Lititz treasurer accused of stealing $22K from American Legion post heads to county court
LITITZ, PA — The small-town trust of an American Legion post was shaken after its treasurer, Michael David Klein, allegedly diverted nearly $22,000 in funds meant for veterans’ programs, leading to criminal charges and a case now moving to county court.
Klein, 49, of the 100 block of Leaman Street, waived his preliminary hearing on October 6 before Judge Joseph Stauffer. He faces two felony counts of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds. Investigators say that while serving as treasurer and finance officer for the Sons of the American Legion Post 56 on North Broad Street, Klein failed to deposit $21,942 in checks belonging to the organization between February 2024 and April 2025.
Police allege Klein instead wrote a $1,500 check to himself from the post’s bank account in December 2024. As the only person with control over the post’s finances, he was responsible for handling deposits and keeping accurate records. Legion members told police that less than half of the money raised from fundraising events during Klein’s tenure ever made it into the organization’s account.
Investigators say Klein submitted multiple false financial reports containing misleading information. When confronted, he admitted to taking money and offered to pay restitution, sending the post a written apology. Members reported the missing funds to police in May and June after noticing unpaid bills and donations that had gone unaccounted for.
Klein remains free on $35,000 unsecured bail as the case proceeds to county court. The charges were filed by Lititz Borough Police Sgt. Stephen Detz.
Key Points
- Michael David Klein, 49, of Lititz, is accused of stealing $21,942 from the Sons of the American Legion Post 56.
- Klein allegedly wrote a $1,500 check to himself and filed false financial reports.
- He waived his preliminary hearing and remains free on $35,000 unsecured bail.
