Another group hit hard by embezzlement are churches. Freeman was charged with five counts of forgery totaling $2,260; Hamer was charged with one count of forgery totaling for $749; Smith, one count of forgery totaling $2,500; Turner, five counts totaling $15,800 and Russia, twelve counts of forgery totaling $21,309. On February 3, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Mervin Patrick Getzen, former Secretary Treasurer of UAW Local 2926 (located in Shelbyville, Ky.), was sentenced to three years probation, six months home detention, and order to pay a $100 assessment. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $13,130 and a fine of $125. On April 9, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, Robert L. Carr, Business Manager of Plumbers Local 228 (located in Yuba City, Calif.), and his wife Theresa A. Carr, were charged with conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and the embezzlement of over $45,000 in union funds, from at least January 2000 through March 2007. 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. Trust is a very large factor. Please enter valid email address to continue. The case follows an investigation by the OLMS Honolulu Resident Investigator Office. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. Thieves often are beloved colleagues who leave a profound sense of betrayal. ), pled guilty to one count of theft in a special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. On August 6, 2008, ORourke had been charged in a two-count indictment with embezzling union funds in the amount of $23,057 and falsifying union records. Brownlee falsified travel vouchers, per diem, lodging, and lost time claims. We have also at times withstood investigations that have tested our goodwill," he said. ), pled guilty to one count of embezzlement of union funds of over $5,000. On October 9, 2009, Spell had been charged with embezzling funds in the same amount. All Rights Reserved. The pleas follow a joint investigation by the OLMS New York District Office, Department of Labor's Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI. Washington, DC 202101-866-4-USA-DOL1-866-487-2365, File Labor Union, Trusteeship, Employer, and Consultant Reports (EFS), Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), Poster: Notice of Employee Rights Under Federal Law (Executive Order 13496). .usa-footer .container {max-width:1440px!important;} The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS St. Louis District Office. ), pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $18,100. Contact Phoebe Wall Howard:313-222-6512 or phoward@freepress.com. On February 9, 2009, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York approved a stipulation ofsettlement between the Department of Labor andLocal 3 of the Bakery Workers (located in Long Island City, N.Y.). On December 16, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Joyce Marsalis, former Treasurer of the Illinois Nurses Association, University of Chicago Local (located in Chicago, Ill.) was sentenced to three years probation, 100 hours of community service, and ordered to pay a remaining balance of restitution in the amount of $2356 and a special assessment of $25. Corruption undermines the very soul of unions. On April 28, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Joyce Marsalis, former Treasurer of the Illinois Nurses Association, University of Chicago Local (located in Chicago, Ill.), was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $12,717 and one count of falsifying union records. It oversees more than a dozen local unions representing state workers, education workers, healthcare workers and others. On June 8, 2009, in the Oneida (N.Y.) City Court, Gail Shingler, former Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 53 (located in Oneida, N.Y.), was charged with two counts of grand larceny, in the fourth degree. Drawdy agreed to make restitution in the amount of $17,900. Its a perception that some union officials like to perpetuate. On February 19, 2009, in the Cuyahoga County, Ohio Court of Common Pleas, Willie Harris, former Secretary-Treasurer of AFGE Local 2823 (located in Cleveland, Ohio), was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $5,784.61 following a guilty plea to one count of aggravated theft. On September 2, 2011, Ford pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds, in violation of 29 U.S.C. 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. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office. ), was indicted on one count of embezzling $18,100 between February 2004 and September 2008. Subsequently, Scott was sentenced to two years of unsupervised probation. 609-566-9686. You also can email OLMS-Public@dol.gov or call 202-693-0143 with your complaint or questions. For the UAW, its two biggest cases involved members working hand-in-hand with corrupt auto industry executives. WebEmbezzlement was created by the English legislature, which designated specific persons who might be liable for the offense. Per the agreement, White agreed to restitution in the same amount, and to reimburse the local $10,125 for expenses it incurred in its internal investigation. 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. Friday, April 9, 2021 Former charter school official sent to prison for embezzling funds HOUSTON The former superintendent of Houston Gateway Academy has been Texas largest charter school network ousted two of its top leaders and is working with authorities after a forensic review revealed some administrators used school The plea and sentence follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. On December 7, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, Roger Wuest, former Secretary-Treasurer of Security Police and Fire Professionals (SPFPA) (located in San Bernardino, Calif.), was sentenced to one year of probation. Jimmy the Bull and the Perry Crew were ultimately found guilty of extortion and racketeering, joining the ranks of hundreds of union leaders who have been found guilty of a myriad of crimes against their union brothers and sisters. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office. The plea follows an investigation by OLMS New Orleans District Office. Will you do the same? On April 10, 2009, Drawdy was charged with sixteen counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $17,900. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Boston District Office. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office. Following his plea, Baker paid restitution in the amount of $16,050. The indictment also included a forfeiture allegation in the amount of $1,000,000. The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards conducted the investigation. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. Its typically a very trusted relationship with somebody who has been with the company a long time and has access to be able to get away with the fraud. ), pled guilty to one count of stealing union funds in the amount of $6,350. On May 18, 2009, in the 61st District Court of Kent County, Michigan, Kevin Welch, former Financial Secretary of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 84-415 (located in Grand Rapids, Mich.), was sentenced to one year of incarceration (suspended), placed on probation for a period of one year, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,759.55 and fined $25. On August 13, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, LaRose Elsezy, former administrative assistant and bookkeeper of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1923 (located in Baltimore, Md. On November 17, 2008, Curtis pled guilty to embezzling $18,283 in union funds. On September 15, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Sonia McGuire, former treasurer of American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 3434 located in Decatur, Ga.), was indicted for embezzling union funds, between January 15, 2005 and April 28, 2008, in excess of $15,000. Thecharges follow an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. Steinruck previously made restitution in the amount of $1,987. On September 24, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Alejandro Stephens, former President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 660 (now Local 721) (located in Los Angeles, Calif.), pled guilty to two counts of mail fraud in connection with income fraudulently received from the Voter Improvement Program of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and one count of filing a false tax return related to his failure to report $35,000 fraudulently received from this fund. The information follows an investigation by the OLMS San Francisco District Office. Embezzlement is an action where a person takes in money for a business or other entity, and instead of putting it into the correct account, keeps it for themselves. ), was indicted on one count of embezzlement of union funds in the amount of $13,904.69. The defendant is now a convicted felon and will pay back Steelworkers Local 145 for the funds he embezzled. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Miami Resident Investigator Office. On July 30, 2009, Kelly pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $97,970.71. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. Rodriguez was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and two years of supervised release. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS San Francisco District Office. The plea and sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. As in all criminal cases, each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. In the other multimillion-dollar case, charges were filed on Jan. 9, 2017, againsta former UAW president in New Jersey accused of hatching a scheme with a health insurance broker tosteal $1 million from the unions self-insured health planand defraud Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of approximately $5.5million. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office. pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds totaling over $5,000. On June 19, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, LaRose Elsezy, former bookkeeper of AFGE Local 1923 (located in Baltimore, Md. On February 17, 2009, Ortiz pled guilty to extorting and accepting bribes in a program receiving federal funds. 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. Elliott was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service and ordered to pay assessments and fees of $594. Gambling addiction is an issue at times. On May 15, 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.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,824.30 and a special assessment of $100.00. Scenarios range from a toy worker receiving kickbacks to influence an employee benefit plan in New York to extortion by a former Teamster steward named Jimmy the Bull in South Boston. The arrest follows an investigation by the OLMS Miami Resident Investigator Office. On January 6, 2021, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Scott E. Rodgers, President of National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) On May 6, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, Joseph Michael Johnson, former Secretary-Treasurer of Boilermakers Union Lodge 687 (located in Charleston Heights, S.C.), was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment, three years supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100 fine. Thats not always the case. On January 29, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Rebecca Montgomery, former bookkeeper/office secretary for the Machinist Eastern Regional Office (located in Cincinnati, Ohio), was sentenced to one year probation, fined $1,000 and ordered to pay a special assessment fee of $100. On May 13, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Steve Pfeiffer, former Secretary/Treasurer of IATSE Local 60 (located in Pensacola, Fla.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $12,051. On Feb. 17, a former member was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution of $3,208 after pleading guilty to lying to an investigator. div#block-eoguidanceviewheader .dol-alerts p {padding: 0;margin: 0;} Watson is alleged to have made personal charges totaling $1,759 on the union credit card. On February 4, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Keith H. Cook, former Secretary Treasurer of United Transportation Union (UTU) Local 620 (located in Chicago, Ill.), was sentenced to twelve months and one day imprisonment for embezzlement of union funds, ten months imprisonment for making a false entry in union records, three years supervised release for embezzlement of union funds, and one year supervised release for making a false entry in union records (to run concurrently). This methodology may put someone without experience in charge of large amounts of money. #block-googletagmanagerheader .field { padding-bottom:0 !important; } The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS St. Louis District Office. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Seattle District Office. At the time, we were giving out food boxes and Meijer gift cards. Vernon, Ind. A conviction is a judgment based on a jurys verdict, judges finding, or the defendants admission that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged. The admission follows and investigation by the OLMS Boston District Office. On September 14, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Richard M. Clark, former Secretary Treasurer of Letter Carriers Branch 468 (located in Bowling Green, Ky.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds totaling $18,680 and destruction of union records. On February 3, 2009, Wiggins pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. On July 7, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division, an information was filed charging Erica Alda Perez, former secretary and bookkeeper of Carpenters Local 9144 (located in San Jose, California), with one count of false statements. In addition to the UAW, federal records show the biggest embezzlement cases resulting in criminal charges during the past decade have unfolded in the court system over the past threeyears: Embezzlement cases are often discovered by unions or during routine audits. On October 7, 2009, in Goodhue County (Minnesota) District Court, a felony complaint was filed charging Michelle Adler, former Secretary-Treasurer of Government Security Officers Local 24 (located in Lake City, Minn.), with one count of theft of more than $1,000, but not more than $5,000. Thomas Burkhart Jr. was trusted by local union members as their president but instead abused his position to steal nearly $20,000 for his own personal use, said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. An OLMS investigation concluded thatBrownlee falsified vouchers for travel, per diem, lodging and lost time. On February 25, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Norman J. Stefanik, former Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 1450 (located in Watertown, N.Y.), was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $25,808.29 between February 2004 and November 2007. In lieu of community service hours, Williams was also ordered to make a $175 monetary donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. In addition to those crimes, the DOLs Office of Inspector General (OIG) has investigated numerous cases of labor racketeering and organized crimes influence within the labor movement. This is a petition to the Board of Directors to renew Dr. Ann Walters contract as Headmaster of Union Academy. On March 19, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, James A. Decker, former Treasurer of Independent Soft Drink Workers Union (formerly located in Burlington, Ky.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds. On September 24, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, Roger Wuest, formerSecretary-Treasurer of Security Police and Fire Professionals Union Officer, Ind. 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. On June 8, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, Brian Brownlee, former Vice-President of American Postal Workers Union (APWU) 2nd District (located in Hot Springs, Ark. @media (max-width: 992px){.usa-js-mobile-nav--active, .usa-mobile_nav-active {overflow: auto!important;}} Jones was sentenced to one year probation. Owens then pled guilty to the charge and was sentenced to sixty days probated for twenty-four months on the condition that he make restitution of $200.00 and pay $153.00 in fines and court costs by February 3, 2010. SEIU California Union Leader Resigns Following Fraud, Embezzlement Charges October 13, 2021 / 2:43 PM / CBS San Francisco SACRAMENTO (AP) The top staff The plea and sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office. The Maddalones pled guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion for their participation in a scheme, along with other union officials, to use their union positions and the fear of economic harm to obtain cash bribes from employers. Contact the Law Office of Douglas Herring, Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances, Official Misconduct Charges in New Jersey, New Jersey Criminals and Parolees Could Have Voting Rights Restored. 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. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The charge follows an investigation by OLMS New Orleans District Office. Rhein had previously made a restitution payment in the amount $14,500.00. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. A lock ( On May 27, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Wendy Bentzen, former information/financial manager for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 72 (located in Jefferson City, Mo. The hard part is that everybody liked her," Dunbar said. On August 27, September 1, September 3, 2009 and September 29, 2009 Robert Walston, Richard Lopez, Thaddeus Bania, Cassandra Mosley, David Rodriguez and Mark Jones, former President , Recording-Secretary, Comptroller, Business Agent, Organizer, and Head Organizer of Teamsters Local 743 Walston was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release. DETROIT (AP) Members of the United Auto Workers union appeared on Friday to favor replacing many of their current leaders in an election that stemmed from a federal bribery and embezzlement scandal involving former union officials. They give workers a powerful voice heard by employers. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office. We are upset and outraged with this notification (the day after school ends). 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. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. Local 598 (located in Huntsville, Ala.), was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $10,690. Like Jimmy the Bull, the crimes dont stop with He and his union gang (they referred to themselves as the Perry Crew) would shake down employers and pocket the payments that were supposed to go to the union benefit fund. Williams was charged in a criminal information, which means a guilty plea is expected. As in all criminal cases, each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. On December 10, 2009, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Kathleen Fonti, former President of Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE) Local 5030 (located in Emerson, N.J.), pled guilty to one count of receipt of improper loans from a labor organization. An information raises no inference of guilt. He also was ordered to make restitution of $47,079.21 and pay a $125 assessment. As part of his plea, Garza admitted he awarded a $280,000 no-bid contract to Ahmed Bokaiyan. Elsezy was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $44,316.58. On September 4, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, Don C. Padgett, former secretary treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1304 (located in Greenville, Ill.), was sentenced to 21 months in prison for one count of mail fraud relating to an embezzlement of $185,042. Williams was sentenced to twelve months probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $75.00, a fine of $1000, and court costs. Virdell King, a former assistant director of the UAW-Chrysler National Training Center, pleaded guilty in August 2017 toreceiving more than $40,000 in prohibited payments and things of value from the former vice president of FCA and others acting in the interest of FCA. Payments received between 2012 and 2015 included purchases of clothing, jewelry, luggage, golf equipment, concert tickets andtheme park tickets. U.S. Department of Labor documents obtained by the Free Press show embezzlementfrom hundreds of union offices nationwideover the past decade. First published on October 13, 2021 / 2:43 PM. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office. In just the past two years, more than 300 union locations have discovered theft, often resulting in more than one person charged in each instance, the records show. If so, you need a seasoned attorney in your corner. The Department of Education-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with the assistance of the TEA. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. SEIU California's director of government relations, Tia Orr, will take over as interim executive director for the union, Schoonover said. On July 22, 2009, Peaslee was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount and one count of falsifying union records. Contact the Law Office of Douglas Herring today to discuss your situation. This is both externally from the public and internally from members. 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. Have a question about Government Services? Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Walston, Bania and Mosley were ordered to pay restitution totaling $900,936. An information is a formal accusation of a crime by a government attorney rather than a Grand Jury. Fonti was then sentenced to two years supervised probation and fined $1,000. On August 3, 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled, in Warshauer v. Solis, that the Secretary of Labor did not act arbitrarily and capriciously in requiring a unions designated legal counsel (DLC) to report as an employer on Form LM-10 concerning potential conflict of interest payments to unions or union officials. Johnson was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $46,653. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office, Department of Labor's Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI. On November 23, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, an information was filed charging David Matthis, former Secretary Treasurer of American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 205 (located in Alexandria, La. Contact the Law Of Read this blog to learn more about felony offenses in New Jersey and how the courts determine the se 2023 Law Office of Douglas Herring. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office. As part of its effort to protect and safeguard union funds and assets, OLMS investigates possible embezzlement from unions and other violations of criminal laws. 1000 Louisiana, Ste. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office. Just to clarify, that is restitution of more than $102 million. A guilty plea is a defendants admission to the court that he or she committed the offense charged and an agreement to waive the right to a trial. On February 6, 2009, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, George Ortiz, former New York City Department of Education School Bus Inspector, pled guilty to extorting and accepting bribes in a program receiving federal funds.