The former sheriff of Mineral County was arrested on Wednesday as he allegedly played a principal role in the kidnapping of an elderly woman who suffers from dementia.
Stewart Handte, 59, was identified as the man who helped 52-year-old Roger Eugene Hillygus kidnap his mother Sue Hillygus, 80, from a care home. Roger had no authority or guardianship over his mother who suffers from dementia and needs 24-hour professional care and medication that his son cannot provide.
Authorities said that Handte accompanied Roger and provided false information to employees and helped in the unlawful removing of Sue Hillygus.
Roger and his mother's whereabouts are unknown at the moment. Police described the suspect as being a white male who is six feet tall and weighs about 190 pounds.
