The former treasurer of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department was such a smoke-eater buff that he spent $9,000 to buy himself a 1931 American LaFrance antique fire engine. Problem is — the money wasn’t his. Michael Klein pleaded guilty in White Plains federal court Tuesday for stealing more than $5.7 million from his fire department to buy himself that collectible and a host of other lavish gifts, including a 55-foot yacht he named “K’Bam.”
Klein, 48, was busted last year after getting caught writing himself 275 checks since 2002, shortly after he was elected treasurer.
Klein pled to wire fraud charges and for obstructing a grand jury’s investigation, among other charges. He faces as much as 67 years in the slammer.