Former Treasurer For Communication Workers Of America Local 88329 Sentenced To Two Years’ Probation For Falsifying Records

     The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 46-year-old Coudersport, Pennsylvania resident was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Wilkes-Barre to two years’ probation and ordered to pay more than $6,000 in restitution by U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick for falsifying records in connection with his duties as treasurer for the Communication Workers of America Local 88329.

     According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Robert Vargeson falsified those records to conceal the fact that he had embezzled $6,013 from the union’s funds. Vargeson committed the offense during 2012 and 2013.

     Vargeson was charged in a criminal Information filed by the United States Attorney on April 14, 2014. Vargeson pleaded guilty to the charge on April 24, 2014.

     The prosecution of Vargeson resulted from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor.

     Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa represented the government at sentencing.