The embattled Newburgh fire chief has resigned after being charged with fraud.

Michael Vatter, 57, of Wallkill, handed in his letter of resignation yesterday. Vatter retired from the fire department in 2000 and became a lawyer. He returned to become chief of the department in 2009.

Federal prosecutors have charged him with bilking the state out of $95,000 in pension funds, after he retired in 2000. They say Vatter did not report his re-employment to the state.

Newburgh City Assistant Chief Terry Ahlers will be taking over as acting fire chief until a permanent replacement is found.