Former Plan Administrator Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More Than $20,000 From Riggers’ Welfare Plan

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - The former benefits administrator of the Riggers’ Local 161 Annuity Fund, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pled guilty today to embezzling approximately $21,888 from the fund between 2000 and 2002. The criminal charges were based on an investigation conducted by the Philadelphia offices of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) and Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS).

“Theft of employee benefit assets jeopardizes benefits promised to workers,” said Mabel Capolongo, director of EBSA’s Philadelphia regional office.

Kevin Kulp, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pled guilty in federal district court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Kulp, who served as the benefit funds administrator, misused the office signature stamps to issue 36 checks made payable to himself. The checks were issued without the knowledge or authorization of fund officials and were disguised as extra salary checks.

Under the plea arrangement, Kulp has made restitution to the fund, including lost earnings. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2006.

The annuity fund covered approximately 490 participants under a collective bargaining agreement with sponsoring employers located throughout Pennsylvania. As of November 2004, the Riggers Local 161 Annuity Fund merged with the Iron Workers Local 405 Annuity Fund.

Employers and workers can reach the Philadelphia regional office at 215.861.5300 or EBSA’s toll-free number at 1.866.444.EBSA (3272) for help with problems relating to private-sector retirement and health plans. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.

(U.S. v. Kulp)
Criminal No. 2:06-00111

U.S. Department of Labor news releases are accessible on the Department's Newsroom page. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202.693.7765 or TTY 202.693.7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department's Compliance Assistance page.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Contact Name: David James/Gloria Della
Phone Number: 202.693.4676/202.693.8664