Union Leader, Malvin Bergeron, Charged With Stealing Union Funds

MALVIN BERGERON, age 63, a resident of Jefferson Parish, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information for embezzling assets of a local labor union in violation of Title 29, United States Code, Section 501(c), announced United States Attorney Dana J. Boente.

According to court records, BERGERON held the positions of President and Secretary Treasurer of the Graphic Communications Union Local 537M.  Local 537M maintained a checking account with a local bank to hold the membership dues that were collected from the union members. As the union’s President, BERGERON was able to access the funds in the union account through checks.  According to the Bill of Information, from on or about May 9, 2008 and continuing through on or about February 9, 2009,  BERGERON embezzled $4,041.88 from the union account by writing, endorsing, and cashing checks made payable to him personally that were not authorized by the union’s bylaws. 

If convicted, BERGERON face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $10,000 and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

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

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis.

(Download Bill of Information )