KANSAS CITY — The former treasurer of Mayetta Rural Fire District No. 1 pleaded guilty today to embezzling from the fire district. Richard Bontrager, 67, admitted to stealing more than $427,042 over four years from the fire district, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. Bontrager admitted that he issued checks with the forged signatures of members of the board to a phony company so Bontrager could deposit checks into his own bank account. He also falsified loan documents and created false board minutes to obligate the fire district to monthly lease payments on a Polaris Ranger UTV and a one-ton Chevrolet brush truck. Sentencing is April 14.
Monday, Jan. 27, 3 p.m.
