LI man stole $54G from Carle Place Fire Department, DA says

A former Carle Place Fire Department treasurer pleaded guilty to stealing more than $50,000 and his sentence likely will include probation and restitution, prosecutors said Thursday.

William Weingarten, 65, of Carle Place, admitted committing grand larceny, Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a statement.

The defendant, who worked for the fire department for 22 years, charged $54,053.33 on one of its credit cards — without authorization — between Jan. 1, 2014, and Sept. 24, 2017, Singas said.

Most of the charges were for Apple iTunes purchases, Singas said.

Weingarten also bought a NASCAR membership, car parts, gasoline, electronics and restaurant meals, she said.

“We rely on our fire departments to keep our communities safe,” Singas said, thanking the fire department for referring the crime, uncovered in an audit, to her department.

At an April 18 hearing, the defendant is expected to be sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $54,053.33 in restitution, Singas said.

Weingarten’s attorney had no immediate comment.