Former Pekin Fire Company President Lawrence Amacher Jr. was arrested today 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, in Niagara County, 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 Comptroller 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,” State Comptroller Thomas P. 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, N.Y. 12236.