RIVERSIDE--A former communications manager pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling as much as $2 million in cash and equipment from the Riverside County Fire Department.

Michael Burton faces a 7-year, 4-month prison term at his sentencing in November.

Burton had overseen the purchase of millions of dollars’ of radio and computer equipment before he retired in 2005.

Retired sheriff’s Lt. Steven Vaughn is also charged and faces a preliminary hearing October 1st. Vaughn operated a now-defunct company that sold communications equipment to the fire department.

Vaughn has denied five charges ranging from receiving stolen property to conflict of interest and embezzlement.

Story Date: September 2, 2010