Former San Francisco cop charged with stealing money from LGBT police group

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A former San Francisco police officer is under arrest, charged with stealing money from the Pride Alliance group, which is the organization that represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender officers.

This story started last year when the Pride Alliance Board noticed money was missing. The officer who was accused of stealing that money made financial restitution. But that's only half the story. This scandal ripped almost destroyed the group.

Former Officer Mike Evans was the treasurer of Pride Alliance.

"In January of 2014, the Pride Alliance did an internal audit and noticed there were some monies missing," said Chief Greg Suhr.

Last August, Pride's President Lt. Chuck Limbert told members the money had been stolen. Two months later, Evans paid back the $15,000 and the group's board filed a criminal complaint. Evans resigned from the department.

"On July 1, a warrant was issued for felony grand theft and felony embezzlement," said Suhr.

Evans was extradited from Texas where he lives and booked at the county jail Wednesday night.

The incident created a split among members. Some felt Evans should be prosecuted. Others did not.

In the end, Limbert resigned as president. So did three other board members.

"A lot of people have lost faith in our organization," said new President Marquita Booth, who wants to help the group heal.

"We're hurt," she said. "We feel violated just like any other victim when something is stolen from them. You know, we're no different. We're very disappointed."

But healing will be a challenge. Three quarters of the members of Pride left the group after the heated controversy.