Ex-lieutenant sentenced for stealing $75K from NJ firefighter fund

A former Atlantic County firefighter was sentenced Thursday to one year of probation for stealing more than $75,000 from a benevolent association fund, prosecutors said.

Michael C. Palmer, 36, of Somers Point, also was ordered to pay full restitution to the New Jersey Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Association Local 41.

While employed as a lieutenant with the Margate Fire Department, Palmer used his position as secretary-treasurer of Local 41 to take the money from its bank accounts from 2011 until 2014. Palmer pleaded guilty last month to charges of official misconduct and theft.

- Robert Moran