Police still seeking Alexander

Monday, May 21, 2007
Matthew Parker, 3, Greencastle, waved to family as he enjoyed a pony ride Saturday at the Fair on the Square in Greencastle.

Federal agents could become involved in the hunt for a former official with the Putnam County Sheriff's Dept. now facing charges of misappropriation of funds.

If George Alexander, Greencastle, does not turn himself in to authorities by noon Monday (today), the case will go to the U.S. Marshal's Fugutive Task Force, Det. Scott Stockton of the Indiana State Police told the BannerGraphic Monday.

"They are ready to go after him," Stockton said.

Alexander, former ombudsman with the Putnam County Sheriff's Dept., is wanted on felony counts of misappropriation of funds. A recent audit of the sheriff's department indicates Alexander allegedly deposited about $45,000 in funds from federal grants into his personal bank account. The funds were intended for equipment and personnel needs of the sheriff's department. Other withdrawals from the federal grant account, bearing Alexander's signature, amount to an additional $15,000.

Stockton said Alexander eluded capture by police last week in Plainfield, and knows authorities are looking for him.

"He needs to follow the guidelines of the judicial system," Stockton said.

Greencastle attorney Jeffrey Boggess, who is representing Alexander, said he has not talked to his client since Friday. However, he knows that Alexander's health concerns are a reason his client wants to avoid incarceration.

"George is in very poor health," he said, adding that Alexander uses a breathing machine at night.

Boggess said that the timing of the warrant late last week did not allow him to arrange a bond for Alexander to avoid jail time.

Stockton said he has already made arrangements for Alexander to be housed at the Parke County Jail once he has been processed into the Putnam County Jail system. Since Alexander is a former employee of the jail, it could be uncomfortable for him to be housed in the local facility, the detective said.

Boggess said he has heard of that arrangement, but has no guarantee that will happen.

Anyone with information on Alexander's whereabouts can contact the Indiana State Police at 653-4114.

"It's very common for people who have warrants out for them to make arrangements not to have to be arrested," Boggess said. "That happens quite a bit."

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