Search for Illinois attorney ends with his Florida arrest

JONESBORO -- The search for a former Union County attorney accused of stealing money from clients has ended with his arrest in Florida.

The Illinois attorney general's office says Patrick Cox of Anna was taken into custody Monday in Pinellas County, Florida. He's facing felony charges that accuse him of stealing money from former clients.

Cox is a former Union County public defender, 2004 candidate for state's attorney and Cairo's former city attorney.

Cox's attorney says his client never was on the run. Duane Verity also says the case should be a civil matter, not a criminal one.

Cox is jailed on $150,000 bond and has agreed to be returned to Illinois.