Authorities say a former treasurer of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department in Putnam County embezzled more than $5.7 million and used the money to buy yachts, jewelry and a second home in Florida.
Federal prosecutors said Wednesday that 48-year-old Michael Klein, of Mahopac, was arrested on charges of wire fraud and subscribing to false tax returns for failing to report the income to the IRS. Information on Klein's lawyer was not immediately available. Prosecutors allege Klein stole the money over a period of 13 years beginning in 2002 by writing more than 275 checks to two businesses he owned. He was first elected treasurer of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department in 2001. Klein faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.