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Pekin Fire Co. president dipped into bell jar

Thu, Apr 25th 2019 12:20 pm

Accused of nearly $2K cash theft

Former Pekin Fire Co. President Lawrence Amacher Jr. was arrested last Wednesday for allegedly stealing $1,800 from the company’s bell jar collection for his personal use, and falsifying records to hide his theft, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. 

Amacher, 49, of Sanborn, allegedly withdrew $1,800 from the company’s bell jar account and falsely submitted the required New York State Gaming Commission reports in 2014 and 2015, which misrepresented his use of the funds.

As company president, Amacher oversaw the fire company’s games of chance, used to raise money for the company to aid their protection of the community.  According to an investigation by DiNapoli’s office and the New York State Police, Amacher allegedly pocketed cash for his own use.

“Mr. Amacher literally had his hands in the public till,” DiNapoli said. “Thanks to my investigators working with the New York State Police, he is now being held accountable for his actions.”

Amacher was charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and falsifying business records in the first degree, all felonies. He was issued an appearance ticket and will be arraigned at a later date. 

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free fraud hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at [email protected], or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.

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