Former Union President Pleads Guilty To Theft

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Sanders admitted that he was president of the United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 638C, union from June 2007 to February 2010, and that he was responsible for maintaining their financial records and funds. He admitted to not maintaining the necessary financial records needed to explain and clarify the reports he is required to submit under federal law. Sanders admitted he made unauthorized withdrawals from Local 638C’s general and strike fund checking accounts, in addition to paying for his personal utility bills with Local 638C funds. The evidence established that he took $24,028 in union funds.

Sanders faces up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release for embezzling union funds.  A sentencing date of Dec. 12, 2013, 2013 was set.

The U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Labor Management Standards conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus is prosecuting the case.