On February 3, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Lawrence “Larry” Moyer, President of American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 6723 (located in Troy, Mich.), was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of embezzling $2,599 in union funds, in violation of 29 U.S.C. 501(c). The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit-Milwaukee District Office.
note: Larry Moyer is a 37 year postal worker. Moyer has served as president of the local since 1986.
DOL criminal enforcement actions against postal union officers
On January 27, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Nereida Norris, Clerk Craft Director of American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 98 (located in Fort Worth, Tex.), was charged in a one-count information for making a false statement, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1001. The charge follows an investigation by the OLMS Dallas-New Orleans District Office.
On January 27, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, John McCain, former Secretary-Treasurer of National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 1016 (located in Poplar Bluff, Mo.), was indicted on one count of embezzlement of $30,948 in labor union funds, in violation of 29 U.S.C. 501(c). The indictment follows an investigation by the OLMS Denver-St. Louis District Office.
On January 26, 2016, in the United States District Court for South Dakota, Southern Division, Susan Haugen, former Treasurer of the South Dakota American Postal Workers of America (APWU) State Association (located in Huron, S.D.), pled guilty to one count of embezzlement of union funds in the amount of $30,782, in violation of 29 U.S.C. 501(c). The plea follows an investigation by the OLMS Detroit-Milwaukee District Office.South Dakota APWU Treasurer indicted for embezzlement
On January 19, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Jesus Gonzales, former President of American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 300 (formerly Local 488-489), located in Lansing, Mich., pled guilty to making false entries in financial records required to be kept by the LMRDA, in violation of 29 U.S.C. 439(c). The guilty plea follows a joint investigation by the OLMS Detroit-Milwaukee District Office and the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General. Michigan APWU Local 300 President Charged With One Count of Embezzling $6720
Source: Dept. of Labor
It’s interesting how the parent unions keep this stuff quiet. It’s embarrassing to them, I know, but maybe it’s time to consider letting branch officers know what they can expect for embezzling from their local branches.
We read of union corruption a lot any more, and my union, the NALC is seemingly full of stewards whom, at least according to those who post complaints, make shady deals with management and do little if anything in the interest of the branch.
But having been a long time branch steward/president for 17 years, I can attest that there are two sides to every street when it comes to charges of sleeping with the enemy, if you will. Embezzling is a different matter, and that’s why we must be careful whom we elect and/or appoint to touchy positions like secretary/treasurer and make sure trustees or an accountant go over the records periodically. My branch has done both, and outside a few very minor errors, we haven’t had a problem.
But even when you follow the JCAM to the “T”, educate your membership about their rights and what you can and cannot do, there will be those who will not listen, do stupid shit and blame it on poor representation. Example: telling a carrier who drives on a busy thoroughfare not to drive with his or her door wide open and wear the damn seat belt when on the street. I have had more than one say “It’s hot and I won’t shut the door or put my seat belt on” after telling them it’s state law. Then I say, “whatever, but don’t ask me to file a grievance for you if management sees you after I told you not to.”
I’m just glad I’m outta here before too long. Time for somebody else to babysit.
yay union. yay.