Firefighters' Union Treasurer Accused of Stealing Funds

A southern New Jersey firefighter stands accused of stealing more than $75,000 from a firefighter's union.

Atlantic County prosecutors said Tuesday that 36-year-old Michael Palmer, of Somers Point, has been charged with official misconduct and theft by failure to make required disposition of property.

Palmer is a lieutenant in the Margate Fire Department. He allegedly took the money while serving as the secretary/treasurer of the Margate Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Association Local 41.

Palmer was suspended from his firefighting job last July after prosecutors were notified about irregularities in the union's bank accounts.

Prosecutors say the theft occurred between January 2011 and June 2014. They said Palmer made "personal use of the money," but did not disclose further details.

A telephone number for Palmer could not be located Tuesday night.