Newington Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Labor Union Funds

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS POPILLO, 61, of Newington, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Hartford to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union funds while serving as the president of the Communications Workers of America Local 81266.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2003 through 2017, Popillo served as the president of the Communications Workers of America Local 81266 (“CWA 81266”).  He also served as the secretary-treasurer of CWA 81266 from approximately 2003 until 2015.  During his tenure as a CWA 81266 officer, Popillo embezzled approximately $37,568.68 of labor union funds by receiving unauthorized checks from CWA 81266’s bank account, and by making unauthorized purchases with CWA 81266’s debit card.

When he is sentenced, Popillo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

Popillo is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Maigret.