FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          CONTACT:  DAVILYN WALSTON
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2008                   PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/txe                                        PHONE: (409) 839-2538
                                                                                                 CELL: (409) 553-9881

HUGHES SPRINGS MAN GUILTY OF EMBEZZLING UNION FUNDS

TYLER, TX – United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 38-year-old Hughes Springs, Texas man has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $40,000.00 of labor union assets in the Eastern District of Texas. 

KYLE BATTS pleaded guilty to embezzlement and theft of labor union assets today before United States Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

            According to information presented in court, beginning around April 2003 through August 2006, Batts was the financial secretary-treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers AFL-CIO Local Union 738 in Longview.  During that time, Batts admitted that he embezzled and stole $40,580.83 by using a union credit card to buy personal goods and services for himself.

            Batts faces up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.  Batts has also agreed to make full restitution.

            This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Middleton.

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