PROSECUTORS say a part-time painter at a Pennsylvania farm stole more than $900,000 from his employers to fund a lavish lifestyle that included luxury cars, jewellery, a trip to the Bahamas and private schools for his children.

Clifton Willson was arrested on Thursday and faces nearly 300 charges including theft, forgery and related offences.

Officials say Willson, 35, of Bryn Mawr, stole 148 blank cheques from the owners of Hartwood Farm, in Willistown Township, between May 2014 and February this year.

A criminal complaint says he used the $927,100 in forged cheques to buy two Maseratis, a Porsche SUV, a Land Rover, jewellery from Tiffany and Cartier and a rental home, among other items.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said Willson had been co-operative.

Associated Press