Hearing Postponed for Former Elko Deputy Facing Theft Charge

ELKO, Nev. (AP) — A judge postponed for one month a court hearing for a former Elko County sheriff's deputy facing felony theft charges alleging that he used a county credit card for more than $3,000 worth of personal expenses.

The Elko Daily Free Press reports that Elko Justice of the Peace Mason Simons gave Rick Keema until Aug. 12 to hire a new lawyer.

Keema served as undersheriff before he left the sheriff's office in 2012.

He's accused of spending county money in 2011 for nine purchases including a $738 telephone bill and a $245 baseball bat.

If he's convicted, Keema could face more than 10 years in prison.

Keema told the Free Press he accidentally charged the items to his county credit card, but paid the money back.