YUMA, AZ -- A police officer in Southern Arizona accused of stealing more than $11,000 in cash from seized evidence to support an addition to prescription drugs was arrested on Monday.
Yuma Police Officer Geoff Presco has also been placed on paid leave, pending further investigation.
According to Yuma Police Spokesperson Clint Norred, a detective following up on a case noticed the missing cash and other evidence - and tracked it to Officer Presco.
The evidence and cash had apparently been checked out by Presco since February.
During an investigation into the missing items, Norred said some of the evidence was recovered, however the 'large sum of money' was not.
Presco was booked into the Yuma County Adult Detention Facility Monday for one felony count of theft.
He has been an officer in Yuma since August 2007.
Presco was named Yuma's patrol officer of the year in 2008.
He is being held on a $55,000 bond.
The Yuma Police Department is asking for anyone with information about this case to call Yuma Police Sergeant Dan Siegfried at (928) 373-4670 or 928-78-Crime to remain anonymous.
