A federal grand jury in Birmingham today returned an indictment against a former Decatur police sergeant, who is

thought to have faked his own abduction

after stealing thousands of dollars in confiscated drug money. Faron White, 48, of Falkville,

was charged with theft from a program that receives federal funds.

He was arrested in Las Vegas earlier this month and returned to Alabama. White also face charges in state court.

Also indicted was a civilian police volunteer with whom investigators say was having an affair with White. Elizabeth Richardson, 29, of Decatur, was charged with accessory after the fact.

Richardson is accused of helping White stage his disappearance.



"Theft of federal funds is a theft from taxpayers and will be prosecuted vigorously," U.S. Attorney Alice Martin said in a prepared statement.

Authorities believe about $70,000 was stolen. The Decatur Police Department has asked the FBI to conduct an audit in an effort to determine exactly how much was taken. White, a married father of three, was a decorated police officer who was Decatur's 2007 American Legion officer of the year.