KINGMAN – A former California law enforcement official who allegedly embezzled $100,000 from a Merced County sheriff’s association group has been arrested in Kingman. Deputy Chief Rusty Cooper said Kingman police learned that former Merced County Sheriff’s deputy Phillip Brooks, 52, was staying at a home in the 2400 block of Natalie Street.

Cooper said officers used a PA system to contact anyone inside the home at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23. “Brooks exited the home and was taken into custody without incident,” Cooper said.

Brooks was booked into the Mohave County Adult Detention Center as a fugitive from justice. He awaits extradition back to Merced County for prosecution.

• Dave Hawkins