Former Utilities Workers Union President Admits Embezzling $31K

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

Michael C. Trembulak, 41, of Pittsburgh, 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 Trembulak, while serving as the President of the Utility Workers Union of America AFL-CIO Local 475, embezzled approximately $31,528.65 from the union by making unauthorized debit card cash withdrawals, charges and purchases, and unauthorized teller cash withdrawals, from the union’s checking account during the period from April 19, 2012, to Sept. 19, 2012.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 29, 2015 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five 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 Trembulak 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 leading to the indictment in this case.