Union Official Cashed Dues Checks And Used The Money For Himself

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Venango County pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of union embezzlement, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David L. Barr, 50, of Emlenton, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Barr, the Financial Secretary-Treasurer of the Local No. 99 of the Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers International Union, AFL CIO, CLC, stole approximately $5,688.40 from the union by cashing 19 employer dues remittance checks belonging to the labor organization and converting the monies to his own personal use during the period from April 9, 2010 through Sept. 22, 2011.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Sept. 2, 2014, at 11:30 A.M. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentence, the court released Barr on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards, conducted the investigation that lead to the prosecution of Barr.