A former North Chicago police chief was arrested and charged today with theft of more than $140,000 that had been seized from drug arrests, officials announced.

Former Chief Michael Newsome was accused of using the money to buy a new car and do home repairs on his kitchen, among other personal expenditures, Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Steve Scheller said.

Newsome, who left office in February amid a public uproar over alleged police brutality within the department, was charged with an ongoing theft of more than $140,000 from April of 2011 through March 31 of this year, Scheller said.

Newsome, 51, was also charged with a separate count of theft of $500 to $10,000, stemming from an allegation that he withdrew an amount of money on May 4 of last year to pay for his children's school, authorities said.

Additionally, Newsome was charged with official misconduct and misapplication of funds, officials said.

Earlier this year, Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. directed Newsome’s successor, Chief James Jackson, to review all internal police policies, according to a statement from the city. In doing so, Jackson discovered questionable withdrawals from the asset forfeiture account maintained by the police department. Money seized from drug arrests is deposited into that account.

After that discovery, the mayor directed the chief to notify the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office, which opened an investigation, resulting in today’s arrest. Newsome surrendered to officials this morning and was released after posting $25,000 bond, officials said.

In the press release, Rockingham said that if the charges are proven, it would be “an enormous betrayal of trust.”

rmccoppin@tribune.com

Twitter: @TribLocal