Richardson who authorities say helped White get to Las Vegas. She was arrested at her Decatur home and charged with hindering prosecution.

Federal marshals said White was being held as a fugitive without bail pending an extradition hearing Thursday.

Roxanna Lea Irwin, chief deputy U.S. Marshal in Las Vegas, said she did not know what White was doing in Las Vegas or how long he had been here. "This is another example of someone feeling they can hide in Las Vegas," Irwin said.