Criminal Enforcement Actions 2008

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. An indictment raises no inference of guilt. As in all criminal cases, each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

An information is a formal accusation of a crime by a government attorney rather than a Grand Jury.  An information raises no inference of guilt. As in all criminal cases, each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A charge is an accusation of criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. As in all criminal cases, each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Each count is a separate and distinct offense charged in an indictment or information.

A guilty plea is a defendant’s admission to the court that he or she committed the offense charged and an agreement to waive the right to a trial.

A conviction is a judgment based on a jury’s verdict, judge’s finding, or the defendant’s admission that the defendant is guilty of the crime charged.

A sentence is a judicial determination of the punishment to be imposed on an individual who has plead guilty or has been convicted by a jury or judge of a criminal offense.

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On December 30, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Luther L. Corey, former President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1197 (located in Jacksonville, Fla.), was sentenced to 180 days home confinement, four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 and make restitution in the amount of $16,288.37. On October 1, 2008, Corey pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the same amount. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office.

On December 23, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, Michael Pagano, former Business Agent/Secretary-Treasurer of Roofers, Local 74 (located in West Seneca, N.Y.), pled guilty to falsifying and destroying union records. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office.

On December 22, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Danny Tilley, former Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas Building and Construction Trades Council (located in Austin, Texas), was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $9,719. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS New Orleans District Office.

On December 19, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, Linda Peterson, former Secretary-Treasurer for APWU Branch 715 (located in Pagosa Springs, Colo.), was sentenced to 2 years probation, 3 months home detention, and 100 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,505 and a $200 special assessment ($100 for each count). On August 20, 2008, Peterson pled guilty to one count of embezzling public money and one count of embezzlement of assets. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office and the USPS Office of Inspector General.

On December 19, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Roxanne Eye, former Treasurer of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 339 (located in Brook Park, Ohio), was sentenced to two years probation and 60 hours of community service. On June 10, 2008, Eye pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $9,296. Eye previously made restitution in the same amount. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On December 17, 2008, OLMS entered into a voluntary compliance agreement with National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 308 (located in Philadelphia, Pa.) concerning the election of officers conducted on February 16, 2008.  The union agreed to conduct new nominations and a new election, under OLMS supervision, for the offices of Branch President-Philadelphia Bulk Mail Center and Pennsylvania State Executive Board Member.  The OLMS investigation of the challenged election disclosed that the union improperly applied a candidate eligibility requirement, which denied a member in good standing the right to be a candidate.  The agreement follows an investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office.

On December 17, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Jack Hooks, former Treasurer of AFSCME Local 11, Chapter 7010 (located in Mansfield, Ohio), was indicted on one count of embezzling $15,192 and two counts of falsifying union records.  The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On December 17, 2008, in the Criminal Court of White Plains, New York, Thomas Daniels, former President of APWU 1091 (located in White Plains, N.Y.), was charged with one count of grand larceny in the third degree for the theft of approximately $4,250 in union funds. The charge follows a joint investigation by OLMS New York District Office and the USPS Office of the Inspector General.

On December 16, 2008, in the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Kenneth Saltz, Jr., former President of the Steelworkers Local 1124 (located in Massillon, Ohio), was sentenced to six months home confinement with electronic monitoring and two years probation.  On September 30, 2008, Saltz plead guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $15,809.03 after making restitution.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On December 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Sarah Crafts, former Office Manager of Texas Building and Construction Trades Council (located in Austin, Texas), was charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $27,197 and with one count of embezzlement of union funds in the amount of $17,478.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS New Orleans District Office.

On December 11, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Eastern Pennsylvania, Peter Rhein, former Treasurer of Local 3845 (located in Philadelphia, Pa.) was indicted on six counts of embezzling union funds totaling more than $40,000 and eight counts of making a false statement.  The charges follow an investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office.

On December 11, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, James Decker, former Treasurer of Independent Soft Drink Workers Union (formerly located in Burlington, Ky.), was charged with embezzling $11,380.37 in union funds.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. 

On December 5, 2008, in the United States District Court for the  District of New Jersey, Gary Weightman, former President of  APWU Local 190 (located in Clifton, N.J.), pled guilty to two counts of tax evasion. Weightman was originally charged with conspiracy to embezzle union funds in the amount of approximately $400,000. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office.

On December 4, 2008, in the Hennepin County District Court of Minnesota, William Thomas Brown, former Financial Secretary-Treasurer of IBEW Local 886 (located in New Hope, Minn.), was charged with one felony count of theft over $1,000.  Brown is alleged to have taken union funds in the amount of $6,467.05. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Minneapolis Resident Investigator Office.

On December 3, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, Fidel R. Garza, former President of AFGE Local 2063 (located in Albuquerque N.M.), was indicted on fifty-eight counts each of wire fraud and deprivation of honest services associated with  defrauding the local of approximately $84,000 in union funds.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office.

On December 1, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, an information was filed charging Diane Martin, former clerk of Teamsters Local 206 (located in Portland, Ore.), with one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $1,535. The information follows an investigation by the OLMS Seattle District Office.

On December 1, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, Jeanette McFarland, former President of the Glass Molders and Plastics Union Local 285 (located in Fort Wayne, Ind.) was sentenced to six months imprisonment (with credit given for time served), three years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $7,604.04. On September 18, 2008 McFarland pled guilty to one count of embezzlement of union funds. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office.

On December 1, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, an information was filed charging Kenneth L. Holman, former Secretary-Treasurer of Retail, Wholesale Department Store Union (RWDSU) Local 665 (located in Ishpeming, Mich.), with making a false statement or representation of a material fact on the local’s 2003 and 2004 annual financial reports. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office.

On November 26, 2008, in the District Court of St. Louis County, Minnesota, Kathleen Kordish, former Financial Secretary of Steelworkers Local 9349 (located in Hibbing, Minn.), was sentenced to incarceration for 1 year and 1 day (stayed for 3 years of probation) and 45 days of electronic monitoring and ordered to pay a $1,085 fine and $19, 926.15 in restitution. On October 22, 2008, Kordish had pled guilty to one felony count of theft by false representation in excess of $2,500. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Minneapolis Resident Investigator Office.

On November 25, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Mary Schaeuble, Chair of the Insurance Committee of Steelworkers Local 20 (located in Kaukauna, Wis.), pled guilty to two counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $730.94.  On May 20, 2008, Schaeuble had been indicted on 13 counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $3,379.30.  The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On November 24, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska, an information was filed charging Kevin McGee, former President of AFGE Local 3028 (located in Anchorage, Alaska), with one count of knowingly making a false material representation in a report required to be filed with the Department of Labor. The information follows an investigation by the OLMS Seattle District Office.

On November 20, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Charles Bohanon, former Secretary-Treasurer of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLET) Division 1 (located in Petersburg, Mich.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $18,074.23. On September 16, 2008, Bohanon had been charged with embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office.

On November 20, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, William Sargent, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 704 (Chicago, Ill.) pled guilty to one count of theft of property in a special territorial jurisdiction of the United States in the amount of $800.  On November 10, 2008, a superseding information had charged Sargent with theft in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office.

On November 19, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tarris D. Dallas, former Financial Secretary-Treasurer of United Steelworker’s Local 9-415 (located in Fernandina Beach, Fla.) was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of approximately $105,000. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office.

On November 18, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Glen Gard, former Secretary-Treasurer of Machinists Local 2460 (located in Pensacola, Fla.) was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of approximately $90,500. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Miami Resident Investigator Office.

On November 17, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Jeffrey Baker, former co-chairman of the Picket Committee for Machinists Local Lodge 1943 (located in Middletown, Ohio), was charged with one count of making a false entry in a union record when he misappropriated approximately 107 strike pay checks and forged members’ signatures on check registers for 101 checks.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On November 17, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Tina Curtis, former Secretary-Treasurer of APWU Local 232 (located in Columbus, Ohio), pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $18,283.  The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On November 14, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, John Dabronzo, former Business Agent/ /Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) Administrator of Asbestos Local 89, (located in Trenton, N.J.), was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months incarceration, three years probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $829,736.20. On June 16, 2008, Dabronzo pled guilty to two counts of embezzlement of union funds. Between January 2000 and May 2007, Dabronzo embezzled funds in the amount of $433,308.47 from Local 89, and $396,454.73 from the JATC. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the Employment Benefits Standards Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On November 13, 2008 in the Court of Common Pleas of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Willie Harris, former Secretary Treasurer of AFGE Local 2823 (located in Cleveland, Ohio) was indicted for theft exceeding $5,000, misuse of a credit card, and unauthorized access to a computer.  The indictment follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office and the Veterans Administration’s Office of Inspector General. 

On November 13, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Kenneth Wallace, former delegate of Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 600 (located in Newport, Ky.), was indicted on two counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $2,484.02 between April 30, 2005 and June 28, 2006.  The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On November 12, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Randy Sanders, former Executive Vice President of Steelworkers Local 20 (located in Kaukauna, Wis.), was sentenced to two years probation, a $1,000 fine, a $200 special assessment and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $7,300.  On August 22, 2008, Sanders pled guilty to two counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $762.48.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On November 10, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Michelle Trinh, former assistant administrator of the Writers Guild of America-West Foreign Levies Fund, was sentenced to five years probation, 100 hours of community service, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $17,228 and a $100 special assessment. Trinh will be barred from union employment or holding union office for a period of 13 years. On February 28, 2008, Trinh was charged with conspiracy to embezzle and embezzlement of union funds in the same amount. From December 2006 to February 2007, Trinh and her accomplice, Tracy Howze, conspired to falsify the union’s database by creating Howze as a beneficiary of the foreign levies fund, and releasing union checks payable to Howze which they later cashed and split for personal expenses. The charges follow an investigation by the OLMS Los Angeles District Office.

On November 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey,  Kevin Sherlock, former Secretary-Treasurer of NALC Branch 272 (located in Newton, N.J.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $45,000. The plea follows a joint investigation by the OLMS New York District Office and the USPS Office of the Inspector General.

On October 30, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Edna Latimore, former Secretary Treasurer of AFGE Local 900 (located in St. Louis, Mo.) was sentenced to six months home detention, three years probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $77,857.26. On August 7, 2008, Latimore was charged with making false statements on the local’s Form LM-3. Latimore omitted unauthorized payments to herself from the report.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the St. Louis District Office.

On October 30, 2008, in the City Court of Geneva, New York, Bradley Steinruck, former President of Steelworkers Local 828 (located in Geneva, N.Y.), was charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree for taking union funds in the amount of $1,987. The charge follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office and the New York State Police.

On October 27, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, Janet Louise Johnson, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 2152 (located in Reno, Nev.), pled guilty to one count of theft of union funds at a place within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. On June 4 2008, Johnson was indicted on one count of wire fraud in the amount of $11,251.44 and seven counts of theft of union funds at a place within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.  Johnson is alleged to have used union funds to pay for unauthorized personal charges made on the union’s credit card.  The plea follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Las Vegas Resident Investigator Office and the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General.

On October 24, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Grace Gaines, former Treasurer of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 4973 (located in Philadelphia, Pa.), pled guilty to four counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $15,597.00.  The plea follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

On October 24, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, Krista Yeatts, former office manager of Machinist Lodge 2444 (located in Winston-Salem, N.C.), pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $47,746.01.  On July 28, 2008, Yeatts was charged with one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount.  The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Nashville District Office.

On October 23 and 24, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Lawrence Marable and Deborah Powell, former President and Treasurer, respectively, of AFGE Local1793, representing employees at the VA Medical Center in (Philadelphia, Pa.) both were sentenced on a seven count indictment that included one count of conspiracy, five counts of theft of property in a special territorial jurisdiction of the United States and one count of making false statements. Marable was sentenced to eighteen months incarceration followed by three years of supervised probation, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $184,129.85, a special assessment of $700.00 and a fine of $3,000.00. Powell was sentenced to twelve months and one day incarceration followed by two years of supervised probation, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $184,129.85 and a special assessment of $700.00. Marable and Powell conspired to convert dues checkoff checks and issue Local 1793 checks for their personal use totaling $184,129.85. Marable and Powell were held separately liable in the payment of restitution. The sentencings follow a joint investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.

On October 23, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Michael St. John, former Secretary Treasurer of Glass Molders Local 30 (located in Festus, Mo.) was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of approximately $24,000.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS St. Louis District Office.

On October 22, 2008, in the St. Louis County District Court of Minnesota, Kathleen Kordish, former financial secretary of Steelworkers Local 9349 (located in Hibbing, Minn.), pled guilty to one felony count of theft by false representation in excess of $2,500.  Kordish was alleged to have embezzled union funds in the amount of $19,148.54.  On April 29, 2008 Kordish was charged with one count of theft of funds by false representation in excess of $2,500.  The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Minneapolis Resident Investigator Office.

On October 22, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Eugene Huss, Area Vice President of Steelworkers Local 20 (located in Kaukauna, Wis.), pled guilty to two counts of falsification of union records and agreed to make restitution in the amount of $2,000. On May 20, 2008, Huss was indicted on thirteen counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $1,617.75.  The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On October 22, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Rebecca Montgomery, former bookkeeper/office secretary of Machinists Eastern Regional Office (located in Cincinnati, Ohio), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $509.  Montgomery previously made full restitution in the amount of $14,340.  On August 20, 2008, Montgomery was charged with embezzling union funds in the amount of $509. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On October 22, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, an information was filed charging Todd F. Novak, former Secretary-Treasurer of BLET Division 3 (located in Cleveland, Ohio), with one count of embezzlement in the amount of $47,780.89.  The information follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On October 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, Clarence Morgan, former President of Steelworkers Local 2948, (located in Columbus, Ga.), pled guilty to one count of filing a false Labor Organization Annual Report (LM-3) for the 2003 reporting year. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office.

On October 16, 2008, in the County Court of Westchester County, NY, Glenroy Richards, former President of AFGE Local 2440 (located in Montrose, N.Y.), was sentenced to five years supervised probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $11,243. During the period of July 2006 to November 2006, Richards utilized his union-issued debit card to withdraw funds in the same amount from the union’s checking account. On July 7, 2008, Richards pled guilty to grand larceny in the third degree. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office.

On October 14, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Chad Mowery, former Secretary Treasurer of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) Division 282 (located in Springdale, Ohio), was sentenced to one year of probation, ordered to pay restitution. On May 5, 2008, Mowery pled guilty to embezzling union funds. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On October 9, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Carol Bruno, former Treasurer of AFSCME, Civil Service Employees Association Region 4 (located in Albany, N.Y.) was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $16,118.57 between March 2004 and March 2006.  The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office.

On October 8, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Louella M. Zieman, former-office secretary of Ironworkers Local 709 (located in Port Wentworth, Ga.), was sentenced to fourteen months in federal prison, three years of supervised released, ordered to make restitution in the amount of $51,684.50 and pay a special assessment of $100. On June 4, 2008, Zieman pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the same amount and one count of making false entries in the union’s financial records. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office. 

On October 7, 2008, in the Maryland Circuit Court for the City of Baltimore, Maryland, Robert Bealefeld, former Financial Secretary-Treasurer for the Glass Molders and Plastics Local 118 (located in Baltimore, Md.) was indicted on one count of theft for stealing $5,686 from the union.  The charges follow an investigation by the OLMS Washington District Office.

On October 7, 2008, in the Trial Court of Berrien County, Michigan, Michael LaPorte, former Secretary-Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 430 (located in Niles, Mich.), was sentenced to 90 days of electronic monitoring and ordered to pay a $550 fine.  LaPorte had previously made restitution in the amount of $1,080. On October 3, 2008, LaPorte pled guilty to one count of embezzlement of $200 or more but less than $1,000.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office. 

On October 7, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, an information was filed charging Christopher Ethington, former President of UAW Local 2926 (located in Shelbyville, Ky.), with one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $15,100. Subsequently, Ethington pled guilty to the charge. The charge and plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On October 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, Karimah Bailey, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 3197 (located in Seattle, Wash.), was sentenced to twelve months and one day in jail, three years supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $98,802.17. On April 4, 2008, Bailey pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $85,412, and making a false statement and representation of a material fact, knowing it to be false, on the local’s annual financial report. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Seattle District Office.

On October 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, Donna Roles, former Financial Secretary of Steelworkers Local 14310 (located in Mount Hope, W.Va.), pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $76,420. On May 20, 2008, Roles was charged with one count of embezzling union funds in the     
same amount and one count of falsifying union records. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office.

On October 2, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Betty Wing, former Secretary-Treasurer of Steelworkers (formerly PACE) Local 1077 (located in Lambertville, Mich.), was sentenced to one day of probation, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,584.65 and a special assessment of $100. On June 27, 2008, Wing pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office.

On October 2, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Thomas Leonard, former Recording Secretary of Laborers Local 500 (located in Toledo, Ohio), pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $4,386. The plea follows a joint investigation conducted by the OLMS Cleveland District Office, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

On October 1, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Luther L. Corey, former President of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1197 (located in Jacksonville, Fla.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $16,288.37.On March 26, 2008, Corey was charged with embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office.

On September 30, 2008, in the District Court  of Dakota County, Minnesota, Jonathan David Thompson, former Secretary-Treasurer of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLE) Division 333 (located in Rosemount, Minn.), was charged with two felony counts of financial transaction card fraud and two felony counts of theft by swindle. Thompson is alleged to have taken union funds in the amount of $8,767.94.  The charge follows an investigation by the Minneapolis Resident Investigator Office.

On September 30, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Kenneth Saltz, Jr., former President of Steelworkers Local 1124 (located in Massillon, Ohio), pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $15,809. On August 19, 2008, Saltz was charged with embezzling union funds in the same amount and making false entries in union records.  The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On September 29, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Wendy Elaine Bentzen, former information/financial manager for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) State Council 72 (located in Jefferson City, Mo.) pled guilty to one count of bank fraud. The charge follows an investigation by the St. Louis District Office.

On September 26, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, an information was filed charging Teresa Cora Luna, former bookkeeper/office manager of IATSE Local 504 (located in Los Angeles, Calif.) with embezzling approximately $67,416 in union funds from November 2004 through June 2005. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Los Angele District Office.

On September 23, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Scott Gehringer and Alex Margaritis, former President and Secretary Treasurer, respectively, of IronWorkers Local 594 (located in Hellertown, Pa.) pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds and one count of aiding and abetting in the embezzlement of union funds. Gehringer embezzled union funds in the amount of $3,050.00 and Margaritis embezzled union funds in the amount of $13,320.79. The pleas follow an investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office.

On September 23, 2008, in the Circuit Court of Rock County, Wisconsin, Jeffrey Granberg, former President of Bricklayer and Allied Craftworkers Local 7 (located in Janesville, Wis.), was charged with one count of felony forgery and one count of theft of less than $2,500.  The charges follow an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On September 18, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, Jeanette McFarland, former President of Glass Molders and Plastics Union Local 285 (located in Fort Wayne, Ind.) pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $7,604. On March 26, 2008, McFarland was charged with embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office.

On September 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, an information was filed charging Charles Bohanon, former Secretary-Treasurer of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Division 1 (located in Petersburg, Mich.), with one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $18,074.23. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office.

On September 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, an information was filed charging Charles Bohanon, former Secretary-Treasurer of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) Division 1 (located in Petersburg, Mich.), with one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $18,074.23.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office.

On September 15, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Frank Rago, President of International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1604 (located in Boston, Mass.) was indicted with failure to maintain records and making false entries in union and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) records. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Boston District Office.

On September 15, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Louis Desisto, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1604 (located in Boston, Mass.), was charged with falsification of a record in a federal investigation. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Boston District Office.

On September 15, 2008, in the Seventh District Court of Carbon County, Utah, Kathleene L. Bigham, the spouse of former Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Local 779 (located in Grand Junction, Col.) Secretary-Treasurer Alfred Bigham, pled guilty to theft of union funds in the amount of $14,280, and three counts of forgery. Subsequently, Bigham was ordered to pay $800 in fines and make additional restitution in the amount of $2,022.68. Bigham previously paid restitution in the amount of $12,258.  Additional sentencing will be held in abeyance for a period of two years. On June 3, 2008, an information was filed charging Bigham with theft of union funds in the same amount, and three counts of forgery. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office.

On September 15, 2008, 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 convicted of embezzling union funds in the amount of $48,287 and  willfully making false entries on union checks. On March 8, 2007, Cook was charged with one count embezzling union funds in the same amount and one count of willfully making a false entry in union records. The conviction follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

On September 12, 2008, in the Trial Court of Berrien County, Michigan, Michael LaPorte, former Secretary-Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 430 (located in Niles, Mich.), was charged with embezzlement of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office

On September 12, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Sheila Wright Rushing, former part-time office secretary of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers International (BCTGMI) Local 482 (located in Jacksonville, Fla.), was sentenced to five years supervised release and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $19,365.09. On May 28, 2008, Rushing pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $17,133.01.  The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Tampa Resident Investigator Office and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General

On September 11, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Michael A. Pingitore, former Secretary-Treasurer of the Delaware Rural Letter Carriers Association (Dover, Del.), was sentenced to three years probation, ordered to make restitution and pay a $600 special assessment. Pingitore had previously made restitution in the amount $58,908.38. On July 23, 2007, Pingitore pled guilty to six counts of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office and the USPS Office of the Inspector General.

On September 10, 2008, 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 indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $102,519. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office.

On September 8, 2008, 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), pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $27,537.28. On August 1, 2008, an information was filed charging Dauch with embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On August 26, 2008, 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 indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $87,823.18. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office.

On August 22, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Randy Sanders, former Executive Vice President of Steelworkers Local 20 (located in Kaukauna, Wis.), pled guilty to two counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $762.48 and agreed to make restitution in the amount of $7,300. On May 20, 2008, Sanders was indicted on thirteen counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $3,298.66.  The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On August 20, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Willie Chambers, former President of International Guards Union of America Local 124 (located in Hooks, Tex.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $6,805. The plea follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Dallas District Office and the FBI Dallas Division.

On August 20, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Rebecca Montgomery, former bookkeeper/office secretary of Machinist Eastern Regional Office (located in Cincinnati, Ohio), was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $508.92. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On August 19, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Kenneth Saltz, Jr., former President of Steelworkers Local 1124 (located in Massillon, Ohio) was indicted for embezzling $15,809 in union funds and making false entries in union records.  The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On August 14, 2008, in the Superior Court of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, an information was filed charging Michael West, President of CWA Local 84845 (located in Evansville, Ind.), with one count of conversion.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office. 

On August 14, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Amy Cross, former Secretary-Treasurer of Utility Workers Local 308 (located in Lima, Ohio), was sentenced to three months of home confinement, two years supervised release and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $31,886. On April 30, 2008, Cross plead guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On August 14, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Brian Dolney, former President of Machinists Local Lodge 2333 (located in Dayton, Ohio), was sentenced to eight months home confinement, five years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service and a $100 fine. Also, Dolney was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $11,565.61. On April 14, 2008, Dolney pled guilty to committing one count of bank fraud in the amount of $11,565.61. Machinist Lodge 2333 has since merged into Machinists Lodge 225.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On August 13, 2008, in the County Court of Fremont County, Colorado, Jamie Solis, former President of Steelworkers Local 594 (located in Canon City, Col.), pled guilty to theft of union funds. On December 20, 2007, Solis was indicted for theft of union funds with a value of $500 or more but less than $15,000.  The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office.

On August 12, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Michael R. Rhoades, former Secretary-Treasurer of CWA Local 88667 (located in Latrobe, Pa.), was charged in a one count indictment with embezzling union funds in the amount of $8,001.86.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office.

On August 12, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Roxanne Eye, former Treasurer of Office and Professional Employees Local 339 (located in Kent, Ohio), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $9,296. On June 10, 2008, Eye was indicted for embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. 

On August 8, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Rosa Miriam Della Porta, former bookkeeper of International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 26 (located in Los Angeles, Calif.), was indicted on one count of embezzling approximately $108,000 in union funds. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Los Angeles District Office.

On August 7, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, James E. Kay, former President of Boilermakers Local Lodge 523 (located in Sandersville, Ga.), was sentenced to six months home confinement, four years of supervised released, and a $5,000 fine. Also Kay was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $5,642.41. Kay previously made restitution in the amount of approximately $11,000. On April 9, 2008, Kay pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $16, 979.36. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office.

On August 7, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Edna Latimore, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 900 (located in St. Louis, Mo.), was charged with one count of making false statements on the local’s Form LM-3. Latimore is alleged to have omitted approximately $77,000 in unauthorized payments to herself from the report.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS St. Louis District Office. 

On August 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, Jose Luis Caraballo, President of  Obreros Unidos del Sur de PR IND NHQ (located in Salinas, P.R.), was indicted on two counts of embezzling union funds. Caraballo is alleged to have embezzled $400,000 under the guise of medical reimbursements and payments for services rendered, meals and car expenses, and unlawfully and willfully converting $49,500 for his own use in the form of a manager’s check. The indictment follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office and the FBI.

On August 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Anne O’Rourke, former office secretary of  Roofers Local 37 (located in  Pittsburgh, Pa.), was charged with one count of embezzling union funds in the approximate amount of $23,056.91 and one count of  falsifying union records. The charges follow an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office.

On August 4, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, Esau Faaitiiti and Arthur Clark, former President and Vice President, respectively, of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 12 (located in San Diego, Calif.), were sentenced to five years probation and 60 hours community service, ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $25 penalty assessment. Also, Faaitiiti and Clark were ordered to make joint restitution totaling $22,124.28, with Clark ordered to make additional restitution in the amount of $10,865. On March 20, 2008, Faaitiiti and Clark pled guilty to making false statements. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Los Angeles District Office.

On August 1, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, an information was filed charging Roberta Dauch, former secretary of  North Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council (located in Sandusky, Ohio), with embezzling union funds in the amount of $27,537. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On July 30, 2008, in the County Court of Adams County, Colorado, William J. Kohut, former Treasurer of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1755 (located in Westminster, Col.), was sentenced to five years probation and, 150 hours of community service and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $3,046.68. On March 7, 2008, Kohut pled guilty to one count of forgery and incidental crimes. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office.
          
On July 29, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, William D. Day Sr., former Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 1-1462 (located in Cincinnati, Ohio), was sentenced to three years probation, ordered to serve 180 days home detention, pay restitution in the amount of $2,320.56 and pay a $100 special assessment. Day previously made restitution in the amount of $7,020.32.  On March 12, 2008, Day pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $11,140.88.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On July 28, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, Darrell Pendergrass, former President of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 699 (located in Bristol, Va.), was sentenced to one year and a day in prison to be followed by three years of probation. Also, Pendergrass was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $70,336 and pay any fines owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Pendergrass previously made restitution in the amount of $53,000. On April 4, 2008, Pendergrass pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $70,336 and one count of willfully evading the payment of taxes.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Washington District Office and the IRS.

On July 28, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, Krista Yeatts, former office manager of Machinists Lodge 2444 (located in Winston-Salem, N.C.), was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $47,746.01. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Nashville District Office.

On July 23, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven Thomas, former Business Manager of Laborers Local 500 (located in Toledo, Ohio), was indicted on two counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $28,500.  The indictment follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office, the FBI, and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

On July 22, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Deborah Anthony, former Financial Secretary of Steelworkers Local 1196 (located in Brackenridge, Pa.), was sentenced to five years probation, ordered to serve one year home detention and pay restitution in the amount of $34,134.47.  On March 14, 2008, Anthony pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $1,245.45.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office.

On July 18, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Kim M. Van Handel, former President and acting Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 1980 (located in Appleton, Wis.), was sentenced to five years probation, ordered to make restitution in the amount of  $11,509.85 and pay a $100 special assessment fee.On April 16, 2008, Van Handel pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $11,500.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On July 17, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Tina Curtis, former Secretary-Treasurer of  APWU Local 232 (located in Columbus, Ohio), was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $18,283, and one count of filing false financial reports.  The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. 

On July 10, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Betty Illig, former Secretary-Treasurer of Graphic Communications Workers Local 638-S and the Tri-State District Joint Council (located in Poland, Ohio), was sentenced to five years supervised release to include one year home confinement with electronic monitoring, ordered to perform 200 hours of community service and pay restitution in the amount of $145,675. On February 8, 2008, Illig pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the same amount and submitting false Form LM-3 reports. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

On July 9, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Kyle Batts, former Secretary-Treasurer of Electrical Workers Local 738 (located in Tyler, Tex.), was sentenced to three years probation, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $40,580.83 and a $100 fine. On February 26, 2008, Batts pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the same amount. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Dallas District Office. 

On July 9, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Grace Gaines, former Treasurer of American Federation of Teachers  (AFT) Local 4973 (located in Philadelphia, Pa.), was charged with forty-three individual counts of embezzling union funds totaling $15,597.99. Gaines is alleged to have issued unauthorized checks from the union's account payable to herself and cashed checks made payable to the local. The charges follow an investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

On July 8, 2008, in the United States District  Court for the District of New Jersey, David Denman, former President of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 272 (located in Newton, NJ), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $20,000. The plea follows a joint investigation by the OLMS New York District Office and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

On July 7, 2008, in the City Court of Peekskill, New York, Glenroy Richards, former President of AFGE Local 2440 (located in Montrose, NY), pled guilty to grand larceny in the third degree. During the period of July 2006 to November 2006, Richards utilized his union-issued debit card to withdraw a total of $11,243 from the union’s checking account. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Richards is required to make restitution in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office.

On July 7, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Heather Lott, former bookkeeper of Teamsters Local 19 (located in Houston, Tex.), was sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $140,952. On April 7, 2008, Lott pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $140,000. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS New Orleans District Office and the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General.

On July 7, 2008, in the Superior Court of Wayne County, Indiana, Curtis Pittinger, former President of IBEW Local 2043 (located in Richmond, Ind.), was sentenced to a suspended sentence of a year and a half in prison, six months in-home detention, probation for four and a half years, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $10,132.33, pay $7,000 for the cost of an audit and $750 in court costs and fees. On October 3, 2007, Pittinger was charged with three counts of theft of union funds in the amount of $10,300. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Indianapolis Resident Investigator Office.

On July 3, 2008, in the Douglas County District Court of Nebraska, Michael Jens, former Financial Secretary/Business Agent of Bakers Local 50-G (located in Omaha, Neb.), was charged with one count of theft by deception over $1,500.  Jens is alleged to have taken union funds in the amount of $12,352.79. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS St. Louis District Office.

On June 30, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, Norman K. Brown, former Bargaining Committee Chairman of UAW Local 2911 (located in Fort Wayne, Ind.), was sentenced to two years probation, including six months of home detention, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $41,478 and a $100 special assessment. On March 19, 2008, Brown pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office.

On June 27, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Betty Wing, former Secretary-Treasurer of Steelworkers (formerly PACE) Local 1077 (located in Lambertville, Mich.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $6,584. On June 18, 2008, an information was filed charging Wing with one count of embezzlement of union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office.

On June 26, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Salvatore Battaglia, former President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181 (located in New York, NY), the primary union that represents drivers and escorts for school bus companies in New York City, was sentenced to fifty-seven months imprisonment and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine, $180,000 in restitution and forfeit $25,000. On January 18, 2008, Battaglia pled guilty to participating in the conduct of the affairs of a racketeering enterprise in violation of 18 USC 1962 (c).  Battaglia’s act included the extortion of bus company owners. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS New York District Office, the FBI, and the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General. 

On June 26, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Zona Albritton, former Manager of General Services for AFSCME (located in Washington, DC), was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison to be followed by 36 months probation, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $75,446. On April 4, 2008, Albritton pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Washington District Office. 

On June 26, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Michelle Meek, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 3435 (located in Columbus, Ohio), was sentenced to five years probation, 50 hours of community service, and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $7,278. On April 1, 2008, Meek pled guilty to embezzlement within a special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office, the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of the Inspector General.

On June 25, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, Lea Ann Newton, former office secretary of Painters Local 807 (located in Oklahoma City, Okla.), pled guilty to one count of falsification of union records, and agreed to make restitution in the amount of $6,133.19. Newton previously made restitution in the amount of $2,795.81. The guilty plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Dallas District Office.

On June 23, 2008, in the County Court of St. Lawrence County, New York, June Wilkins, former President of AFSCME Local 625 (located in Potsdam, NY), was sentenced to four months imprisonment followed by five years probation, and ordered  to pay restitution in the amount of $689.03 plus probation costs in the amount of $3,102. Wilkin had previously made restitution in the amount of $15,730.92. On May 5, 2008, Wilkins pled guilty to two counts of third degree grand larceny.  Wilkins admitted to taking over $15,000 from the local. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office.

On June 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, John Dabronzo, former Business Agent/Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) Administrator of Asbestos Workers Local 89 (located in Atlantic City, NJ), pled guilty to two counts of embezzlement of union funds. Between January 2000 and May 2007, Dabronzo embezzled funds in the amount of $433,308.47 from Local 89, and $396,454.73 from the JATC. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office.

On June 16, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Kurt Swanstrom, former Financial Secretary of  Steelworkers Local 5-1560 (located in Ashland, Ohio), was sentenced to three years probation, ordered to pay  restitution in the amount of $12,327.52 and a $150 special assessment.  On March 31, 2008, Swanstrom pled guilty to embezzling union funds, falsification of records, and filing false financial reports. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On June 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Central District of Utah, Trace L. Reynolds, former office manager of IBEW Local 354 (located in West Valley City, Utah), was convicted and sentenced on one count of falsification of an annual financial report filed by a labor union. Reynolds was sentenced to one year of probation. Reynolds had previously made restitution in the amount of $10,698.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office.

On June 12, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Graham P. Vane, former President of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 1280 (located in San Mateo, CA), was sentenced to fifteen months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $150,000 and a  special assessment fee of $500.  On January 9, 2008, Vane pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds and four counts of making false statements to a government agency.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS San Francisco District Office.

On June 10, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Kristen Swint, former Vice President and Secretary Treasurer of Machinists Inflight Aircraft Lodge 2339 (located in Cleveland Ohio), was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $30,526.  On January 29, 2008, Swint pled guilty to falsification of union records.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On June 10, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Roxanne Eye, former Treasurer of Office and Professional Employees Local 339 (located in Brookpark, Ohio), was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds totaling $9,296.  The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. 

On June 9, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, Donna Hammock, former President of National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) Local 2096 (located in El Cajon, CA), was sentenced to  five years probation and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.  On February 8, 2008, Hammock pled guilty to providing false statements on the local’s annual Form LM-3.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Los Angeles District Office. (Senior Investigator Beverly Perkins)

On June 3, 2008, in the Seventh District Court of Carbon County, Utah, an information was filed against Kathleene L. Bigham, the spouse of former Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Local 779 (located in Grand Junction, Col.) Secretary-Treasurer Alfred Bigham, charging her with theft of over $14,680 in union funds, and three counts of forgery.  The charge follows an investigation by OLMS Denver District Office.

On May 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, Bridgett Cardall Hooks, former Secretary-Treasurer of Postal Workers  Local 332 (located in Dothan, Ala.), was sentenced to 48 months probation to include six months home confinement with electronic monitoring and a $100 special assessment.  On February 7, 2008, Hooks pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $10,820.17. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Nashville District Office.

On May 15, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Carolyn M. Wallace, former President of Steelworkers Local 02-356 (located in Milwaukee, Wis.), was sentenced to180 days home confinement, five years probation, $100 special assessment, drug treatment and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $19,436.02.  Wallace previously paid restitution in the amount of $7,000. On February 8, 2008, Wallace pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $25,200.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office. 

On May 14, 2008, in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, Rhonda Holmes, former Secretary-Treasurer of Laborers Local 481 (located in Baltimore, Md.), was indicted on one count of theft for allegedly stealing $6,349.55 from the local. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Washington District Office. 

On May 13, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, New York City School Bus Inspectors Neil Cremin, George Ortiz (retired), Milton Smith and Ira Sokol, were arrested following indictments for conspiracy to accept bribes, extortion, and bribery in a program that receives federal funds.  On May 13, 2008 the four inspectors were arrested and entered pleas of not guilty. The charges follow a joint investigation of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181 (the primary union that represents drivers and escorts for school bus companies in New York City) by the OLMS New York District Office, the FBI, and the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General.

On May 12, 2008, in the Superior Court of Dougherty County, Georgia, Barbara Dodson, former Financial-Secretary of Boilermakers Local 100 (located in Albany, Ga.), pled guilty to six counts of forgery in the first degree and one count of theft-by-taking of union funds in the amount of $1,400.  Subsequently, Dodson was sentenced to 120 days in jail, 10 years probation, and a fine of $500.  The plea and sentencing follow an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office.

On May 9, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Kathy Thompson, former employee of Teamsters Local 325 (located in Rockford, Ill.), was sentenced to five years probation, including seven months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, and ordered to liquidate her retirement savings account and pay approximately $29,000 in restitution. On December 17, 2007, Thompson pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $33,770. The sentencing follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General. 

On May 7, 2008, in the County Court for Lorain, Ohio, Gary Smink, former President of Steelworkers Local 1-962 (located in Elyria, Ohio), pled guilty to one count of theft totaling $770.  On April 9, 2008, Smink was indicted on one count of theft in the same amount.  The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office

On May 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Donald B. Dawson, former director of the National Electrical Contractors  Association (NECA) and the Alliance of Professional Specialty Contractors (APSC) (located in Kansas City, MO), was charged with one count of  bank fraud as a result of his embezzlement of $95,721.56 of APSC funds.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS St. Louis District Office. 

On May 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, John Mullenix, former Secretary-Treasurer of APWU Local 441 (located in Ft. Morgan, Col.), was indicted on one count of embezzlement of union funds. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office. 

On May 5, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Chad M. Mowery, former Treasurer of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLET) Division 282 (located in Springdale, Ohio), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $2,537.00. On February 6, 2008, Mowery was charged with one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On April 30, 2007, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Sandra Gorman, former Treasurer of AFSCME Local 11's ODOT Assembly (located in Columbus, Ohio), was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to make full restitution in the amount of $4,642.  On October 17, 2007, Gorman pled guilty to one count of falsification of union records. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On April 30, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Amy J. Cross, former Secretary/Treasurer of Utility Workers Local 308 (located in Lima, Ohio), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $31,886.64.  On April 7, 2008, an information was filed charging Cross with one count of embezzlement in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On April 29, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, Mary Hartsock, former office manager of Laborers Local 1358 (located in Elmira Heights, N.Y.), was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $17,958.   On October 29, 2007, Hartsock pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office.

On April 29, 2008, in the County Court of St. Louis County, Minnesota, Kathleen Kordish, former financial secretary of Steelworkers Local 9349 (located in Hibbing, Minn.), was charged with one count of theft of funds by false representation in excess of $2,500.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Minneapolis Resident Investigator Office.

On April 24, 2008, in the Cambria County Court, Pennsylvania, Richard J. Vincent, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 3951 (located in Altoona, Pa.), was charged in a criminal complaint with two counts of embezzling union funds in the amount of $43,694.85. The charges follow a joint investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office, and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

On April 23, 2008, in the County Court of Dallas County, Texas, Bobby Earl Williams, former president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1635 (located in Dallas, Texas), and his wife Janice Muriel Williams were each indicted on one count of forgery totaling $1,431.   Bobby Earl Williams is alleged to have embezzled union funds by writing unauthorized checks for lost time, while his wife forged the Secretary-Treasurer’s signature.  The indictments follow an investigation by the OLMS Dallas District Office.

On April 21, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Stephen Priest, former Financial-Secretary of UAW Local 516 (located in Middletown, Del.), was sentenced to 24 months probation, $100 special assessment, and ordered to continue psychiatric evaluation and treatment.  Priest will also undergo periodic mental health evaluation and treatment.  Priest previously made restitution to the union totaling $97,899.19. On December 21, 2007, Priest pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the same amount. 

On April 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Kim M. Van Handel, former President and Acting Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 1980 (located in Appleton, Wis., pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $11,500. On January 15, 2008, Van Handel was charged with one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On April 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Sheila Rushing, former office secretary for Bakery, Tobacco & Grain Local 482 (located in Jacksonville, Fla.), was indicted on one count of embezzling union assets in the amount of $17,133.01, and destruction of union records and making false entries in required union records. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Tampa Resident Investigator Office.

On April 14, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, Fredrick W. Jones, former Vice President of Glass Molders and Plastics Union Local 285 (located in Fort Wayne, Ind.), was sentenced to six months home confinement, one year probation and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee.  Also, Jones must submit to drug testing during his period of probation. On January 16, 2008, Jones pled guilty to embezzlement of union funds in the same approximate amount.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office.

On  April 14, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Brian Dolney, former President of Machinists Lodge 2333 (located in Dayton, Ohio), pled guilty to  bank fraud in the amount of $11,565.  On February 7, 2008 an information was filed charging Dolney with one count of bank fraud in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On April 11, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Kathleen Drake, former Secretary-Treasurer for Machinists Lodge 2339-C (located in Cleveland, Ohio), was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to make full restitution in the amount of $17,035.  On January 8, 2008, Drake pled guilty to one count of falsification of union records.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On April 9, 2008, in the County Court for Lorain, Ohio, Gary Smink, former President of Steelworkers Local 1-962 (located in Elyria, Ohio), was indicted on one count of theft totaling $770. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. 

On April 9, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Linda Leonard, former office secretary of Laborers Local 216 (located in Dayton, Ohio), was sentenced to two years supervised probation for making false entries in union records.  Leonard was also ordered to pay $5,213 in restitution. On January 16, 2008, Leonard pled guilty to one count of making false entries in union records. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On April 7, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, an information was filed charging Amy Cross, former Secretary-Treasurer of Utility Workers Local 308 (located in Lima, Ohio), with one count of embezzling $31,887 of union funds. The information follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On April 7, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Heather Lott, former bookkeeper of Teamsters Local 19, pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $140,000. Lott was also ordered to make full restitution. On October 18, 2007, Lott was charged with one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS New Orleans District Office.

On April 7, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, Michael Rutowski, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 2913 (located in Blaine, Was.) was sentenced to one day in jail, two years supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution for embezzling union funds in the amount of $71,295.75 and making a false statement and representation of a material fact, knowing it to be false, on the local’s annual financial report.  On January 18, 2008, Rutowski pled guilty to one count of making a false and fraudulent representation to a federal agency. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Seattle District Office.

On April 4, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, Karimah Bailey, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 3197, (located in Seattle, Was.), pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $85,412, and making a false statement and representation of a material fact, knowing it to be false, on the local’s annual financial report. On March 19, 2008, Bailey was charged with making a false statement and representation of a material fact, knowing it to be false, on the local’s annual financial report. The guilty plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Seattle District Office.

On April 4, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Zona Albritton, former Manager of General Services for AFSCME, pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $75,446.  On March 17, 2008, a criminal information was filed charging Albritton with one count of embezzlement of union funds in the same amount.  The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Washington District Office. 

On April 4, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, a criminal information was filed charging Darrell Pendergrass, former President of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 699, with one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $70,336 and one count of willfully evading the payment of taxes.  Subsequently, Pendergrass pled guilty to both counts. The criminal information and plea follow an investigation by the OLMS Washington District Office and the IRS.

On April 3, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Louella M. Zieman, former office-secretary of Ironworkers Local 709 (located in Port Wentworth, Ga.), was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $51,684, and on one count of making false entries in the union’s financial records.  The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office.

On April 1, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Michelle A. Meek, former Treasurer for AFGE Local 3435 (located in Columbus, Ohio), pled guilty to one count of theft within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The guilty plea follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office and the Departments of Labor and Housing and Urban Development Offices of Inspector General.

On March 31, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Kurt E. Swanstrom, former Financial Secretary and Treasurer of PACE/USW Local 5-1560, pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $12,328, falsification of union records, and filing a false financial report with the Secretary. On January 8, 2008, Swanstrom was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount, one count of falsification of union records, and one count of filing a false labor organization report. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office. 

On March 19, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, Karimah Bailey, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 3197, was charged with making a false statement and representation of a material fact, knowing it to be false, on the local’s annual financial report. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Seattle District Office.

On March 19, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, Norman K. Brown, former Bargaining Committee Chairperson of UAW Local 2911, pled guilty to embezzling approximately $41,478 in union funds. On March 7, 2008, an information was filed charging Brown with one count of embezzlement of union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office.

On March 18, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Joseph Capece, former Business Manager and Financial-Secretary of IBEW Local Union 163, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, two years probation (to include six months in home confinement), fined $4000 and ordered to pay a special assessment fee of $100. On September 11, 2007, Capece pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $256,000. Capece had previously made restitution of the full amount, plus any other costs associated with his crime. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office.            

On March 17, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, a criminal information was filed charging Zona Albritton, former Manager of General Services for AFSCME, with one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $75,446.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Washington District Office.

On March 14, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Deborah Anthony, former Financial Secretary of Steelworkers Local 1196, pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $1,245.45. The plea agreement requires Anthony to make restitution in the amount of $34,134.47.  On November 7, 2007, Anthony was charged with eight counts of embezzling union funds totaling $6,955.18 and one count of preparing false union records. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office.

On March 12, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, an information was filed charging William Day, former Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 1-1462, with one count of embezzlement of union funds in the amount of $11,140.88.  Subsequently, Day pled guilty to the offense.  The charge and plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On March 10, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Darren Johnson, former President of National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 78, was sentenced to three years of supervised release, including six months in a community corrections center, ordered to make restitution in the amount of $13,748.50 and attend a substance abuse program. On December 3, 2007, Johnson pled guilty to one count of bank robbery and incidental crimes.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office.

On March 7, 2008, in the County Court of Adams County, Colorado, William J. Kohut, former Treasurer of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1755, pled guilty to a one count felony charge of forgery.  On May 23, 2007, Kohut was charged with theft (one count), identity theft (one count), unauthorized use of a financial transaction device (one count), and forgery (one count), in connection with his alleged conversion of union funds totaling $2,839.65. The plea follows an investigation by the Denver District Office.

On March 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert Walston and Thaddeus Bania, former President and Comptroller, respectively, of Teamsters Local 743 were indicted as part of a 14-count superseding criminal complaint alleging conspiracy, mail fraud, theft of honest services, and embezzlement of union funds arising from multiple schemes involving the local’s voided October 2004 regular election of officers and a rerun election that was held in December 2004.  This indictment supersedes the indictment issued by the grand jury on September 6, 2007 and includes three original defendants who were either officers, agents, or employees of Local 743: Richard Lopez, who was an incumbent candidate for Recording Secretary in 2004 and who also briefly held the position of president after Walston; Cassandra Mosley, a former business agent who resigned in December 2006; and David Rodriguez a former organizer who resigned in July 2007.  The superseding information includes a forfeiture allegation of over $2 million dollars in salary, expenses, and benefits. A superseding misdemeanor information was also filed against Mark Jones, a former business agent and director of organizing for the local, involving allegations of opening mail not directed to him relating to the voided mail-ballot election in October 2004.  The indictments follow an investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

On March 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Brad DuBray, former Treasurer of Carpenters Local 113, was sentenced to three years probation, including six months of home confinement, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $12,048.11 and a special assessment of $100. On November 14, 2007, DuBray pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $14,548.11.The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On March 4, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Steve Dobyns, former Secretary-Treasurer of Glass Molders Plastics Local 325, was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay the balance of his restitution totaling $415 and a $500 fine.  On December 3, 2007, Dobyns pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $865.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Dallas District Office.

On March 4, 2008 in the District Court of Val Verde County, Texas, Raul Castorena, former President of AFGE Local 1749, was indicted on one count of theft and one count of misapplication of fiduciary property in an amount greater than $1,500 but less than $20,000.  The charges follow an investigation by the OLMS New Orleans District Office. 

On February 29, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Billy Chandler, former Secretary-Treasurer of NALC Branch 4065, was sentenced to six months probation for embezzling union funds in the amount of $31,947.93. On October 17, 2007, Chandler pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. Chandler had previously made restitution of the full amount. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Dallas District Office.

On February 29, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, Kirk Ogden, former organizer for Painters District 81, was charged with embezzling union funds in the amount of $8,653.  The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS St. Louis District Office.

On February 29, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Frances Pagan, former President of Boilermakers Local Lodge 3M, pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $17,415. On February 26, 2008, an information was filed against Pagan charging him with embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On February 28, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, William Drake, former President of Steelworkers Local 1013T, was sentenced to two years supervised probation, ordered to perform 260 hours of community service, ordered to make restitution in the amount of $3,497.06, and fined $500. On November 28, 2007, Drake pled guilty to knowingly failing to disclose material facts on the local’s annual financial report for years 2001, 2002, and 2003. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Buffalo District Office.

On February 28, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Michelle Trinh, former assistant administrator of the Writers Guild of America-West Foreign Levies Fund, was charged with conspiracy to embezzle and embezzlement of union funds. From December 2006 to February 2007, Trinh and her accomplice, Tracy Howze, used checks from the fund to embezzle union funds in the amount of $17,228.61. The charges follow an investigation by the OLMS Los Angeles District Office.

On February 27, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Pauline M. Gibson, former President of the Drivers, Warehousemen, Maintenance and Allied Workers of America Local 1, pled guilty to one count of making a false statement and representation of material fact, knowing it to be false on the local’s annual financial report. The guilty plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Nashville District Office.

On February 26, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, an information was filed against Kyle Batts, former Secretary-Treasurer of Electrical Workers Local 738, charging him with embezzling union funds in the amount of $40,580.83.  Subsequently, Batts pled guilty and agreed to pay restitution. The information and plea follow an investigation by the OLMS Dallas District Office.

On February 25, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Curtis Smith, former President of Glass Molders Plastics Local 325, was sentenced to five years probation and up to six months electronic monitoring for embezzling union funds.  Smith had previously made restitution of the full amount. On November 19, 2007, Smith pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $904.48.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Dallas District Office.

On February 22, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Ronald Schweitzer, former President of Steelworkers Local 1967, was sentenced to time served (three days), three years supervised release, ten months home detention, and ordered to pay restitution and a $100 special assessment for embezzling union funds in the amount of $58,308.30. On October 29, 2007, Schweitzer pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $58,305.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On February 22, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, Paula Adair-Butts, former office secretary of Plasterers Local 577, was sentenced to five years probation, ordered to make restitution and pay a $100 special assessment fee.  On December 5, 2007, Adair-Butts pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $27,842.  The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office.

On February 19, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, an embezzlement investigation conducted by the OLMS Dallas District Office resulted in the subject entering into a Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement.  Under the terms of the agreement, the subject agreed to make restitution. Due to the confidential nature of the Pre-Trial Diversion program, details that could identify the subject are not public information.

On February 19, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Martin Hayes, former Secretary-Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 1671, pled guilty to one count of embezzling money from a labor organization. On June 6, 2007, Hayes was charged with embezzling union funds in the amount of $9,033.25.The guilty plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Dallas District Office.

On February 14, 2008, in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, Randy Greear,  former Secretary-Treasurer of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Local 37, was sentenced to two years probation, which includes six months of home detention, and a fine of $2,000.  Greear had previously made full restitution to the union. On November 21, 2007, Greear pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $22,691.60. The sentencing follows an  investigation by the OLMS Washington District Office. 

On February 13, 2008, in Monroe County, Wisconsin Circuit Court, Carson Combs, former Secretary-Treasurer of Machinists Local Lodge 1771, was found guilty of theft. Subsequently, Combs was sentenced to one year probation, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $410.30 plus a ten percent surcharge, and 40 hours of community service. The trial and sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On February 8, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Betty Illig, former Secretary-Treasurer for Graphic Communications Workers Local 638-S and the Tri-State District Joint Council, pled guilty to embezzling $145,675 in union funds and submitting false Form LM-3 reports. The plea follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

On February 8, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Carolyn M. Wallace, former President of Steelworkers Local 02-356, pled guilty to embezzling union funds in the amount of $25,200. On December 13, 2007, Wallace was charged with one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On February 7, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, Bridgett Cardall Hooks, former Secretary-Treasurer of Postal Workers Local 332, pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $10,820.17. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Nashville District Office.

On February 7, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, an information was filed charging Brian Dolney, former President of Machinists Lodge 2333, with one count of bank fraud totaling $11,565. Donley fraudulently negotiated union checks at the Security National Bank in Springfield, Ohio. The charge follows an investigation by the Cincinnati District Office.

On February 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Denise Nichols, former Secretary-Treasurer of CWA Local 4050, was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay a special assessment of $100. On October 12, 2007, Nichols pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $3,804.20. Nichols had previously paid restitution in the amount of $6,162. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office.

On February 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, an information was filed against Francis Pagan, former President of Boilermakers Local Lodge 3M, charging him with embezzling $17,415 in union funds. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On February 6, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Chad Mowery, former Secretary-Treasurer of BLE Division 282, was charged with embezzling $2,537 in union funds. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On February 4, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, an information was filed against Pauline M. Gibson, former President of the Drivers, Warehousemen, Maintenance and Allied Workers of America, Local 1, charging her with making a false statement and representation of a material fact, knowing it to be false, on the local’s annual financial report. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Nashville District Office.

On February 4, 2008, in the Douglas County, Wisconsin Circuit Court, John Sigafus, former Secretary-Treasurer of Machinists Local W-335, pled no contest to theft of union funds in the amount of $2,500 or less. Subsequently, Sigafus was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $5,363.91. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On January 30, 2008, in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, Timothy A. Wilson, former employee of the Stage and Picture Operators Local 271, was sentenced to two years probation for forgery. On November 16, 2007, Wilson pled guilty to a one count felony charge of forgery in the amount of $168. Prior to the investigation, Wilson paid restitution in the amount of $16,750. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Pittsburgh District Office.

On January 30, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, William Sargent, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 704, was indicted on one count of mail fraud involving a scheme to defraud the union of approximately $31,015. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office.

On January 29, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Brad Harper, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 1629, was sentenced to 14 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release, ordered to pay a special assessment of $100, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $75,069.49. On August 9, 2007, Harper pled guilty to one count of making materially false statements on the local’s annual financial report. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit District Office.

On January 29, 2008, an embezzlement of union funds investigation conducted by the OLMS Seattle District Office resulted in the subject entering into a Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement with the United States District Court for the District of Idaho. Under the terms of the Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement, the subject must complete 40 hours of unpaid community service work, and not hold any union office. Due to the confidential nature of the Pre-Trial Diversion program, details that could identify the subject are not public information. The Pre-Trial Diversion follows an investigation by the OLMS Seattle District Office.

On January 29, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, an information was filed against Kristen Swint, former Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Machinists Local 2339-C, charging her with one count of falsifying union records. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On January 23, 2008, in the United States District Court for Connecticut, Timothy C. Ferrucci, former President of Northeast Emergency Services Union, was sentenced to one year probation, which includes six months of home confinement, and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and make restitution of $27,347. On November 2, 2007, Ferrucci pled guilty to four counts of filing a false report. Ferrucci admitted making false statements on the local's annual Form LM-3 for the years 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. In each of the annual reports, Ferrucci understated the amount of compensation he directly or indirectly received. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS New Haven Resident Investigative Office.

On January 19, 2008, in the County Court of Fremont County, Colorado, Jamie Solis, former President of Steelworkers Local 594, was charged with one count of theft of union funds in the amount of $500 or more, but less than $15,000, by threat or deception. The charges follow an investigation by the OLMS Denver District Office

On January 18, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, Michael Rutowski, former Treasurer of AFGE Local 2913, pled guilty to one count of making a false and fraudulent representation to a federal agency. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Seattle District Office.

On January 18, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Salvatore Battaglia, former President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181, the primary union that represents drivers and escorts for school bus companies in New York City, pled guilty to participating in the conduct of the affairs of a racketeering enterprise in violation of 18 USC 1962 (c). Battaglia’s act included the extortion of bus company owners. The plea follows a joint investigation by the OLMS New York District Office, the FBI, and the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General.

On January 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, Clarence Morgan, President of Steelworkers Local 2948, was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the approximate amount of $20,499. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office.

On January 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, James Eric Kay, former President of Boilermakers Local Lodge 523, was indicted on 43 counts of embezzling union funds in the approximate amount of $16,979. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Atlanta District Office.

On January 16, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, an information was filed against Fredrick W. Jones, former Vice President of Glass, Molders, and Plastic Union Local 285, charging him with one count of embezzling union funds in an amount over $10,000. Subsequently, Jones pled guilty to the offense. The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Chicago District Office.

On January 15, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Kim M. Van Handel, former President and acting Treasurer of Steelworkers Local 1980, was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $11,500. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Milwaukee District Office.

On January 14, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Terry Howell, former President of Steelworkers Local 8-505, was sentenced to three years supervised probation, including six months of house arrest, ordered to pay restitution, and fined $2,000 for embezzling $13,210 in union funds. On October 26, 2007, Howell pled guilty to one count of embezzling union funds in the same amount. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Cincinnati District Office.

On January 11, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Charyle Emel, former President of American Postal Workers Local 2013, was sentenced to one year probation and ordered to make restitution, pay $60 to the United States Postal Service, and a $25 special assessment. On February 23, 2007, Emel pled guilty to one count of falsifying union financial records by willfully making or causing to be made a false loan agreement between her and the local totaling $12,864.10. The sentencing follows an investigation by the OLMS Philadelphia District Office.

On January 9, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Graham Paul Vane, former President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1280, pled guilty to one count of embezzling over $170,000 in union funds, and four counts of making false statements to a government agency. The final embezzlement amount will be determined at Vane’s sentencing hearing. On May 24, 2007, Vane was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the same approximate amount, and four counts of false statements to a government agency. The guilty plea follows an investigation by the OLMS San Francisco District Office.

On January 9, 2008, a failure to maintain records investigation conducted by the OLMS New Orleans District Office resulted in the subject entering into a Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. Under the terms of the Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement, the subject must make full restitution to the union, and not hold any union office during the duration of the agreement. Due to the confidential nature of the Pre-Trial Diversion program, details that could identify the subject are not public information.

On January 8, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Kurt Swanstrom, former Financial Secretary and Treasurer of PACE/USW Local 5-1560, was indicted on one count of embezzling union funds in the amount of $12,327, one count of falsification of union records, and one count of filing a false labor organization report. The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On January 8, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Kathleen Drake, former Secretary-Treasurer of Machinists Local 2339-C, pled guilty to one count of falsification of union records, and agreed to make restitution in the amount of $17,035. The guilty plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Cleveland District Office.

On January 7, 2008, in the City Court of Peekskill, New York, Glenroy Richards, former President of AFGE Local 2440, was charged with grand larceny in the third degree. During the period of July 2006 to November 2006, Richards is alleged to have utilized his union-issued debit card to withdraw a total of $11,243 from the union’s checking account. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS New York District Office.

Last Updated: 02/12/10