New Orleans Man Charged With Embezzlement of Union Funds

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARK DOUGLAS, age 71, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count bill of information for embezzlement of union funds, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to court documents, between November 11, 2011 and January 17, 2015, DOUGLAS acted as President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1101. DOUGLAS was responsible for the local’s grievances with the Domino Sugar Company and running the day to day operations of the union. 

Union officers were permitted to file “lost time” claims to be reimbursed for conducting union business. Lost time is generally taken for arbitrations, attorney visits, accountant visits, or negotiations with Domino Sugar Company. During his time as President, DOUGLAS filed fraudulent “lost time” claims with the union, totaling approximately $7,078.35.

If convicted, DOUGLAS faces 5 years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge, and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U.S Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor, General Crimes.

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