Appeal of Police Chief's Theft Conviction Postponed

Oral arguments have been postponed in the appeal of a former police chief in North Providence, Rhode Island, convicted of stealing money from the purse of a former stripper and trying to persuade a police officer to take the money.

Court spokesman Craig Berke tells The Providence Journal oral arguments have been postponed until May 6 because John Whiting's attorney was ill on Wednesday.

Whiting is appealing his 2012 conviction. Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Procaccini convicted Whiting of chasing a former stripper's car around Pawtucket in his official town vehicle and stealing $714 from her. He was also convicted of solicitation to receive stolen goods.

Procaccini sentenced Whiting to six months in prison. He is allowed to delay serving the time until the Supreme Court rules on his appeal.