Police: VFW treasurer stole from fellow vets

HAMBURG, Pa. (WPVI) -- Veterans in Berks County are dealing with a heartbreaking situation this Independence Day.

The VFW post in Hamburg, Pa. is missing thousands of dollars, and investigators say the group's treasurer stole the money.

51-year-old Richard Spatz is accused of withdrawing more than 14 thousand dollars and using it for himself.

And VFW members say what makes matters worse is that Spatz is a fellow veteran.

"We're all dumbfounded, almost to the point of being heartbroken, because he's a fellow veteran, and to find out that something like this was going on is devastating," said Post Commander Dennis Carter.

Spatz is charged with theft and receiving stolen property.

He's due in court for a preliminary hearing on Monday.