(KNZA)--Two and a half years in a federal prison is the sentence handed down to the former treasurer of Mayetta Rural Fire District #1.
68-year-old Richard Bontrager, of Holton, learned his fate Monday.
He pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement, with Bontrager Monday ordered to pay more than $427,000 in restitution to the fire district.
During his sentencing, U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson noted that Bontrager created a dangerous situation by depleting fire department funds that should have been used to purchase emergency equipment.
In his plea, Bontrager admitted that he began embezzling from the district in 2008, using forged checks made payable to a phony business he created. The checks were then deposited into his own bank account.
From 2008 to 2012, Bontrager made nearly $427,000 in unauthorized transfers.
He also falsified loan documents obligating the district to monthly lease payments on a Polaris Ranger and a 1988 Chevy 1-ton brush truck. To make it appear legitimate, Bontrager created false minutes that showed the board approving the payments.
He was arrested last year following an investigation led by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Industrial Park accident claims man's life Monday
Atchison man ID'd as fatal industrial accident victim
Company issues statement following workplace death
Huron man injured in Atchison Co motorcycle crash
Funds being raised to help injured Sabetha Asst. Fire Chief
Body recovered from Missouri River at St. Joseph
Holton's USD 336 loses thousands to fraud
Domestic call leads to Horton drug, endangerment, arrest
One person injured in 3-vehicle Brown Co crash
Motorcyclist killed in St. Joseph, MO crash
State board denies USD 115 land transfer petition
Rural Horton man enters plea in beating case
Jackson Heights principal resigns
White Cloud man injured in NW MO crash
Resolution: Squatting off-limits in Jefferson Co
New Horton Elementary School Principal hired
BAK concludes, bike exchange, set for A-Town Saturday
Former owner of KTNC Radio in Falls City remembered
LATEST STORIES
Richardson Co grand jury verdict in death of inmate
Domestic call leads to Horton drug, endangerment, arrest
Federal, state funds support Valley Falls safety
Toxic algae alert issued for Pawnee County lake
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Pony Express Re-ride June 17-27
New Horton Elementary School Principal hired