Ex-sheriff charged as accomplice in Reno elderly kidnapping

RENO — Reno police have arrested a former Mineral County sheriff accused of being an accomplice in the suspected kidnapping of an 80-year-old woman by her son at a senior care facility last week.

Police said Thursday they believe 59-year-old Stewart Handte helped 52-year-old Roger Hillygus kidnap Sue Hillygus.

Police are still looking for Roger and Sue Hillygus, who suffers from dementia and is under the guardianship of other family members.

Handte was booked into the Washoe County Jail on Wednesday for suspicion of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping of an elderly victim.

Police say Handte entered the care home off Robb Drive on Aug. 8 with Roger Hillygus, provided false information to staff and assisted in unlawfully removing the victim.

It’s not clear if he has a lawyer.

Secret Witness is offering a $1,500 reward for information in the case.