— A former Benson police officer was placed on probation Monday after pleading guilty to stealing cash that was evidence in a criminal case.

Randall William Beasley, 43, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor larceny and obstruction of justice. Superior Court Judge Tom Lock sentenced him to consecutive 45-day jail terms on the offenses and suspended the sentences to 18 months on probation.

Assistant Johnston County District Attorney Davis Weddle said that, between Nov. 19, 2010, and Dec. 16, 2010, Beasley took $850 being held by the Benson Police Department as evidence in criminal cases involving two people who had previously been arrested.

Beasley resigned from the Benson Police Department in December 2010 after being placed on administrative leave while the State Bureau of Investigation looked into the disappearance of the cash.

He has paid back the stolen money, authorities said.

Lock also ordered Beasley to surrender his law enforcement certification permanently and perform 24 hours of community service.