Fugitive Mapleton ex-official found

Jeannie Bell is leaving Las Vegas.

Mapleton City's fugitive ex-finance chief has been found there alive and well after missing a 4th District Court date last week, according to Utah County prosecutor Craig Johnson. He said officials are working to arrange her return.

Bell, 48, skipped her arraignment on a second-degree felony theft charge Thursday, two days after her husband had reported her missing. A warrant was issued for her arrest.

Police said she had left a note saying she would be gone for a few days, "just to get away."

Prosecutors allege that Bell purchased stamps and gift cards for employee bonuses or gifts, but instead of distributing them, sold them on eBay. City officials say the irregularities go back at least four years and involve more than $20,000.

Bell's attorney, Douglas Baxter, did not immediately return phone calls Monday.

Bell resigned as finance controller in June after being confronted by city officials. She had been in the city's controller since 2002.

— Paul Koepp