Northern California sheriff’s office recovers retiree’s badge 5 years after it was stolen

Yolo County sheriff’s deputies recovered a retired Alameda County sheriff’s badge this month after it was reported stolen in 2018, authorities said.

Deputies discovered the badge in possession of a suspect during a traffic stop on June 16 near County Road 86A and Highway 16 in Esparto, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office. The badge was reported stolen during a vehicle burglary.

“Thanks to the excellent work of our patrol team, the stolen badge has been successfully recovered,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

The 44-year-old suspect was on federal probation for money laundering, deputies said.

Law enforcement said the suspect was arrested during the traffic stop for possession of stolen property and drug-related charges.