Richard P. Bontrager, Embezzlement, Kansas 2023

TOPEKA, KAN. – In a shocking turn of events, Richard P. Bontrager, the former treasurer of the Mayetta Rural Fire District #1, pleaded guilty to embezzling from the district, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

According to court documents, Bontrager, 67, of Holton, Kan., admitted to embezzling $427,042 from the fire district between 2008 and 2012. He allegedly issued checks with the forged signatures of board members to a fictitious entity called R & S Services, which he created to deposit the fraudulent checks into his own account at Denison State Bank.

The extent of Bontrager’s scheme became clear as investigators uncovered evidence of falsified loan documents, which obligated the fire district to monthly lease payments on a Polaris Ranger UTV and a 1988 Chevrolet 1-ton brush truck. To cover his tracks, Bontrager created false board minutes to make it appear that the board had approved the lease payments.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated the case, which was brought to light by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Hathaway.

Bontrager faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing is set for April 14.

The embezzlement scheme has left the Mayetta Rural Fire District #1 reeling, with the district struggling to come to terms with the loss of $427,042. The district’s board members have expressed outrage and disappointment at Bontrager’s actions, which have undermined the trust and credibility of the district.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said, ‘The guilty plea of Richard P. Bontrager is a significant victory for the people of Mayetta and the Mayetta Rural Fire District #1.’ Grissom emphasized the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions, saying, ‘This case demonstrates the importance of transparency and accountability in public office.’

Related Federal Cases