Union Financial Secretary Charged with Stealing Union Funds

NEW ORLEANS, – BRIAN GERALD, age 50, a resident of Franklinton, Louisiana, was charged today in a one count indictment for embezzling assets of a local labor union in violation of Title 29, United States Code, Section 501(c), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, GERALD held the position of Financial Secretary of United Steelworkers Local 13-189. According to the indictment, from on or about May 25, 2018 and continuing through on or about September 8, 2020, GERALD embezzled $112,594.18 from the union account.

If convicted, GERALD faces a up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Labor in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne is in charge of the prosecution.