UNITED STATES ATTORNEY ALICE H. MARTIN NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			CONTACT: KAREN NARAMORE
	MAY 1, 2009			PHONE: (205) 244-2001
	www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln			FAX: (205) 244-2171

LABOR OFFICIAL CHARGED WITH FRAUD

            BIRMINGHAM, AL - CHRISTOPHER SCOTT TIDWELL, 32, of Lineville, Alabama, was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Birmingham.  United States Attorney Alice H. Martin of the Northern District of Alabama and H. Craig Neel, District Director, Office of Labor-Management Standards, United States Department of Labor, announce the two-count indictment  today of TIDWELL for embezzlement from union funds.

            From January 1, 2006 to February 26, 2008, TIDWELL stole and embezzled approximately $22,000 while serving as Secretary-Treasurer of the United Transportation Union, Local 1261.

            The maximum sentence for stealing and embezzling moneys while serving as an official of a labor union is 5 years and a $10,000 fine.

            “This office takes very serious the illegal actions of labor union officials’ abuse of funds entrusted to them, and will give priority to their prosecution,” stated U.S. Attorney Alice Martin.

            This case was investigated by the investigator of the U.S. Labor Department, Office of Labor Management Standards, Birmingham, Alabama Resident Investigative Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Frank M. Salter is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

            Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.