New Madrid woman charged with theft

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- The former office manager for the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department is facing theft charges. Authorities on Wednesday announced Deborah L. Cowan is accused of stealing property or service worth more than $25,000. Police have not detailed what was allegedly stolen. Cowan is free on bond and due in court for a hearing Aug. 8. She was office manager for the sheriff's department for 20 years. The charges follow an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol at the request of Sheriff Terry Stevens.