Provo » An arrest warrant was issued Thursday for former Mapleton Controller Jeannie Bell after she missed an arraignment hearing on theft charges.
Fourth District Judge James Taylor issued a no-bail arrest warrant after learning Bell was not in the courtroom.
"It is a concern to the state that she has not only not shown up to the court for an important hearing, but she has lost contact with her attorney, who should have been accessible to her," said Deputy Utah County Attorney Craig Johnson.
Johnson said his last contact with Bell and her attorney was three weeks ago to discuss restitution to the city. Prior to Thursday, he said Bell had not posed a flight risk and was free on her own recognizance. He said Bell's cooperation and her ties to the community were factors in her status.
Douglas A. Baxter, Bell's attorney, said he had not spoken to his client in a few weeks, but had expected her to attend the arraignment hearing. Bell had attended all previous court hearings in her case.
Bell faces one charge of theft. Prosecutors believe that between January 2007 and June 2009, Bell used city funds to purchase stamps and gift cards, which she sold on eBay and kept the proceeds for herself.
Bell resigned June 1 after being confronted with a Utah County Sheriff's Office investigation report.
Mapleton Mayor Laurel Brady earlier said the city will seek full restitution from Bell.
Brady said Thursday she had not spoken to Bell in months, and had no idea of her whereabouts.
"I hope she is somewhere safe," Brady said.
Johnson said the case will remain on hold until Bell is apprehended.
