Moon obtained in excess of $2,000 from Local 1626 in the form of unapproved loans totaling $14,931. On July 22, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Donna J. Simpson, former secretary of Steelworkers District 10 (located in North Versailles, Pa.), was sentenced to six months incarceration, six months home detention, two years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $84,065.14. We have also at times withstood investigations that have tested our goodwill," he said. This accusation is a dire situation that could result in the loss of your job, the potential of having a difficult time finding a job in the future, fines, and even a prison sentence. Union Academy headmaster will not return after contract expires, 8-year-old helps raise money for favorite Waffle House worker in need of car, Authorities safely locate missing 12-year-old Gaston County girl, Huntersville Police chief to retire later this year after nearly four decades of service, North Carolina Supreme Court to revisit school funding, Vigil held Saturday in memory of three men killed in Rock Hill 25 years ago, Re-using the cheater beans from breakfast for dinner with Chef Elizabeth, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. This petition starter stood up and took action. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $13,130 and a fine of $125. When it comes to cases regarding embezzlement in unions, there is. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States Northern District of Oklahoma Bruno was also ordered to enter into substance abuse counseling and attend credit counseling. On February 6, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Neil Cremin and Ira Sokol, former New York City Department of Education School Bus Inspectors, pled guilty to accepting bribes in a program receiving federal funds. On May 5, 2009, in the Criminal Court for Putnam County, Tennessee, Ronnie L. Scott, former Financial Secretary of Auto Workers Local 2409 (located in Cookeville, Tenn.), pled guilty to the charge of Theft Over $1,000. Corruption undermines the very soul of unions. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. On September 24, 2009, Wuest pled guilty to a charge of concealment or destruction of union records. While the vast majority of union officials do their work diligently and without incident, OLMS will continue to work with unions to hold accountable anyone that unlawfully exploits their union position to enrich themselves without regard to the best interests of union members, said Office of Labor-Management Standards District Director Michelle Hussar in Dallas, Texas. On May 13, 2009, inthe 79th District Court of Mason County, Michigan, Kimberly Drake, former Treasurer of American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 3466 (located in Ludington, Mich.), was charged with one count of forgery and one count of embezzlement of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000. In this case, two contractors were given prison time and restitution fines. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office. We need to focus on important issues that support our members, like fair wages as the cost of living goes up.. and NAGE -SEIU Local 01-25 (located in Brockton, Mass. Theyre all very stung, not only financially but emotionally, said Todd Rammler, president of Michigan CFO Associates. All rights reserved. On September 10, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Joseph Moon Jr., former President of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1626, pled guilty to a criminal information for one count of improper loans from a labor organization. What Are Some High Profile Cases of Embezzlement in Unions? On September 2, 2009, Witham pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. On May 11, 2009, Thomas pled guilty to one count of embezzling approximately $28,500 in union funds. An experienced attorney can help you to determine which course of action to take next. p.usa-alert__text {margin-bottom:0!important;} They were charged with five felony counts of filing false tax returns, allegedly under reporting their income by about $1.4 million over five years, according to the complaint. Burkhart pleaded guilty on April 8, 2021, admitting to embezzlement and theft of labor union assets. We have accepted Ms. Hernndez's resignation, and we have cooperated fully with authorities on this matter and will continue to do so," Bob Schoonover, executive director of the SEIU California State Council, said in a statement. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office and the FBI. Even more astounding is that in many of these cases several people are part of the situation with embezzlement rather than just one person. On May 6, 2009, Jimenez had pled guilty to one count of making a false entry in or willful concealment of books and records. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS New Orleans District Office. The charges follow an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. Officials say the Board of Directors does not discuss individual personnel matters and cannot comment on the circumstances around Dr. Walters departure. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office, the Department of Labors Office of the Inspector General and the FBI. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office. ), was indicted on one count of embezzling $18,100 between February 2004 and September 2008. Finance experts in Michigan and nationally say it is essential that people understand the toll embezzlement takes oncharities, business and public and private schools. On October 15, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Christopher Scott Tidwell, former Secretary-Treasurer of Transportation Union Ind, Local 1261 (located in Lineville, Ala.), was sentenced to 60 months probation, including six months home confinement with electronic monitoring, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $22,264.08 and a $100 special assessment. Any negative publicity is a tremendous blow to a union. I think the public has a perception that theyre all greedy mobsters and these things reinforce stereotypes that theres corruption. Dennis Williams, president of the UAW, said the 415,000-member union takes seriously issues of fraud and wrongdoing. Former United Auto Workers President Gary Jones pleaded guilty Wednesday to racketeering and embezzlement. On October 29, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Donald Spell, former office employee for Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees (HERE) Local 12 (formerly located in Cincinnati, Ohio), pled guilty to embezzling union funds totaling $16,422. On December 7, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Ira Sokol, a former school bus inspector for the New York City Department of Education, was sentenced to two years probation including six months home confinement, ordered to pay a fine of $10,000, and make restitution in the amount of $5,000 following a guilty plea to conspiracy to accept bribes in an industry receiving federal funds. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office. A former officer of the UAW was implicated in allegedly defrauding the FCA National Training Center for personal gain, along with other company officials and a few international reps. We will never tolerate this type of misconduct,. In one such case, the union was taking money for one legitimate purpose and stealing it to purchase personal gifts. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. A former executive director of the Hawaii Painting & Decorating Contractors Association pleaded guilty in May 2016 to embezzling approximately $1,483,800 from the Hawaii Painters Trade Promotion & Charity Fund, which comes out of the hourly wages of Painters District Council 50 in Honolulu. ), was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $5,048. Elsezy affixed the signature stamps of the President and Treasurer, altered the name of the payees in the union's accounting system, and removed checks from the union's records to conceal the true beneficiary of the funds. Fanning had previously made restitution in the amount of $6,342.15. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office. Hernandez also faces two charges of grand theft and one of perjury for her work as treasurer on a 2014 political committee supporting a state Senate candidate. In fact, small businesses are the most vulnerable, and we are seeing more significant occurrences in churches, nonprofits, financial institutions and the manufacturing industry, she said. FREE Consultations 24/7 Availability The AEA is the local union for Arlington public school educators. The charge follows and investigation by the OLMS Minneapolis Resident Office. On March 30, 2009, in the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Tina Curtis, former Secretary Treasurer for the APWU Local 232 (located in Columbus, Ohio), was sentenced to three years probation, 100 hours of community service and ordered to make restitution. Alphons Iacobelli, formervice president at FCA, was charged in July 2017 with conspiracy and delivering more than $1.2 million in prohibited payments and things of value to the late General Holiefield, former vice president of the UAW, Holiefield's wife and other UAW officials. An indictment is a formal accusation or charge based on a finding by a Grand Jury that it is likely that the person charged committed the criminal offense described in the indictment and is the means by which an accused person (defendant) is brought to trial. "The actions of a few individuals should not be held against the entire union and its membership, almost all of whom act with the utmost honesty and integrity every day to help our working men and women.. On June 10, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Belinda K. Woods, former President of Communications Workers Local 84-415 (located in Grand Rapids, Mich.), pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $10,988.86 and one count of falsifying union records. On March 24, 2009, in the District Court of Brockton, Massachusetts, Susan Elliott, former Secretary-Treasurer of Laborers Local 1162 (located in Brockton, Mass. The verdict follows an investigation by the OLMS Los Angeles District Office. On May 5, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of Eastern Pennsylvania, Peter Rhein, former Treasurer of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 3845 (located in Philadelphia, Pa.), was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay additional restitution in the amount $28,145.76 and a special assessment of $1,400.00. Alma Hernandez served as executive director for SEIU California since 2016. On March 12, 2009, in the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Larry Ramsey, former secretary-treasurer of the Representatives and Organizers Union (located in St. Louisville, Ohio), pled guilty to embezzling $163,222 in union funds. And law enforcement warned of a growing trend at the time. Subsequently, Scott was sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation. 609-566-9686. According to the Board Chair for Union Academy, Dr. Ann Walters contract expires at the end of the month. On May 28, 2009, in the District Court of Brockton, Massachusetts, Susan J. Elliot, former Secretary-Treasurer of Laborers Local 1162 (located in Brockton, Mass. A charge is an accusation of criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. On February 17, 2009, Ramsey was charged with embezzling funds in the same amount. While superintendent, Garza awarded a contract to a company whose owner then sent funds back to Garza. Hundreds of union officials have been indicted for other crimes that victimize union members, such as filing false reports, keeping false records, destruction of records, extortionate picketing and deprivation of rights by violence. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. On April 17, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, Daniel Fortier, former Secretary Treasurer of Teamsters Local 970 and former President of Teamsters Joint Council 32 (located in Minneapolis, Minn.), pled guilty to a two-count information charging him with making false entries in union records related to an embezzlement of union funds in the amount of $8,202.61. On July 23, 2009, in the Superior Court for Clark County, Indiana, Joseph E. Clegg, former President of American Postal Workers Local 753 (located in Jeffersonville, Ind.) On October 13, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Michael Kelly, former Treasurer of Untied Transportation Union (UTU) Local 586 (located in Lexington, Ohio), was sentenced to one year and a day confinement, three years supervised release, and ordered to make full restitution. She is scheduled to be sentenced May 1. Bealefeld was then sentenced to three years probation. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. He had previously made restitution in the amount of $55,866. On April 3, 2009, in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Fernando Acevedo, former President for the Transit Employees Independent Union (located in Bedford, Ohio), was sentenced to two years community control, 50 hours of community service, and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $7,300. Brophy had previously paid over $47,172 in restitution. On March 25, 2009, Dallas pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Kansas City Resident Investigator Office. On March 2, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Kenneth L. Holman, former Secretary-Treasurer of Retail, Wholesale Department Store Union (RWDSU) Local 665 (located in Ishpeming, Mich.), was sentenced to pay restitution in the amount of $2,798.64 and a $25 special assessment.On February 12, 2009, Holman pled guilty to one count of making a false statement or representation of material fact on an annual financial report filed by Local 665.The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. On February 4, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Roberta Dauch, former office secretary of the North Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council (located in Sandusky, Ohio), was sentenced to four years probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $27,537.On September 8, 2008, Dauch pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. He conceded it hurts the union's image internally and externally. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS St. Louis District Office. On September 10, 2008, Johnson was charged with embezzling union funds in the same amount. Thecharges follow an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. On September 29, 2008, Bentzen pled guilty to one count of bank fraud.The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS St. Louis District Office. On November 12, 2009, Kobe was charged in an information with one count of embezzling union funds during a period between 2005 through 2006. The sentencing follows an investigation conducted by the OLMS Buffalo District Office. On October 30, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Norman Joseph Stefanik, former Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 1450 (located in Watertown, N.Y.), was sentenced to one year and one day imprisonment and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $46,013. Its just access to money., He added, "These people view themselves as overworked and underpaid. On February 19, 2009, an information was filed charging Jimenez with one count of false entry in or willful concealment of books and records. On June 10, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Kathleen Fonti, former President of Health Professionals & Allied Employees (HPAE) Local 5030 (located in Emerson, N.J.), pled guilty to improperly receiving loans in excess of $14,500. Clark was then sentenced to three years probation and six months home confinement, and ordered to pay full restitution, a $2000 fine and a $125 special assessment. On February 24, 2009, Vincent pled guilty to two counts of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds. On May 5, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, Angelo Wiggins, former President of the National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees (NAPFE) Local 408 (located in Mobile, Ala.), was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,269.85. Official websites use .gov On May 8, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, Jeffrey C. Harris, former Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Glass Molders and Plastics Local 285 (located in Fort Wayne, Ind. Brown was then sentenced to three years probation and 30 days of electronic home monitoring and ordered to make restitution in an amount yet to be determined. The former CEO agreed to plead guilty to one felony count of theft or embezzlement by a credit union employee. On October 23, 2008, St. John was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of approximately $24,000. An OLMS investigation concluded that Elsezy created and cashed checks totaling $44,316.58, drawn from the unions bank account for personal use. 2300 The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office and the Veterans Administration's Office of the Inspector General. On October 22, 2008, Montgomery pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $509. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office. Lopez was found guilty on two substantive counts of mail fraud and one count of theft of union property. Lopez and Rodriguez were ordered to pay restitution totaling $864,924. Hernandez did not respond to a Twitter message seeking comment and calls to phone number for Hernadez and Moscoso went unanswered. Full restitution was ordered following release from incarceration. [CDATA[/* >